Least expensive rain protection?

BFT Guy · 06-27-2011, 08:19

Hi all,
After a lifetime of tenting, I'm getting ready to hang.
Perhaps 12 nights a year and I have limited resources.
Just bought an ENO Single Nest and need the least expensive way to protect against rain. I don't plan on using this in the winter.
I'm not a prospect for sewing my own.
Can you please make suggestions? I leave for my first trip on July 2.
Thanks,
BFT Guy
Black Forest Trail, north-central PA is my favorite trail
http://www.midatlantichikes.com/id194.html

**R00K** · 06-27-2011, 08:25

Welcome to HF from Maryland!

You can find 6-man-tent-footprints on clearance at REI.com for <$35
OES makes sil tarps for $65 (These are WAY worth the extra cheese! Tent footprints work, but are LAME, trust me, that's how I did it for months!)

**R00K** · 06-27-2011, 08:26

http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier....ccat_tarps.php

**Bubba** · 06-27-2011, 08:27

Kelty and Chinook tarps are affordable and available in stores. Silnylon tends to be more expensive but lighter weight. PU coated nylon or PU coated polyester tarps are heavier but less expensive.

**R00K** · 06-27-2011, 08:30

If you CAN (it's not easy!) try and find someone on here who will sell you their GuideGear Tarp. Very large, nice quality tarp for $20

**Boothill** · 06-27-2011, 10:40

you could always use a blue tarp from one of the big box stores $10 or less or stop by one of you local lumber stores or home improvement stores and see if they have any big chunks of tyvek that you can have or buy for cheap then use the pebble method or grip clips to secure it

the blue tarp you can pry get away without a ridgeline and just tie it off from the ends, the tyvek you will pry need a piece of cordage for a ridgeline......imo

boot

**hiker_DC** · 06-27-2011, 11:28

Campmor has a few tarps that are pretty cheap as well. Check out this tarp on Amazon as well.

**Catavarie** · 07-03-2011, 19:01

Another option is pick up a large enough piece of Tyvek from a construction site and some grip clips.

**MAD777** · 07-03-2011, 20:23

Welcome to the crowd, from Florida!

**Steve D** · 07-03-2011, 21:04

An 8x10 poly tarp rigged on the diagonal will give pretty good coverage. $10 price may or may not make up for the extra weight. I'd use a ridgeline under the tarp rather than just tying to the corners...