Light Hiking Tarp?

Hey folks,

I'm in the market for a like hiking tarp.

This will be used to provide quick shelter while hiking with a group of 2 - 4 hikers. Think, get out of the rain during rest stops or a quick wind break during lunch.

We hike in New England where the woods are tight and trails are very narrow, so I'm looking for something on the smaller end of things. 6'x8' is as big as I can imagine fitting on some of our spots.

I want something light and strongly prefer sewn in tie outs, not brass grommets.

I want to avoid breaking the bank and don't think I'm going to spring for a silicone impregnated nylon tarp at this point.

Suggestions?

Try a tent footprint.

This is what I carry: It's a tarp!

Nothing fancy. Just cheap and effective. That other thing I've used it a space blanket (lighter, but not as durable).

I have one of these , they don't take up much room and unless you go with cuben fiber, silnylon is about as light as it gets

Look at the cottage manufacturers at hammockforums.net

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=2

OES makes fantastic tarps but Brian has a bit of history of being late.

I have a JRBs 10x11 rect tarp that allows for many different configurations. http://www.equipped.com/tarp-shelters.htm

These might fit the bill.

http://www.chinooktec.com/index.php/tents/tarps/product/19-chinook-guide-silicone-tarp

Try this: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=1145824

8.5x8.5 costs under $25

Thanks folks, I think I've found what I'm looking for!

Super helpful responses!!

Campmor has fairly good prices on rectangular tarps. For 6 ft x 8 ft:
* coated nylon: $35, http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___22216
* sil-nylon: $70, http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___20068

Doug

Way fancier than you were looking for, but Cooke Custom Sewing makes some awesome silnylon tarps. Smallest is 8x10 @ 14.1 oz.

http://www.cookecustomsewing.com/tundratarp.htm.

The attachment loops are awesome. I own 2 of the 10x12s. I've used them in a variety of shelter/leanto arrangements, over my hammock, and as a rainfly over a group cooking area.

Only problem is that folding silnylon is like trying to put a greased octopus in a bag with 1 hand while blindfolded. You just stuff it.

I bought this http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RVHBLO/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1, a lightweight silnylon tarp for 65 bucks.

I also got a couple of ping pong balls to make a tie point anywhere on the surface of the tarp, 6.5' x 10'.

dave.m said:

Thanks folks, I think I've found what I'm looking for!

Super helpful responses!!

Click to expand...

So what did you go with?