A weird tarp question.

**D-Morg** · 02-01-2011, 01:00

I’m in need of a new tarp set-up for base camp. This isn’t for backpacking, so weight isn’t really a huge issue. I am a little pressed for space, so the normal tarp that’s accommodating for a small chili feed benefit is out of the question. It will need to house about 6 people in chairs with a very small REI roll-up table. I’m sure we will end up just playing cards or cooking a large camp meal in it, but I would like for it to keep driving rain and snow out.

Does anyone have any ideas?

**OutandBack** · 02-01-2011, 01:06

Originally Posted by D-Morg

I’m in need of a new tarp set-up for base camp. This isn’t for backpacking, so weight isn’t really a huge issue. I am a little pressed for space, so the normal tarp that’s accommodating for a small chili feed benefit is out of the question. It will need to house about 6 people in chairs with a very small REI roll-up table. I’m sure we will end up just playing cards or cooking a large camp meal in it, but I would like for it to keep driving rain and snow out.

Does anyone have any ideas?

You could contact these guys
http://www.snowtrekkertents.com/

**Jsaults** · 02-01-2011, 07:27

Just weird tarp users.

Seriously though, Dan Cooke makes some of the finest flat tarps you can imagine. Custom colors as well. Add a couple of Kelty adjustable poles and you have a rig that has versatility limited only by your imagination. A 15x16 ought to cover what you have described.

Check out the Tundra Tarps at:

http://cookecustomsewing.com/

Jim
Owner of 2 Tundra tarps (10x10 and 15x15)

**cataraftgirl** · 02-01-2011, 07:44

I just got a 12 X 15 OES tarp for use as our river kitchen tarp for my whitewater rafting trips. We were using a 12 X 12 Kelty Noah, and needed for room. This tarp will handle a river kitchen (kitchen box, stove, prep table), plus a card table, chairs, 4-6 humans in the chairs, and one dog. This tarp packs down to about the size of a football. We use MSR tarps for larger groups, but they are much bulkier & heavier.
KJ

**Jsaults** · 02-01-2011, 07:53

Many of my canoeing friends have "wing" tarps (Kelty, MSR etc). Very simple to set up, but IMO they do not offer the best weather coverage per square foot. Flat tarps require more guylines & staking and sometimes a lot of creativity to set, but are more adaptable to various locations and sets.

Just my $0.02.

Jim

**D-Morg** · 02-01-2011, 23:34

I would love to have a larger version of the superfly. Maybe 12’ x 14-16’ with the doors. That sure would keep the driving wind, rain, and snow out. My budget for the tarp would be about 300 bones MAX!. This would include ridgeline setup, guy lines, and stakes. So far a custom set up is the only thing I can find.

Outandback, those are nice set-ups for sure, just not quite down my alley for a quick base camp.

Jsaults, that looks like it could be an idea. I may check my local canvas shop just down the road to see what they can build. I would love for the tarp to set me back less than 4 or 5 pounds, and take up about the same space as a large football give or take a few inches.

**oldgringo** · 02-02-2011, 02:54

The larger you go, the better sil nylon looks, and the worse canvas looks (this coming from a guy that digs canvas). Maybe one of our tarp makers can stitch something up for you.

**voivalin** · 02-02-2011, 03:03

http://www.hilleberg.com/home/products/altai/altai.php

I have two Hilleberg tents Nallo and Staika. They never fail. All who have used Hilleberg tents say that the biggest problem in buying tent is which one of all the models from Hilleberg to choose, but on the other hand no need to check any other manufacturer.

But the complete version (little heavier XP fabric) with guy lines, pegs, poles and tarp will cost 645$, so it doubles Your budget. But trust me if the format suits for Your purpose You will not regret getting Hilleberg product.

**Jsaults** · 02-02-2011, 07:03

Dan Cooke is making all of his tarps from sil-nylon as I recall. Quite light even for a 15x15.

The details of his tarps are a result of many years of wilderness experience. All edges are finished in nylon tape, there are ZERO grommets - all tie-outs are via nylon tape loops. There are intermediate loops around the perimeter, and also on the interior seams. There is a center reinforcement patch for a pole.

My tarp has withstood ferocious winds in the BWCA and on the shore of Lake Erie and never popped a stitch. Your local canvas shop may be good, but I doubt that they have the experience that Dan Cooke has!

Jim
No, I am not sponsored by CCS, but am open to the idea (hint to Dan!)

**cataraftgirl** · 02-02-2011, 09:06

Originally Posted by Jsaults

Many of my canoeing friends have "wing" tarps (Kelty, MSR etc). Very simple to set up, but IMO they do not offer the best weather coverage per square foot. Flat tarps require more guylines & staking and sometimes a lot of creativity to set, but are more adaptable to various locations and sets.

Just my $0.02.

Jim

We use the MSR Outfitter Wing tarp on river trips with larger groups. Very nice tarp, but also much heavier, much bulkier, and more expensive.
I'm sticking with my 12X 15 OES cat cut tarp..... around 3-4 pounds with all the gear, packs small, and cost $200.
KJ