DST or SkyTarp

[Drenalin]

I haven't used the SG tarp, but have used the DST a lot. I thought I wanted something lighter weight and got a Yama Mountain Gear 8.5x8.5 flat tarp. It's a 20D silnylon versus the 30D Cordura nylon Seek Outside uses. The difference in fabric is noticeable - I haven't damaged the Yama tarp yet, but it feels more fragile. I don't dare tension it the same way I do the DST. Also really miss the center patch, not only for the peace of mind where the pole/stick meets the tarp, but also to keep the stick in place once the tarp is pitched. Actually the lack of a center patch, after using it so much with the DST, is frustrating enough that the Yama tarp is probably relegated to a-frame or lean-to pitches for me at this point, which aren't my preference at all.

 

[HankMorgan]

I haven't used the SG tarp, but have used the DST a lot. I thought I wanted something lighter weight and got a Yama Mountain Gear 8.5x8.5 flat tarp. It's a 20D silnylon versus the 30D Cordura nylon Seek Outside uses. The difference in fabric is noticeable - I haven't damaged the Yama tarp yet, but it feels more fragile. I don't dare tension it the same way I do the DST. Also really miss the center patch, not only for the peace of mind where the pole/stick meets the tarp, but also to keep the stick in place once the tarp is pitched. Actually the lack of a center patch, after using it so much with the DST, is frustrating enough that the Yama tarp is probably relegated to a-frame or lean-to pitches for me at this point, which aren't my preference at all.

So, I actually ended up finding the Yama tarp, after looking into the silnylon vs silpoly, but they’re not on the production schedule, and I agree, I think I’d miss the center patch, but I’ve had enough experiences with saggy silnylon tarps to want to try silpoly. I ended up finding Simply Light designs, and Jared says he can basically make me what is effectively a 9.5x9.5 Yama with a center pole patch and bivy hanger points. Haven’t ordered it yet, but they seem to be very well reviewed.

 

[Drenalin]

So, I actually ended up finding the Yama tarp, after looking into the silnylon vs silpoly, but they’re not on the production schedule, and I agree, I think I’d miss the center patch, but I’ve had enough experiences with saggy silnylon tarps to want to try silpoly. I ended up finding Simply Light designs, and Jared says he can basically make me what is effectively a 9.5x9.5 Yama with a center pole patch and bivy hanger points. Haven’t ordered it yet, but they seem to be very well reviewed.

I've looked at his website, but never used one of his products. Post up a review once you get some use on it and let us know how he did!

 

[HankMorgan]

I've looked at his website, but never used one of his products. Post up a review once you get some use on it and let us know how he did!

Will do!

 

[Phaseolus]

The DST just looks too complicated to me.

As with all seek products they are great but they are constructed from the minds of very diligent backpackers.

I always really struggle to setup my eolus every year. I've been learning back towards products the simpler the better. Suits my baby gorilla personality better.

Not saying they aren't better once properly deployed. But alot of the nuance is lost on me. As I ether don't know, or just am not willing to take the time to mess with it that much.

The DST is about as simple as can be, four corners and a useful reinforced cone in the middle.

 

[BRTreedogs]

The DST is about as simple as can be, four corners and a useful reinforced cone in the middle.

There is just so many different pitches.
Id probably stand there for 30 min deciding which one is best to try lol.

 

[Triwayy]

I actually had a Super Tarp for years. I have a DST now It's been a massive upgrade. I would definitely go with a DST

 

[mcseal2]

I've had a DST for several years and used it quite a bit. I'm a big fan.

I sometimes carry a lighter or smaller tarp, but when I really think I might need the tarp the DST usually gets to go. Alaska this year for example the 4 of us took two DST's. We hunted in pairs and each pair had a DST with them. I just trust them not to fail when lighter tarps may, and the 10x10 is as small as I'd want for 2 people to glass or ride out a storm under. I like the center re-enforced patch very much. It's pretty simple to set up in a lot of ways.

The other ones I like are smaller, lighter, and more for solo use. I don't need the DST for every hunt. For a light one that's still durable I like the Kifaru Sheep Tarp. It is pretty small and doesn't offer near the coverage as the DST, but it can be set up as a pretty good emergency shelter pretty quick. I stake the back down in the direction the wind is coming from. The front I put a trekking pole in a center loop to elevate it and stake the corners down. If I want a little more head room I run a line from one of the re-enforced tie outs up to a trekking pole, and then back down to a stake. It will keep one guy dry done right.

The one I haven't used as much I bought is a Hyperlight Dyneema 8'6" square tarp. It's nice I just haven't had it as long and I'm nervous to use it around a fire. It's a lot more expensive than the other two. It seems really well made and will probably wind up in my pack more often in the future.

 

[mcseal2]

DST pics

 

[mcseal2]

Sheep tarp quick shelter

 

[HankMorgan]

I've had a DST for several years and used it quite a bit. I'm a big fan.

