View Full Version : Which tarp?
After practising my tarp rigging yesterday, I remembered the problem I had with my basha - it's too small for a hammock. Not sure about the size (it's currently packed away) but I'd guess it's just over 2M long and somewhere between 1.5M and 2M wide. I got it from eBay, and it was listed as "British Army DPM Basha (Poncho) BRAND NEW in Wrapper". No idea if it is authentic or not.
So I got to thinking about a replacement. I don't want to spend too much - especially as I'm also in the market for a new hammock - but I don't like false economy either. :) I've got my eye on the DD Group Buy thread, but I wondered what others recommended.
It all depends on what you want really...
For fixed campsites (car camping) I take a 4.5m x 4.5m Tatonka polycotton tarp. Large enough for 2 hammocks with room to spare and not damaged by the odd spark! Too heavy to carry far tho.
I recently bought a USMCPro 3m x 3m DPM tarp. It has only been out 3 times so far - the last time this weekend in strong winds and torrential rain. 2 of the Scouts Vango tents lost a guyline in the night, but the tarp didn't move or leak.
As for hammocks, I have 2 Hennessey Exped Asy and love them. Well worth the money IMHO. I have also just bought 2 of the group buy DD Travel Hammocks, for the kids. These were fettled with 10 minutes sewing machine time and first impression sare good.
HTH
Simon
I have a Tatonka 2TC - the polycotton one - and it's excellent. I do like it being not too shy of sparks - something you may want to consider or not. If weight's an important factor, you probably don't want polycotton.
Mesquite
24-06-2008, 17:01
...... I recently bought a USMCPro 3m x 3m DPM tarp. It has only been out 3 times so far - the last time this weekend in strong winds and torrential rain. 2 of the Scouts Vango tents lost a guyline in the night, but the tarp didn't move or leak.
That actually helps me a lot as I was considering buying one of these tarps and was going to ask if anyone had used it. It looks a pretty good sturdy tarp and it's good to hear someone rates it. Thanks for that thumbs up Simon :D
schwuk,
another vote for the usmcpro 3x3 tarp. Bought one a few weeks ago, but not really put it through its paces yet. It is well made and finished and has plenty of peg out webbing tabs with brass eyelets. Only has one center tab on the ridge which has a full length of webbing so more could be added if needs be. The main thing I like about it is the material used is almost silent in a breeze. Even when loosly pitched with a good breeze it does not make much noise when flapping about. Cant go wrong for 30 quid.
Cheers
JFW
I like the look of the USMC Pro 3x3 tarps, but for the price I've gone with the group buy DD Tarp 1. It's only 3x2, but it will be better than my current basha. I suspect I'll end upgrading to a 3x3 or maybe a Tatonka in time though.