Staying Dry Under a Flat Tarp

[Davebuech]

Sorry to dredge up an older thread, but I was hoping the folks that use square tarps could share some more photos! I use a megatarp primarily, and it's a phenomenal shelter (in all ways except the price), but for summers and big day jaunts away from a basecamp, I bought a 10x10. Many resources out there but its always fun to see what other roksliders are doing - those of you that run a flat tarp.

I use a similar size to the sheep tarp. In the summer I can get way with just the tarp and some Tyvek. Inclement weather, add bivy. I like to pack the tarp on day trips too for quick shelter setup in a storm.

 

[Ironman8]

Thanks a ton for that SHTF. That two peak open ended pitch looks like it would be a nice fast pitch for good weather and that enclosed version with the back peak would be what I envision for rain/snow/ect. I carry two trekking poles anyway so it doesn't make sense for me to even mess with the first version.

How long would you say each pitch would take?
And did you use anything to protect the tarp where you put your poles? Or do the rounded handles of the trekking poles not pose a threat to the fabric of the tarp in your opinion?

 

[Willow]

And one of my favorites classic 2 peak pitch



inside









Hope this helps some of you out. I use a Multicam Tarp made by Tim at BlackWillow Outdoors. He makes some seriously awesome gear. can't say enough about the stuff he makes. you can see more from him at https://www.facebook.com/BlackWillowOutdoors/ Im working on getting him on Rokslide as a sponsor =-)

Thanks for the plug SHTF!

I've got a lot of different tarps and frequently make custom tarps for people like SHTF that want specific modifications like extra tie out loops or candle loops inside. I also make winter camo tarps from Multicam Alpine that are phenomenal! I typically work with genuine military grade materials directly from the manufacturer but I also have suppliers for other colors and material types if you don't want Multicam.

I also make Hammocks, leg and neck gaiters, hunting blinds, bug nets, and much more. Message me if you're looking for something specific or just need some help or advice. I'll do my best to steer you in the right direction.

Multicam Alpine 10x10; 31 ozs packs down to a 5"x10"

 

[Willow]

Winter Pro Tarp 7x9; 24 ozs packs down to 5"x10"





Here's a video review from MountainMistWanderer
[video=youtube;F6RmXg8ODxk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6RmXg8ODxk&feature=youtu.be[/video]

 

[Ironman8]

Willow,

I'm curious where the weight is coming from on your 10x10 tarp you listed above? Most 10x10's that use 1.1 oz. silnylon that I've come across are usually in the 18oz range. What materials are you using? And what does "genuine military grade materials" mean?

Thanks!

 

[Randle]

That first pitch is my new pitch also , works great and I can hang a piece of No see um to keep the skeeters out.
I don't have reinforcements on the ridge line for pole support so I use a small silicone squeeshy bowl On top of my trekking pole handle to keep it from slipping it works very well.

 

[SHTF]

Thanks a ton for that SHTF. That two peak open ended pitch looks like it would be a nice fast pitch for good weather and that enclosed version with the back peak would be what I envision for rain/snow/ect. I carry two trekking poles anyway so it doesn't make sense for me to even mess with the first version.

How long would you say each pitch would take?
And did you use anything to protect the tarp where you put your poles? Or do the rounded handles of the trekking poles not pose a threat to the fabric of the tarp in your opinion?

Tim's tarp comes with 500d cordura reinforcements on the tie out points and I had him do the ridgeline tie outs also which come with a 4x4 piece of 500d cordura which are perfectly placed for the pitches I have pictured. This also accounts the weight you where asking about these are not ultralight tarps but they are really well made. Id say the first pitch took maybe 3 to 5 minutes. I had to go back and watch that video again to see how to throw it up. But it was easy setting it up. After the first pitch I just relocated the back wall pegs to put up the wall in the rear in the second configuration. I used some Mountainsmith Bipod Camera mount Trekking poles for my setup that have this super soft foam ball on the head which makes the tarp not slip on tarp but also protects the tarp from any damage. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mountainsmith-monotrek-trekking-pole-anti-shock~p~4363d/

Tim,

Will send you Robby's email address. So you can speak to him about getting signed up as a Supporter. That will allow you to talk more freely with the user base here on Rokslide. Your gear and the potential customers here will be a great fit for the community.

 

[Willow]

Willow,

I'm curious where the weight is coming from on your 10x10 tarp you listed above? Most 10x10's that use 1.1 oz. silnylon that I've come across are usually in the 18oz range. What materials are you using? And what does "genuine military grade materials" mean?

