Which Tarp for UK backpacking?
- Thread starter Runnerman
- Start date
Lots to choose from, for two I'd probably look for something around 3x3m, DD sell a PU coated nylon tarp, Alpkit sell various sizes of sil nylon tarps which are lighter, backpackinglight have some good choices as do ultralight outdoor gear.
Have you considered a tarp tent? You still get the open feel but are a little better protected from the elements. You'd usually pair the tarp tent with a separate lightweight inner or just use bivvy bags.
Have you considered a tarp tent? You still get the open feel but are a little better protected from the elements. You'd usually pair the tarp tent with a separate lightweight inner or just use bivvy bags.
This will partly depend on how you want to camp. If you are thinking about using either a waterproof or water-resistant bivy bag as part of your shelter then a smaller tarp will suffice. If not then you might need to consider the best way to add some midge netting for the times when the bugs are about. You can generally manage with a slightly smaller tarp in woodland and similarly sheltered areas too, as you don't get quite the same problem with rain splashing or driving under the tarp edges as you do on an open hill.
I would suggest looking at the Alpkit Rig 7 as a good base for comparison. It's usefully larger than the old GoLite Cave I've used for years, so I've a fair idea of how it will function despite not having used mine yet, and seems to be quite solidly made. For two people the size will be adequate in a few basic pitches (A-frame style, for example) but it might be a little too small to give enough room if you're pitching it in a more enclosed fashion and folding it around to form a door. The Rig 7 has plenty of good tie-out points, including some to let you put the ridgeline above the tarp to handily avoid water dripping down it and onto you. Backpackinglight has a few good options to consider, including a couple from DD Hammocks: you can also go to the DD Hammocks site directly; have a look at the 3x3 Tarp which should be suitable for your needs, amply big enough and very reasonably priced, though heavier than the Alpkit Rig 7 or Backpackinglight's own brand offerings.
If you're not sure about sizing the standard procedure is to take a couple of sheets and clothes pegs and construct a mockup at home to the size of the tarp you're interested in
EDIT: And Shewie, typing rather faster, points you to exactly the same options!
I would suggest looking at the Alpkit Rig 7 as a good base for comparison. It's usefully larger than the old GoLite Cave I've used for years, so I've a fair idea of how it will function despite not having used mine yet, and seems to be quite solidly made. For two people the size will be adequate in a few basic pitches (A-frame style, for example) but it might be a little too small to give enough room if you're pitching it in a more enclosed fashion and folding it around to form a door. The Rig 7 has plenty of good tie-out points, including some to let you put the ridgeline above the tarp to handily avoid water dripping down it and onto you. Backpackinglight has a few good options to consider, including a couple from DD Hammocks: you can also go to the DD Hammocks site directly; have a look at the 3x3 Tarp which should be suitable for your needs, amply big enough and very reasonably priced, though heavier than the Alpkit Rig 7 or Backpackinglight's own brand offerings.
If you're not sure about sizing the standard procedure is to take a couple of sheets and clothes pegs and construct a mockup at home to the size of the tarp you're interested in
EDIT: And Shewie, typing rather faster, points you to exactly the same options!
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I would pick a lighter tarp than the DD for backpacking. It will work and is quite doable, but it's bulky and heavy compared to sil tarps. The rig7 would be a great choice I think, for grounddwelling due to nice size and all the attachmentpoints.
I have used the 3x3 DD for a good while myself, but have quickly wished I'd spend a little more on a lighter sil tarp.
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I have used the 3x3 DD for a good while myself, but have quickly wished I'd spend a little more on a lighter sil tarp.
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For 2 of you go for a tarp tent config from a 3x3 tarp or just get a tarp tent like the Sil-Minipeak or Sil-Hexpeak. If you don't need the inner you can save 450g and leave it at home.
I'm a tent kinda guy, never considered a tarp until I saw this being done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMAtpWQdVbY&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Top of my list now just under the hexpeak
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMAtpWQdVbY&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Top of my list now just under the hexpeak
A 3m x 3m tarp in a lightish fabric, not necessarily silnylon, is a good place to start. There seems little point spending a lot on a shelter system that you may not like. A fairly standard set-up will enable you to decide better whether and how you might need/want to upgrade and you will have something that will be reasonably easy to sell on if needs be.
Not sure if it will be big enough for you to fit both of you under it, but I do rather like my UK issued Basha. I got it in DPM, a friend has it in MTP. Lots of options for pitching, quite light, and very well made.
J
J
If your new to tarp camping I would say go for a cheap plastic tarp off ebay and see how you get on. If your happy then splash out on more expensive/lighter tarps but don't waste money until you are confident this type of camping is for you. You'll need a bivvy bag too.
Thanks to all!
I'll go with the try a cheap tarp at home idea first and spend a night on a camp bed to see if tarp camping is for me!
As for leaving the current Lady Runnerman at home and going for a smaller tarp.......that might not go down very well with 'er indoors!
Seriously - thanks for all your thoughtful replies - I hope I will get on with tarps.......and will follow your advice re lighter tarps!
S
I'll go with the try a cheap tarp at home idea first and spend a night on a camp bed to see if tarp camping is for me!
As for leaving the current Lady Runnerman at home and going for a smaller tarp.......that might not go down very well with 'er indoors!
Seriously - thanks for all your thoughtful replies - I hope I will get on with tarps.......and will follow your advice re lighter tarps!
S
I use a whopping 7 x 9 meters for the family with army beds . And a smaller 4 x 6 meters for just me and a mate again with army beds . Get the fire in the right spot and stay warm plus bug free . Tarps to me are so versatile and can be changed quickly if the weather turns. I go large for that reason alone . Good luck with whatever you choose.
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