I am looking for a good priced (under $80) silnylon tarp. I am coming from the tent world and looking to go to a tarp. I hike in the southern Appalachian, it can rain alot. Also what size 6x10 8x10 etc. thanks I know this is asked a lot.

I think the Equinox/Campmor silnylon 8x10 is around your price range. It's probably the most common solo tarp. Many of us use smaller tarps though.

For a starter tarp in the southeast, I would recommend a 8x10. I know some people use 6x10 tarps and even smaller but they have less margin for error and I think for just starting out having that extra margin is beneficial.

I think the only 8x10 that is under $80 new is the Equinox one. It might not be as nice as some of the others because it it uses grommets instead of tie outs, but I have a friend who has tons of nights under one of their 8x10's and hasn't had a single problem with the grommets yet.

I notice your avitar is at Stecoah Gap. Is isn't a huge climb, but I remember that climb going north being a killer at the end of a long day.

The link:
Campmor

Good bang for the buck.

Although the Equinox has grommets, they are very well reinforced and I find have held up well for me.
If you can spend more money, I would recommend the Oware(and other) tarps as the extra center tie-outs can come in handy for some pitches.

I've had one of those Campmor 8x10 tarps for years and have used it as a storm kitchen. It's decent.

--B.G.--

I know you said silnylon but before you spend money on something new try out tarp camping with a cheap blue tarp. I've been using using a 8x10 with success for a year now and no problems. The best part is that it's only like $6. My only gripe is that the gromets on mine weren't centered so I couldnt put it in an A frame pitch but a gromet kit fixed that problem.

I think I am going to try a few backyard sleep outs with a blue 8 x 10 and see and the puts some cash down. Yes the clime up Cheoah Bald going south was a tough clime at the end of a day but rewarding.

For kicks, I just picked up the new [and cheap] Outdoor Products 7'x5' tarp from Walmart; $10.00. It has grommets but seems to be made well enough, considering. It isn't super light weight but it's certainly lighter than the typical cheap blue tarps. It pitched well in various configurations with only one small spot where the grommet was beginning to pull away from the material, which was under quite a bit of stress.
It's a little short but should work fine for good weather.