Integral Designs Siltarp 1

[Paul Doran]

Is there anything better for the money (and as a first time tarp user) that I should be aware of before I buy this?

Thanks

[Roger B]

Unless you consider the ID poncho (same length and width) for its multiple uses

[Steven McAllister]

If your new to tarp camping you may want to go larger, unless you are always going to use a bivy.

I like the extra tie points on the Oware 10×8 and other tarps.
Some companies let you pay a little extra to have them added.
They come in handy for storm pitches sometimes.

[Nate Meinzer]

You can find cheaper:

Etowah Outfitters
Alpinlite Gear
and
OES (MacCat tarps) all make similar/identical product for less money.

[Paul Doran]

I will look into the other suggestions. I have no need for bigger as I will always be in a bivvy as where I am is often wet. I live in the UK so would need to be able to ship here. What about these Ray Jardine ones you sew yourself?

[Paul Doran]

Can no one help on Ray Jardine Vs these? I can't seem to find much info on the site about tarps in general, despite their importance….

[Rog Tallbloke]

I had one. They are excellent kit for UK use. The design has seams in all the right places to take wind stress. They are light too.

[Paul Doran]

One thing that i dont understand is how can different makes have better or worse wind resistance if they are just a 8 x 5 piece?

[Rog Tallbloke]

My bad, I was thinking of the silshelter, not the siltarp.

You going camping with the two dogs paul?

[Paul Doran]

you have a great memory! No, not with the dogs, they are actually my parents…. :)

[Steven McAllister]

I agree with Rog, the Silshelter yes, has side protection, but an 8×5 flat tarp intimidates most people when the weather gets sucky:-)

If you do your homework and think about all the situations you can experience, you could be fine. I like a little more coverage myself.

[nanook ofthenorth]

I have an ID SilDome for sale in the Gearswap, if your looking for a tarp for UK conditions I would highly recommend it. For Northern Ontario with its bugs (almost as bad as the tundera) it doesn't work for me, but would IMO be ideal for the UK

[Steven McAllister]

Add a bug net to a sildome in Ontario and it should be a fine shelter. There are many options that weigh only a few ounces. You end up with a good spacious shelter for little weight.

[Rog Tallbloke]

It wouldn't be a big job to stitch some bug net around the bottom edge of a sildome. The midges can get pretty bad in the UK too. Especially Scotland and the Pennine moors. I'd say, if the OP uses poles, go for the siltarp. Otherwise, the sildome is a good option. Quick and easy to pitch, full protection from wind, privacy on popular sites. The yellow colour sucks for attracting insects though.

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