Using a tarp for non-hammock endeavours?

[va3rbz]

Hi folks

Does anyone use their hammock tarp for camping without the hammock, or is that a sacred pairing?
I'm tempted to use it with my trailer but 1/2 of me doesn't want to risk it, and 1/4 of me thinks it's sacrilege to even get it near a trailer How durable are these things? I'm talking a WB Superfly or Edge vs a cheap blue tarp. Would you risk it?

[SilvrSurfr]

I'd risk it. A tarp is a tarp.

[nartoff]

The nice thing about gear: once it's yours you can do whatever you want with it.

I used my MLD cuben fiber hex tarp for quite a few backpacking trips and (looking around to make sure nobody is listening)...

... we slept on the ground.

It was quite convenient, really.

Provided the tarp you want is big enough for your purposes, by all means, use what you've got!

[diyguy]

I just ponied up for a expensive CF tarp. It **** well better be a multi-use item. :-)

[FLRider]

I used my Hennessy Hex to cover the wife's t**t at the 3rd Annual FL Hang (the rainfly on her shelter was aging and not very waterproof any more).

Sure, it works with most of 'em. On the other hand, there're tarps that're specifically designed for hammocking (my asym diamond tarp is a good example) that wouldn't work very well in other applications. Think about how you want to hang the tarp before making that choice.

[dkurfiss]

I have a BCUSA tarp and do use it when I can't hang my hammock. I normally toss it up A frame style. I also have a 12x12 Kelty Noah which I use in colder months. It travels in my motorcycle camping pack where I use it as a cover for eating area.

So yeah, I use my tarps as tarps when I need to.

[weird1]

I use mine when trees are not available, used it several nights last year in the dessert on a cross country ride with a sleeping pad and top quilt while the hammock sat alone in the pannier on my motorcycle

[Mountain Gout]

Our tarps are usually much lighter than most others.. I have been goofin with my golite poncho tarp.. After that my tadpole is a palace...

[Mikeinajeep]

I have set mine up to get out of the rain while shooting but I always worry about damaging it. Silnylon tarps are so pricey, it maybe worth getting a cheapy blue for nonhammock related things.

[Jocko]

The tarp I carry along on my motorcycle is an all purpose like any camping tarp I own. When it gets too nasty I pull off the road and set up a short term camp, at least to try and wait out the worst. Now that I have a hammock the tarp size will increase as will my length of stay.

When we go anywhere for a picnic there is always a tarp and ropes in the car. Keeps us out of the sun and gives people a place to change when we go swimming.

Have tarp will travel.