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Gray Bear
02-14-2015, 12:28
I'm looking at trying a tarp. I'm not ready to drop the $$$ on CF just yet so I'm looking for suggestions on a decent tarp for one person. What size is typical for a something that offers some versatility as far as pitch options?

Connie
02-14-2015, 12:40
I suggest look at what tarps interest you, then, trying cutouts using a painter's plastic sheeting "drop cloth" and tape "tie-outs" with string and improvised tarp stakes. (big nails?)

I purchased two or three tarps before I found what I like about a tarp: catenary cut ridgeline, 6.5' width and 8.5' length. Most people want 9' length. Many people like end entry. I like side entry.

Many people like to be able to pitch it higher to see out, then pitch low to get rain splatter, or, horizontal rain out.

I would rather have a bathtub floor bivy. Others like a bathtub floor inner "nest" net.

These are the issues for people that use a tarp.

I will add, some like a larger flat tarp for a number of different "creative" pitches, and, use as a kitchen tarp in rain.

I feel that is more for camping. Even then, I would rather have a smaller tarp and use my simple gathered end hammock as a kitchen tarp.

I have seen a simple gathered end hammocks used as a sleeping tarp: one tarp, dual purpose.

Gray Bear
02-14-2015, 12:46
I will add, some like a larger flat tarp for a number of different "creative" pitches, and, use as a kitchen tarp in rain.

I feel that is more for camping. Even then, I would rather have a smaller tarp and use my simple gathered end hammock as a kitchen tarp.

I have seen a simple gathered end hammocks used as a sleeping tarp: one tarp, dual purpose.

That brings up a good point I should have mentioned. At some point I'm going to give the hammock thing a try so that's something to consider.

Sirsnappy09
02-14-2015, 13:37
If you want a standard sil flat tarp get one from etowah outfitters. Great quality and you can't beat the price. All of the points brought up above are true. I prefer a flat tarp for pitch options and have a myog inner net with floor when bugs are bad. Good luck.

RED-DOG
02-14-2015, 13:56
I use a 8x10 Etowah designs this size gives me quite a few different configurations options.

Sirsnappy09
02-14-2015, 13:57
^^^^^ this

Feral Bill
02-14-2015, 13:59
I use an 8x10 Equinox tarp. It is light, works on the ground or with a hammock (diagonally) and gives plenty of room. Works for two on the ground. Connie's suggestion is good. Experiment with cheap plastic before deciding.

Gray Bear
02-14-2015, 14:28
If you want a standard sil flat tarp get one from etowah outfitters. Great quality and you can't beat the price. All of the points brought up above are true. I prefer a flat tarp for pitch options and have a myog inner net with floor when bugs are bad. Good luck.

Thanks for the heads up on the Etowah Outfitters. Awesome prices. What size would you recomend?

Gray Bear
02-14-2015, 14:29
Thanks for the heads up on the Etowah Outfitters. Awesome prices. What size would you recomend?

NM. I see the last few replies.

tammons
02-14-2015, 14:42
Start off with a 8x10.

Studlintsean
02-14-2015, 16:18
Check out Borah Gear also. They are just returning from a trip to Nepal but they will be taking 25% off all orders in 2 weeks. I got a 5.5 X 9 tarp from there last year and it has been great. I also carry a bivy made by them that I can use with poor weather. The prices (not currently listed are) $100 for an 8 x 10 or 9 x 9 and $50 for a 5.5 x 9. I had a cheap 8 x 10 tarp from equinox first and decided I would get something a little bit smaller. On multi day trips with poor weather, I can take a tent but for short trips with nice/ fair weather I take the tarp and bivy. I normally pitch an A-Frame or a Half Pyramid depending on precipitation and wind. Here are a few pics of it set up.

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Studlintsean
02-14-2015, 16:19
I should add that everything in the 3rd picture that is covered in snow was left outside the tarp (didnt know snow was in the forecast) and I was perfectly dry under the tarp.

