30d or 70d for oversized tarp?

PostedNov 25, 2020 at 2:53 pm

I’m looking at getting a large, flat tarp made – say 12’x20′ – and it seems I could maybe choose between 70d urethane coated nylon or 30d silicone coated nylon.

I don’t know much about fabrics and such, or coatings. This tarp would be used year round as a place to gather to cook meals, sit by a propane firepit, etc. Weight doesn’t matter as it’s for car camping. Does it matter which of the above I should go with? Any thoughts?

John S. BPL Member

PostedNov 25, 2020 at 3:35 pm

I would go for 30d silicone coated.

Dave @ Oware BPL Member

PostedNov 25, 2020 at 5:18 pm

70d for car or boat camping. It will hold up longer from UV exposure than 30d. Should cost a little less too.

David Thomas BPL Member

PostedNov 25, 2020 at 5:35 pm

If strictly for car camping and you’ve got room in your trunk, and it’ll be in the sun for weeks and weeks and weeks, the 70d.

If it’s only for a few weekends a year and the UV exposure won’t add up to much, then a lighter more compact tarp would be easier to pack, store, and carry to the campsite. And 30d sil-nylon would be a lot lighter and more compact than 70d urethane-coated. Either would be plenty strong enough.

I suspect you’ll find its usefulness greatly increased by bringing lots of guy lines (perhaps adding grommets to its perimeter) and poles to help hold up the corners above head height. If you’re not sure where you want the grommets, you can bring those grabby removable tarp clips: