Looking for a good tarp

[otto76]

I recently picked up an ENO hammock to try out as a replacement for my little one man tent. I am about to order the mosquito netting for it, so all I really lack is a good twilight tarp to use in case of rain. This will be for hiking with or carrying in a kayak so space & weight are a consideration.

I am looking for a good combination of space, weight, durability, and economy, in that order.

My current pick is this equinox (the 6x8), looks like a good solution.
http://www.equinoxltd.com/the-gear/...ound-cloths/globe-skimmer-ultralite-tarps.cfm

I haven't spent a lot of time shopping for one of these, and have no experience using a tarp other than the $10 blue plastic ones you can pick up at Academy, etc. To me, $70 seems like a chunk of money to spend on something like this but from what I've seen it's about par for the course.

Anyone have any suggestions for me?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Andy]

While I don't have any experience with them, the people over at Bushcraft USA forum seem to have good things to say about these....

http://bushcraftoutfitters.com/BCUSA-Tarps_c23.htm

 

[otto76]

Thanks for the link. A couple of hours ago I was having another look at the Equinox tarps and noticed this one again:
http://www.equinoxltd.com/the-gear/tarps-and-bivis-and-ground-cloths/egret_nylon_tarp.cfm

I had formerly written this off because at the time I was looking at the tarp as the primary shelter and not an accessory to it; I wanted something larger but still light. But I think just as a tie off for my hammock it will do fine, ended up ordering one.

The first thing I looked at on the link you sent was this one:
http://bushcraftoutfitters.com/MEST-Coyote-mest-coyote.htm

It looks to be the same specs as the one I ordered, 1.9 oz ripstop nylon, urethane coated. I am happy to see by the video on the site that it packs down very small so I'm hoping the one I ordered will as well.

 

[KW Driver]

I've got an ENO, bug net, and the pro tarp. the tarp works well, packs small. I bought the whole package and never had a complaint. I'm not sure you saved any money now that I see you've pulled the trigger on something else.

 

[otto76]

Oh I definitely saved money compared to the ENO tarp, $25 compared to $70 I think?
Of course, if I don't like what I bought and end up snatching something else up then it will be a different story.
I had a sale on the bst to fund this stuff, was going to buy either the mosquito nest or a tarp. Ended up finding the mosquito nest $30 cheaper than I thought I would have to pay. So I bought both. Should be set up now.

That ENO tarp does look pretty nice though, good to hear you like it.