lightweight tarp ideas?

[albravo2]

When I camp within easy reach of my vehicle I typically haul a monster blue tarp for rain protection. We've gotten pretty good at hanging it high enough and tight enough to afford protection from the rain while cooking or sitting around the fire. Sort of a wall tent without the walls.

But the big blue tarp is pretty heavy. Far too heavy for backpacking.

Does anyone have any suggestions for lightweight tarp material? There are several for sale that are designed to cover a couple of sleeping people, but I'm thinking of something 20'x40'.

[boxhitch]

If you can rig it properly , a parachute can actually be fairly rain resistant , but it is best when taught.
Add some silicone waterproofing from Crappy Tire , and you have a giant sil-tarp Homer style.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

20x40' tarp for backpacking? How many people/tents are you planning on covering?

SSS

[358mag]

20x40' tarp for backpacking? How many people/tents are you planning on covering?

SSS

Maybe the complete CITR crew....LOL.....:wink:

[1899]

If you are solo, then what about a Gatewood Cape from Six Moon Designs?

[broncoo]

i think even a siltarp tarp that big would be unmanageable. get some raingear

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Someone on HBC started a thread about making their own tarps out of sil-nylon.....wifey did the sewing IIRC? Was it Everett??

SSS

[albravo2]

to clarify, i am thinking of something lightweight for main camp with enough covered area for cooking, drying and a fire. like a wall tent, without the walls. my experience is that in a moderate rain only 2/3 of the area under a tarp is comfortably usable.

spike camp would be a different story. much smaller footprint but the same material.

[1899]

Ah, then ignore my suggestion!

[Hammerhead]

We been using lumber wrap as a light weight material that's strong and packs tighter then a tarp for backpacking. I usually buy a 8000 sq ft roll at least once a year for floor protection on our reno's and new homes. I usually cut off a 10 or 12' length and it opens out to 10'. Works well
HH

[Boner]

I pack a silvicool. It's like a crude thermos. I wouldn't want a fire under one though, they is expensive. They reflect temperature but they are not sparkproof.

[Lionhill]

Tyvek. Light, cheap and waterproof. Use for ground cover and for top canopy.



http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3486/3821681871_252dedbb03_z.jpg?zz=1

[Apolonius]

Like the tyvec idea.Groovy!!!!!

[vip_ruger]

Big sil-tarp they are great