Yet another tarp choice…MLD Monk or Oware 2.0

[Brandt]

Hey everyone. In my continued research on tarps as shelters, I have come across the MLD Monk tarps. These look to be nice in a half pyramid setup as they show on the website here. (http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=89)

The dimensions are 5.2×9. But, I wonder if this will be enough room for me, being 6 foot tall and all. I need good weather protection since I wasn't planning on using a bivy, just the tarp. Also, I was thinking of getting a carbon fiber tarp pole to use with it. But I'm not sure if it's compatible. The pole says it has a tip for inserting into grommets, but I don't think the tarp has grommets in it? Could anybody with experience on this tarp help me out? I may email Ron Bell about it to see if it is compatible. Total weight of the sil-nylon version and a long carbon fiber pole is 10.5 oz.

The other option is the good ole Oware 8×10 flat tarp. This has been my main option for awhile now. But, it is awfully big for one person. On the other hand, I know I would have good weather protection in it and plenty of room. The weight of this tarp is 13.5 oz.

Anybody have any advice to give? I definitely want to hear it. I personally like the idea of the MLD Monk with that carbon fiber pole, but I need to have enough room in it to protect me from the elements in bad weather. So if I can't get enough room, guess it's back to the oware. The only problem I have with that is that I won't have anything to use as a pole. I don't use trekking poles at the moment and I don't really see a need to now. So anyhow, any help you can give is appreciated.

[Mike M]

I'm 6' and use a 8×5 poncho/tarp- a bivy isn't a luxury item, I need it. The extra foot would be helpful, but I'd want more in width as well if I was to go sans bivy

look at the grace solo in sil, 8.5 oz w/ 9' ridge, 8.5' sides, 7' head, 5' foot

[Jon Hancock]

After looking through the MLD range of smaller tarps a while ago I was having similar difficulties deciding whether such a shelter would be adequate, so I took an old sheet and pinned it to match the tarp sizing. Much easier to gauge the coverage that way rather than attempting to visualise it from the written dimensions.

And in my case I decided I'd prefer something larger.

[Samuel Kau]

I use a poncho/tarp with dimensions 8.5' by 4.5' and you definitely need a water resistant bivy. I am only 5'9" and in a storm I am glad that I have a bivy and it also really helps with wind. As for trekking poles, A pole would seem to work fine or even a long stick!

-Sam

[Brandt]

Thanks for all the input guys. Seeing as I would like to steer clear of a bivy if possible, I will get the Oware 8×10. I had a question about the tieouts for anyone with experience with these tarps. On the 8×10, where are the tie outs located? What I'm hoping for is 4 corner tieouts, then an additional 3 on each long side and an additional 1 on the short side with the 4 panels in the middle. Can anyone confirm this? I have emailed David, the owner of Oware, but I haven't gotten a response yet. Thanks to anyone who can help.

Also, do you think I would need a bivy if I were to get the Grace Tarp 1.35 silnylon solo version? It looks like it might offer enough protection. Or would I just be safer with the flat tarp? All directions are pointing to the Oware flat at the moment, but that grace solo does look really nice, and its lighter than the Oware.

[Eugene Smith]

Brandt,

For what it's worth, I own the MLD Monk Tarp (spinnaker model) and my 6' frame fits underneath it with some wiggle room to spare at the head and feet end. I've used it with a bivy and without in mild weather conditions, mostly to cut wind on late spring/summer trips. I pitch it fairly low to the ground, staked all the way to the ground or raised up 3-6" inches to increase room and ventilation underneath the tarp. I pack the Monk when weather conditions are fair, knowing the limitations of the coverage it provides.

I think you'll find the MLD Grace Solo pitches faster, easier, and more taut, aided by the fact that it has a catenary curve along the ridgeline which gives it a nice strong pitch. However, the Grace is sort of a one-trick pony, there's only a few different configurations you can pitch, mostly adjusting the height of the pitch or raising one side up, whereas a 6×9 or 8×10 flat tarp gives you a wide variety of pitches to play around with and adapt to different conditions and needs.

Your necessity for a bivy is going to depend on your weather conditions, only you can really judge beforehand whether a bivy is necessary or not. A bivy is a pretty standard supplement to a lightweight tarp.

[Steven McAllister]

I agree with others, it is hard to get full coverage with a 9×5 tarp. It is perfectly fine with an ultralight bivy, but blowing rain can be an issue without.

If you don't expect rain or snow, then you'd be fine.

The problem with even an 8×10 tarp without a bivy is that if the wind changes direction in a storm, you can get spray from the open end. You can pitch an 8×10 very close to the ground, but you may not sleep very well with the tarp flapping against you all night.

An ultralight bivy would allow a lot roomier pitch and less concern about the elements at only appox. 7oz additional weight. It is basically just a sleeping bag cover and some have bug nets at the head that you may appreciate on some nights.

[Eric Blumensaadt]

In Don Ladigin's great little paperback backpacking book "Lighten Up", Mike Clelland drew Don's "Bombshelter" 8'X10' tarp setup that looks as though it would be good even in very bad storms. ("Shelters" section, p. 12) The tarp requires several tie-out points across the main body and several around the edges.

Interestingly Mike's illustration shows the setup using just one long rope across the multi-angled ridge. Neat and fast – if you have 2 convienantly spaced trees. With only one tree available you'd need a trekking pole at the rear anchored W/ 2 cords and stakes.

[Brad Walker]

I'm 85% confident you described the tie-outs correctly, but my not-so-visual memory might be failing me.

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