When I was growing up and going hunting, I thought all tarps were the same and usually blue. But over the years, I learned that a lightweight tarp is one of the most essential tools a backcountry hunter can have. I have used a variety of tarps made from different materials over the last thirty years I have been hunting. For the last ten years, though, I have used a Silnylon tarp and a Dyneema tarp. Both tarps held up well but still had their drawbacks. The Silnylon stretches a lot when damp, and the Dyneema compresses like a cinder block and is a little fragile.
The new Argali Talus Tarp, crafted from 20D Ripstop Silpoly, may be the best tarp I’ve used…YET. The Talus boasts minimal stretch, ensuring it stays taut, whether wet or dry. It also compresses down better than Dyneema, offering a reliable and compact solution for backcountry adventures.
The Talus was my trusted companion on every hunting trip last fall. Its size, shape (8.5’x10′), and weight(18 oz.) make it the perfect shelter for my wife, me, and a dog on quick scouting trips or hunts. This tarp is a versatile tool, ready to be pitched in almost any situation. I found myself using it to block the sun and rain almost daily on some hunts, empowering me to quickly adapt to changing weather conditions.
A few things stand out about the Talus: First, they didn’t skimp on guy-out points and sewed them on like they wanted them to stay. Second, they reinforced the center with Xpac material, allowing you to use a trekking pole or stick for more pitching options. I also appreciate the reflective material on the tarp. I have walked past my shelter a time or two in the dark.
Like with most things, weight matters in backpack hunting. The Talus with all the fixings weighs 18oz on my scale. Some will argue it could be lighter, but if you factor in that weight, it includes cordage, linelocs, and six tent stakes. It’s comparable to my Dyneema Tarp at 14oz.
It wouldn’t be a RokReview without some cons: The tarp’s bag is small, and I had issues getting the tarp in the bag when it was wet. Sidenote: It fits great in a Kifaru Medium pullout. I would also like to see structures in the reinforced center that can better hold a trekking pole when the wind picks up.
In conclusion, this tarp solves several issues I experienced with other tarps and will be with me on all my adventures for years.
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