Oh got it Marines. You can handle a small tarp I am sure.

Also just for me, a 8x10 or 10x10 tarp has a lot more pitch options and more room.
Ideally you would want a Cuben 8x10 or 10x10 to keep the weight down. Expensive. Thats next on the list.

For a larger tarp, besides the more common pitch senarios like maybe a flying diamond, One good pitch is the open pyramid. In a high wind its big enough to set up into a forrester, which is basically like a dart. Also big enough to use diagonally over a hammock.

Links that are interesting.

Forrester Down the page and various other pitches.

http://www.bushwalking.org.au/FAQ/tarp/TarpShel.htm

http://www.equipped.com/tarp-shelters.htm

Open pyramid video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkBeZqXU4zk

Also Brawneys 10x10 setup is nice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzJHuWlEAtk&NR=1

Not UL but the hat, leather bag mallet and heavy stakes are cool and a canvas tarp. Somewhat entertaining.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzJHuWlEAtk

This guy sets up a 5x9 campmor into an open pyramid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IaYJBG7Puk

Mike, I've got a lot of UL gear including MLD and Zpacks packs, a bivy sack, Bush Buddy stove, Caldera Cone, JRB quilts, Pro 90 quilt, scale, etc. -- enough to outfit me and my wife in a variety of conditions. If you ever want to take a look at a bunch of UL gear in one place, feel free to come and visit me in Anoka.

I always hear mentioned that an 8'x10' or 10'x10' tarp is good to start with because it's more forgiving, but is that really true? Isn't it more difficult to achieve a stormworthy pitch with a large non-cat design?

It seems to me a cat tarp cut something like 7x5x9 offers plenty of coverage for a solo hiker and sets up bombproof in a snap even with limited experience. I would guess that's not true of bigger rectangular tarps.

Also, one of the biggest reasons cited for a big non-cat tarp is that it can be set in multiple configurations, but other than fooling around are all these configs necessary and actually used?

I'm sure there are plenty of reasons to use a big tarp, but it seems to me that suggesting they're safer and easier for beginners might not actually be true.

I would say mostly more versitile, bigger and more coverage. A forrester is a great high wind setup, although low and tight and it creates a bottom and a beak.

But yes a shaped tarp has definate benefits.

I really like the cuben monk tarp based on its weight and size. Currently all I do with my shelter is sleep in it. If the night is clear and no rain is predicted I just sleep under the stars. My current traditional setup has me wanting one thing. Less weight. The cuben monk tarp is a good price at 130 and if for some reason I desire a bigger tarp I am going to try sewing one.

Since money is a bigger factor I don't want to transition into anything. I have no problem spending a bit more for quality gear and avoiding transitioning. In the long run I will save money by spending a bit more for the good stuff. I was looking at the REI minimalist bivy but I really want something that is rated highly. That's why I like the MLD superlight bivy.

I am in no rush to get new gear. I will not be going camping til spring. Also since I'm a disabled veteran I have vast amounts of time to devote towards research. I am not 100% set on anything at the moment so I might end up getting a bigger tarp. My only goal is to be able to hold my pack with one finger.

Rick I would love to see your gear. Maybe you could be my UL mentor?

Troy thank you for the links.

Mike, I will chime in again since you have time for research. If you want bang for your buck and you want a piece of high end gear, beyond the MLD superlight you might want to consider the tigoat Ptarmigan.

ti goat bivy

Both of these are considered best in class around here. Personally I use the MLD superlight. I have 4 MLD items and love each one of them.

As it has been discussed any enclosed bivy will be too hot in warmer temps. When this happens I sleep on top and use the bivy like a ground sheet or I switch to MLD bug bivy.

So now onto your tarp thought...Cuben Monk Tarp weighing in at 4.4 oz. This tarp is only 4' wide so realize you are getting smaller coverage than most tarps. If you are ok with this you are getting one of the lightest tarps on the market made from probably the most advanced material available. This is SUL hiking on the edge. Because of the tarps simplicity it is a deal that is hard to beat...compared to the grace solo which comes in at $255.

Here is the other thing to consider. If you find you don't like any of these items. You can sell them in the gear swap forum for probably 80% of what you paid. Sometime MLD is 100% because there is no wait.

Last thought...if you want to try out tarping on the cheap you might want to consider the Integral Designs 5x8 sil tarp. It costs $75 retail...$60 when it is on sale. It weighs 6.8 oz and it is a full 5' wide. I have used this tarp through several severe storms with great sucess.

ID 5x8 SilTarp

Jamie

Edited by jshortt on 11/07/2009 05:56:04 MST.

"My only goal is to be able to hold my pack with one finger."

You mean like this?:))))

(8 lbs. baseweight in MLD Zip pack)

I'd love to to a show-and-tell and talk about how different gear I've had has fared in the wild. I recently gave a 1 hr. presentation to a MN backpacking club group from meetup.com during our hike in BWCA. It was a lot of fun. Plus, I just hiked the PCT and saw and used a lot of different gear.

Send me a note at delong {dot} rick {at} gmail {dot} com. I work at home and have a lot of free time during the day.

Edited by Legkohod on 11/07/2009 08:27:35 MST.

Just to give myself an idea of tarp sizes I am making one out of paper. Obviously this is a very basic way for me to get an idea and it probably highlights the amount of free time I have. Rick expect a message tomorrow. Your help is what I need which I'm sure is obvious (paper "tarp").

I had to add one thing. What do you guys think of hiking poles. There are times when I think they are helpful. Going down a steep grade with my heavy pack is more reassuring with a third leg. My problem is I have just been using a wood pole which is heavy. I don't like carrying it on the relatively flat sections of trail and usually just leave it in the car. Now that I'm going to start tarp camping I plan on getting some good trekking poles that are light. I like the tigoat poles for their weight and they look pretty well made. Do trekking poles make hiking easier??

Edited by mcpacker on 11/08/2009 00:39:42 MST.

Gossamer Gear Lightrek 4 trekking poles

Mike, I use the ti goat poles and like them a lot. The one thing ti goat has that I have not found anywhere else is the camera mounting screw option that you can put into the top on a pole. Since I usually hike solo this option lets me easily capture pictures of myself.

I find poles are the most help going up and down steap trails, great when crossing streams, not needed on flat trails, and most helpful when setting up a tarp.

As Anna pointed out the GG LightTrek 4's are the other option for lightweight adjustable poles. My guess is they are a little more popular than tigoats because of the contoured hand grips.

Jamie

Does anyone know about OES tarps? I just came across their website.

http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com/index.html

Went to a local store today and found the tarp I think I will get. It's bigger than planned but a good price and it is a MN company. It is made by Cooke Custom Sewing and is an 8'x10' tundra tarp made with 1.9 oz silnylon. Heavier than most but still way lighter than my current shelter. It is only $80 and will be on sale next week. I might also try to get a new sleeping bag. Western mountaineering Hilite for 210 seems good.