Looking at investing into a Cooke Custom 1.9oz tarp. What is the "ideal" tarp size? I have logged 17 trips into the BWCA and have always used the (cheap) blue poly tarps and now I ready to up grade. 10x12 or 10x14?

How many people are typically in your group?

We have a couple CCS 1.9 oz. tarps. With two people, we'll take a 10' x 10'. With four or six, we'll take the 12' x 12'6".

I would l look at your previous trips and the size tarp you used. Was it big enough for your needs? Did you wish it were larger or lighter?

If it were me I would consider the 1.1 oz tarp as it is lighter and to me worth the investment.

Good luck with your purchase. You have chosen a quality manufacturer.

With almost all equipment choices, how you plan to use it determines what is ideal for you. With that said, remember that a large tarp can be folded, or set up creatively, to become smaller, but a small tarp can't be made larger.
I would look on the website and compare weights, you really don't gain much weight from a 10x10 to a 10x12, for example.
I have a Noahs 9, and a CCS 10x12, and if I was solo, and only taking one, it is no contest, I'm taking the bigger CCS.

Simple answer,
ain't such a thing as "ideal".

Other folks suggestions may close the size range a bit. Only your use and needs will answer what is ideal.

In my case preferred travel is solo, but I often use it for much more than canoe tripping. I will also use it as an A-frame tent. Starting a long time ago with a 5X7, have used many others and now mostly a 10X12 1.1 sil-nylon CCS. I want and get light weight with great versatility.

butthead

butthead: "Simple answer,
ain't such a thing as "ideal".

butthead"

12' 6.5" x 13' 8.75" is mathematical ideal based on recent studies. Except Tuesdays, add .5" both directions.

bobbernumber3: "12' 6.5" x 13' 8.75" is mathematical ideal based on recent studies. Except Tuesdays, add .5" both directions."

Except when the wind is out of the west southwest during an occluded front and with a waxing moon. :)

I guess it would depend on your group size and needs. Some want a circus tent, some want a poncho. It’s kind of a personal preference thing. I take a CCS 12x10 in 1.9 oz. fabric. I attended one of the tarp seminars that Dan put on at Midwest Mountaineering. He presented a lot of good options for setting up this size tarp. This one works for a group size of about four, or one hammock.

I like my 12x12. It is a Kelty Noah tarp so it is not a true rectangle so a 10x12 might work just as well or better. I just know that when it poured on my trip and we had to find a campsite to take shelter, a little bigger would not have hurt, but I would not have wanted to go smaller. If I had, then I probably would have put it a lot lower to the ground.

I have a campmor 10 x 10. Its always been fine for 2 people. Wish someone would steal it so I could justify a CCS 1.1 ounce 10 x 10, though the weight and $ savings of an 8 x 10 would tempt me.

I have a 10 x 12 and a 10 x 14 ccs tarp in 1.9 oz material in green color. Both of these tarps are excess for a soloist but I have 'em and like 'em. Extra space allows me to store my gear out of downpours & rains blowing sideways. (we justify & we rationalize)
I'd suggest going with the 10 x 14. The length allows for wind protection almost to the ground with enough overhead cover.
Ideal? For me, it would be 8 x 12 ccs in 1.1 oz material in the multi-color.

I have used a 10x10 CCS for years but decided to try and save some space and weight (as well as be able to set up in smaller tight sites) I had CCS make me an 8x8 which I am mightily pleased with.

I typically trip solo in August with occasional thunderstorms so it works out rather perfectly. I was surprised at just how much more compact and lighter the 8x8 is. Better!

I would not bring such a tarp during shoulder seasons or with 2 or more people. Bigger tarps offer more versatility including dropping sides right to the ground in nasty cold rainy blows.

I'm assuming you're looking for one tarp to use on any of your trips, regardless of group.

I like 10x14. It's not too bulky to pack if you only have a couple people - or even solo, yet in a downpour you could accommodate 7 guys out of the rain in a pinch.

take one twice as big as you think you need.i'm not joking.on very early trips I ended up using opened trash bags to make up the last few feet I needed.i saw a couple guys at a drive in camp awhile back who were hassling around to get a 8X10 over a table.
tarps don't take up that much room and the nylon ones are light and stuff down.even the blue plastic ones can be rolled tight.you may have to fold a tarp down to get rain and wind proof sides and loose half the size.i gave up on tarps and use a silnylon baker shelter.
the only cord I have ever use is parcord with bunge cord to take up the pull in the wind.
rope is for old canvas tarps!

I would also suggest the 10x14. My wife and I enjoy the room it provides. You can put all the gear under it and you can adjust it for rain. It is easy to pack and doesn't take up too much room.

Mike

Does anyone own the 10' * 16' CCS1.1oz ?

I have the 10' * 14' loaded in my cart, but am curious about bigger!
I do not see much out there for the 16' recommendation. Most are recommending the 14'. I currently use a 12*12 guide gear. Time to take the garbage out.

my typical group size:
20%: 5-6 ppl
50%: 4 ppl
30%: 2 ppl

Thanks!

One of the other side of the coin from bigger is better is added weight, added volume and more complicated to erect. And another consideration is allowable space, not all sites are going to be easy to slap up a big tarp.

Lastly, a big tarp will require a large amount of lines to get tight. I detest a noisy tarp.

If I think more tarp space would be warranted than my 10x14, I'd probably just bring along another, smaller tarp like a 10x10 Campmor I have. Depending on space & trees, might be easier to set up a couple tarps as opposed to one very large one.
On the other hand, it's always tempting to purchase another CCS,...

Ask Dan Cooke when you order it.

A1t2o: "I like my 12x12. It is a Kelty Noah tarp so it is not a true rectangle so a 10x12 might work just as well or better. I just know that when it poured on my trip and we had to find a campsite to take shelter, a little bigger would not have hurt, but I would not have wanted to go smaller. If I had, then I probably would have put it a lot lower to the ground."

Used my new Kelty Noah 12x12 for the first time last month. Held up fine during a thunderstorm our first evening, and provided more than enough coverage for 3 people and a dog.