View Full Version : Ultralight Tarp??
B-Rabbit
11-16-2011, 14:10
I am thru hiking this year with my roommate and was wondering of anyone could suggest a lightweight tarp? We both have shelters but I am looking for an extra tarp to set up for cooking/hanging out in the rain so that we are not confined to our tiny shelters. Any advice would help..
Thanks
kayak karl
11-16-2011, 14:32
http://zpacks.com/shelter/hexamid.shtml
Mr Breeze
11-16-2011, 14:38
Look at the tarps made by Outdoor Equipment Supplier. I have a 10x10 Silnylon Cat cut tarp that weighs 18 oz. Brian makes quality tarps. You can even customize one and he will make it for you.
B-Rabbit
11-16-2011, 14:40
That is a sweet setup! Im looking to go way cheaper... Maybe just an 8x5 tarp that we can link between two shelters? I saw the tyvek footpring for around $25.00, but it says the ship weight is 3lbs. Thats a lot of extra weight!
B-Rabbit
11-16-2011, 14:41
The maccat micro looks great!
How about this...
http://www.backcountry.com/integral-designs-siltarp1?CMP_ID=PD_GOO001&mv_pc=r101&mkwid=sKc9gj8Ao|pcrid|9884017631&s_kwcid=TC|5483|integral%20designs%20siltarp||S|b| 9884017631&002=2444188&004=460453239&005=3362675199&006=9884017631&007=Search&008=
Wise Old Owl
11-16-2011, 15:23
Remember the rule of finding double duty items when going UL - how about a sil poncho and concrete string from the hardware store... and thin anchors. There are lots of double duty ideas for tarps or going lighter on this forum.<br>
<br>
<img src="http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=14394&stc=1" attachmentid="14394" alt="" id="vbattach_14394" class="previewthumb">2nd idea use two trees and pitch this.
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___83075#
ChinMusic
11-16-2011, 15:40
http://zpacks.com/shelter/hexamid.shtml
This would be my choice. It kinda falls between the tarp and tent categories with its options.
The "ultralightest" option would be to just stick with your tents and not bring an unnecessary (and expensive if you're going really light) additional shelter. You can always cook or hangout in/near the AT shelters
B-Rabbit
11-16-2011, 16:09
I plan on tenting most of the time, but that could change during the hike. I am still collecting gear so Ill have to see if that 7.5 oz weight penalty fits into my overall weight goal. Right now I don't see it being a problem. Im leaning towards Mr Breeze and Scope's suggestions. Thank you all for the input!
Wise Old Owl
11-16-2011, 16:17
Size: 4 ft. 9 in. x 8 ft. 7 in.
Weight: 13 oz.
$39 ?
Well I tried, you need to see it pitched with one side down and the other in the branches? It works.
B-Rabbit
11-16-2011, 16:34
Wise Old Owl.. I couldn't see your link for whatever reason earlier.. I am not opposed to the tarp poncho idea... How do you run guy lines on one of those?
Wise Old Owl
11-26-2011, 16:55
B-Rabbit there are two ways - one is o use a pebble and wrap a knot the other is to put a slipping knot on the end and pull tight
This thread has photos and details
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6152
Oleskool
11-26-2011, 17:20
I love ................ http://www.bearpawwd.com/
Wise Old Owl
11-26-2011, 17:27
nice - Oleskool - can't weight for cuben to be cheaper.
What about a poncho? It serves dual purposes and you can use it as a tarp awning. They are very light too.
Bear Cables
11-26-2011, 18:53
http://zpacks.com/shelter/hexamid.shtmlI highly recommend their cuben fiber tarp. I finally decided to spend the money on the 7x9 and am soo glad I did. Easily fits three hikers under it for cooking and hanging out in camp on a rainy day. Packs up tiny and only weighs 5oz.
B-Rabbit
11-26-2011, 19:18
The cuben fiber is nice but too pricey for me.. I think I will use a poncho and kill two birds with one stone.
It's enough trouble setting up a tent, to bring an extra thing to set up will be more trouble than it's worth on a thru hike.
B-Rabbit
11-26-2011, 22:49
Well, I guess the main reason I want something separate is so I cook in the rain. Im bringing an alcohol stove and I dont know how safe it would be to cook in the vestibule burning something like HEAT. I would think that's some pretty toxic stuff in such a small space.
This might depends on your specific alcohol stove and pot setup, but I cooked in the rain a few times this year with no problem, other than having to wipe off a bit more water when putting my 'kitchen' away. You might just want to try it sometime when it's raining; so long as you can get the alcohol stove going and just quickly cover it with the pot --- well, it wasn't a problem for me at any rate. What worked for me in specific is just putting the stove + pot a few inches outside of my tent fly, but still within reach when I'm still inside the tent. I cooked that way pretty much every night this trip after I started using a stove, regardless of weather. I guess if it was just raining or hailing buckets, I'd either (a) wait for it to die down, or (b) eat cold. I don't think it ever came to that, however.
ChinMusic
11-26-2011, 23:36
Well, I guess the main reason I want something separate is so I cook in the rain. Im bringing an alcohol stove and I dont know how safe it would be to cook in the vestibule burning something like HEAT. I would think that's some pretty toxic stuff in such a small space.
Personally I wouldn't be concerned at all with toxicity. I would be REAL careful not to burn my shelter.
I know this isn't a stove/stoveless thread but having an option for some stoveless meals removes all concerns for such times.