Tarp has let me down...

[bushcraftbob]

Went for a night in the woods last night, and it lashed it down all night. My tarp leaked along the centre seam and i got soaked. So....

Im after a new tarp! Fancied a Aussie Hootchie but at £90 on Ray Mears's website they can take a hike! What a rip off!

I have been eyeing up the DD Tarps, but the olive green ones are out of stock. I have seen the DD "MC" Tarp, but not sure about the colour. Does anyone have one? Does this blend in well to a deciduous wood in the summer?

I have seen plenty of websites selling the british army basha, but was hoping to get a slightly bigger tarp, as these are typically 2.6 x 1.8 metres.

Anyone have any other tarp recommendations?

cheers

 

[Paullyfuzz]

True North Big tarp or Auguille Alpine expedition tarp. Not cheap, but unlike the hoochie they are worth every penny. DD is ok, but not as good quality as above but they ain't as expensive either. If I hadn't got the True North tarp I'd be going for the Auguille Alpine one.

 

[PDA1]

AS the leakage was along the seam, I would suggest that you first seam seal it. Use silicone caulk thinned down ca. 3:1 with mineral spirits and paint/smear onto the seam. Or buy a seam sealer from your nearest outdoors store. You will probably find that you won't need to spend a fortune on a new tarp.

 

[bilmo-p5]

A big +1 for the True North Big Tarp.

 

[Dangerous Dan]

An even bigger +1 for trying seam sealer first. The homebrew stuff works a treat or commercial seam sealer if that works out more convenient for you. Oddly enough, not all manufacturers seal the ridge, instead leaving it to 'customer preference'.

 

[rik_uk3]

You should seam seal any tarp or tent before you use it to be honest unless its cotton.

 

[Shewie]

I paid $84 Aus dollars (delivered) for my Hootchie a few year ago from these guys ...

http://www.kitbag.com.au/products/Auscam-Hoochie.html

 

[bilmo-p5]

You should seam seal any tarp or tent before you use it to be honest unless its cotton.

You shouldn't need to, Richard. Tarps & tents should be ready to use when they leave the manufacturers.

 

[Partickpebbles]

DD are pretty good, that said not seen it in the rain! try a fix first!

 

[woodspirits]

re' dd's MC, no it doesnt blend in... with anything!

 

[Retired Member southey]

both my DD's have been fine in the rain from new the 3x3 and the original 4x4, my new (to bought from JD) exped tarp is I feel perfect for me with a hammock being around three meters long, and 2.8m wide, I wish I hadn't got rid of my issue basha as it's a good solid thing, all these were dry as a bone underneath in heavy downpours.

Hope that helps.

 

[The Big Lebowski]

My humble DD 3x3 took a serious lashing on its first outing... 9 hours of pouring rain.

Not a single drop of water on the inside in the morning, I thought that's what tarps where supposed to do!

al.

 

[woodspirits]

Forum: Camp & Carry, take a look at this current thread, theyre having issues with the dd MC

 

[DS1150]

I love my 3x4.5m DD XL. You can get 2 people with gear in a totally enclosed tent-style configuration with loads of room to spare. For one person its like being in a marquee. 1kg and £30-40.

 

[bilmo-p5]

You can get 2 people with gear in a totally enclosed tent-style configuration with loads of room to spare.

I'd be interested to see the way you rig the tarp for 'a totally enclosed tent-style configuration'. I have a way to do it with the True North Big Tarp but have never seen anyone one else using the set-up. Just wondered if there is a better way.

 

[bushblade]

I can highly recommend this one http://www.alpkit.com/shop/cart.php?target=product&product_id=16474&category_id=290 Its replaced my Australian army tarp that I had previously been using since 2003. The Australian ones are worth the money though mine is still going strong with no leaks and has only been reproofed twice since new.

 

[bushcraftbob]

cheers for the input everyone. I am spoilt for choice now! Like the Alpkit one, but, as usual, out of stock!

 

[born2roam]

Tatonka TC2 tarp around 45 quid on amazon uk ...... weighs 1167 grams (no stuff bag, no lines... yes it comes with stuffbag and lines... didn't use these though...)

Quite a good alternative if you fancy a polycotton tarp.

Sold my DD 3x3 and got the Tatonka or use my Jacks R Better 8x8 (foot) silnylon above my hammock or on the ground for a lightweight option....)

All that said, the DD is a good buy....

Grtz Johan

 

[Wild Thing]

Mcnetts seam sealer will cost about £5.

Got to be worth a try and a damned site cheaper than buying a new tarp (unless of course the leaky tarp is a good excuse to buy a new one anyway without getting your ears bent for buying new kit)

 

[sandbender]

Quite pricey, I can recommend the Hilleberg UL range, very light and surprisingly tough.

Some pics here at this German shop, but you can pick them up in the UK too.