Best value light tarp?

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11-11-2012, 14:27
OrangePeel

Best value light tarp?

Hi all,

I am presently putting my hammock setup together. I'll probably use a regular blue tarp to begin with, simply because they're cheap and they work and I already own them. :)

However, once I get ready to upgrade, whats the best value? I noticed in the noobie hammock setups thread that there were light weight tarps for around $40, but they're since discontinued. Is there anything like that now?

To be honest, I'm not sure what size I'll need yet as I've not gone camping yet. I probably won't be camping in snow living in TN and not travelling too far to hike, so that's not a concern.

I'd love to grab something under $100, and lighter is better but I'm basically looking for something lighter and less bulky than the blue tarps.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks!

Brandon
11-11-2012, 14:34
Callahan

I've got the Wilderness Logics Tadpole and its a great piece of gear. Don't think you could go wrong with the Warbonnet Edge either, Brandon makes great tarps.

Cheers
11-11-2012, 14:49
Hiknhanger

Google Chinook tarps. They are polyurethane coated nylon, so not the lightest, but a good compromise of weight and cost. They are commonly under $35 before shipping. I have a 12x9.6. I like it, but will replace with lighter and less volume silnylon when I can afford it.
11-11-2012, 14:50
Jrprince

I have the edge and I love it. You can also keep an eye on the for sale forum as you might be able to get a good deal there.
11-11-2012, 15:15
Black Foot

With minimal sewing skills, access to a sewing machine, and the freindly advice of the vetern DIYers on the forum you can make a pretty sweet tarp at the fraction of the cost of buying one

As a start you might want to check out the instructions for the DIY tarps at DIY Gear Supply:

http://www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com/diy-guides/tarps/
11-11-2012, 15:23
Rooster

http://www.jacksrbetter.com/shop/jrb-11-x-10-tarp/

The JRB 11x10 tarp is on sale this weekend for 99.95 plus a free small Speed Sack
11-11-2012, 15:30
berksound

Arrowhead Toxaway Goes on sale once lr twice a year. Silnylon, good deal.
11-11-2012, 16:05
dammfast

I have a guide gear tarp I bought from a member it is not "light" but it is not heavy. It is however huge and will cover any hammock.
11-11-2012, 17:01
OrangePeel

Thanks for all of the replies, guys. Anyone using a Kelty Noah? Seems like they may be a pretty good option.

I had thought about the DIY route, and I'll look into it further, but I'm not sure I'd trust a tarp I had made. Haha! I'm normally all about DIY, but I've never used a thread injector. :) Soldering iron? Many hours. Sewing machine? 0 hours. :)

Brandon
11-11-2012, 17:04
MDSH

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rooster

http://www.jacksrbetter.com/shop/jrb-11-x-10-tarp/

The JRB 11x10 tarp is on sale this weekend for 99.95 plus a free small Speed Sack

That's a very good deal. A flat tarp of that size is all anyone would need in the conditions described. A poncho would keep out blowing rain on the windward end.

Mike
11-11-2012, 17:41
MAD777

If you have $100 to spend on a tarp, definitely get one made of 1.1oz/sy silnylon. It will weigh about 1.4 oz/sy after the silicone is applied and will pack smaller than you can probably imagine!

Several venders have variations of these. You would do well to wait until you've gone out a few times with your blue tarp; then you will have a better idea of what fits your needs best.
11-11-2012, 18:12
Roadrunnr72

I have and love my WL tadpole, great tarp, great people to deal with. You asked about a Kelty Noah, I have one of the 9', hang it in a diamond configuration. Great tarp, I was kind of worried about getting wet, but didn't have any problems. It was my summer tarp, until I got the Tadpole. Hope this helps.....RR
11-11-2012, 18:16
OrangePeel

Good point, Mike. Thanks for the post. I wish I could remember how big the blue tarp I have is... I think its really big... I may grab a smaller one from Harbor Freight if its too big. :)

