Tarp

beech18

Active Member
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536
For use while backpacking in spike camp to hunt from. What, if any, do you carry for a tarp? If I do, Ive been just carrying those cheap blue tarps I can buy cheap from Walmart or wherever. They serve the purpose but thinking I might want to upgrade to a lighter/less bulkier item to carry. Any suggestions?
 
Integral designs if you don"t mind spending a little money. If I remember the specs on mine it is 8X10 and only 14 Ounces. I got mine used on ebay for $60 or $70. Packs up like a small softball.
BB
 
I use a Kifaru Megatarp, and it's a palace for one and fits two plus gear. I use a Bugaboo II bivy with it.

If you are looking for something cheaper and little smaller look at Mountainsmith Mountain Shelter LT.
 
I checked all of them out. I did end up going with the Helleberg UL10 tarp. Just got it shipped to me afew days ago. Hope its as good as the price tag reflects.
 
I use Tyvek house wrap in whatever size I need. Inexpensive and virtually waterproof. Only downside is it is a little slippery and noisy, but most tarps are. I will never buy a premium tarp for my tent again.
Bill
 
>For use while backpacking in spike
>camp to hunt from.
>What, if any, do you
>carry for a tarp?
>If I do, Ive been
>just carrying those cheap blue
>tarps I can buy cheap
>from Walmart or wherever.
>They serve the purpose but
>thinking I might want to
>upgrade to a lighter/less bulkier
>item to carry. Any
>suggestions?
 
i was in colorado elk hunting,i saw these two older hunters using the cheap blue style tarp on their tent,the next day they used it to drag a cow elk across the snow.they were able to slide the elk easily down the mountain .it was a great idea,and now we pack one with us also
 
A lot depends upon the weather...and the safety factor! If hunting Alaska where it can rain constantly for days a tarp or bivy alone won't suffice. A bivy or tarp may sound good but sooner or later you will likely get wet. Obviously living wet for days is not fun...plus it can be dangerous! Most Alaskans that go that route have a bivy plus tarp so they can get in and out of their bivy, dress, etc without getting their sleeping bag, clothes, etc wet. I can't imagine trying to live under a tarp for 1 or 2 days waiting out bad weather!

Obviously if you are hunting an arid area a tarp will likely work. Some of the tarptents are pretty darn nice, light weight, and some are rated for 4 seasons. http://www.tarptent.com/

I bought a 4 season tent a few years ago. The great thing about this is I can use the tent, fly, plus footprint if things are super wet or there is a possibility of deep snow. In dry situations I can use only the fly or fly plus a super light sheet of painters plastic that weighs about 1 1/2 lbs. Using a 4 season fly by itself is almost bomber-proof which is great in high winds! It also provides a lot of room for me PLUS my rifle or bow PLUS all my gear.

You definitely want to keep weather in mind..or you may be miserable and end up returning to your truck early and often!
 

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