Advice for a NOOB -- Cheapest easiest Tarp

**bbauer09** · 07-15-2015, 12:53

Hey guys,

I am pretty new to hammocks, and have not yet actually gone hammock camping. I am hoping to go out in 2 weeks with my girl friend and I plan on getting off the ground for the first time. I can't wait!

I have an ENO doublenest and atlas straps already -- I bought them a year ago to lay around and read in, but I do not yet have anything else.

Do I need anything else other than a tarp? I will be in the Sierras and I will be using my blue foam pad and a standard backpacking sleeping bag as well.

Anyways, I see a ton of advice here and it all is great. Some day, I plan on shelling out some cash for a really good set up. You guys are already enabling me and giving me too many good ideas of things to try. This weekend however, I really just want something easy as an emergency shelter if it rains.

So, what is the absolute cheapest/easiest tarp and tarp set up to use? (I am a bit short on cash right now). Also, I would like it to be fool proof, I don't want to run into problems when I am out in Yosemite. Size and weight are much less important to me for this first run than the price and ease of use.

Thanks guys.

**ksbcrocks** · 07-15-2015, 13:31

An 8 x 10 blue poly tarp is about as cheap as it gets. If you hang it diagonally you just run two lines to the trees and two lines to the ground and you are set. Easy peasy.

**SilvrSurfr** · 07-15-2015, 13:43

I'm not a big fan of blue poly tarps - they have a finite life span. Better to look at an HH Hex or a Kelty Noah 12 x 12.

**dirkomatic** · 07-15-2015, 14:24

Also, the Chinook 12 x 9'6"

**wolf8895** · 07-15-2015, 14:37

I just picked up a 12 X 10 tent footprint for 20 bucks. It's PU coated so a little heavy but not bad for a backup/extra.

**chefkeith** · 07-15-2015, 14:41

Second the elcheapo poly tarps. They're heavy, but the OP said cheapest. My advice is to skip paracord in lieu of lines that won't stretch when hanging your tarp. Check out lash it or zing it from one of the many awesome vendors here.

BTW, it looks like it's been getting down to the mid 50's at night, so you'll definitely need bottom insulation. A pad would be your cheapest option, coupled with a warm sleeping bag.

Good luck!

**geneaut** · 07-15-2015, 15:21

Nothing wrong with a polytarp to start out with. It's easy to use for other projects if you decide to upgrade later. An 8X10 or better yet a 10X12 are plenty big enough for a tarp to fit under.

**gnomad** · 07-15-2015, 16:10

Lash it and zig it are nice but braided mason's line from a big box store is fine to get started with for a little less money.

**joe_guilbeau** · 07-15-2015, 16:55

I will go with a Kelty Noah 12-Foot x 12-Foot as it comes with stakes as well as a comfortable price ($60-$70).

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...=1#post1087246

Should be a decent investment, and it has tie out loops.