Tarp Considerations

[Daviddsenecal]

Any need for ground cloth and bug netting option?
Love the idea of a fast easy light shelter but some days everything is wet

 

[Coopsdaddy]

I’m trying to mentally justify a Dyneema DST. It’s the perfect solution…right size, right weight, right features. But dang the cost is hard to swallow. I know from previous experience, if I can stay in that 14oz range all in, I always throw it in the pack. Much heavier, and I’ll start wanting to leave it behind for certain hunts


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Curious what the life span is on these,not from heavy use buy mainly packed up for emergencies with some occasional use compared to Sil poly or Sil nylon.

 

[owenseek24]

Curious what the life span is on these,not from heavy use buy mainly packed up for emergencies with some occasional use compared to Sil poly or Sil nylon.

Dyneema is super strong, but it will take damage/degrade quicker from heavy use compared to the stated materials above. Dyneema is a laminate so every time you fold/unfold it your putting little creases in the fabric, which accelerates its wear overtime. That being said a Dyneema DST is awesome. Another note on Dyneema is that it does not pack as small as other fabrics.

 

[persianrug]

Pretty happy with my Silnylon 10' x 10' from Etowah as a shelter. I've spent a month of nights under it, including some rain and wind. Lots of square feet per ounce.

I'd go smaller for shade/wind/random weather purposes in the day pack. Finding a 10' x 10' clear and flat spot can be challenging, and smaller will catch less wind.

Picture of an enclosed pitch for incoming rain.

 

[TradLife406]

I love having a tarp. Been using a Rab for years. Picked up the SG here. It's amazing. I love it. About a pound with stakes.

One con to a tarp I learned this past weekend that's not the right tool for a main shelter in high winds. Yes it can be done. I get that. But better off going to a tent.

I won't hunt without a flat tarp in my pack. Last bull I killed I knew it would be safer to sleep near the kill vs hiking back with a headlamp that was dying. I wished I had a tarp. It was dry but a little breezy. That tarp would have been money.