Advice for a NOOB -- Cheapest easiest Tarp

[hutzelbein]

Search for "polycryo tarp" - that would be another cheap alternative. And very light, too. It probably won't hold up forever, but maybe long enough until you have the funds for a nice silnylon tarp.

[millergear]

The Yukon Outfitters Walkabout Rainfly . Good coverage, only 2 stakes and about 14 ounces. $40 shipped on Amazon Prime.
http://www.yukon-outfitters.com/prod...kabout-rainfly

[geneaut]

I'll just list some pros cons of various tarps I've used since getting into hammocks:

Poly tarps Pros:
Inexpensive
Available locally
Easily repaired with duct tape
No misting
Multiuse
Easily modded

Poly Tarp Cons:
Heavy
Loud
Doesn't compress for storage well
Grommets are a weak point
Long term durability is suspect
Cool factor 'low' ( if you worry about things like that )

DIY Plastic Sheeting Tarp Pros:
Inexpensive
Available locally
Cut to almost any size or shape wanted
No misting
Easily modded

DIY Plastic Sheeting Tarp Cons
Heavy
Doesn't compress for storage well
Time investment in creating
Long term durability suspect ( though I made one that stayed up 3 months straight before I took it down to hang a different project in it's place )
Low 'cool' factor
Lack of pattern or colors

'Commercial' Polyester/Urethane coated tarp ( in my case 2 Noah Keltys and 1 Guide Gear ) Pros
Lower weight
Compresses for packing very well
Often comes with stuff sack, stakes, tie outs, etc
Choices of pattern or colors in some brands
Come with sewn on and reinforced tie-outs ( in the Noahs you get a ton of them )
'Cool' factor higher
Durability

'Commercial' Polyester/Urethane coated tarp cons:
Higher priced than other options mentioned earlier
Possibility of 'misting' ( I get it sometimes in heavy heavy rain )
Usually not available locally unless you live in a town with a dedicated outdoors store
Repairability slightly lower
Not as easy to mod

I don't own a silnylon or silpoly tarp. Their pros/cons would be similar to the polyester/urethane tarps I just mentioned with an added Pro of probably being the lightest weight and highest packability. The Con would be higher price. A DIY Tyvek/Typar tarp would be similar to my DIY Plasltic sheeting tarp Pros/Cons

I've probably left something off so feel free to amend as needed.

[dirkomatic]

That's a great rundown. Also wanted to add that I have the Yukon tarp as well. When you can get it on sale for $20, it's a good piece of gear. At $40, spend the extra $6 and get the Chinook.

[nooma]

As others have said the cheap blue poly tarp will be fine to start, but it will take up quite a bit of pack space. Next I would keep an eye out of the Yukon Outfitters tarp that shows up on woot. Its not the best coverage if you have a large hammock like a wbbb xlc, but in those situations it can be hung very close for decent coverage. I own a Kelty Noah's 12, and this tarp is great for coverage and reasonably priced, but its heavy and takes up a lot of space. Eventually I'll be working up to the Warbonnet Superfly since its light, and has doors.

Weight may not be a big concern to you, but make sure you can handle the size of whatever cheap tarp solution you go with.

[brianb]

Lots of good suggestions here. One thing I believe is key to a good nights sleep, that first timers don't always think about, is a fixed ridgeline. Measure your hammock length and cut a cord a little more than 83% of that length. Tie a loop in each end and hang over ends of hammock where it attaches to straps. Don't forget bottom insulation.
Whatever you decide, try to spend one night outside with your setup before heading out.
I always thought this tarp option looked decent. Good luck.
http://youtu.be/B2tZLJ3bD1E

[bbauer09]

Thanks everyone.

I just checked the weather and rain isnt expected where I am headed anyways. I think Ill just pick up a blue polytarp and hope for the best. Tons of great advice though. Ill keep an eye out for a good deal and use the polytarp for awhile. Save my money up for a really nice tarp.

[SilvrSurfr]

I'm not entirely sure I'd trust the Yukon Outfitters tarp - I saw one the other day and didn't get a warm fuzzy. It did not look robust.