ultralight tarps

I am looking to upgrade several aspects of my gear and one area in particular is my tarps. I have a 5x7 ground tarp (probably WAY too heavy) and a 8x10 tarp that is excessive in weight but not too bad. anyway, both have grommets and i was looking at upgrading to a LIGHT minimal groundtarp (maybe that could be used as shelter if need be) and a silnylon overhead tarp without grommets. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions, im willing to pay more if the product is quality and UL.

You need to talk to Preacha as he makes them. I own one and a 10x12 is only about a pound. No grommets as they make it heavy. Use guy outs instead. I think he makes a 8x10 as well, but I really like the options thats avalible for the large one. An its REALY nice craft as well.

Check with Preacha first to see what he can come up with.

I'm going to get a UL tarp this winter, and I'm considering an Oware Cattarp,
http://www.owareusa.com/Cattarps.html
or a Mountain Laurel Designs Patrol Shelter
http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=76&osCsid=870c75698d

They aren't flat rectangles, but taper off from head to foot end for a taughter pitch.

I'll only use the tarp from November to February, when it's going to be cold and frozen, with no crawlies out, and I don't want to mess around with my hammock.

One of the most affordable flat tarps I know of is available at Campmor, but made by Equinox.

You might want to look at the Tarptent brand to, if you want bug protection.

OMSC:
One of the most versatile tarps you could get would be a 9x9 flat tarp. This size will give you the most options for pitches that you may need, depending on the weather. A silnylon in this size will weigh about 14 oz.
You can get a shaped tarp, such as the one that coldspring suggested, and they are great tarps, but you are limited in your pitches. They would be great for shelter in mild rainy weather, but if you are in a blowing rain or thunderstorm, I would want more coverage.
As far as ground tarp. I would recommend either a piece of Tyvek, cut to around 3x8, or even smaller, or a piece of plastic drop cloth. A 3x8 Tyvek will weigh about 5 oz. I have a piece of .7 mil plastic drop cloth (3x8) that weighs 1.5 oz. I've used this on at least 4 overnight trips and, except for one tiny hole, it has held up very well.
If you decide to go with one of those shaped tarps, then I would highly recommend that you get a bivy sack with a water resistent top so as to shed rain splash that could occur from using the smaller tarps.

There are so many options now that really it all comes to preference. I use my 10X12 Cat Tarp almost exclusively now, but I have made 9X9, and can make 8X10 too. I really can make whatever size you want really. You want to stay away from grommets, they tend to rip the tarp. Some commercial tarps use plastic "D" rings on the tieouts too, but I find these can break easily. I simply use tieouts made from crossgrain, and reinforce every corner. TM was right that my big ol 10X12 weighs around 16oz, and I have never gotten wet under it! I love it.

My next tarp is like the 9x9 like UL's.. I own a 8x10 tarp from campmor.

Lew

Also check out Outdoor Equpment Supplier I have Brian's MaCat Delux tarp for my hammock. He has them in all sizes. All of the above suggestions are great, just adding one more to the list.

OH

I can second Brian's Tarps. He does a great job!!!

ouachita hiker wrote:Also check out Outdoor Equpment Supplier I have Brian's MaCat Delux tarp for my hammock. He has them in all sizes. All of the above suggestions are great, just adding one more to the list.

OH

I use a MacCat Ultra. I really don't know if I would recommend a MacCat hammock tarp for a ground tarp. It would work, but I've really had a time trying to get mine pitched good. If you're going to use it for ground dwelling, get one of his rectangular tarps. They seem to be a bit heavier than other brands, which is probably due to the reinforcements and D-rings on the tie outs.

If using a tarp for the ground, and if you are going to pitch it directly to the ground, then a non Cat Tarp would be best. I use my Cat Tarp right to the ground in the Winter, and then I pile up leaves on the sides to keep the air out. This works really well for me

When Rodger and I did the BRT back in January... I used my cat tarp next to the ground and had to heap the leaves upon it as Preacha described. Single pole right in the center at the door and peged everything else down. Works great when you use a 10X12.

If you're going to use it for ground dwelling, get one of his rectangular tarps. They seem to be a bit heavier than other brands, which is probably due to the reinforcements and D-rings on the tie outs.
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