Can anyone recommend a good tarp?

[Baron Bolton]

HI!

Having just returned from a jolly through France, with mixed weather, I'm convinced of the worth of a tarp.

My reasoning is this;

-Extension to the tent, or complete cover of the tent, means somewhere dry to cook/store stuff, and drier conditions to set up/pack up tent.
-Good camping conditions means fewer nights in hotels etc.
-Not too heavy, and not to pricey.
-Social area, important in bad weather, sitting in a tent in the rain is soul destroying I think

Anyhoo, we got a 3m X 3m tarp from a decathlon store, which just about lasted the week we needed it for. Just about big enough, but bigger would have been better I think.

There was friendly group of combination riders camped next to us at Ripley this year, and they had a Jack Wolfskin of similar proportion to a marquee, which seemed to do the trick.

Before I go ahead and buy one of these, can anyone give me any pointers or alternative suggestions?

[spooky]

regardless where I'm going..... I always have a "MOD basha" with me in my pack, light weight and cheap, use it as addition to my Hennessy hammock for exact the reasons you are mention. (socialising, repair jobs, catering aria, wind braker)
Well the size of this basha's are OK for a one/two man joby, this are only 2,5m x 2m big, but if every one in the group carries one all the basha's can be attached together to one big sheet, with all there loops they are quick, easy and save to tied up any where possible. Very strong material made from silicon coated rip-stop nylon.
Ps..... may not as posh as the common expensive outdoor gear, but certainly do there job very well...........

[bobkat]

We use a "Noah's Tarp" by Kelty. Bought it at REI. Good for sun or rain. Comes in 9x9 feet and 12x12 feet and is very light weight. We also have two aluminum collapsible poles to hold up one edge. It makes a great covered porch for the tent to use when it is raining (Norway) or no shade exists (Morocco).

[Caminando]

Aldi has been selling a shelter thingy recently- just throw away the poles which are heavy. But be quick - in my local store theyre selling them off reduced to get rid of them.....

[Caminando]

Originally Posted by bobkat

We use a "Noah's Tarp" by Kelty. Bought it at REI. Good for sun or rain. Comes in 9x9 feet and 12x12 feet and is very light weight. We also have two aluminum collapsible poles to hold up one edge. It makes a great covered porch for the tent to use when it is raining (Norway) or no shade exists (Morocco).

Nice trip, Bobcat!

[sebjones906]

I have a Noah's Tarp and it works well, also several tents of different sizes and for camping in different places. But as I understand your question, you are asking about a small tarp that can be used for many things. For years I have been carrying a military poncho. It rolls up tight and small, can be used for a ground cloth, sun shade, bike cover, privacy wall ... and of course ... with the intigrated hood it keeps the rain off your body and head. The one I have has snaps around the outside so that, if you have to, you can make a cacoon around your sleeping bag. I have used the same one for over 20 years. It's a WW2 rubberized type. Recently I replaced it with a later era nylon type. A poncho is a very versatile piece of equiptment and goes with me when ever I go Motorcycle camping.

[teflon]

Originally Posted by Baron Bolton

...Anyhoo, we got a 3m X 3m tarp from a decathlon store, which just about lasted the week we needed it for.

The tarps from Decathlon were popular at Ripley. I actually bought one myself and it seemed to work well, albeit under moderate British weather.

I would appreciate it if you said what actually happened with yours. Prevention better than cure, etc.

You might be interested in this Hex Fly. If it's a genuine Hennessy, then it's a very good price.

edit - just sent them an email to ask if it is a Hennessy. Just curious. I'll post back here if I get a reply.

[Tim Cullis]

I have a couple of the Decathlon tarps. One useful tip is to steal a pole from one end and add it in the other so you have a high entrance and low back end. However this doesn't work too well when the wind changes

I had great problems trying to erect it without help. I think the solution might be to roughly peg out the guys before sticking the poles in, then fine tune it whilst it's wavering all over the place. Or find some helpful trees!

Tim

[teflon]

Originally Posted by Tim Cullis

...I think the solution might be to roughly peg out the guys before sticking the poles in, then fine tune it whilst it's wavering all over the place...Tim

Had the same trouble when I first used mine at Ripley. Felt more like a Mr Bean than the laid-back Mr Mears putting the sodding thing up.

Have now roughly paced it out to made life a little easier. I still need practice, but reckon it's worth the time. I bloody love 'em!

[maddave]

I use a Tatonka Polycotton tarp... Not as light as nylon but quieter and warmer too

[Savage]

Silicone impregnated parachute nylon makes a durable, light weight, waterproof tarp that packs down to something that will fit in your hand.



Integral Designs and Hillberg make great silnylon tarps