Gray Bear
02-14-2015, 18:59
Check out Borah Gear also. They are just returning from a trip to Nepal but they will be taking 25% off all orders in 2 weeks. I got a 5.5 X 9 tarp from there last year and it has been great. I also carry a bivy made by them that I can use with poor weather. The prices (not currently listed are) $100 for an 8 x 10 or 9 x 9 and $50 for a 5.5 x 9. I had a cheap 8 x 10 tarp from equinox first and decided I would get something a little bit smaller. On multi day trips with poor weather, I can take a tent but for short trips with nice/ fair weather I take the tarp and bivy. I normally pitch an A-Frame or a Half Pyramid depending on precipitation and wind. Here are a few pics of it set up.

299492995029951299522995329954

Thanks For posting the photos. Sweet and simple setup.

jimyjam
02-15-2015, 00:19
Check out the Warbonnet Superfly. I am a hammock hanger and love the versatility it offers. It is considered a 4 season lightweight tarp. You can pitch it like a tent (with hammock inside or not and sleep on ground). I pitch it porch style on 1 side most times and enjoy the views from my hammock! Definitely worth checking out.


Life is full of ups and downs! Hike on!

Smooth & Wasabi
02-15-2015, 00:40
I've been looking at Borah and may get a 9 x9 when they return and go on sale. I've had rectangular tarps for years and would like a square one for increased pitching options. It is a little big for solo use but is light and once you get shorter than 9', full coverage in a blowing rain is a bit iffy at least for bigger folk like me.

Gray Bear
02-15-2015, 05:15
so it sounds like the square tarps have a little more versatility. Is that correct? I'm not quite clear on why that would be.

dmax
02-15-2015, 09:53
A great starting out tarp is Borah Gears Borahgami tarp. It closes up tight in bad weather with lots of set up options for nice weather.

Connie
02-15-2015, 09:58
I find a large tarp too much for me. However, and 8x10 tarp may be used as a kitchen tarp, a hammock tarp, and has some useful pitches.

Here are two:

Pyramid tent
http://youtu.be/7VF34Jhx7hM

Modified Pyramid tent


Here is another option: a 3x3 (meter) tarp
http://youtu.be/yMAtpWQdVbY

Gray Bear
02-15-2015, 10:09
I find an 8x10 tarp too much for me. However, and 8x10 tarp may be used as a kitchen tarp, a hammock tarp, and has some useful pitches.

Here are two:

Pyramid tent
http://youtu.be/7VF34Jhx7hM

Half Pyramid tent

I think I'm getting the tarp bug! thanks for the vid Connie.

Connie
02-15-2015, 10:22
I didn't find the Modified Pyramid, yet. This is like it, but no door.
http://youtu.be/FjTuM2A_ie4

Here is a Flying Diamond tarp pitch I like, because it is a spacious pitch and is set up fast by tying one corner part way up a tree, pitching out two corners and using a trek pole at the front. The second trek pole is set up inside. In the alternate, pitch the three corners, then have a short trek pole inside. It gets you and your gear quickly out of the rain as you can set up the remaining three corners from inside and under the tarp.
http://youtu.be/gwL18cscQks

Of course, there is the "Monk's Tarp" pitch, I like, demonstrated at Mountain Laurel Design. I also like to pitch the Monk Tarp with one front corner raised up a little with a trekking pole. This catches and reflects warmth of a small fire.
http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/popup_image.php?pID=89&image=0

This 8x10 tarp pitch is especially useful in difficult cold weather because it wraps under your sleeping area and is open to reflect on you warmth from a small fire outside the shelter you can add to as needed.
http://youtu.be/pneD0wu8O3w

Connie
02-15-2015, 11:47
This DD Hammock 3x3 (meter) tarp setup looks quite cozy. http://youtu.be/JJE3olmxCOU

This is the Modified Pyramid tarp.
http://youtu.be/AYVMUbo570s

It has "goofy" stuff at the end. I liked it better, when a little girl had a video with her dad running the camera: she had a 8x10 blue tarp.

Of course, sil nylon is much nicer to have in your backpack.

Gray Bear
02-18-2015, 05:31
This DD Hammock 3x3 (meter) tarp setup looks quite cozy. http://youtu.be/JJE3olmxCOU

This is the Modified Pyramid tarp.
http://youtu.be/AYVMUbo570s

It has "goofy" stuff at the end. I liked it better, when a little girl had a video with her dad running the camera: she had a 8x10 blue tarp.

Of course, sil nylon is much nicer to have in your backpack.

Cool vids Connie, thanks. I was checking out some of the Bear Paw stuff. I like the idea of the center tie outs he has.