lightest functional tarp

[brack]

i am looking for the lightest tarp i can find that i can pitch with two sticks, poles, etc... nothing special just something big enough to keep the rain off of me... ideas? thanks...

brack

[SGT Rock]

Get a sheet of sil-nylon from a supplier and don't even sew it. Of course you take a slightly bigger chance of a rip starting.

[gravityman]

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-...king_tarp.html

4.75 oz. Can't beat that I don't think...

Gravity

[TakeABreak]

Campmor, has a few light weight tarps, I have one I carry, but for my next hike I will the extra large one, gives you more coverage in rain, and can get in and out of the bivy easier without getting wet.

[peter_pan]

There are a lot of answers here....What are you seeking size wise? Some of the really light models are real marginal, at best. Ultralighters with a 6x8 (really 5' 4" x 8') of 1.1 silnyl with silicon impregnation weighs and generous (10)tabs should come in at 7.2 oz. This is also about the size of a Hennessy Fly. Mine wghs about 8 oz....It is retired in favor of a JRB 8x8. IF you want it, I'll sell it for $10 incl shipping. Add some tabs and you got a cheap ultralight answer. If you want it, or anyone else wants it send a PM.

Spin cloth leaked on me once and the weight savings was only an ounce over reg silnyl. There are lighter silnyl available in the 0.95 oz range, costly, hard to find, and hard to sew.

8x8 should come in at 10 oz.

8x10 should come in at 13.5-14 oz

Silnyl poncho std is 9.5 oz

Silnyl poncho extended length is 11 oz

Hope this helps....HYOH.....PYOT.

[orangebug]

PYOT ?=? Pay Your Own Taxes?

[smokymtnsteve]

Pick your own toys

[verber]

i am looking for the lightest tarp i can find that i can pitch with two sticks, poles, etc... nothing special just something big enough to keep the rain off of me

Sort of depends on the rain. In light drizzle with no wind you could do one of those 1.5oz emergency blankets :-) or with some wind and moderate rain you could do would be something like the bpl.com poncho/tarp which is 6.2 oz and is also your raingear. A minimalist sil-nylon tarp which would be around 5oz. But if you are facing hard rain, serious winds, etc, this wouldn't be my first choice. I would suggest either going for a 8x10 tarp, or take a look at the gossimar gear spinnshelter which is a shaped tarp which weights around 9oz. For links to a number of tarps check out

http://www.verber.com/mark/outdoors/...tem.html#Tarps

--mark

[peter_pan]

PYOT...Pitch Your Own Tarp.

[squirrel bait]

PYOT=purchase your own tarp. PM sent, hope I get it.

[Pencil Pusher]

How about a painter's plastic dropcloth? BYOB

[greenhill]

Lots of options over at Mountain Laurel Designs - they seem to be one of the lightest if not the lightest - the workmanship is great and they offer neat little loops on the inside of the tarp which helps for hanging bug netting or drying socks. I love the .99 spinnaker 4.9x8 5.25oz tarp. Or they can make you a tarp with doors... it's great stuff. Hope that helps. http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com

[neo]

my favorite is 11oz made by jacks are better,it can be used with my hennessey hammock or alone on the ground. neo

[The Hammocker]

I like to look for light and cheap. I like the idea of using plastic sheeting with tape re-inforced holes (sheet bends are o.k but I like this better). Good luck

[erichlf]

Gossamer Gear has the SpinnTwin and a SpinnShelter that weighs in at at most 10 oz.

[fiddlehead]

In my opinion, the best sil nylon tarp/tent out there is the "Integral Designs Sil Shelter" it is not cheap but has kept me dry in many snowstorms, rainstorms, big wind nights, and has held up for 2 thru-hikes plus my brother uses it when i'm not for all of his self supported kayak trips and loves it too. i think it weighs around 13 oz. It uses one pole (not included) but i usually just find a stick, or you can tie it to a tree on the AT. fh

[Jerm]

I just got the Oware Cat Tarp 1.1. Set it up as soon as it came. It weighs only 8.5 oz and is tapered from 65 to 53 inches wide over its 102 (was 93) inch length. It sets up with a less taut pitch because of the catenary cut ridgeline.

http://www.owareusa.com/Cattarps.html

[Ratfunk]

I'll eat my poles if your dissapointed with Ron's offerings at www.mountainlaureldesigns.com

The dude stands by what he sells/makes. Period.

I personally use a poncho-tarp of his, 10.5 oz, hoop at foot end.

Dual use is the way to go.

'Funk

[Moon Monster]

I'll eat my poles if your dissapointed with Ron's offerings at www.mountainlaureldesigns.com

Great site. I picked up some new thoughts glancing through it that had never struck me in three years of researching lightweight gear.

Of course, there are also some of the most extremist sounding hiking options that I've ever heard. Peeing while walking and sleeping in Yak carcuses are favorites. Does anyone know if these hardcore types described on the site are real or fictional?

[TOW]

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-...king_tarp.html

cool site!