I sometimes carry a lighter or smaller tarp, but when I really think I might need the tarp the DST usually gets to go. Alaska this year for example the 4 of us took two DST's. We hunted in pairs and each pair had a DST with them. I just trust them not to fail when lighter tarps may, and the 10x10 is as small as I'd want for 2 people to glass or ride out a storm under. I like the center re-enforced patch very much. It's pretty simple to set up in a lot of ways.

The other ones I like are smaller, lighter, and more for solo use. I don't need the DST for every hunt. For a light one that's still durable I like the Kifaru Sheep Tarp. It is pretty small and doesn't offer near the coverage as the DST, but it can be set up as a pretty good emergency shelter pretty quick. I stake the back down in the direction the wind is coming from. The front I put a trekking pole in a center loop to elevate it and stake the corners down. If I want a little more head room I run a line from one of the re-enforced tie outs up to a trekking pole, and then back down to a stake. It will keep one guy dry done right.

The one I haven't used as much I bought is a Hyperlight Dyneema 8'6" square tarp. It's nice I just haven't had it as long and I'm nervous to use it around a fire. It's a lot more expensive than the other two. It seems really well made and will probably wind up in my pack more often in the future.

Those pitches are epic - especially the first and third DST pitches. Gonna try them when my SLD shows up.

I may still get a DST down the road, and it might end up being even lighter than what I settled on. The center patch is for sure the way to go. I could never find good pictures on how small the tarp packs up. The pictures I’ve seen make it seem as large as my Cimmaron when packed, but maybe that’s just the bag SO sends them I.

 

[mcseal2]

DST next to a Nalgene in the factory sack. There is extra room in the sack, it fits easy even with a lot of guylines attached. I like the looser fit most times, it's easier to get put away in a hurry. If I planned to carry but not use it except for an emergency I may prefer something more compact I guess.

 

[HankMorgan]

DST next to a Nalgene in the factory sack. There is extra room in the sack, it fits easy even with a lot of guylines attached. I like the looser fit most times, it's easier to get put away in a hurry. If I planned to carry but not use it except for an emergency I may prefer something more compact I guess.

Thanks! That is a pretty compact package. Not sure why I thought it was much bigger.

 

[HankMorgan]

I've looked at his website, but never used one of his products. Post up a review once you get some use on it and let us know how he did!

The SLD tarp just got in! Pulled it straight out of the package and threw it on the scale. Even with all of my mods, including the center patch, the tarp is 14.7 oz and compresses to about the size of two fists. The workmanship seems top notch. And the pole patches seem like they’ll provide great protection without going overkill. I’ll post more this weekend when I get a chance to try some pitches, but my first impressions are that this thing will be perfect!

 

[Grassymike]

Have you tried it out yet ?

 

[HankMorgan]

Have you tried it out yet ?

Yes! Sorry I got distracted with the rest of my weekend.

I forgot to take pictures of the pole re-enforcements from the inside, but here are my first attempts at pitching the tarp! In all of the pictures, the poles are either through a loop or in a re-enforced spot. It was windy raining pretty decently all afternoon and I had to run an errand quickly (hence the fading light in the last couple pictures) but the silpoly barely stretched. I love it and can’t wait to use it in the field and try some more pitches using the panel pulls.

Interesting note about the panel pulls - they are lined up in such a way you could pull out the 3 low sides of the diamond fly pitch for more room, if you wanted.

If I did it agin, I’d probably get D-rings on the timeouts instead of just loops. It would add some weight, but would probably be worth it to limit wear in those points. Only time will tell though. So far I am super stoked about the tarp and would recommend Simply Light Designs, especially if you can’t find exactly what you want from an off the shelf tarp.

 

[mcseal2]

Looks pretty slick and packs really small.

 

[HankMorgan]

Looks pretty slick and packs really small.

Yeah I’m super happy with it. The pole re-enforcements double as bivy loops, too which I haven’t tested out yet, but I imagine will work nicely.

 

[wannabemtnman]

The SLD tarp just got in! Pulled it straight out of the package and threw it on the scale. Even with all of my mods, including the center patch, the tarp is 14.7 oz and compresses to about the size of two fists. The workmanship seems top notch. And the pole patches seem like they’ll provide great protection without going overkill. I’ll post more this weekend when I get a chance to try some pitches, but my first impressions are that this thing will be perfect!

What size SLD did you end up going with? Pictures look great! Straight edge? Other than the D loops, anything else you'd do differently? I'm looking for something very similar! Was going to go DST but this looks like a great option to save a few oz.

 

[HankMorgan]

What size SLD did you end up going with? Pictures look great! Straight edge? Other than the D loops, anything else you'd do differently? I'm looking for something very similar! Was going to go DST but this looks like a great option to save a few oz.

I got went with 112 inches wide and 10 feet long. I originally was going to get a perfect square, but the slight rectangle is nice. And yeah I did straight edge.

After using the tarp more, I think I like my decision to use the regular loops. I got some line locks that have hooks for my guy lines and just need to be careful that I put the whole bit of webbing in the hook before I apply tension. I’ve never had the d rings on a tarp, so maybe it’s not an issue, but I like the loops for staking the tarp directly to the ground, but you can email Jared. He was super helpful when I was ordering my tarp.