View Full Version : Tarp Question...
I just recently got a GoLite Shangri La 1 and I love it. It's been a great shelter for me thus far, but I was wondering about how it would perform in heavy rain.
I was wondering if it was worth getting the floor that GoLite sells at 9 oz. I was figuring that I'll have to use a ground cloth of some kind anyways, I may as well grab one that clips up into the shelter and creates a 'bathtub' floor.
Or does careful pitching in the rain always make it possible for you to avoid washout conditions, in which case I'd be able to save 5-6 ounces?
Thanks!
When I used a tarp, I only had a piece of tyvek for a ground sheet. Not being in a low lying area was one of the considerations in choosing a good campsite. Not too difficult, but not so easy either. Still, I loved that tarp.
I've migrated up a bit to a light weight hammock now. As I got older, sleeping on the ground became harder for me. I had some good times in my 6 Moon Designs Wild Oasis though. I've been thinkin' on taking it out once more just for old times sake!
The Golite tarp should do you well as is. If you are uncomfortable with just that, then pick up the ground sheet. Go out on a few over nighters or something and think about the set up. Then you'll know if you need the ground sheet or not. At first, best to have one. Going lighter was a slow progress as I learned to become more comfortable and able to go with less.
stranger
03-11-2011, 01:06
For me...having the bathtub floor gives me piece of mind, however you can achieve the same thing with Tyvek if you don't wash it and keep it stiff, you can fold up the sides 4-5 inches and staple the corners together, or use a clothes pin or something, will give you a bathtub floor as well.
bigcranky
03-11-2011, 09:10
The key to successful tarping in heavy rain is site selection -- choose a site that has good drainage away from the tarp, and ground cover that absorbs the rain.
So, for example, one of those packed down, heavily-used tent sites at the bottom of the hill by the shelter is a lousy tarp site. Rain will run right through your tarp even with a "bathtub" floor.
Set up on the forest floor, on the leaves and duff, in a sheltered spot, with some care taken to make sure water won't run under your tarp. Any ground sheet will work.
ChrisFol
03-11-2011, 11:22
Bigcranky is correct, the key is site selection:
-Don't place your shelter on the hard packed dirt that other campers use, instead find a spot where the rain water can soak into the ground and not sit on top and create a mess of your area.
-Look for good drainage. The bottom of the hill in that nice little nook probably isn't the best location. Seek out a higher surface so that any water will continue to flow downhill, past your site and not collect in your site.
There is lots of excellent information out there pertaining to site selection and it is worth a read.
As for your question regarding a bath tub floor, there are other options such as a piece of tyvek or the material in the window shrink kits will work just as well and will cost you less than the Golite bathtub floor.
Tenderheart
03-11-2011, 11:27
I would forgo the floor in lieu of a groung cloth. You won't need both. Pick your site carefully, preferably on grass and on a hump.
litefoot 2000
i'd say the UL answer (since you're in that forum) would be being selective in your campsite choice and taking just the tyvek. as others have stated
FamilyGuy
03-12-2011, 11:40
I would go for the dedicated floor since Golite reduced the weight on it for 2010. For an extra 4oz or so over a similar piece of tyvek, you get a waterproof floor with a 3000mm hydrostatic head, bathtub edges, and more durability. Nice to have non disposable gear.
ChrisFol
03-12-2011, 12:58
I would go for the dedicated floor since Golite reduced the weight on it for 2010. For an extra 4oz or so over a similar piece of tyvek, you get a waterproof floor with a 3000mm hydrostatic head, bathtub edges, and more durability. Nice to have non disposable gear.
One of the problems I have with Golite's shelter range is that all of the add-ons make a relatively speaking, heavy tarp into an even heavier one. The tarp is 19oz plus the 9oz for the bathtub floor and you are totaling 28oz already. Factor in guylines and stakes and that is one heavy solo shelter that is not even bug proof!
Compare this to other solo shelters such as the Lunar Solo or the Contrail and you have a fully protected (bug and rain) shelter that not only weighs less but offers more square footage for you and your gear.