I am in the market to buy a new tarp. I will be using it for just myself, but I would like the versatility of fitting 2 people in it. I would most likely be using a shut end A-Frame style set up. I'm confused on setting up a pyramid style tarp, so if someone would explain what size tarp is needed and the basic points on set up, that would be greatly appreciated. It wouldn't be a deal-breaker if I couldn't set it up with a rectangular shaped tarp. Like I said, the tarp would usually be a shut end A-Frame. I have not yet decided what material, whether it be silnylon, cuben, or tyvek, or a brand in that matter.

I just mainly want some recommendations on the size, shape, material, and brand of the tarp.

Thanks in advanced,

J. Klustner

Size makes a huge difference in the price of a cuben fiber quilt. What's the biggest cuben fiber tarp that your budget will allow? It's nice to let people know if there's a financial limitation so we don't make worthless recommendations.

I am not under huge financial limitations but I would like to use the least amount of money as possible for something that will get my pack weight down.

EDIT:Maybe 225 dollars at max

Edited by jklustner on 01/04/2012 12:41:39 MST.

I don't have much tarp experience, but my 8x10 didn't allow much headroom when the edges were pinned to the ground. If I were to try a tarp again, I'd get a 10x10 or larger, especially if I was going to share it with someone else. It'd have to be cuben fiber for me, otherwise it'd be too heavy. If I was planning to do a pyramid pitch, I might get patches taped in to handle abrasion. I'd also have the tie out loops with grommets and lineloc 3's to make it easier to pitch quickly.

It might be worth trying to find scrap tyvek to try some pitches yourself to see what the space underneath would be like.

Edit: Oh, a 10x10 cuben fiber tarp wouldn't work on that budget unless you made it yourself or got a killer deal on a used tarp.

The downside to a large silnylon tarp is that there will be lots of sag in an a-frame pitch, which really makes a big tarp feel like a small tarp. You might be able to get some extra ridgeline loops to hang your tarp from, which could reduce sag.

Edited by leaftye on 01/04/2012 12:47:09 MST.

go on an overnighter with a cheap 3-5$ poly-something tarp that you can buy anywhere ... they often even have grommets

pick a certain size and see how the sizing and pitching work for you ... that will let you determine what works and what doesnt

then you can buy one of the more $$$$ tarps should you desire ... and youll still have the cheap tarp for friends

I have used tarps for about 30 years or so. It depends on how many people and for what purpose. A tarp is a basic roof. Chances are you will also need a bug shelter or good bug bivy, too. For two people, a 9'x11' works pretty well for me. I have had one for many years. For solo, a smaller 7'x9' tarp works pretty well. Actually I am sort'of looking for another. Mine is about 10 years old.

I prefer rectangular tarps only because thay are easily available. MYOG would mean a square tarp, much easier and a bit more flexible in setup. Usually a 11'x11' tarp mean a three sided pyramid about 4'-5' with a floppy door way.

I usually set it up as an A frame with a single pole and 5-6 stakes. A small 12-16" stick works OK for the rear, with a single hiking staff at the front. In the ADK's moisture, rain, mist, hail, etc is common. So, I pitch them low and wide. Tarps are generally for sleeping only, solo. With a partner, my most common methode is as a lean to. We sleep towards the back, stand up in the rain, generally gloat over our roof.

Like Eric said, make a test tarp out of 3mil polyethylene. The cost is only a few dollars at Lowe's or Home Depot. I use 2" strapping tape and a very small loop of nylon cord to make tieoff points on the perimeter, this works fine. Then tie on the guyline to the small dedicated loop.

You can then find out real quick what size tarp you prefer.

Thanks guys.I will experiment with the tarp size, but what about material. Is cuben that much better than silnylon. I'm just worried that I am going to spend a bit more money on cuben and have it rip in the field. What do you guys think?

J. Klustner

Cuben can be less than half the weight of silnylon, yet stronger, and it won't sag either. If you're worried about some dynamic forces ripping it, you should put some elastic shock cord on your guy outs to absorb some of that. Other than that, you're not any more likely to rip it than you would with a silnylon tarp. That would be a great idea on silnylon tarps too as it would help keep the tarp tight as the silnylon stretches overnight.

Thanks Eugene. So it sounds like cuben is just as strong as silnylon. That's a neat idea with the shock cord, thanks for sharing. Is their any brand in particular that you prefer for a cuben fiber tarp?

J. Klustner

I would go with a cuben flat tarp from Z packs. They seem to be the most reasonably priced. I prefer a 9x7 for solo use.