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06/16/2019 06:06PM
The Gold Standard for tarps is Cooke Custom Sewing. They can be rigged in numerous configurations, come in 2 different weights, have loops instead of grommets, and are built by a man who uses the stuff he makes.
I set a goal of losing 10 lbs. this year. I only have 15 left to lose.
06/17/2019 07:36AM
I have a 10x10 for me and my dog (about the size of a person), and with some gear, split wood, food barrel, etc we pretty well use up the space. Could fit in one more, but not two more without moving gear out and being snug. For 3-4 people, I'd go 12x12 or slightly larger like 12x14.
On the budget end of the spectrum, you could get a simple blue poly tarp from a home improvement/hardware store. They are heavier, louder in wind, don't fold up well, and may not last as long - but they will work. They are cheap and vastly better than not having a tarp. If you're serious about canoe tripping, CCS is the top of the line. High performance, light & packs small, strong. Popular here on this forum and in the BW. I've also liked Kelty and MSR, and anything you get through REI would likely work well for you too.
On the budget end of the spectrum, you could get a simple blue poly tarp from a home improvement/hardware store. They are heavier, louder in wind, don't fold up well, and may not last as long - but they will work. They are cheap and vastly better than not having a tarp. If you're serious about canoe tripping, CCS is the top of the line. High performance, light & packs small, strong. Popular here on this forum and in the BW. I've also liked Kelty and MSR, and anything you get through REI would likely work well for you too.
06/17/2019 08:24AM
MidwestFirecraft: "I am a big fan of the 10x16 CCS tarp for groups. Everyone likes a view of the lake so I prefer rectangular over square so you can sit side by side and have a view as opposed to looking at someones back. "
We have that for two people. I like the room and even use it solo..
You can choose heavy blue tarps but have to keep buying them. My CCS tarp bought in 2006 is an investment. Still going strong.
06/17/2019 08:29AM
Another vote for CCS!
I've come to enjoy the art of tarping (not that I'm the best at it by any stretch). But when we choose a campsite, it's always fun to start scanning the trees and envisioning the best spot for it and how to hang it, for rain or wind protection, or both, and then set about making it happen. Lots of flexibility with the CCS tarp.
I've come to enjoy the art of tarping (not that I'm the best at it by any stretch). But when we choose a campsite, it's always fun to start scanning the trees and envisioning the best spot for it and how to hang it, for rain or wind protection, or both, and then set about making it happen. Lots of flexibility with the CCS tarp.
06/17/2019 09:04AM
treehorn: "Another vote for CCS!
I've come to enjoy the art of tarping (not that I'm the best at it by any stretch). But when we choose a campsite, it's always fun to start scanning the trees and envisioning the best spot for it and how to hang it, for rain or wind protection, or both, and then set about making it happen. Lots of flexibility with the CCS tarp."
Same.
Get a larger tarp 12x14 or 14x14 and buy from CCS for quality and durability. Anything with a grommet is going to shred in the wind after a time. We rented an extra tarp from an outfitter a couple weeks ago; it was Liberty brand. It was fine in rain and light wind. It was quite heavy. For the extra cost, the quality, durability and weight of CCS just can't be beat. Mine is at least 13 years old and looks / performs and feels brand new. It's a beast in the wind. Love it! It goes out with me or gets loaned out to friends at least 12 times / year, so that's a fair amount of use over the years.
Watch some Cliff Jacobson videos about tarps and knots on youtube, or find his DVD - The Forgotten Skills - a classic.
06/17/2019 12:42PM
I echo the sentiments of all the others who recommend Cooke Custom Sewing tarps. There really is no debate - they're the best tarp on the market. Yes, there are cheaper tarps. Some have 'similar' features, but lack the overall quality that I would call the poor man's CCS tarp.
Buy cheap - you pay twice. Buy quality - you pay once. CCS tarps are truly a "get what you pay for" product.
And fergoodnesssakes... never subject yourself to a plastic blue tarp from Menards, etc. unless you are just starting out and have no budget for quality gear yet.
Buy cheap - you pay twice. Buy quality - you pay once. CCS tarps are truly a "get what you pay for" product.
And fergoodnesssakes... never subject yourself to a plastic blue tarp from Menards, etc. unless you are just starting out and have no budget for quality gear yet.
"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~ John Muir
06/17/2019 01:37PM
I've used my Noah tarps for around 10 years. Aside from some spark holes, they're in great shape. I even have a brand new 16' version for the day my other one gets destroyed or stolen. It's a nice $$ between highest end and lightest and plastic from menards. Lots of tie out options, too.
"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." – Bilbo Baggins
06/17/2019 04:20PM
dutchwaregear or ripstopbytheroll have good stuff otherwise if you hop into the DIY forum you'll get a lot of other good information and ideas.
"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." – Bilbo Baggins
06/17/2019 07:14PM
CCS.
Though if you are lightweight-minded (not many are, but I am), a cuben fiber tarp is the lightest option out there. Several cottage manufacturers make them. Dan at CCS seems to focus on a balance of light but not super-light, and very durable. There is a reason canoe country is populated by people sporting his gear.
Though if you are lightweight-minded (not many are, but I am), a cuben fiber tarp is the lightest option out there. Several cottage manufacturers make them. Dan at CCS seems to focus on a balance of light but not super-light, and very durable. There is a reason canoe country is populated by people sporting his gear.
"I don't care what you believe. I care what you can prove." -Philosopher & Mathematician JJJ
06/17/2019 09:57PM
Jackfish: "And fergoodnesssakes... never subject yourself to a plastic blue tarp from Menards, etc. unless you are just starting out and have no budget for quality gear yet."
