Tarps...?

[snag]

I have a bivy sack and want to add a light weight tarp to the mix incase of bad weather. I have been looking at the GoLite tarps. Any input or experiences in going in this direction.  I have a 4 seasons tent...just want less weight.

[ron w]

I just got a 12 x 12 light tarp from the sportsmans guide, it was only 29$. It has multi tie out spots and is very light. I hope to use it with a bivy tent this fall in the Adirondaks. I'm thinking the same as you, more protection less wieght.

[sendero25]

snag,
look at the "paratarp" from kifaru.net,
I used one when I lived in Colorado, and now I use it here in Florida to let the breeze blow in,
A little pricy but a good product,
John

[snag]

I have heard of those John. I'll check them out. The GoLite is $145. I remember when you would get the WHOLE tent for that!

[sendero25]

snag, the 2007 kifaru catalog has the paratarp emergency shelter for 174.00, the peg and pole kit brings it up to 253.00.
Like I said they aint cheap, but mine has really stood up. I used it in Colorado and upstate NY, if you get them tight, they will keep the snow off.
John

[Lost Arra]

Ditto on the paratarp.
11oz No poles needed. I use limbs. I already had some UL stakes.

It can be pitched lot of different ways to get more space underneath depending on what trees you have close by and how much parachute cord you have:

   

   

I've also got a Golite Ultralite Poncho/Tarp that weighs the same as the paratarp and will make a shelter but it's smaller in the shelter mode.

[snag]

I guess it is like most things...you get what you pay for...spend less, get less.

[snag]

So this material holds up to the elements huh?

[sendero25]

I've set mine up at a real steep angle using the handle bars of my atv, when a thunderstome comes up here in Florida during bow season it comes up fast!, The angle took a lot or interior room away, but I was dry!
John

[sendero25]

not stome, storm  

[snag]

The website says they are weather "resistant"...? Is that because they aren't an enclosed tent or is it the material that isn't rain-proof?

[sendero25]

sang, my paratarp and supertarp have taken a LOT of wind when hunting high altitude in Colorado, I have the peg and pole kit but anything will do like lost arra said, just keep it tight to the ground.
John

[sendero25]

I don't know how many hours of rain they will keep off, but as long as the snow doesn't build up and melt, they should hold up well. They are great for emergency shelters or a quick spike camp.
They can be set up with pretty steep angles to allow the snow and rain to run off rather quickly.
I haven't spent an all nighter in the rain in one yet.
John

[snag]

Here in Oregon it can rain pretty good! I need something that will stop the rain. I would hate to be 3 miles back in and find out it isn't waterproof. That would make for a looooong night.

[sendero25]

I hear that, if I am not mistaken, Cabelas has several tarps also, might want to check out their website.
One good thing about snow, you can brush it off before it melts!
Wish I had more info for you on how long a paratarp could take the rain, like I said, I have put it up quick for a passing storm if I wanted to stay out and hunt and not go into camp, when the storm or shower passes, I went back on stand.
For that short time, it made a pretty good place to drink a cup of coffee from the thermos and eat a bologna sandwich and a can of sardines!
John

[snag]

Yeah, pass those sardines over here!  I was looking at the Cabela's XPG Ultralight wing too. $69.99-but is heavier.

[sendero25]

Yeah, I am looking at that one also, might be a good place for a tin of sardines, a few crackers, and a can of Dinty Moore beef stew!

[Lost Arra]

snag: the material is waterproof. Water ain't coming thru the material. The seams have to be sealed which is simple. They even send you the sealer. Pitch it on a warm day and it takes less than 15 minutes.  I would guess that if you didn't seal the seams moisture could eventually come thru there, hence water resistant.

For a lot of rain, I put a poncho over the front guy line and stake it down. That closes off the front like a vestibule. They sell an annex but it's not needed.
 
The strong points on the Paratarp is ease of setup and it's wind resistance.

The wing looks nice but you've got to be able to get those sides down tight or it will be flapping like ....well a wing.

[Daddy Bear]

I have an EXPED Scout Tarp Extreme that is my favorite go light all purpose shelter that will withstand high winds and rain with a proper pitch. All the cords, tensioners, stakes, tarp, etc. stuff into its built in pocket which is about the size of a Nalgene bottle.

I use it as a stand alone spike shelter when I bivy overnight and I use it as a cook shelter away from my tent when backpacking in bear country.

 http://www.exped.com/exped/web/exped_homepage.nsf/f54e11c501548847c1256eb300743a86/6e3682f03478e59cc1256f2b001efab5//ScoutTarpExtreme_Info.pdf

later,
Daddy Bear

[leatherneck]

Snag, ever think about a military poncho. If you use two they snap together for a two man tent. Very light weight too.

Mike