Undecided SO DST tarp or Kifaru sheep tarp

[Jordan5452]

Any experience with the ultra lite tarps? Looking into DST and kifaru sheep tarp! I’m a little on edge of the weight of the DST and there isnt any photos of packed size! No budget, will consider other options. Any recommendations? Main use is for a day pack/emergency/glassing/rain etc. should note it will likely be me +1. Thank you!

 

[Drenalin]

To get an idea of packed size, go to the DST page here and watch the video under the 'videos and media' tab. He's got one in it's stuff sack at about the 1:15 mark of that video. There are lighter and less bulky tarps, but after trying a few others, I'm planning on going back to a DST. If you're planning on putting two people under it, I'd definitely go DST as it's quite a bit bigger than the Sheep Tarp. I'll also add that I haven't used the Sheep Tarp and there's probably someone here who will say they've had 4 people under one for a week solid and they were all perfectly comfortable. Whatever; based on my experience with similarly sized rectangular tarps, I will take a larger square shaped tarp every single time - and the DST is far and away the best I've used.

 

[Patton]

No experience with the sheep tarp but have spent many nights under a DST. Agreed with the square shape being preferred.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Fan of the DST. Packs to the size of a large grapefruit or small head of lettuce. I have slept 3 under mine but it is cozy. 2 is fine. It is a palace for 1 + gear.

if you wanna go lighter look at DCF but expect to pay $$$.

 

[Jordan5452]

Have any of you used it for glassing? Or quickly set up to stay dry?

 

[EdP]

The Sheep tarp is 5' x 9 1/2', half the size of the DST. That can make a decent wind break or keep the dew off your bedroll. It's not a lot of cover in a storm especially if the wind is whipping a bit. The sheep tarp might be a better option as an emergency shelter for one person due to it's lighter weight but I'll take the DST for the extra space for sleeping and gear if planning to camp.

 

[Jordan5452]

See

The Sheep tarp is 5' x 9 1/2', half the size of the DST. That can make a decent wind break or keep the dew off your bedroll. It's not a lot of cover in a storm especially if the wind is whipping a bit. The sheep tarp might be a better option as an emergency shelter for one person due to it's lighter weight but I'll take the DST for the extra space for sleeping and gear if planning to camp.

Awesome reply, have you had a chance to set up the DST for glassing? To keep sun or rain off you?

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

I have both. The sheep tarp would be a true emergency shelter. If there is a storm you will get wet. Both can be used for glassing. If money is not an issue look at the hyperlite flat tarp, about the same size as the DST but weight of sheep tarp.

I don’t use the DST anymore, I sometimes carry a DCF silex, weighs less and sets up quicker, even glass under it.

 

[EdP]

Here is the DST set up over my Kuiu Summit Star. The front peak is about 6' high and directly over the fire. There is plenty of lounging room and space for gear. The fire has never caused any issue with the fabric and the tarp catches a lot of heat. After spending all day hunting in the cold away from camp, it is great to come back to warmth, a windbreak, and cover from rain or snow. Without the tent under the tarp there is plenty of room for two.

 

[mcseal2]

DST pitches

 

[mcseal2]

Sheep tarp is about half the size as others have said. It’s good for a windbreak or emergency shelter. The sheep tarp does have a good design with the extra tie outs.

I use my DST more often. Anytime I expect to use the tarp I take the DST or a Hyperlite 8.5’ dyneema square tarp. Just for emergencies I take the sheep tarp at times.

My favorite sheep tarp pitch for shelter is this one

 

[Jbehredt]

Have any of you used it for glassing? Or quickly set up to stay dry?

I carry one just for this. Flying diamond setup with 3 stakes and trekking poles is a snap. The wife got me a new DST for Christmas after losing mine last year. She likes knowing we have a roof if it gets a little crazy.

 

[Jordan5452]

Sheep tarp is about half the size as others have said. It’s good for a windbreak or emergency shelter. The sheep tarp does have a good design with the extra tie outs.

I use my DST more often. Anytime I expect to use the tarp I take the DST or a Hyperlite 8.5’ dyneema square tarp. Just for emergencies I take the sheep tarp at times.

My favorite sheep tarp pitch for shelter is this one

Nice that looks awesome too! Have you done glassing with the DST? Which pitch would a guy use with that one

 

[mcseal2]

I’ve glassed a lot under the DST. It just depends on terrain and wind how to pitch it. The 2 pics on the top row, not the first single pic, are a favorite of mine in open country without to terrible a wind.

 

[Elkfitness]

The dst is much more versatile based on the pics. I run a sheep tarp for what you mentioned and it works good for that though.


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[croben]

I have the DST and like it. If I was to get another one, I would probably get the Stone Glacier SkyTarp 10. It’s 10’x9’7” and less than a pound with the guylines.

 

[Hectocotylus]

DST is great for glassing, honestly a bit big for one guy for that purpose. Two guys it works perfect for glassing. Sleeping under it all buttoned down is still plenty big. I love mine. Sheep tarp would be too small for me in wet Washington.


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[kpk]

I think the DST is a lot more versatile especially with the +1 factor like you mentioned.

 

[id_jon]

I've spent several nights under a sheep tarp in the rain. It's better than no tarp, but thats about it. It's also practically weightless, so it gets carried a lot.

 

[Jordan5452]

Thank you all for the reply’s!I think im going to order a DST and hold off on the sheep tarp till the future. Now to figure out witch Borah bivvy to pair with it!