Paratarp vs. 10'x12' Silnylon Tarp

[Brandon Pattison]

What would you rather have?

 

[shaneisneato]

I have a DIY silnylon tarp that exact size.. Really havent had any issues. Light waterproof and stores small.

 

[Brandon Pattison]

How does the wind effect it when pitched like this:

 

[BroodBuster]

I have both. The tarp is more versatile especially if not on a flat spot. The paratarp is more four season with the annex and stove but works best in a nice flat spot or know camp site.

I'm not real sure which one I like best. The Siltarp 2 I've got from Cascade Design is about ten years old and has been abused. It's also pretty much always in my pack. If I know I'll be spending the night I'll take the paratarp. I especially like having the stove on solo trips. It's like an HD tv

So if it's for emergency use and summer camping go with the tarp. If for camping during hunting season go with the Paratarp.

Both work great for all the above though.

 

[Lawnboi]

I use a paratarp.

Reason being is the shape is super versatile. Though I won't be running a stove in my para ever again.

If the weather is crap I can pitch my paratarp in the traditional a frame orientation, add an annex (I sold my annex) if you need. But pitched tight to the ground, with a bivy inside, it's a pretty stout shelter.

In decent weather I can pitch it however I want. I can pitch the para like a flat tarp, I can pitch it one side up, and one side down if there's any exposure. I can pitch just the front up, just the back up. ,moral is I can pitch my paratarp however the conditions and space warrant. And I can do this very easily, unlike a flat tarp.

Truly an amazing little shelter, I use a bivy with it for the most part. Iv said many times the paratarp is one piece I will never get rid of. Ever

If all you want to do is the traditional a frame pitch, get something bigger. I get away with the traditional pitch out of the para only cause I'm a small guy.

Did I say I love my paratarp? My shelter of choice for any running and gunning trip.

 

[Dos Perros]

I would have gone with a Paratarp if this weren't a tad cheaper, and just as light:

http://www.bearpawwd.com/tarps/lagarita_tent.php

And I like the option to close the "doors" if bad weather.

 

[LostArra]

I use a paratarp.

Reason being is the shape is super versatile. Though I won't be running a stove in my para ever again.

If the weather is crap I can pitch my paratarp in the traditional a frame orientation, add an annex (I sold my annex) if you need. But pitched tight to the ground, with a bivy inside, it's a pretty stout shelter.

In decent weather I can pitch it however I want. I can pitch the para like a flat tarp, I can pitch it one side up, and one side down if there's any exposure. I can pitch just the front up, just the back up. ,moral is I can pitch my paratarp however the conditions and space warrant. And I can do this very easily, unlike a flat tarp.

Truly an amazing little shelter, I use a bivy with it for the most part. Iv said many times the paratarp is one piece I will never get rid of. Ever

If all you want to do is the traditional a frame pitch, get something bigger. I get away with the traditional pitch out of the para only cause I'm a small guy.

Did I say I love my paratarp? My shelter of choice for any running and gunning trip.

+1

Very versatile shelter. Pretty nice for glassing in rain or drizzle.

One question for tarp campers: do you always sleep with your head towards the door/annex?
I've played around with it in different weather just to see if it makes a difference. Jury is still out.

 

[Lawnboi]

I always sleep with my head toward the door, don't know why but I do.

It is a super versatile piece. Glassing under it, forgot that one, another awesome part about a tarp.

Iv even used my paratarp as a poncho during rain. More than a couple times me and my buddy have broken it out to sit out a storm, rather than breaking out the rain gear.

That's also why my paratarp lives in a medium belt pouch on the outside of my pack.