Bushwalk Australia

Anyone had any experience with using a tarp as a "patio"? What sizes seem to be the best for 1-2 people. I will use it to cook under and provide a nice dry area when I get to a campsite if its pouring. I'm not too worried about the extra weight as I can justify taking one with me. Anything under 300g would be prime I imagine. Silnylon is also the material I would like to opt for.

Perhaps something with more than 4 tie-outs and is possible a centred tie out to create a pyramid shaped set-up.

I find it raises the outlook for the party I travel with if we have a communal area to sit around as opposed to being tent bound (for up to a day or more)

Thanks again

I sometimes use tarps to compliment tents, especially when you have a larger number of people it is great for the extra space. You can chuck your gear under it to clear up your vestibules and cooking under a tarp is always more spacious and easy. I recommend Wilderness Equipment tarps, they are a bit heavier than the 300 grams you stated, but they are robust, plenty of guy out points are not too expensive.

For 1 to 2 people, I'd look at a small sized one, but if you can be bothered taking a larger one, the space will make your camp site seem 5 star!

These guys have a pretty nice tarp set up with an MSR Twing on their blog. Might be worth having a look at.

Kinsayder wrote:These guys have a pretty nice tarp set up with an MSR Twing on their blog. Might be worth having a look at.

Link?

bushwalker zane wrote:

Kinsayder wrote:These guys have a pretty nice tarp set up with an MSR Twing on their blog. Might be worth having a look at.

Link?

Ahh so it wasn't just me. I thought I was not displaying a video (happens sometimes with Chrome).

Andrew

Aushiker wrote:
Ahh so it wasn't just me. I thought I was not displaying a video (happens sometimes with Chrome).

Andrew

I run chrome too, so let's just hope it isn't us two who can't see it!

I dont, no link

Sorry, Monday's are pretty busy sometimes... still can't believe I forgot the link.

Here it is http://patagoniandreams.com/ and the pictures that best exemplify what I'm referring to are here http://www.flickr.com/photos/elstevo/6217491752/in/set-72157627830875884/lightbox/ and here http://www.flickr.com/photos/elstevo/6218128295/in/set-72157627830875884/lightbox/

Kinsayder wrote:Sorry, Monday's are pretty busy sometimes... still can't believe I forgot the link.

Haha, *&%$#! Mondays! Cheers mate!

I just bought one from Terra Rosa Gear.
They have a variety of sizes, weights, colours and can custom design one if you know what you want.
If you like to buy local they are Australian.

Thanks for the link!

Those MSR thingos are a bit steep for my budget. A fantastic source of information, either way. I shall have to delve more into their adventure.

Terra Rose Gear seem like they have a few good options aswell. It'd be nice to see them in real life. Perhaps Ill cut a big old blanket up or something and string it around my room.

Ill keep my eyes open, maybe a deal will pop up here. Im in no rush at the moment.

Anyone had experience shipping them from Integral Designs in Canada?

Also, on the subject.

Anyone with some opinions on rectangular vs square tarps? I realize square can be formed into more different variations, but otherthan that I'm quite unsure as to the difference. Rememering here that the tarp will be used mostly for a communal sheltered area.

Kinsayder wrote:Here it is http://patagoniandreams.com/ and the pictures that best exemplify what I'm referring to are here http://www.flickr.com/photos/elstevo/6217491752/in/set-72157627830875884/lightbox/ and here http://www.flickr.com/photos/elstevo/6218128295/in/set-72157627830875884/lightbox/

Thanks for the links. The photos are amazing in their Flickr photostream.

Andrew

No worries, Kozevian and Andrew. Some (well, probably all) of their trips put me to shame.

So I've setlled on a 6x 8 design for my tarp. I will not need anything bigger for a patio/lunchtime area system. Sil nylon, or anything under 9 oz. (about 255g), which tends to be a standard for tarps this size.

My only issue is grommets as I've read in places they can become lose and then end up ripping the material. Whereas tie outs can be repaired with a dental floss+ sewing kit.

Could anyone find a tent in this price range (have talked to backcountrygear and postage is about USD $40) with tie outs as opposed to grommets? So, in all, looking at paying about USD $110

http://www.backcountrygear.com/camping- ... -tarp.html

Thanks again,

Koz

Well if all you want is a poncho sized tarp why not just buy a poncho?
I assume you don't have access to a sewing machine because this size is perfect for home sewing and that way you can make the tie-outs and corner loops as strong as you like.
http://www.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Kits/ ... lon-Fabric

Make it a little smaller and there would be no need to join, just edge seams and tie-outs
And if you shop around you can find it for much less, postage about $20- USD

A poncho tarp is a good idea.

Golite have their's on sale for $60 but currently out of stock. It's a good deal if you can wait for them to restock.

You could also look at Oware for some ideas :
http://shop.bivysack.com/product.sc?pro ... tegoryId=6
They have 5x8 for $54 about 184 g..
Also in stock the 6x8 $76 at 280g
Not sure about the poncho bit. It could be handy but i find the hood to be a bit of a pain to seal and the poncho not that practical ...
( that is with the S2S sil version)
Franco

Yeha the hole where ones head goes seems like an unnecessary water variable for water to seep through. Thanks again on the advice folks.

Oware seem like a good deal, I'll enquire about shipping.

you might think so but I have never had a problem, the drawcord shuts out 99% of the rain, even if wind driven and the hood is a good place to shove in a pole for added height.
I mentioned ponchos as the can be had very cheap sometimes if you don't mint a little extra weight. have to say tho that I have never weighed any of mine.
I have a S2S nylon ( NOT the sillynylon) and a few Dutch surplus units that were on sale a short while ago for $29- each