Durable strong cheap tarp

[ikemouser]

I've been on these forums for years, always geared toward suk and for hiking I still am geared toward sul. Im so light now that I'm looking to reinforce my shelter with something much heavier. I need recommendations on a tarp (preferably non reflective or Camo) that could last for years and could be had locally at a hardware store or the like. Weight is not really an issue and I want it to last as long as possible, being waterproof by nature without the use of sprays and applications of silicone or other substances. I want this thingto be super strong to take punishment from serious storms without worrying about failure. Need metal grommets as well.

Summary:
Cheap
Strong
Durable
Metal grommet tieouts
Non reflective or Camo
Waterproof without need for future reapplications of waterproofing substances

[Acer]

I have had a cat cut nylon DWR treated 9' on one end, 12' wide on the other end, 16ft long Moss tarp,,called a wing,,that I have had for years,,used and abused,,weighs about 2 pounds,,no gromets,,I see by your personal preferences you BP with a Matcat Delux Spinn,,,I really think silnylon tarp if taken care of and just put away dry,,will last you a life time and you can have those made into any size as last 3 yrs been abusing mine with no wear on them. Eventually no matter what is grommeted,,it eventually give out with time..and you have to replace the gromets or when they come out,,you eventually create tears in any material. And I have used gromets in everything outdoors all my lift in a decorating business our family had since the 40's. Replacing gromets is only natural as they are not perfect by any means to last forever like a sewn piece of nylon webbing. Good luck in your endeavours.

[Peter_pan]

Check the tarps at JRB. There is a hex camo in 1.9 urethane if you're looking to use it on the hammock. There is also an 8 x 10 19 urethane regular green with grommets at a very reasonable $40 or so.

Pan

[gmcttr]

From my experience, metal grommets and durable don't really go together.

[SilvrSurfr]

From my experience, metal grommets and durable don't really go together.

Yeah, I'm trying to understand the desire for grommets. Finding a durable grommet is like finding the Holy Grail.

[ikemouser]

What is stronger and more durable than a grommet setup?

[AaronAlso]

Canvas!

If you want it to be as rugged and long lasting as you say you want a waxed canvas tarp. Strongly recommend against the grommets though. I'd go for sewn on forged Al D-rings, with polyester webbing. It's gonna weight a few pounds, but it should last the rest of your life.

[gmcttr]

What is stronger and more durable than a grommet setup?

Just about any sewn on webbing loops with d-rings. At best, grommets tend to cut the light weight fabrics normally used in today's tarps. At worst, they don't get set tight enough to clamp the slick fabrics and just tear out quickly.

I imagine that with webbing reinforcement and good craftsmanship, grommets could be durable. It's not the norm though.

[nothermark]

I'm thinking he is not talking lightweight fabric. Perhaps we need a better description. As it stands Canvas or something like Sunbrella are what he is talking about.

[cinnamon]

Summary:
Cheap
Strong
Durable
Metal grommet tieouts
Non reflective or Camo
Waterproof without need for future reapplications of waterproofing substances

choose two, or in this case maybe three. for the strong, durable, and metal grommets your best best may be to go for canvas. how ever i don't know about future re-water proofing..... have seen rubber coated canvas tarps as well, think load tarps that flat bed truckers use. but there goes the cheap........