Lol in over 30 years I've only had the blue tarps from menards. I do want a nice one though. That is probably my next purchase. Side note on my trip it was raining on the way in so... I did use my rain pants ;)
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
06/18/2019 12:04AM
Wintersguy80: "I live by my Kelty Noah tarp. 12' might be tight, but I think they make 16' as well. "
Yes the 12' model may be tight for your group. The 16 may be a better fit. If you pitch it square rather than on the diagonal, the 12' may work ok.
CCS tarps are popular here. For a mid range tarp Kelty, Noah tarps are a good alternative. I've had my 12' Kelty tarp for about 5 years and the only damage to it was when a branch fell on it and poked a hole in it.
06/18/2019 07:39AM
swsman28: "I am looking to customize an REI tarp I bought by adding some extra webbing loops, etc. Are there suggested sources for webbing/loop material or will any kind suffice?"
I made my own tarp and used regular 1/2 or 5/8 inch grosgrain ribbons that you can get anywhere for loops around the edge and over the ridge line. It's quiet strong. How you sew it will be the key how long it holds.
06/18/2019 01:02PM
Jaywalker: "swsman28: "I am looking to customize an REI tarp I bought by adding some extra webbing loops, etc. Are there suggested sources for webbing/loop material or will any kind suffice?"
I made my own tarp and used regular 1/2 or 5/8 inch grosgrain ribbons that you can get anywhere for loops around the edge and over the ridge line. It's quiet strong. How you sew it will be the key how long it holds. "
+1
"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." – Bilbo Baggins
06/18/2019 01:38PM
Sounds like ccs is king. Wish I had one... Here's another tip... I picked up a silnylon tarp poncho combo that is super handy to toss in the gearbag as a supplement. It can add a windbreak wall or perhaps allow you to buy a smaller "big" tarp with its help. Plus like any good piece of gear it does double duty. Use it as a ground cloth for sorting gear, pack rain cover, and, of course, emergency rain gear for the camper that forgot to bring his raincoat or shreds his frogtoggs. (happens every time)
06/19/2019 05:11AM
x2jmorris: "Jackfish: "And fergoodnesssakes... never subject yourself to a plastic blue tarp from Menards, etc. unless you are just starting out and have no budget for quality gear yet."
Lol in over 30 years I've only had the blue tarps from menards. I do want a nice one though. That is probably my next purchase. Side note on my trip it was raining on the way in so... I did use my rain pants ;)"
If your next tarp is a CCS you are in for a treat, morris. When I set my CCS tarp up every tie-out is where it's needed. Then, you begin to appreciate the practicality of its design and experience of Dan Cooke.
“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Sir Isaac Newton
06/19/2019 01:29PM
Rainy day so I'll bore ya with technical stuff. What are the Differences between Flat Tarps and Shaped Tarps? from Section Hiker.
First decision to make type of cut. Then size and shape. Last is the maker, and better quality shows in longevity.
I go for versatile tight sets, so flat cuts from many makers fit here and I have used a bunch, Equinox, Campmor, Kondos, and my favorite CC. Catenary cuts like Noah's Tarp, some of the Guide Gear and many hammock industry, are more restrictive to a single setup being tight.
Equinox flat cut 10x12 in flying diamond.
CCS flat 15 square in umbrella set.
Equinonx flat 10x12 a-line.
CCS flat 10x
Noah's 10x12 cat setup as best tight shape.
another CCS umbrella set.
Campmor umbrella set.
CCS and Kondos clipped together each in umbrella set.
CCS, 2 Campmor setup to block wind and rain.
I'll stay away from my origami tarp camping, too many different to list or show. My favorite is a CCS 1.1 rectangular 10x12 used for small groups 4 or less. Also enjoyed my Equinox flat tarps, better rain runoff due to no ribbon reinforced edges, at a loss of strength. Not shorting cantenary /shaped tarps, just prefer flat cuts.
butthead
First decision to make type of cut. Then size and shape. Last is the maker, and better quality shows in longevity.
I go for versatile tight sets, so flat cuts from many makers fit here and I have used a bunch, Equinox, Campmor, Kondos, and my favorite CC. Catenary cuts like Noah's Tarp, some of the Guide Gear and many hammock industry, are more restrictive to a single setup being tight.
Equinox flat cut 10x12 in flying diamond.
CCS flat 15 square in umbrella set.
Equinonx flat 10x12 a-line.
CCS flat 10x
Noah's 10x12 cat setup as best tight shape.
another CCS umbrella set.
Campmor umbrella set.
CCS and Kondos clipped together each in umbrella set.
CCS, 2 Campmor setup to block wind and rain.
I'll stay away from my origami tarp camping, too many different to list or show. My favorite is a CCS 1.1 rectangular 10x12 used for small groups 4 or less. Also enjoyed my Equinox flat tarps, better rain runoff due to no ribbon reinforced edges, at a loss of strength. Not shorting cantenary /shaped tarps, just prefer flat cuts.
butthead
"never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups" George Carlin
06/20/2019 05:37PM
I still sometimes use the first tarp I bought. In 30 years I've lost 1 grommet. I replaced the grommet with a rock and slipnot in the field, then sewed in a nylon webbing loop when I got home.
I have a CSS 1.9 oz silnylon 10'x12'. It is a fantastic tarp. I suspect that both tarps with out survive me.
As someone uptread said, any tarp is better than no tarp. If I had to choose, I'd leave the tent home before I left the tarp. I can sleep under the tarp with a headnet if I had to.
I have a CSS 1.9 oz silnylon 10'x12'. It is a fantastic tarp. I suspect that both tarps with out survive me.
As someone uptread said, any tarp is better than no tarp. If I had to choose, I'd leave the tent home before I left the tarp. I can sleep under the tarp with a headnet if I had to.
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. -Robert A. Heinlein
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