In the hope of something constructive coming out of this thread - I was actually looking for a large tarp for next time I go camping with the kids - a roof for a general sitting and eating area out of the rain (or sun - if we are so lucky) + somewhere for me to sleep under while the rest sleep in the tent. I am not sure what size I will need and I want to be able to actually carry it in a ruck sack rather than make a separate visit just to get my tarp.
From what I can see there are several options:
Ray Mears; 3.4 x 4.5m, 1.5kg (inc lines), PU coated Nylon, £140, Lines Included
Aiguille; 3 x 4m, 1.4kg, Silicone coated Nylon, £105, Lines Extra (10m perlon + 30m para 550 = £15)
True North Big Tarp; 3 x 4.5m, 1.8kg, Ripstop Polyester, £91, Lines Extra £15
Hillberg; 3 x 3.5m, 0.57kg, Kerlon 1200, £125, Lines Included
Tanonka; 4.5 x 4.5m, 1.75kg, Polyester, £98.5, Lines Extra £15
Tarps to go; 3.5 x 4.5m, 4.5kg, Polyethylene, £10 Lines Extra £10
DD ? ? ? ? ?
Any suggestions on size, material ?