Tarp choosing advice needed please

[Leigh Robinson]

Hi,

I think this has been asked on here many times before but using search doesnt seem to bring up answers I am looking for.

I need something of a shelter. So when I am out in the woods and it starts hammering it down with rain I can have something a bit better than tree cover. I would be able to cook, read and just relax under it.

Also, I may be going to the cairngorms this october. The idea is to see deer rutting and visit the wildlife sanctury where the wolves are. I may walking/wildcamping the route between aviemore and loch morlich possibly other places too. If the weather gets too rough I want to be able to get into the woods and use them as a wind break and temporary shelter.

To me it seems that a tarp will be good for this although I have never used one and do not know what is good/bad and recommended.

Any advice or guidance on this would really be a great help.

 

[Elines]

For some good advice on pitching a tarp see http://www.outdooridiots.com/features/200606/pitchingatarp/pitchingatarp.asp

 

[Sniper]

A 3mtr X 3 mtr and a good supply of paracord should do everything you're asking but a 3.5 X 4 would give an extra bit of room for admin when needed.

 

[javi]

A tarp would provide an excellent and versatile shelter for the types of situations you've outlined. This link summarises some of the main pros, as well as some photos of a few of the setup options that you have: http://halbertri.tripod.com/tarps.htm

 

[javi]

PS Elines' link's a good one! That's where I learned to attach all the tarp tie-outs and start with the knots and it's very useful. However, I'd also suggest looking at the Powercinch (YouTube) as an alternative ridgeline tensioning knot - I use it and it's very simple and strong.

 

[sandbender]

For some good advice on pitching a tarp see http://www.outdooridiots.com/features/200606/pitchingatarp/pitchingatarp.asp

That is a great article, I had never used a 'Penberthy Prusik' before and will definitely give it a try.

 

[Leigh Robinson]

I see I have a lot to learn! Great I cant wait. I will get to my woods early once I have one and get playing.

Now what are people using? I have heard Tatonka, DD mentioned but no idea what good quality/price.

 

[locum76]

Yup, cheers for these advices guys. I'm currently looking for tarp advices too.

 

[Chainsaw]

There's a couple of dd reviews on my blog in the er blog section but I must confess I'm a bit of a fanboy. Can't link from this machine I'm afraid

Cheers

Alan

 

[Shewie]

I have the DD 3x3m lightweight which is a great buy, very popular with many folk on here.

I think they're out of stock at the minute but they're also due to release a 3x4.5m which I'll be purchasing when the time comes.

For day walks and for a bit of shelter from the elements I have a lightweight army issue 6x4ft basha which packs down to about the size of a punnet of strawberries. Great for days out in the canoe and when the heavens open.

 

[MartinK9]

I have the DD 3x3m lightweight which is a great buy, very popular with many folk on here.

I think they're out of stock at the minute but they're also due to release a 3x4.5m which I'll be purchasing when the time comes.

For day walks and for a bit of shelter from the elements I have a lightweight army issue 6x4ft basha which packs down to about the size of a punnet of strawberries. Great for days out in the canoe and when the heavens open.

3 x 3 back in stock and the new XL tarp is showing too:

http://www.ddhammocks.com/products.php

 

[Shewie]

3 x 3 back in stock and the new XL tarp is showing too:

http://www.ddhammocks.com/products.php

Cheers Martin, not been on for a few days

Is that Frontline a new hammock aswell ?

£39 for the big tarp is a good price, where's my wallet.

 

[Elines]

If you want an emergency multi use tarp try http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/AMK_Heatsheets_Survival_Blanket/5360030859/
There was a review on BCUK somewhere where someone (?in America) set it up and left it out in a wood for ages - even after deliberately cutting it the tarp stood up well - it packs very small and you can keep it as a back up.

It has no tie in ;points but you could improvise by wrapping a corner round a stone and tying with paracord (I am beginning to sound like an expert but don't be fooled - this is all part of my contingency plan - I have never actually used it that way)

For the price I think they are difficult to beat.

 

[MartinK9]

Cheers Martin, not been on for a few days

Is that Frontline a new hammock aswell ?

£39 for the big tarp is a good price, where's my wallet.

Yes; has a zip both sides of the mossie net so you can detach it

http://www.ddhammocks.com/gallery.php?id=13

and has sleeve covers too

http://www.ddhammocks.com/gallery.php?id=12

- I feel a Mod coming on to mine

No connection etc....

 

[Twodogs]

Hmmm I like that ..

 

[michaelp]

really interested in this thread....

I seem to have my heart set on a TrueNorth tarp, but are the worth the extra money?

 

[EdS]

Pedant mode --- not sure why they call it a Pemberthy Prusk (cavers helical knot) as it isn't. Pemberthy is a pain to tie and not worth checking out. - it is however variation on a Klemheist

 

[sandbag47]

i've been seeing alot of people going on about buyimg tarps ( and i was asked last weekend aswell).....dose anyone want another DD group buy !!!!

 

[Chainsaw]

I seem to have my heart set on a TrueNorth tarp, but are the worth the extra money?

I've just got one, initial impressions are good but worth 2x the cost of a DD XL, I'm not sure.... I'll give it a review when I get a mo'

i've been seeing alot of people going on about buyimg tarps ( and i was asked last weekend aswell).....dose anyone want another DD group buy !!!!

He's off again! The energizer group buy bunny!

Cheers,

Alan

 

[sandbag47]

He's off again! The energizer group buy bunny!

me ! just stick to your reviews chainy