Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => General Chat => Topic started by: spartan00117 on February 27, 2011

Title: Shelter tarps
Post by: spartan00117 on February 27, 2011
Hi everyone.  I was wondering where some of you got your shelter tarps from.  I have seen them in some of your photos and i like the idea of having on of them nstead of my 2 man tent.  Also i am heading for the mournes on Monday morning if anyone else was heading that way as well.  Thinking about leaving Bangor about 6am just to get clear of the traffic.  Thanks, Brian
Title: Re: Shelter tarps
Post by: Scribble on February 27, 2011
Hi I have a DD tarp which I was recommended by most on this site .  The tarp gets very good reviews and the service from them is first class

http://www.ddhammocks.com/products/tarps/tarp
Title: Re: Shelter tarps
Post by: spartan00117 on February 27, 2011
Thanks Andy
Title: Re: Shelter tarps
Post by: Scribble on February 27, 2011
Thanks Andy

No problem  ;) you won't be disappointed with one
Title: Re: Shelter tarps
Post by: LennyJ1 on March 21, 2011
Go to your local Army Surplus shop and pick up a british army one.
Title: Re: Shelter tarps
Post by: RedLeader on March 21, 2011
If you can get an official British Army tarp then they're by far the best. Bit heavier than most camping tarps but very solidly made.

Go to your local Army Surplus shop and pick up a british army one.
Title: Re: Shelter tarps
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 21, 2011
PTC* (http://www.petesy.co.uk/) did a review of tarps in this months Trail magazine.  The Alpkit Rig 7 scored pretty well and would make a good alternative to the DD 3x3.  I don't personally own a Rig 7 (currently have the DD 3x3) but there is a good blog post about it here (http://maceachain.blogspot.com/search/label/Alpkit%20Rig%207).  I think depending on what you are using it for the rectangular shape is a lot more useful than a big square. 
Title: Re: Shelter tarps
Post by: LennyJ1 on March 21, 2011
PTC* (http://www.petesy.co.uk/) did a review of tarps in this months Trail magazine.  The Alpkit Rig 7 scored pretty well and would make a good alternative to the DD 3x3. 

Did you see the price of some of the tarps, talk about OTT.
Title: Re: Shelter tarps
Post by: suspectmonkey on March 21, 2011
Did you see the price of some of the tarps, talk about OTT.

To be honest I didn't get to read it in too much detail as was killing time in Easons ;)  I did notice some of the prices though and the thought came to mind that a lightweight tent wouldn't be all that much more expensive, and in some cases not all that much heavier!  Add in the weight of a bivvy bag and walking poles...  But I guess a tarp is often more about the experience than the practicalities.  I think for versatility the likes of the Alpkit Rig 7, DD 3x3 and issue tarps are right on the money.  Personally I wouldn't pay more than that for what is effectively a length of material :)