View Full Version : Tarp and para cord
Hi all I am in need of a tarp and paracord.
I am planing to buy these items of e-bay but wanted to find out if any body has had the same and if they are worth it.
Any feed back would be much appreciated.
8' x 6' Camo Army Tarp Fishing Camping price £4.30
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Brand-New-Sealed-8-x-6-Camo-Army-Tarp-Fishing-Camping_W0QQitemZ270357779608Q QcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_SportingG oods_FishingAcces_RL?hash=item 270357779608&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A4%7C65%3A1%7C39 %3A1%7C240%3A1318
50ft Genuine Mil-Spec PARACORD 550 Para Cord Tarp Basha price £2.50
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BCB-50ft-Military-PARACORD-550-Bushcraft-Para-Cord-NEW_W0QQitemZ370147353793QQcmd ZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectables_ Militaria_LE?hash=item37014735 3793&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A4%7C65%3A1%7C39 %3A1%7C240%3A1318
Mesquite
17-03-2009, 21:06
Any chance of putting the actual auction listing number or link so we can have a look at them?
Without seeing the links I'm guessing the tarp's made of plastic ? It'll certainly keep you dry but they can be noisy and quite heavy, I'd spend a little more and get a nylon version if you can.
The paracord will be fine for guylines and utility lines but you might want something more substantial for a ridge line. Something like 7-9mm purlon is quite cheap, you only need 10m max for a ridgeline.
Hope this helps and I'm not teaching you to suck eggs :)
Links added (sorry bout that)
Without seeing the links I'm guessing the tarp's made of plastic ? It'll certainly keep you dry but they can be noisy and quite heavy, I'd spend a little more and get a nylon version if you can.
The paracord will be fine for guylines and utility lines but you might want something more substantial for a ridge line. Something like 7-9mm purlon is quite cheap, you only need 10m max for a ridgeline.
Hope this helps and I'm not teaching you to suck eggs :)
Not at all M8 any help is most appreciated thank you
RAPPLEBY2000
17-03-2009, 21:18
Hi Had a look and this is the link:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Brand-New-Sealed-8-x-6-Camo-Army-Tarp-Fishing-Camping_W0QQitemZ270357779608Q QcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_SportingG oods_FishingAcces_RL?hash=item 270357779608&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683%7C66%3A2%7 C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Brand-New-Sealed-8-x-6-Camo-Army-Tarp-Fishing-Camping_W0QQitemZ270357779608Q QcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_SportingG oods_FishingAcces_RL?hash=item 270357779608&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683%7C66%3A2%7 C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318 )
In my opinion it's OK as long as you don't expect it to last,
I've been given one of those camo tarps and I used it to collect hedge trimmings i was walking all over it pulling it over the garden etc, and it stood up to everything i did.
as for waterproofing, as long as you keep it on an angle and tight it should be ok, i think it's coated/lined or something but close up it dosen't look very tightly woven.
the cord looks like standard "shop bought" or army type paracord again, OK but it won't be as strong or durable as real Paracord/550 cord. (though i know BCB are a good company they have made some cheap tat!
for a starter kit it's fine, but the tarp will be very noisey in wind(like a crisp packet), as apposed to army issue tarps or canvas.
I can't remember who it was, but someone on here bought one of the tarps and regretted it.
The "rope reinforced edges" were very thin, weak string that snapped quickly and it was really crinkly (like a crisp packet) in the wind. Definately not conducive to a good nights sleep!
If you can afford it, I would pay a bit more - maybe pick up a used issue basha / shelter sheet?
HTH?
Simon
EDIT:
Must type faster!
Like Simon says (sorry) have a look out for one of these ....
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/british-army-poncho-basha_W0QQitemZ320350489104QQc mdZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectable s_Militaria_LE?hash=item320350 489104&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1684%7C66%3A2%7 C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
You should be able to pick one up for about £10, they pack down really small and weigh nothing. I keep one in my pack to use as a wind break/mini shelter round camp
RAPPLEBY2000
17-03-2009, 21:26
Like Simon says (sorry) have a look out for one of these ....
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/british-army-poncho-basha_W0QQitemZ320350489104QQc mdZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectable s_Militaria_LE?hash=item320350 489104&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1684%7C66%3A2%7 C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
You should be able to pick one up for about £10, they pack down really small and weigh nothing. I keep one in my pack to use as a wind break/mini shelter round camp
:Wow: £10? where do you do your shopping!!!
apart from e-bay I've not seen them sold for less than around £20!:Wow:
Globetrotter.uk
17-03-2009, 21:29
The tarp stuff is plastic, I had some and it is a nightmare to fold and when it rips it goes in the bin.
:Wow: £10? where do you do your shopping!!!
apart from e-bay I've not seen them sold for less than around £20!:Wow:
I think I got mine off the bay for £10 but these guys sell them at that price although they're out of stock at the mo ...
http://www.britishmilitarysurplus.co. uk/shopscr171.html
£15 from here ...
http://www.milisupply.com/fc.htm
Carbuncle
17-03-2009, 21:40
The paracord isn''t really paracord (as I understand it), it's purlon, likely 5mm. I've got some, and it's perfectly adequate, but it's very different from the 550 paracord in build and behaviour. Here's the real stuff at 50p more:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/550lb-BLACK-NYLON-PARACORD-US-GOVT-ISSUE-50-Bushcraft_W0QQitemZ38010793679 3QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Default Domain_3?hash=item380107936793&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688%7C66%3A2%7 C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318
This stuff has white filaments inside a tightly woven nylon sheath, the purlon is the same material all through - it seems a bit more static, but less hard wearing (in terms of fraying against bark), but I bought some 7mm stuff the other night for a ridgeline.
Thanks for your help folks im in the right direction now