Will a cheap poly tarp get me through in a pinch

**pinballwizard** · 10-12-2013, 18:21

Hi all,

I am looking into making/acquiring a tarp. I picked up an ENO profly at an REI garage sale for 20 bucks new. So far I have been happy with it, but have not had to test it in rain or cold, so I have little to go on. My GF also camps with me, so I need another tarp regardless, and I think I would like something for cold weather purposes, maybe. I am going on a group hang next weekend, and am wondering if I could use a 10X12 cheap poly tarp I have to get by in a pinch. My concern is keeping my gf comfortable, now that the nights can be expected to get a little colder. My one complaint with the profly is the sides are very narrow, and I wonder if that will be an issue when the temps dip

Thanks for the help all!

**Roadrunnr72** · 10-12-2013, 18:53

It should work. My first tarp was one of those. I did upgrade quickly, but in a pinch they work great. ......RR

**pinballwizard** · 10-12-2013, 19:04

Thanks RR. Since I can grab a 10X12 tarp at big lots for 4 dollars, it kinda makes this a brainless move for car camping, but only if it works.

**berksound** · 10-12-2013, 19:16

IMHO that 10x12 might just cover you better than that profly. I sat out some nasty storms under my walmart poly tarp. Have fun next weekend. There will be a lot of tarps to check out there I'm sure.

**Bubba** · 10-12-2013, 19:16

Those are totally fine in a pinch. Even though its new and will likely not have any leaks I'd have some duct tape on hand in case you discover a hole. Be careful if there is high wind because the grommets don't hold up that well. (Speaking from experience.) If a grommet does rip just get a small stone put it in the tarp material near the grommet and tie a knot around the stone on the other side of the tarp material.

To keep your girlfriend comfortable, make sure you also have good insulation to keep her warm.

**nothermark** · 10-12-2013, 19:16

It will work and the grommets in the edge will let you experiment with folding in doors. ;-)

**Roadrunnr72** · 10-12-2013, 19:18

My first tarp was a camo/brown poly 8' X 10'. I think I picked it up at Harbor Freight. Hung it on a diamond and worked great. You'll have more coverage and options with the 10x12. Heavy, doesn't pack well or compress, but the price is right and for car camping, it should be OK. When I was getting ready for my first hiking trip with a hammock, I upgraded to the better tarp. And that better tarp was 4 tarps ago, I think......RR

**pinballwizard** · 10-12-2013, 19:28

Originally Posted by berksound

IMHO that 10x12 might just cover you better than that profly. I sat out some nasty storms under my walmart poly tarp. Have fun next weekend. There will be a lot of tarps to check out there I'm sure.

Thanks! That's one of the reasons I want to squeeze by with a poly tarp. I figure I'll see a lot of things and meet a lot of great people, and by the end of the weekend, have an idea as to how I want to make or buy a better tarp!

**pinballwizard** · 10-12-2013, 19:29

Originally Posted by Bubba

Those are totally fine in a pinch. Even though its new and will likely not have any leaks I'd have some duct tape on hand in case you discover a hole. Be careful if there is high wind because the grommets don't hold up that well. (Speaking from experience.) If a grommet does rip just get a small stone put it in the tarp material near the grommet and tie a knot around the stone on the other side of the tarp material.

To keep your girlfriend comfortable, make sure you also have good insulation to keep her warm.

Both good ideas; thanks for that. I will def bring duct tape. And, thanks to this forum, I actually know what your are talking about with a wrapped stone as a tie out.
Between mats, sleeping bags, small fleece blankets, and reflective windshield thingies, I should be good on insulation. I am not new to camping or staying warm, but I figure I should bring all my stuff so more experienced members can inform me which systems work best, or are the least painful while hanging. Also, I just got 9 puffers in the mail yesterday, which I hope to start making under-quilts with soon.