Thanks!

I've often wondered how some of the manufacturers are getting the numbers they claim. While I can't speak for them, I can point out that most of the tarp makers don't use a grosgrain edging. I use grosgrain on all of my tarps for reinforcement to prevent the material from carrying the load. Think of it as the skeletal framework. When done correctly the edging holds the tension from the tie out loops and guy lines instead of the material. When I weigh my products it includes everything including the guy lines and stuff sack. Some of the additional weight may come from additional tie out loops and reinforcing material. Each piece adds ups quick.

My Hammock Pro Tarp only weighs 16 ozs and is a 9x11 cantilever cut tarp.

The other thing the realize is that the materials I work with are mostly 1.5 oz. While I can get 1.1 oz Silnon in Multicam, it is not from Crye Precision and has not been used by the military, as far as I know. It's got a sheen that I don't really like which makes it reflective of sorts.

The materials I use are made by Crye Precision for the military. They are specifically spectrum tuned for their given environment. They are also IR compliant. The materials are extremely well made. Some are Fire Resistant while others are DWR treated. It just depends on how you want the material to perform.

 

[Willow]

Tim's tarp comes with 500d cordura reinforcements on the tie out points and I had him do the ridgeline tie outs also which come with a 4x4 piece of 500d cordura which are perfectly placed for the pitches I have pictured. This also accounts the weight you where asking about these are not ultralight tarps but they are really well made. Id say the first pitch took maybe 3 to 5 minutes. I had to go back and watch that video again to see how to throw it up. But it was easy setting it up. After the first pitch I just relocated the back wall pegs to put up the wall in the rear in the second configuration. I used some Mountainsmith Bipod Camera mount Trekking poles for my setup that have this super soft foam ball on the head which makes the tarp not slip on tarp but also protects the tarp from any damage. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mountainsmith-monotrek-trekking-pole-anti-shock~p~4363d/

Tim,

Will send you Robby's email address. So you can speak to him about getting signed up as a Supporter. That will allow you to talk more freely with the user base here on Rokslide. Your gear and the potential customers here will be a great fit for the community.

Thanks for putting me in touch with Robbie. Hopefully we can work something out.

 

[SHTF]

Here is the Binding Willow is talking about.



Cordura in the tie out points

 

[Willow]

I can also get Multicam binding tape for the edging.

Here's a picture of a poncho liner I made for a Police Department in Canada. You can see their proprietary CADPAT material in the background.

Sent from my XT1097 using Tapatalk

 

[BroodBuster]

Great thread. Sorta makes me want to get a 10X10 now .

 

[Willow]

Thanks a ton for that SHTF. That two peak open ended pitch looks like it would be a nice fast pitch for good weather and that enclosed version with the back peak would be what I envision for rain/snow/ect. I carry two trekking poles anyway so it doesn't make sense for me to even mess with the first version.

How long would you say each pitch would take?
And did you use anything to protect the tarp where you put your poles? Or do the rounded handles of the trekking poles not pose a threat to the fabric of the tarp in your opinion?

Hey Ironman, I meant to point out that my tarp tie-out loops are made to fit over the handle of a hiking pole. I noticed he pitched his over the reinforcing patch the other day while I was looking at SHTF's pictures again, which is fine.



But even if you don't have a reinforcing patch on your tarp most of the rip-stop materials should be plenty strong to pitch your tent like this one below with the pole in the middle.

 

[Moe0820]

Thanks for the plug SHTF!

I've got a lot of different tarps and frequently make custom tarps for people like SHTF that want specific modifications like extra tie out loops or candle loops inside. I also make winter camo tarps from Multicam Alpine that are phenomenal! I typically work with genuine military grade materials directly from the manufacturer but I also have suppliers for other colors and material types if you don't want Multicam.

I also make Hammocks, leg and neck gaiters, hunting blinds, bug nets, and much more. Message me if you're looking for something specific or just need some help or advice. I'll do my best to steer you in the right direction.

Multicam Alpine 10x10; 31 ozs packs down to a 5"x10"

Hello, I would like to purchase a alpine tarp from you, can you provide some contact information

Thanks
fernando

 

[Brendan]

Hello, I would like to purchase a alpine tarp from you, can you provide some contact information

Thanks
fernando

The last response on this thread is over three years ago, and he hasn't been on the forum in over two years.... Might want to try sending him a private message once you've participated enough here to be able.

 

[Moe0820]

thanks