An open letter to tarps

[G.L.P.]

Hmm...I wonder if you've thought that through.

When you hammock camp, the tarp is your primary shelter. It keeps you dry, it blocks wind, it gives some privacy. If anything, the hammock is an accessory to the tarp, rather than the other way around. Hammocking is essentially tarp-camping with a suspended bivy.

That's not to say that you *need* an expensive tarp. I just wanted to provide a little perspective. There are options for inexpensive tarps, and many of them are great choices. Some are more suited to car-camping situations where there's a bailout option. Others are more rugged and heavy. You should weigh the options of all the choices in light of what kind of camping you'll be doing. Just don't forget that if you are going to *rely* on your tarp to shelter you in the backcountry, make sure it's up to the task.

i agree 110%

[spaceweaseal]

Check with all the known tarp makers that are always mentioned on here for tarps with blems. They are just cosmetic blems and you can save some money.
A good tarp can be worth the extra cash.

These can be had for under $100
Hennessy hex tarps
http://hennessyhammock.com/catalog/p...70d_polyester/

Wilderness Logics Tadpole
http://wildernesslogics.com/Tad-Pole-Tad-Pole.htm

Arrowhead equipments Toxaway
http://arrowheadequipment.webs.com/a...s/show/1869837

[G.L.P.]

Check with all the known tarp makers that are always mentioned on here for tarps with blems. They are just cosmetic blems and you can save some money.
A good tarp can be worth the extra cash.

These can be had for under $100
Hennessy hex tarps
http://hennessyhammock.com/catalog/p...70d_polyester/

Wilderness Logics Tadpole
http://wildernesslogics.com/Tad-Pole-Tad-Pole.htm

Arrowhead equipments Toxaway
http://arrowheadequipment.webs.com/a...s/show/1869837

i forgot about the HH tarp...there a really nice tarp for the money

[timabababaluka]

I started with a 9x11 Harbor Freight camo tarp. It's heavy and noisy but it works. Now I use a 9x10 tyvek tarp (not quite as heavy and not quite as noisy). I get that (in the long run) it's best to front load some money into your gear, but sometimes it's best to hang NOW rather than waiting for a windfall--it's been two years, and I'm nowhere close to getting an underquilt; not because I've spent all my money on my cheap gear, but because it is just not possible for me to drop $100 all in one fell swoop. I hate to think of all the hanging I'd have missed waiting to amass what I'd need to hang high-speed.

You are you, so ultimately you'll do what works best for you for whatever reasons you may have--but I certainly feel ya... the funnest/coolest things always cost the most

[Gresh]

As far as an UQ goes, I pulled the trigger on a PL last night off Ebay.

[MDSH]

I've never had a poly tarp blow out on me. The Sun eats 'em, apparently.

I'll buy a Katadyn ceramic water filter before making a cuben tarp. Until then it is blue poly. This one looks nice, too, if I can find a deal on one: http://products.unbeatablesale.com/w...1014424412.php

Mike

[1066vik]

8x10 would be well worth the extra $5 to me.
I ordered a 12' tarp from Sportsman's Guide a couple months back - then found out they measure that on the diagonal and it's really an 8.5x8.5, so I never even opened the box - meant to return it, but then life got in the way and I forgot - now I have a 10x10 I picked up on another forum.

another thought - pick up one of the big taffeta tablecloths and spray treat it with waterproofer.

[dirtwheels]

I've used a Kelty 12x12 & 9x9, the 12x12 is a better all around tarp from what I've seen. If you really want out cheap, check out REI

9.5' x 8' under 2#, $47.
http://www.rei.com/product/831455/ou...ts-coated-tarp

or the Kelty 9x9 for $44 online only from REI.

[weaver2469]

It might help to look at it this way. Pretty much any good silnylon tarp on the market today will come in at less than a night in a hotel. Given that it serves the same purpose, namely to spend the night in while I am on vacation, I figure the price of a tarp is really a steal. If you spend $130 on a hotel room for one night, that money is gone forever. If you spend it on a good tarp, it can serve as your "hotel room" over and over again.

[Gresh]

And what of the circumstance where you simply can't afford to make the investment in a reusable hotel room?