Tarp advice - Canvas vs. Vinyl
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I have used one of these since 2007, very strong and robust (tree branches have been blown onto it) and it weighs next to nothing.
Hilleberg Tarp UL 10
Hilleberg Tarp UL 10
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I use a DD 3mx3m tarp which is at the budget end of the market but has served me well over a few years.
Canvas tarps are tougher but much heavier than nylon ones and they take much longer to dry. That said I have been hankering after one recently.
Canvas tarps are tougher but much heavier than nylon ones and they take much longer to dry. That said I have been hankering after one recently.
Canvas is very durable, and can withstand sparks from your fire. Canvas is very heavy!
Nylon, and pretty much anything synthetic might be a lot lighter, but they are not very forgiving and damage by sparks very easily.
if you are 'car camping' and don't have to carry long distances, i'd buy a canvas.
if you're backpacking, buy a nylon.
Nylon, and pretty much anything synthetic might be a lot lighter, but they are not very forgiving and damage by sparks very easily.
if you are 'car camping' and don't have to carry long distances, i'd buy a canvas.
if you're backpacking, buy a nylon.
I used to use the DD3x3 and liked it but then moved onto the Tatonka TC technical cotton and think it a vast improvement.
But if I had to carry it a long way I would go back to a lightweight nylon type.
But if I had to carry it a long way I would go back to a lightweight nylon type.
Although the nylon tarps can become pin holed with sparks from a fire, Canvas can smolder for ages and then catch light. Ironically I have had this happen after trying to light charcloth for about an hour and using my lighter instead.
Both materials will fail on you. They just get damaged a bit differently. For example, if you don't take the time to properly dry out a canvas tarp, in very short order you will start to see it rot. Whatever the material, you have to know what damages it and take care of it.
