Question: Kelty Noah Waterproof?

**Ga_Mtn_Man** · 10-23-2012, 06:06

I was trying to determine if the Kelty Noah tarps are waterproof or are only sun shades. It seems to vary by review. I am trying to replace my Walmart tarps but need to be very price aware. I can get a Kelty Noah 12x12 within my price range, but only if it is waterproof or can be easily made waterproof. My recent hike saw a night of SOLID heavy rain for 3-4 hours. I would like to make sure I can repel that type of weather.

I appreciate any input.

**cataraftgirl** · 10-23-2012, 06:28

Yes, they are waterproof. Tons of folks on HF use them, and I had one for a few years. My 12 X 12 and a friend's 16 X 16 kept our groups dry on several river trips. A well made tarp for the price. Heavier than some, and kind of a pain to rig as a rectangle for group shelter, but a good tarp over a hammock.
KJ

**Ga_Mtn_Man** · 10-23-2012, 06:32

Thank you very much.

**Cali** · 10-23-2012, 06:38

I agree with Cataraftgirl, I have the Kelty Noah 12 & 9 and they are both very waterproof and good tarps. However, there are lighter tarps out there and you may want to research it more. Before you take the plunge, check our cottage vendors and the for sale thread for a better deal. Good luck.

**Arothian** · 10-23-2012, 06:46

Originally Posted by cataraftgirl

Yes, they are waterproof. Tons of folks on HF use them, and I had one for a few years. My 12 X 12 and a friend's 16 X 16 kept our groups dry on several river trips. A well made tarp for the price. Heavier than some, and kind of a pain to rig as a rectangle for group shelter, but a good tarp over a hammock.
KJ

+1 to everything she said

I have this tarp along with a lighter silnylon and I still find a use for it.

**cataraftgirl** · 10-23-2012, 07:03

I'm not sure what your budget is, but there's a WL Big Daddy tarp in the For Sale Forum. Great tarp.
KJ

**Ga_Mtn_Man** · 10-23-2012, 08:32

Originally Posted by cataraftgirl

I'm not sure what your budget is, but there's a WL Big Daddy tarp in the For Sale Forum. Great tarp.
KJ

Right now it is outside my budget. I will be saving up and getting the Kelty or, depending on what is available then, perhaps something from the For Sale thread.

Right now I at least know I can get the Kelty to suit my needs for a price I can squeeze out soon enough.

I appreciate all the responses.

**flyhang** · 10-23-2012, 08:43

I have a Noah 9 and hung it up a few weeks ago when it rained all day and it kept me and my hammock dry.

**L.D. Cakes** · 10-23-2012, 08:44

You will be very happy with a Noah Tarp. I have had one for years even before I started hanging. They have saved many rainy trips for camp cooking to keeping my rig dry.
But if you aren't in a hurry there will be Black Friday sales I'm sure from our cottage vendors you may want to wait for.

**Chris K** · 10-23-2012, 08:52

I originally bought the Noah 12 a few years ago for car campling as a kitchen cover, but I have used it many times for hammocking as well. It is not the lightest tarp but it is versatile and has kept me dry. I seam sealed it in May this year and sprayed it with CampDry as a precaution, but for the years prior it was "out of the box" untreated and had no leaks. Ditched the original stuff sack for a WM ditty bag cause the stock sack is pretty large.