beginning tarp for backpacking?

[kitsune]

Any suggestions for a basic hammock tarp on the lower end of the price scale, but not too bulky for backpacking? I've just used a regular blue tarp in the back yard so far, and I don't want to invest in an expensive tarp until I have some more experience.

[sr1355]

Kelty 9... Not the lightest but price is right and a good tarp for the $$$

[Magoober]

i had the same question when i started hanging. Kelty Noah 9 works great for me. Its a little heavier than the sil or spinn tarps you can get, but for ~$50-60 its what I opted for. I still use it as my main tarp. Love it.

one suggestion though - putting it up in the wind can be a pain (though i guess the same can be said of any tarp)... use snake skins on it... makes a world of difference.

[Buffalo Skipper]

$ 4 $, the Kelty 9 may be the biggest bang for the buck. I chose the Kelty 12, as I wanted full coverage, but admitedly, it is 40% heavier than the Kelty 9. Eventually I will have a custom tarp made, and I have some interesting new features I want to consider for it. It will be much lighter, but probably quite pricy. In the meantime, my K12 will do me fine. The K9 should serve you as well.

[fred1diver]

hennessey hammocks hex fly 59$ good tarp (made for hammocks)
not the lightest but reasonable weight, you can also get it in sil
my personal opinion is if you really want a good tarp, take a step back and figure what you want in the long run, a good tarp might be expensive, but if you buy a cheap one then another and finish buying a good one, you've spent way more than needed

I guess it al depends what you expect your tarp to do for you...
provide weather protection, be light enough to carry or...

[JayS]

A second on the HH hex - I got one with my HH and find it to have good coverage and be well built. The cheap ones are polyurethane (PU) coated so they are a bit heavy but not bad.

I also have a Kelty Noah's 12 and like it for the backyard and short hikes to hang sites. I also like my Speer Winter Tarp (may not be made anymore). Also have a rectangular tarp, an Equinox (PU coated 8x10, 23 oz, $34 at Campmor) that works well and will NOT wear out! They have a sil version for 13 oz and $80. But then you're getting close to a cottage made, hammock specific price range.

[CamWaite]

Not sure what the postage across the pond would be bur DD hammocks do a nice £29 tarp which is plenty big enough!

[Syb]

I literally just came in after futzing around with my first tarp purchase, my new Kelty 12. Talk about full coverage! That thing is a beast. I used to be a (insert gasp here) tent hiker and the weight to me isn't much of an issue. Yet. Lots of tie-outs with tons of room. I'm very satisfied. I'm also a total noobie to hammocking (is that really a word?) so take that for what it's worth. Btw, mountainsports.com has the Kelty 12 for $49.99 including shipping and the Kelty 9 is $49.95 including shipping. I guess they want to get rid of those 12's.

Syb

[HamMike]

I've been using a Campmor Equinox 10X12 for awhile now. $42.99

"1.9 oz. per square yard reinforced high count taffeta nylon. Very light and flexible. Waterproof urethane coating. Grommets at all corners and about 3.5 feet apart on the hems. Finish sizes are slightly smaller. 2lbs 11oz. Made in USA.
Color: Green.
Finished Size: 9 ft. 4 in. X 11 ft. 10 in.
Wt.: 37 oz. "

[Rat]

The best beginners tarp, as well as a great 3 season tarp, was the JRB 8x8. I would call the Jacks and see if they have any left (I don't see them on the website anymore); or post a want to buy thread and maybe get lucky. Great coverage, lightweight and only two stakes needed. Something in this size, even in SilNylon, will not be as expensive as a full blown Winter Tarp, will be light and give you all the coverage you need. The Kelty tarps are good and can be cut down if needed as well to be lightened a bit.