Thanks, Roadrunnr... that may be where I start, unless I decide to splurge a bit more for some silnylon. :)

Brandon
11-11-2012, 18:51
flatline

plus one on the Wilderness Logics TadPole.
11-11-2012, 19:15
Matt65

I'm still using a Chinook 12 x 9'6". I consider it a great value. I have used it in all conditions. Cold weather, 100 heat, Thunderstorms etc. It has never let me down, and always kept me dry. For the money it has been perfect. However, I do not consider it light. Many times I have thought about going lighter, but the tarp is one area I have resisted changing because I have had such good luck out of the Chinook.
11-13-2012, 16:53
FredG

I'm new to hammock camping with only a couple of times out, but I'm very happy with the Kelty Noah 9. I river camp in an Old Town Pack 12 so weight isn't a deal breaker and it does compress much smaller than the bag it comes in.
11-13-2012, 20:32
OrangePeel

Thanks for the reply, Fred. I'm leaning that direction, too, but it will ultimately depend on how much I have to spend on a new tarp. :) If I can, I'll do silnylon.

Brandon
11-13-2012, 20:57
breyman

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangePeel

Thanks for all of the replies, guys. Anyone using a Kelty Noah? Seems like they may be a pretty good option.

Brandon

I own several sizes. Good, solid choice for the money. I really like them for around camp utility tarps. I've seen several folks use them with hammocks and liked them. I'll tell you what, though, the weight and especially packability are WAY better with silnylon. You might spend a few more on a WB Edge, JRB or Arrowhead tarp initially but it will be less in the long run.

I like to consider the following. I've done option 1 too many times in the past with a variety of gear. Now, I bite the bullet up front and go with option 2.

Option 1:
buy something else now for $60
Realize you want silnylon in 6 months and spend $100
$160 total investment (and 6 months without the tarp you really want)

Option 2:
buy silnylon now (or maybe even pinch pennies just a bit longer) = $100 (give or take, depending on choice)
$100 total investment

I can't afford to buy less than optimal gear anymore. I can only afford the right gear, right up front.
11-13-2012, 21:01
mbcruzin

Bush craft outfitters has two great silnylon tarps. The 10 x10 in coyote brown is $60.00 and wieghs 1lb. Plus the 10 x 12 coyote brown is $75.00. Add in shipping for ether one and your under $100.00. Both offer lots of tie outs and are really versital.
11-13-2012, 21:18
OrangePeel

Quote:

Originally Posted by breyman

I own several sizes. Good, solid choice for the money. I really like them for around camp utility tarps. I've seen several folks use them with hammocks and liked them. I'll tell you what, though, the weight and especially packability are WAY better with silnylon. You might spend a few more on a WB Edge, JRB or Arrowhead tarp initially but it will be less in the long run.

I like to consider the following. I've done option 1 too many times in the past with a variety of gear. Now, I bite the bullet up front and go with option 2.

Option 1:
buy something else now for $60
Realize you want silnylon in 6 months and spend $100
$160 total investment (and 6 months without the tarp you really want)

Option 2:
buy silnylon now (or maybe even pinch pennies just a bit longer) = $100 (give or take, depending on choice)
$100 total investment

I can't afford to buy less than optimal gear anymore. I can only afford the right gear, right up front.

I was thinking it might still be worth it if the Noah was a little heavier, but it looks like its about twice as heavy! Probably worth it to splurge a bit in the end.

Thanks for the reply!

Brandon
11-13-2012, 21:20
OrangePeel

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbcruzin

Bush craft outfitters has two great silnylon tarps. The 10 x10 in coyote brown is $60.00 and wieghs 1lb. Plus the 10 x 12 coyote brown is $75.00. Add in shipping for ether one and your under $100.00. Both offer lots of tie outs and are really versital.

Thanks for the reply! Those look like great alternatives. They seem to be made about the same as the Kelty's and at a good price.

