PDA

View Full Version : Multi purpose tarp - looking for suggestions



Tim Causa
01-17-2013, 15:43
I'm slowly converting to ultralight and I'm looking for a good multi-use tarp. On a clear night I typically just sleep under the stars and keep my BA copper spur fly and poles handy for a fast fly shelter option in case it starts to rain. I also have a Hennessy Hyperlite.

What I'd like to do is get an ultralight tarp that I can use on it's own for shelter (pitching with my trekking poles) but also get one that's large enough to replace my asym trap that came with my Hennessy Hammock for more space underneath.

Anyone purchased a tarp that works for both? Size suggestions? Material suggestions? Not really concerned about price, but functionality and weight. Are there any problems or specifics I haven't thought about that I should consider such as seamed ridgeline or seamless?

Cheers

flemdawg1
01-17-2013, 16:12
Pretty much any flat or catenary cut tarp will work for what you want. I wouldn't go smaller than 6x8 for a hammock though. A hammock hex tarp will work on the ground as well.

Zpacks, MLD, OES, Oware and Hammock gear all make good tarps.

Tim Causa
01-17-2013, 16:22
Looking at Zpacks - is it worth getting the extra tie outs on the sides (half way up on each side) so I can give myself more room under the fly in a hammock? Also, is it better to use a ridge line, or are these strong enough to just tie to the eyelets and stretch the actual tarp ?

DeerPath
01-17-2013, 16:33
I have an Etowah Gear 8X10 SilNylon Tarp 13 oz. Take a look at their videos. http://www.etowahoutfittersultralightbackpackinggear.com/

Tim Causa
01-17-2013, 16:39
I have an Etowah Gear 8X10 SilNylon Tarp 13 oz. Take a look at their videos. http://www.etowahoutfittersultralightbackpackinggear.com/

Do you use it for ground tarp, hammock, or both?

bigcranky
01-17-2013, 17:11
I have an OES Maccat Deluxe tarp that I use for my hammock. It would work as a ground tarp, though the pitching option is limited to basic A-frame. The largest version would provide more coverage and a better ground experience.

unclemjm
01-22-2013, 13:22
I love my 8x10 Integral Designs SilTarp 2 (http://www.google.com/search?q=integral+designs+siltarp+2&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&biw=1360&bih=566&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=fi&ei=w8r-UJCNA6rB2QXzsoGACA). I hammock camp so most of the time it's in A-Frame mode between two trees but with the size, shape, and tie outs there are a number of set-up options.