Tarp Considerations

[dakota_bowhunter]

Looking for a tarp this offseason and after reading through a ton of posts I’ve yet to find the answer. I’m planning on carrying this tarp daily for your general sun, wind, rain exposure. Generally, I’ll be solo but there is times where I might have a buddy along and would need to have coverage for him. I don’t necessarily plan on always using it as a shelter but, if the weather permits, early season I’d probably end up running overnights when covering country. I’m leaning more on the silpoly > dyneema just for cost factor.
So questions I have:
1) What size does everyone recommend for this scenario?
2) I’d take any recommendations on certain manufacturers. I’ve looked at a bunch and have really focused in on borah gear, argali, SG and now the ApeEquipment as it has recently been brought to my attention.
3) Is there any specific things (attachment points, re-enforced patches, ex) that I should look for in a tarp?

Any and all info on tarps would be appreciated honestly.

Thanks for any help!

 

[mtnbound]

I have the BG 7X9 tarp, and it has severed me well. I would buy it again.

 

[isleofGough]

I'm happy with HMG ultamid but it is quite expensive. The low stretch and light weight are worth it to me.

 

[Jake Larsen]

For your intended purpose, you want the lightest, most packable possible thing you can afford. I use a tarp the same way. Glassing, for sun/rain/snow.

The DST from Seek Outside is a great shape/size for 2 people plus gear.

I’ve run a Kifaru Sheep tarp for your stated purpose, and it’s really tight. Ok for 1, still not exactly comfortable. Not usable for 2. The weight is good. At 12oz, I never leave it out of my pack.
The Kifaru Aegis is also a great size for 2, but getting on the larger/heavier side of things.

The right answer is a Dyneema DST. Then you get the right size for 11oz. But they’re $400 bucks ‍


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[GunsAreFun]

Review: Warbonnet Ground Tarp (SPOILER: It’s awesome)

There isn’t much info out about these tarps, even less on hunting forums. I recommend it constantly in posts but usually seem to get lost in the main hunting brands. I’m here to tell you this is THE best lightweight tarp out there. It is more or less a flat tarp with doors. …doesn’t sound...

rokslide.com

I will continue my mission to spread the good word about the Warbonnet GT.

 

[Jake Larsen]

Review: Warbonnet Ground Tarp (SPOILER: It’s awesome)

There isn’t much info out about these tarps, even less on hunting forums. I recommend it constantly in posts but usually seem to get lost in the main hunting brands. I’m here to tell you this is THE best lightweight tarp out there. It is more or less a flat tarp with doors. …doesn’t sound...

rokslide.com

I will continue my mission to spread the good word about the Warbonnet GT.

Those look sweet for a sleeping shelter. However for use as a glassing shelter for rain/snow/sun, a flat tarp is really optimal


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[ScreamingPotato]

Have you looked at the DD Superlight tarp? I bought one but have yet to use it so can't provide any feedback.

 

[jonnyviceroy]

I have the SG tarp and really like it a lot. My buddy has the argali and seems to struggle pitching it a bit more with the shorter cords it has for different pitches. The dst looks great too and I actually think having their reinforced center patch is super nice to have while glassing. I actually had a friend help me sew cordura onto my SG for the same purpose.

 

[Jake Larsen]

I have the SG tarp and really like it a lot. My buddy has the argali and seems to struggle pitching it a bit more with the shorter cords it has for different pitches. The dst looks great too and I actually think having their reinforced center patch is super nice to have while glassing. I actually had a friend help me sew cordura onto my SG for the same purpose. View attachment 829629

That center patch is one of those little things that’s a big thing haha. Stake the two upslope corners to the ground, a trekking pole on each downslope corner; and a stick or 3rd trekking pole in the center patch. Quick, easy, and makes a comfortable glassing shelter for 2


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[jonnyviceroy]

That center patch is one of those little things that’s a big thing haha. Stake the two upslope corners to the ground, a trekking pole on each downslope corner; and a stick or 3rd trekking pole in the center patch. Quick, easy, and makes a comfortable glassing shelter for 2


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Absolutely, couldn’t agree more. From rain to just trying to get some shade in open country it’s a must!

 

[dailyherold]

I emailed borah gear for some tweaks on their silpoly tarp and they were great to work with. Ended up with a 9x9 with 16 perimeter tie outs, reinforced center patch with loops both sides (inner for guy line to pull down if needed). I was invoiced $145.30 all in shipped to TX.

Haven't gotten out yet but seam sealing this week and hopefully will get a trip for spring bear.

 

[Jake Larsen]

I emailed borah gear for some tweaks on their silpoly tarp and they were great to work with. Ended up with a 9x9 with 16 perimeter tie outs, reinforced center patch with loops both sides (inner for guy line to pull down if needed). I was invoiced $145.30 all in shipped to TX.

Haven't gotten out yet but seam sealing this week and hopefully will get a trip for spring bear.

What’s the weight on that one?


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[dailyherold]

What’s the weight on that one?


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13.2oz tarp only in the included bag. Then have groundhog minis and Larson guy line in a dcf bag adding another 5.6oz to the total carry weight.

 

[GunsAreFun]

Those look sweet for a sleeping shelter. However for use as a glassing shelter for rain/snow/sun, a flat tarp is really optimal


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It can be pitched with one side open just like a flat tarp.

 

[Clovis]

For what you described, I wouldn't go smaller than 10x10 whatever brand you decide on.

 

[Drenalin]

Bear Paw Wilderness Designs Bargain Bin Tarp

9.75x9.75, tons of tie-outs (diagram on product page), seam seal already applied, and mine is 18 ounces with 6 stakes and a bunch of Glowire. Sometimes I miss the center patch on the DST, but I prefer to tie it up from the outside rather than prop it up from the inside. You can stick a pole under any tarp, but they tend to slide around, whereas that's not an issue with the patch on the DST.

 

[EdP]

The multiple pitching options of the DST, aided by the center reinforcement, make it ideal for the purposes you described. It is larger than the minimum you need for one person glassing, about perfect for two. It will keep the dew off two for an overnight and rain or snow off one plus gear in the diamond set-up, maybe for two as an A frame. A diamond set-up is hard to beat if the wind is predictable.

 

[dapesche]

Lite outdoors tarp. Simple, effective.

Took on sheep hunt. Would bring it again.
Two of us slept under it for a couple nights...

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[FranklinBluth]

Have run the kifaru sheep tarp the last three years. Works great for 1 hunter, still doable for 2 hunters. One of my hunting partners bought a bigger stone glacier tarp - it worked fine but visually stuck out like a sore thumb on the tundra. The sheep tarp basically disappeared once you got 100 yards away.

 

[MuleyFever]

I have been researching tarps to cover 2 people like you said and the SG Sky 10 is the best mix of size and weight I have found that's not Dyneema. These are my quick numbers based on stated weights I have found and using 2oz for 8 guylines. I didn't add the 2oz to the DST because its not a consideration for me anyway, too heavy.

SG tarp 10x10 - 14.5oz with guylines

Borah 7x9 - 11.6oz with guylines

Borah 9x9 - 14.9oz with guylines

Boran solo 6x9 - 9.25oz with guylines

Seek DST - 9.3x9.8 19.5oz no guylines

Lite Outdoors 8x10 - 13.6oz with guylines