Brandon
11-13-2012, 21:31
AmericasHammock

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDSH

That's a very good deal. A flat tarp of that size is all anyone would need in the conditions described. A poncho would keep out blowing rain on the windward end.

Mike

Won't be needing that poncho, you can tie it out so it has doors. Just ordered one yesterday and says it will be here Thursday. Quick shipping and an awesome tarp!
11-13-2012, 21:37
Chris K

I use a Kelty Noah's 12, but looking to get a smaller & lighter tarp for spring and summer. My short list includes Arrowhead Equipment Toxaway, Wilderness Logistics Tadpole or Jackr Are Better 11x10 tarp. Decisions, decisions.

I still plan to use the Kelty Noah for car camping and shorter hikes, but at 2lbs it just makes sense to upgrade to a lighter setup.

Buy once, cry once.
11-13-2012, 23:47
invisiblejules

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangePeel

Thanks for the reply! Those look like great alternatives. They seem to be made about the same as the Kelty's and at a good price.

Brandon

A quick note: I've heard nothing but good things about these, but it should be mentioned that they're NOT silnylon. They're polyurethane coated nylon which is not as light or compact.
11-13-2012, 23:48
OrangePeel

That's why I said they look to be about the same as the Kelty's. :) I noticed they were about the same weight, too.

Brandon
11-14-2012, 03:49
mitchrob23

I also have a Noah 9, when I ordered it from Rei I was a little worried about its size but when its hung in a diamond configuration it covers more ground then you might think. Keep in mind that it is my first tarp and I am by no means an expert on tarps but for the price it seems hard to beat. Hopefully that'll be of some help :laugh:
11-14-2012, 09:47
OrangePeel

:) Thanks for the reply.

Brandon
11-14-2012, 11:11
CampWalker

OrangePeel, you hit good point with the tarp not needed bc no snow in the area but there's one thing that we sometimes over look, dew. When you don't have a tarp and dew forms when it's cold your TQ loses its heat value.

Just something to think about, trust me from experience....

G
11-14-2012, 14:08
mbcruzin

Quote:

Originally Posted by invisiblejules

A quick note: I've heard nothing but good things about these, but it should be mentioned that they're NOT silnylon. They're polyurethane coated nylon which is not as light or compact.

No these are 1.9 oz silicone coated ripstop nylon.
11-14-2012, 14:40
OrangePeel

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbcruzin

No these are 1.9 oz silicone coated ripstop nylon.

Nope. They're urethane coated.

See here, at the bottom.

Brandon
11-14-2012, 16:37
OrangePeel

No worries. :)

Sounds like you got a great deal on one.

Brandon
11-14-2012, 16:40
mbcruzin

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrangePeel

Nope. They're urethane coated.

See here, at the bottom.

Brandon

Sorry my bad. I thought it was sil coated. Still for its size and versatility it weighs 1.5 lb. ( on my office scale YMMV ) and packs up a bit wider then a Nalgene bottle.
11-15-2012, 20:25
CrankyOldGuy

TerraRosa Gear makes tyvek tarps, light and fair prices. You could DIY, I'd suggest the lighter tyvek- kite material type. I made one for myself, it's a little bulky and I'm not sure how it'd do it a high wind because of my lack of sewing skills resulted in what I think are weak D-ring attachments, but its lighter than sil-nylon.
11-15-2012, 21:47
default

heres something to consider on a tarp. when ive bought all my tarps i wanted the biggest i was willing to carry for the price. ive had 3 so far, own 2 as it is.

so my "small" tarp meets your needs well, its $100 shipped, has great coverage and for the size is light and compact.

http://www.wildernesslogics.com/Big-Daddy-Big-Daddy.htm

132" x 115"
13.9 oz

i have the 144"RL one, and i can fit 6 people under it in chairs. fully rigged i weigh in at 17.5oz with stuff sacks.

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