View Full Version : tarps
I was also wondering if anyone can recommend any certain types of tarps for camping under? I'm new to this game but really want to give it a shot in the spring/summer.
bambodoggy
20-03-2007, 00:48
Matey, if you can tie it between two trees and it's keep the rain off then you can use any type of tarp you like, from a big blue builders tarp to an army basha sheet, from an over priced aussie hootchi to a 3x4m polycotton, a sheet of old canvas to a ripstop nylon poncho.... have a little go on the search function for some of the terms I've used above and no doubt there'll be a wealth of info and suggestions there for the taking. :)
Cheers,
Bam. :D
Surrey Yeoman
20-03-2007, 02:14
This bunch do a nice 3m x 3m version in British camo pattern or central european camo if you so desire. Camo is good for tarps as it helps you blend in and be less conspicuous (to humans and animals).
http://www.usmcpro.com
I've got one of their 3x3m ones and it's great. Loads of room, not too heavy and 100% waterproof.
Yeoman
I was also wondering if anyone can recommend any certain types of tarps for camping under? I'm new to this game but really want to give it a shot in the spring/summer.
Go to 'Search' and type in 'tarp'. Then fill your boots!
There are loads of different types; probably the most talked about is the Australian Hootchie but these are pretty expensive. There are some much cheaper ones out there and they also do 'group buys' every now and again.
The hardest bit is learning to pitch it properly.
sxmolloy
20-03-2007, 10:04
I use a Tatonka 3x3m poly tarp. Can't fault it. When I was looking for a tarp not too long ago this was recommended to me, along with the Hootchie guy lines from raymears.com. At £10 these are very good quality I find and perfect to go with the tarp.
Happy hunting :)
ATB....Stu
i have a 4m x 3m tarp and it was from ebay and it is great and have had it a while, and all for only for 7 quid + p&p
British Red
20-03-2007, 10:24
A good type is Tatonka in either sil nylon - light and packable - or poly cotton - slightly heavier weight and more spark resistant. Try Andrew at www.outdoorcode.co.uk
Red
Justin Time
20-03-2007, 10:27
Look on eBay for a cheap ex-army one, or maybe an army surplus store, don't spend a lot of money. Get out there with it, learn how to use it by trial, error, and reading the web. First one I used was actually a camping ground sheet, heavy as anything and my bivi bag stuck out the other end, but kept my head and kit dry. Have fun with it, and if you don't like it, you haven't lost a lot of money.
I was also wondering if anyone can recommend any certain types of tarps for camping under? I'm new to this game but really want to give it a shot in the spring/summer.
I have two British army camo tarps (not the green poncho!) one to sleep under and one to keep my gear dry, both are lightweight, go up in 2 minutes and have lasted me the better part of ten years.
I must say though that if you intend to sleep in a hammock, these tarps are too small.
I hope this helps you!:)
litefoot
20-03-2007, 18:09
I agree with the earlier post,the Hootchie lines from Ray Mears are just the job to rig up your tarp when you get it.
andy
sxmolloy
20-03-2007, 20:40
I agree with the earlier post,the Hootchie lines from Ray Mears are just the job to rig up your tarp when you get it.
andy
Anybody tried the 550 Para cord from raymears.com? 3 x 10m lengths for £9.95.
British Red
20-03-2007, 21:27
Proper 550 is much better than "field line" - thats not to bad a price although its cheaper in bulk!
Red
Spikey DaPikey
20-03-2007, 23:15
I have a bog standard camo tarp, form ebay, no top loops etc, just the holes round the edge. I hang mine in a diamond shape, with four guylines from my old tent. I think the whole set up cost about £12 :)
Works ok for me :)
Take a look at this thread
http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=13845
:)