Best tarp out there?

[Vaughan]

Howdy.

So I know that this is a shot in the dark question but I've searched a hell of a lot and, whilst there are threads on "this tarp or that", I'd really like an opinion on the best tarp on the market.

I will only ever need it for a maximum of two people with bivvi bags.
It would ideally be super light.
Money essentially isn't a problem - I'm of the mantra that if you buy it right then you buy it once.
Ideally a discreet colour, we tend to do a lot of 'wild' camping.
I've set up standard tarps before but not any of the quirkier designs. Not to say that I would be against them, just putting that out there.
We don't tend to use walking poles but this could be factored in if really necessary.

I would really appreciate your help, sorry in advance, I know that you probably get this question all of the time...

Vaughan

 

[Jimmy Bojangles]

I've got the DD 3x3m tarp, and it's very light for the size, massively versatile and after the winds it stood up to the last time I took it out I'd say it's pretty damn durable.

 

[Clouston98]

Bilmo-p5 of this parish.

Mine is canvas so not lightweight. However as he makes them you can chose the material you would like. Well made and great value- fir him a PM!

 

[Quixoticgeek]

Yes.

If you want lots of space with really good wind resistance, then the MLD trailstar is technically a tarp. Weighs about half a kg, but you will need a pair of walking poles to put it up.

If you want discreet then the British Army Basha is for you, It's heavy, over 1kg, but very roomy, very versatile, and blends in quite nicely in British woodland.

There are two of them in this photo.

The alpkit Rig 3.5 is a nice tarp, only 270g, but also only 1.4m wide, so while it will cover two of you in bivvi bags, you may find that you want to pitch it 90°'s on, and have your feet sticking out.

For an extra 15 quid you can get a 70g saving, and have the 2.2m x 1.5m RAB siltarp 1 at 200g. Still gonna be tight for two, but you can't beat it for weight without going cuban fibre.

So those are the options to consider. Everyone else is going to recommend a DD 3mx3m. Personally I've not seen the appeal in them, but they are very popular. If number used within those of this parish is anything to go by, then a DD 3x3 is best, followed by a British Army DPM...

I use a British Army DPM. I am considering the weight saving of a Alpkit rig 3.5.

Ultimately you pays your money, you takes your choice. And if you are anything like the rest of us, you will actually end up with a whole collection of tarps you use for different things. So far I have 2, I'm looking at a 3rd and a 4th, each for different things...

Julia

 

[sandbag47]

I very much in favour of DD tarps. And if money isn't an issue DD are now doing a super light tarp.

 

[bobnewboy]

I've got a DD Superlight. Does what it says on the tin. It is 2.9 x 3 metres and is plenty big enough. See:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/bob_d14/14557112789/

 

[ozzy1977]

If you want quality and light weight look at the hilleberg tarps.

 

[Paulm]

Another shout for the Alpkit Rigs, I've got a 21 and it's very well made with extra side tie-outs that are very useful, also have a DD 3x3 that's decent too.

Cheers, Paul

 

[Juv2112]

I was searching for this topic only yesterday! I gave up and found a 3x3 on DD Hammocks that looked perfect for my needs, glad to hear they're liked here. I noticed they do it in coyote brown, does anyone have one or any thoughts on them? Nice pic Julia BTW.
Sorry for the hijack Vaughan.

 

[Inky]

Just to add another option to the mix, about a year ago I bought an Elite Evolution basha (3x3 multicam) from a site called ukmc pro and I'm very happy with it. Good size, very light, well made, good camo.

 

[Johnnyboy1971]

Tatonka tarps are well made and decent money or as said above Hilleberg are top notch kit but top end price too.

 

[sargey]

I've been considering the multicam bssha for a wee while. Will probably pick one up now.
Cheers, And.

 

[The Cumbrian]

Alpkit Rig 7 for one or two two people ground dwelling. Awesome bit of kit.

Cheers, Michael.

 

[Craig88]

My preference would be a treated 3x3 canvas tarp they just have a better look and feel rather than the basha material ones, Jmho like.

Sent from my GT-I8160 using Tapatalk 2

 

[ADz-1983]

There is no such thing as "best" as it's subjective. What may be best for you may not be for something else.

 

[ozzy1977]

I have the army basha, dd 3x3 and 4x4 they probably get equal use depending on the weather and if ground dwelling or hammock.

 

[ADz-1983]

MLD Trailstar, DD 3x3 and Warbonnet Superfly

 

[Shewie]

MLD Trailstar, MLD Grace Duo (cuben of course) & Hammock Gear 4S cuben tarp

 

[welchyd1]

If you plan on having a fire nearby I would be looking at canvas or polycotton. Or get a cheapish basha or dd and replace it when there are too many burn holes. If you don't plan on having a fire nearby there's plenty of great suggestions already been covered.

 

[sandbender]

If you want quality and light weight look at the hilleberg tarps.

Another vote for the Hilleberg tarps, I have a UL10, it has been my primary outdoor shelter for ten years now, it is very very light for its size and surprisingly tough.

Paul Kirtley uses the XP version, he writes about it here.