Tarps?

[Stonehollow]

I'm looking for a lightweight 4 person tarp, primarily for rain shelter. I've found quite a few on the internet, but I'd prefer to hear from those who use them. Here's one I found that fits what I'm looking for (kinda spendy though) - www.backcountry.com/store/CAS0206/c3/s28/MSR-HeptaWing-Shelter.html?id=Y65bewYr

I did see one last year (in envy, while paddling out in a driving rain on Basswood) that sort of looked like a circus tent. The center was suspended from a tree (maybe 12 feet up), and all four sides draped down with the corners tied off. The sides were about 4 feet off the ground. The people underneath were enjoying a cup of coffee next to their firepit.

Any suggestions?

Arne

[Kawishiway]

You may wish to PM Intrepid Camper. She makes light weight tarps (custom) for a little over half price of the mass produced. I was impressed with her tarps and am now discussing the possibility of having her make one for me.

[DocZwak]

i always use the cheap wal mart specials over the fire pit because they get so sooty. then dispose of them when i get home. i use a small lightweight one over my tent as a dry area for sitting, changing clothes, sorting gear, etc. when your 6'5" its hard to do some of those things in a single person tent.

if you use duct tape and a grommet kit you can put a center grommet on the tarp to suspend it higher for better runoff and smoke handeling. stick a rope thru it, tie on a rock, throw it over a branch pull up the center like you would a bear bag, and then tie off the corners as available.

[DocZwak]

try www.sportsmansguide.com and type in tarps on the search. they have several types and sizes at fair prices.

[Stonehollow]

I ended up getting a Crazy Creek Big Area tarp. See www.fourseasonssurvival.com/osb/showitem.cfm?Category=113

[WoodsWalker]

stonehollowmn said:

I ended up getting a Crazy Creek Big Area tarp.

Looks like a nice big tarp.

So have you tried it out yet, if so how do you like it & would you buy it again or recomend it to others?

Woods Walker

[Stonehollow]

Haven't used it yet - I'll let you know after the 16th (when we hopefully return).

[Stonehollow]

Worked fine - only complaint is the number of ties (don't have to use them all, of course). We really needed it last Sunday during the thunderstorms.