Hilleberg Tarp XP 10 Review

[Squidders]

I have carried out an initial review of my Hilleberg tarp. If anyone is interested, it can be viewed here:

http://josephburge.tumblr.com/post/95584690682/hilleberg-tarp-xp-10

Happy to receive constructive criticism and even happier if this review is useful to you.

 

[JonathanD]

Post it here. That's my constructive criticism

 

[Squidders]

pffft!

 

[JonathanD]

How would you rate it against the Aussie hootchie in terms of size weight and ease of set-up?

 

[Squidders]

Well, the Australian Hootchie is about the same weight but because of the way I rolled it up tightly, it took up less room in my pack. More recently I have started to just stuff tarps in my pack anyway though - I found that repeatedly folding a tarp in the same way causes strong creases that are less waterproof where as stuffing gives more even wear.

Both tarps are really bomb proof but (based on no testing you must understand!) I would likely give the strength advantage to the better silicone coated fabric on the Hilleberg.

The ease of setup I would actually give to the Aussie tarp because you can just get away with a guy line at each corner and a ridge line, because it's smaller, but the Hilleberg is very easy to set up and I would be tempted to use the same line locks on an Aussie tarp.

 

[JonathanD]

Keep us updated. I like my Aussie tarps, but the extra coverage of this one might tempt me over.

 

[Goatboy]

Cheers for doing the review as promised. Have always been blown away by the quality of Hilleberg and love what I've had from them. Great balanced review and comprehensive too. Wanted one for ages though as you said in your spiel cost is an issue (well for me at the moment.) Still you've stacked some extra brownie points in the favour of me saving up and getting one.

 

[MarkN]

A nice write up.

I bought the same tarp early last year and think it's superb. I've used it both during the summer and winter as shelter when on long walks. I've also used it over my tent during the summer to keep the sun off of it. I've very impressed by the size and strength and by how waterproof it is.

 

[Squidders]

I thought I would follow up on this... I'm off to the woods next weekend and the tarp will be coming with me... again! I never leave it at home.

Did I ever make the right choice! This tarp has done it all… it has covered me in my hammock, been pitched next to my tent on family camp sites, covered wood piles with bricks to hold it down,been pitched in my garden so I can BBQ in the rain and spent weeks in the woods to give me a dry living space.

After severe frosts, blazing sun, gusting winds strong enough to fell healthy trees and rains that caused severe flooding, the tarp has truly lived up to my expectations and still looks brand new. No - Really! Brand new looking still!

The cordage is still flexible but easy to knot, the stitching is all completely secure and all the loops and attachment points show absolutely no signs of wear.

Anyone considering a tarp for 1-2 people will be utterly reliable should go out or go online and buy one this second!

 

[Johnnyboy1971]

Was going to buy one the other year but was told to avoid them.
Goes to show that you should make up your own mind.
Looks like more outlay on yet more kit.

 

[Squidders]

I'm interested to hear what you were told... just incase it's something to keep an eye on.

 

[Johnnyboy1971]

I'm interested to hear what you were told... just incase it's something to keep an eye on.

Looks like it is my mistake, looking back it appears I was asking about the UL10. Sorry about that.

 

[Squidders]

Ahhh... the XP is a BEAST compared to the UL. But it doesn't pack small, just a warning.

 

[Johnnyboy1971]

Ahhh... the XP is a BEAST compared to the UL. But it doesn't pack small, just a warning.

I normally use either the issue basha or the Tatonka 4.5x4.5 so neither pack small