gear guide tarp question

**Shortbus** · 08-20-2009, 14:36

i have heard people talk about a cheap tarp from sportsmansguide.com well i went to the website and have seen 2 different tarps that sound like the tarp mentioned which one is it? one is 29.97 and is 12x12 the other is 39.97 and 12x12 they look like the same thing what is the difference and is one better than the other thanks.

**gargoyle** · 08-20-2009, 15:41

They're both really heavy, and the one for $39 comes with poles. They seem to made from different material as well. I'm sure either one will work fine and keep you dry, but they are going to weigh alot more than sil, and pack size will be large.

**Knotty** · 08-20-2009, 17:37

it's the $29 one most people talk about. That puppy is large. 12x12 = 17' on the diagonal.

I got one, but haven't figured out what to do with it yet.

**Peg-Leg** · 08-20-2009, 19:23

I'm in the middle of modding my GG tarp. I've cut it down to a 11.5 ft ridge length and a hex shape. Just have cut each side into a cat shape and sew on the grosgrain. Should lighten it up and make it more usable.

For $30 you won't find a more versital tarp, even if it is a little heavy.

**TinaLouise** · 08-21-2009, 16:35

heavy is really relative to the person carrying it!!! the gear guide 12x12 is 2 pounds, 2oz. Not something I'll carry backpacking. But I do take it when my truck is nearby. It's a nice tarp, I like it. I've been able to pitch it in all kinds of different configuations. I've added more cording to it and shockcord tensioners at the main four corners. It does take a large span between the trees that it's tied to. It does not pack up small!!! Actually it's rather large (like 18"x5")

**jbo_c** · 08-22-2009, 13:07

I only see white. Is there another color?

Jbo

**Grinder** · 08-23-2009, 18:19

The guide gear tarp that built the reputation was the 9x9 size.

It weighed about 1 1/2 lbs and was just about the right size for a hammock (13 ft-). It was discontinued about two years ago. That weight is heavy compared to a silnylon tarp.

If you cut off the corners that go to the ground you could reduce weight by 25% (guess) I've staked it that way and it works well. Just can't bring myself to cut it. I have more "go to ground" options with the square tarp.

Grinder

**caddoguy** · 08-24-2009, 15:10

I like this tarp I have used as an equipment shelter in base camp beside my hammock on multi day canoe trip. I set it as a diamond (plow shear) arrangement; really big and a great changing room.

**Cannibal** · 08-24-2009, 15:31

I have fond memories of my "neo tarp" (9x9).
It's was an excellent starter tarp, especially for the price. I think the 12x12s would be too much to deal with, but still a good tarp to learn some basic tarp skills with. I keep thinking about getting one to take along as a group tarp when the weather turns foul.

My Neo Tarp was lost during the move from Florida to Texas to AT to Texas to Colorado. Far as I know, it's the only thing I lost. Sure do miss it sometimes.

**pedro** · 08-24-2009, 18:18

I use my guide gear 12' x 12' when my wife and I are hanging together. I sewed tabs so that I can hang it on the square. When staked out on the inner most tabs, the triangles that are left over can be turned in for winter tarp-like doors. Considering that this tarp can handle two people with ease, and provide complete coverage in extreme weather, I don't think that it is that heavy.