A quick question for those in the know. The CCS silicone coated tarps look good. I will solo and want to pack light and I wonder if the lightweight (1.1 oz) tarps are sufficient or if the heavier (1.9 oz) tarps are needed for "normal" Quetico camping use.

The 1.1 are fine. I have 2 and use them in the Q with no problem.

1.1 is better if you do not mind the added cost. 1/3 less weight, as strong (in my opinion, have used both), packs in 1/2 the volume.

butthead

I have both weights. Both are great, but lately I've been bringing just the 1.1 tarps to reduce weight and bulk. No ascertainable decrease in performance. CCS is top quality gear. If you can swing the price, it's a worthwhile investment.

I asked the Dan the guy who makes them the same question. He said if you pitch one end on the ground don't get the 1.1 oz tarp. Too thin and a rock root or stick can poke through. So I got the 1.9 oz tarp. One of the best investments I have made.

Savage's post makes sense about if the tarp connects to the ground and potential for items to push against the tarp the 1.9 oz. being better.

For day to day stress from regular tarp (tie outs and wind) use I swear Dan has posted on here that the 1.1 oz. is just as strong or stronger than the 1.9 oz.

I have the 1.1 oz. for Q use for the last 13 years no issues. Bought it for the bulk and weight savings. But I shave ounces every where to watch weight.

T

Thanks to all of you. Definitive answers and fast. I can see an advantage for a heavier tarp on the ground but will go 1.1 oz. DB

Wondering what size people use? Can it be to big for the camp sites?

quote Whatnotwax: "Wondering what size people use? Can it be to big for the camp sites? "

It can be too big if you cannot find an area between the trees at the site you so carefully picked after paddling all day. You can always fold it over to fit a smaller site. The two most popular sizes are probably 10x10 and 10x12. Cliff Jacobson recommends a square size so you need not figure the orientation before you take it out of bag. I purchased a 12.5x14 1.9 so I can have one side down to ground blocking the wind driven rain from the west. I also marked the side lengths with a sharpie so know the orientation.

If you're going to only buy one, err on the big side. I have a 8x10 and a 10x10 and the combo is great but I'm usually wishing I had more coverage when I'm not solo. The rain never seems to come straight down.

CCS tarps are second to none.

I have a 12 x 12.5 tarp in the 1.9 oz weight. Great size for a group of 4-6.

I have the 10x12 size. It works good for a group of 4 guys.

I use a 10' x 14' CCS 1.1 oz. multi-colored tarp for our group trips. It comes in at 1 lb. 8 oz. I chose the 1.1 oz. version since it is 1 lb. 2 oz. lighter than the 1.9 oz. tarp and equally strong. The 1.1 oz. costs $88 more than a 1.9 oz. but for me lighter is better.

I recommend going to Rutabaga's CanoeCopia in Madison, WI (March 10-12th 2017) to pick up a CCS tarp at a good discount. Dan Cooke, owner of CCS is always on hand to answer questions. He is "the man" when it comes to tarps and other tripping equipment. He simply offers the best equipment you can buy.

Can't justify the cost just yet. Buddy has a Kelly 12' that he is letting me borrow. But if I could ever find a great deal on the 1.9. I think I could scape some $ together. No way can I go to Wisconsin in March. Live in Kansas. But you have me thinking about it

I have a 10' x 12" heavier one and although I think a lighter one would be great, I think I've had this one since about 2001 or so and have loved it every time I've used it.

I put one color tie outs on the "long" end and a different color tie out's on the shorter end.

It helps me orient it by sight. Mine is usually used for 2-4 people or so and often I've thought I'd get a light one for solo use, but I'm not sure if I'd get an 8'x8' or a 10' x 8'.

I do like the idea of an 8'x10' because I could link up the 10' sides of both the old and the new if I ever needed to, but at the same time I wonder if I could go with an 8' x 8' and have enough coverage. The mathematical side of my brain compares the 120 square feet of the 10'x12' vs. the 64 square feet of the 8'x8'.

Nomad

I pondered this issue myself last spring before purchasing a CCS tarp. I ended up buying two. A 15x15 1.9 oz for when I'm traveling with groups of 4-9. I figured weight is not as great a factor in that setting and the likelihood was I wouldn't be carrying the Equipment pack anyway. I also bought a 10x10 1.1 oz for when I'm solo or with only 1-2 other people. Then weight is a greater consideration. In either case I have never pitched a tarp with one edge on the ground nor have I ever felt the need to do so. I may pitch close to the ground in a driving sideways rain but there is always 8-12 inches of clearance minimum.

