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Bozeman Mountain Works SpinPoncho LITE - Ultralight Backpacking Tarp

"New for 2006! Even lighter - ultralight (4.9 oz) poncho-tarp for the hardcore minimalist..."

Click here for a list of other ultralight backpacking tarps in our shop.

Click here to download the SpinPoncho User Guide (Adobe PDF)

The photo above is of Don Johnston (MD) using a SpinPoncho LITE on a spring ski/snowshoe trek in Montana's Beartooth range during a March snowstorm.

SpinTarp Ultralight Backpacking Tarp User Guide

Click here to download the SpinTarp User Guide (Adobe PDF File, 94k).

Overview 

SpinPoncho ultralight backpacking tarps were developed with one purpose in mind: to save weight. 

SpinPoncho tarps are manufactured with the lightest available waterproof fabric with silicone impregnation. This fabric is 35% lighter than the lightest waterproof silicone-impregnated nylon fabrics currently being used in mass-market outdoor gear. However, the fabric is not without its limitations, and SpinPoncho Tarps are recommended only for ultralight backpackers who understand how to deal with them:

• Durability. The SpinPoncho tarp fabric is not as durable as 1.4-oz silnylon. It is more prone to abrasion and has a weaker tear strength. However, the experienced ultralighter who is competent in handling ultralight gear can successfully deal with these limitations. The tarp should never be used as a ground cloth due to the lack of abrasion resistance. As for the tear strength, the tarp is best used with multiple stakes and guylines such that tension is distributed as evenly as possible among the guyline tie-out points to avoid stressing seams and fabric in those areas. We've had the tarp in the field under very high wind loads and have not experienced seam or fabric durability problems. Just pay attention to what you are doing when pitching the tarp.
• Noise. SpinPoncho fabric is noisier than silnylon. Flapping can be minimized, of course, by properly pitching the tarp. This requires practice, experience, and an understanding of how to distribute tension through the tarp's panels. You probably want to pitch this tarp as a hummer, not a flapper (for more info, review the M Advanced Tarp Camping).

Warranty

We do not warranty this tarp against fabric failure. We will warranty against manufacturing defects, including seam ripping, if the ripping was caused by a weakness in seam construction or thread, but not if the ripping was due to fabric failure. Ripping due to fabric failure indicated that the tarp was being used in a manner that exceeded its intended limits. Please review the "durability" section above.

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