Opinion on light weight tarps / recommendations

[lhbackcountry]

Anyone hunting out of tarp car to share their experience ? Was looking at some those ultralights... skyair / slingfin etc and just not sure how durable those will be plus the ticks make a net a must imo

 

[Patton]

Have hunted out of a DST tarp with no problems. Have had to batten down the hatches from heavy wind/rain but it’s a great lightweight shelter.

 

[Cameron.25]

Check out zpacks

 

[Bghuntersw]

I have the SkyAir, for the weight, it is hard to beat. I've been running it for the past two years, from spring to fall, it holds up to the weather. It's minimal, but gets the job done.

 

[lhbackcountry]

I have the SkyAir, for the weight, it is hard to beat. I've been running it for the past two years, from spring to fall, it holds up to the weather. It's minimal, but gets the job done.

i looked at the sky air! I run a stone glacier pack so trust the work there. good to know.

 

[yellowbeard]

I've been using a tarp from Etowah Outfitters for about 6 years. Simple 10'x10' square of nylon, but light weight and if you pitch it right it keeps the weather out. Spacious for one, and fits two OK. Very happy with it. They make an even lighter one now out of some sort of composite fabric. If my current one ever wears out, I'd probably replace it with that.

 

[homers]

CCS, best I've owned and highly recommend.

https://www.shop.cookecustomsewing.com

 

[Mike Islander]

I have used my DCF tarp from Dutchware Gear 8.5 x 11 rectangle a lot. I use a little Six Moons NetTent for bug management, or the inner of my Big Agnes UL2 for a good bit more room. Tarp has kept me dry in our sideways rains; just have to pitch it down like a turtle shell over the net underneath until the winds let up a bit. Being DCF, there is no issue of getting soak through at the touch points. The camo tarp is 9.7 oz., which is an oz. heavier than the plain colors .

You don't need trees if you use trekking poles. Or you can use 2 ZPacks poles and add 5 oz total weight. Of course in most places you can find sticks or trees.

 

[tdot]

I've had the HMG flat tarp made from DCF for awhile now. Used it mostly during the day to ride out stormy weather but a few nights too and always been impressed with its capabilities. Added additional guy points so that it was similar to the Seek Outside DST. I use a borah Gear bivy for bugs. The whole system is alot more versatile then the shaped tarps, IMO, though potentially longer to setup. If I want to use a shaped tarp, then I'll take a mid-style tent.

 

[4rcgoat]

Kifaru sheep tarp for me. It has two reinforced guyouts sewn in on top that makes a great ridgeline.

 

[JR Greenhorn]

I've had an Etowah Outfitters tarp for years. I like it, but I don't tend to use it a lot. It packs into its own pocket, fits in a backpack nicely, and weighs less than a pound, so it gets brought along often as a "just in case" option. Usually turns out to be worth it if a storm blows through.

I have a SL5 tent that's not much heavier than a tarp, and just works better for sleeping under, especially in storms, blowing rain, or snow.

My cousin has a Cooke Custom Sewing tarp. It's a larger (largest?) size, 10x14' I think. We use that all the time on group trips for storing gear in camp, cooking and sitting under.


One thing about UL silnylon, it doesn't block heat from the sun at all. Leaving your gear under one of these tarps is the same as leaving it out in the sun. Not nice for afternoon naps, either.

 

[Bighunt531]

Kifaru sheep tarp for me. It has two reinforced guyouts sewn in on top that makes a great ridgeline.

Do you have any pics of yours in the field?

 

[4rcgoat]

Do you have any pics of yours in the field?

I actually have never taken one of it pitched in the field, just a couple from inside looking out during a storm. A quick google search "kifaru sheep tarp pictures " will get you some better ideas, its what i used when researching tarps.