Admittedly getting two tarps is not generally in the cards for most folks. I had a happy circumstance arise that gave me that option plus I sold some older equipment to make it happen. I've come to believe that a tarp is one of the most essential items of gear in my outfit. And unquestionably a CCS tarp is far and away superior to any other tarp on the market in my experience. Pricey, yes, but durable, high quality, and infinitely pitchable.

quote Savage Voyageur: "I have the 10x12 size. It works good for a group of 4 guys. "

+1 I have also used this on solo trips. Now I have a Lean Plus, so I will no longer be bringing a tarp on any solo trips.

quote bcelect:Cliff Jacobson recommends a square size so you need not figure the orientation before you take it out of bag. I purchased a 12.5x14 1.9 so I can have one side down to ground blocking the wind driven rain from the west. I also marked the side lengths with a sharpie so know the orientation. "

You'll also know the orientation if you leave the ridgeline on the tarp when you stow it, as some have suggested here in the past. Of course, this works especially well with Dan's Ridgeline Stuff Sack.

I have a 10x12 in the 1.9 material. Love it.

My Lean 3 Plus is made from 1.1, love it. My CCS tarps are all 1.9 for the extra sun protection. To us getting out of the sun is just as important as protection from the rain and snow. We use ours all 4 seasons AND not just on canoe trips.
CB

"And unquestionably a CCS tarp is far and away superior to any other tarp on the market in my experience."

Badly misplaced modifier. You make it sound as though you have tried every other tarp on the market, and that you have found the CCS tarp "far and away superior" to all of them.

I've tried quite a few, Mr. Moss.

And by the way, it's Mr. Tent. :)

Well, there aren't many camping tarp manufacturers out there, so who knows of one that produces a product that compares to the CCS Tundra tarp? Anyone out there, let me know who that manufacturer might be that challenges Dan Cooke in this regard.

quote unshavenman: "Well, there aren't many camping tarp manufacturers out there, so who knows of one that produces a product that compares to the CCS Tundra tarp? Anyone out there, let me know who that manufacturer might be that challenges Dan Cooke in this regard."

If you don't want the lightweight version then Kondos in Ely is very comparable. I own a CCS tarp but just saying I'd consider them high quality as well.

T

Very helpful responses as usual. I have ordered a CCS tarp for my upcoming trip with hopes that it will be worth the extra cash, as many of you suggest. Thanks for all your input about tarps and to Mr. T for grammar instruction. It's something I'll try to look out for, or should that be - for which I will try to look out.
With tongue in cheek - David B

quote unshavenman: "Well, there aren't many camping tarp manufacturers out there, so who knows of one that produces a product that compares to the CCS Tundra tarp? Anyone out there, let me know who that manufacturer might be that challenges Dan Cooke in this regard."

Bear Paw is a possible. But you need to look close at the differences and pricing. CCS is edged with nylon tape, and more loops. CCS center loop is unique and stuff bag/sealer/cordage included.
Lots of other custom makers, but tending to make specialty or catenary, tarps not as versatile.
Etowah Tarps
Z Packs
Outdoor Equipment
Ray Way.
CCS and Kondos suspended.
Equinox 10x12 diamond set.
Equinox a-frame.
10x12 1.1 CCS suspended.

butthead

I'm sure its not recommended... but mine survived a pea size hail storm in the BWCA earlier this year... and it was a 1.1 .

quote timatkn: "

quote unshavenman: "Well, there aren't many camping tarp manufacturers out there, so who knows of one that produces a product that compares to the CCS Tundra tarp? Anyone out there, let me know who that manufacturer might be that challenges Dan Cooke in this regard."

If you don't want the lightweight version then Kondos in Ely is very comparable. I own a CCS tarp but just saying I'd consider them high quality as well.


T"

Is Kondos made out of Sil-Nylon? I don't think so. Probably just a urethane coated material of some sort. I could be wrong. I don't know what they're new "Squall" tarp is made from. If it was high strength sil-nylon like the CCS tarps I imagine they would say so.

I just finished a trip with my 10 x 10 campmor tarp, used 2-3 weeks per year for last 12 or so. $75. I'd love a CCS tarp but just can't justify the cost to save maybe 8 ounces. Even did Philmont with it as the crew tarp. Hate to say I can't wait for a tree to wipe it out but it does just keep going.

quote billconner: "I just finished a trip with my 10 x 10 campmor tarp, used 2-3 weeks per year for last 12 or so. $75. I'd love a CCS tarp but just can't justify the cost to save maybe 8 ounces. Even did Philmont with it as the crew tarp. Hate to say I can't wait for a tree to wipe it out but it does just keep going."

Bill, I have the exact same tarp, and the exact same sentiments. 2-3 weeks a year for 9 years. I have had some experience with the CCS tarps and am anxious for an opportunity to own my own.