Kelty Noah Tarp

**bamaman08** · 12-13-2011, 20:01

New guy here. I've been a long time looker and really haven't had the need to post because of the wealth of information I can get just doing a search!

As of right now, my go-to (and only) hammock is a GT UL; however, I am planning to get a skeeter beater pro in the near future.

The only thing I necessarily need to complete my setup is a tarp. I am looking at the Kelty Noah Tarps mainly because of the price (student on a budget), and I haven't heard anything bad about them.

I am looking at the 12x12 because I would like to have plenty of length to run it rectangular over 2 hammocks set up bunk style and I am not overly concerned about weight.

Do you recommend this tarp for my situation? If not, what are some other tarps around this price range?

Thanks!

**Jcavenagh** · 12-13-2011, 20:04

The 12x Kelty Noah is a good, durable tarp. It is not ultralight, but if you are young enough to be in college, then you are likely strong enough to carry the extra few oz.
The tarp is very flexible in terms of how you can set it up as it has lots of tie outs.
You could do a lot worse than this tarp for the money.

**Jcavenagh** · 12-13-2011, 20:14

Here is an example from a canoe trip we took ...

**wisenber** · 12-13-2011, 20:18

The Noah 12X12 is comparatively bulletproof and heavy. They also are incredibly flexible in the number of ways that you can hang them. The downside of the 12X12 is that the ridgeline for it on a diagonal is nearly 17'.

**rbinhood** · 12-13-2011, 20:29

For the purpose you describe, I think it's a great choice.

**Syb** · 12-13-2011, 21:10

Welcome. I have the Kelty 12 and it is a great, durable tarp. Yes you need about an acre to set it up on the diagonal but also offers a lot of other setup options. I've used it in "winter" mode and closed it up pretty tight. Worked like a charm.

**HomeMadeHiker** · 12-13-2011, 21:21

A chinook 9.5 x12 is a little smaller and lighter but cheaper as a result and is also a nice tarp. They sell for around $45 shipped. I think Hennesy and eno sell something comparable for around $50 as well. My thought is 12x12 Noah would be best for cold weather comfort and something smaller might be better for rain protection during 3 season use. So when do you plan on hiking the most?

**bamaman08** · 12-13-2011, 21:51

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Originally Posted by HomeMadeHiker

A chinook 9.5 x12 is a little smaller and lighter but cheaper as a result and is also a nice tarp. They sell for around $45 shipped. I think Hennesy and eno sell something comparable for around $50 as well. My thought is 12x12 Noah would be best for cold weather comfort and something smaller might be better for rain protection during 3 season use. So when do you plan on hiking the most?

I plan to do a canoe/kayaking trip next spring/summer and will hopefully do a couple spring/fall hikes, but mainly I will be using it at my camp during hunting season (winter).

**HomeMadeHiker** · 12-13-2011, 21:56

Originally Posted by bamaman08

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I plan to do a canoe/kayaking trip next spring/summer and will hopefully do a couple spring/fall hikes, but mainly I will be using it at my camp during hunting season (winter).

I think the Noah would do you quite well.

**wisenber** · 12-13-2011, 22:01

Originally Posted by bamaman08

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I plan to do a canoe/kayaking trip next spring/summer and will hopefully do a couple spring/fall hikes, but mainly I will be using it at my camp during hunting season (winter).

Set it up in porch mode, and you'll have plenty of room for you and your buddies during the day. It should hold two hammocks easily as well with the right tree selection, but you'll have less weather protection.