Monk Tarp 5.4′ x 9′ Sil Nylon

I own the Monk tarp, the Spinnaker model. I’ve used it on a few fairweather trips. There are many pitch options and the tarp paired with a bivy is suitable for light rain and moderate wind depending on the pitch. Again, the trick is figuring out the pitches and being discerning of camp selection with these as the coverage is minimal. Here’s a shot of my Monk pitched on a trip.

I like the pitch in the image above, gives you 3 sides of coverage, open up the 4th side away from the wind. The other pitch I like with this tarp is setting it up with 2 poles as a lean-to pitched down to the ground, the wind passes right over the top.

The pitch shown in the above photo is my favorite for that type of tarp, though I prefer to use a tree–as available–rather than a pole for additional shelter and strength. I've used an old Dancing Light Gear 6×9 pretty extensively, and I'd have to agree that site selection with that size tarp becomes very important.

Practice in the yard or on a short hike/car camp with a cheap woven or painter's cloth tarp or two to find the size and setups you like. Try before you buy (or commit to an extended outing).

I currently have all yellow lines on my larger tarp, which is great for visibility, but I also like to color code based on line length or where I put the ridge line for fast setup. Use quick-release knots or line tensioners. This is not only good for fast mornings, but also for lazy afternoons–cook dinner in a gentle rain and hang under the tarp in an A-frame setup, then drop down to the half-pyramid as shown (reducing living space) for sleeping.

Sorry for the long post, but good luck tarping!

i second praticing on a cheap tarp … itll cost ya 3 smackaroos and weight 13 oz ….
get your skills set before shelling out for an expensive cuben tarp …

David,

For sizing purposes, I'm 6' tall, and I have just enough room to lay flat without hitting the tarp walls under my MLD Monk. I raise it up just a few inches off the ground for more room if need be. I'd recommend getting a 7X9 tarp at least for the extra coverage, the Monk in the 5'x9' silnylon is quite minimal and a bivy in conjunction is ideal. Where do you plan on using this shelter? Also, consider Z-Packs as an option for flat tarps, Joe sells various sizes ranging from 5×8' to 9×10' in cuben if you're looking to cut weight considerably. The 8.8'x10' cuben flat tarp at Z-Packs weighs 5.7 oz. for a ton of coverage and pitching options.

Thanks for the info. I always wondered if the Monk tarp would be enough for my 6'5" frame.

Brett- I have the same problem being 6'2" and finding comfortable shelters.

I have no experience with the Monk tarp but I have been testing a silnylon 9'6" x 5'4" hammock/tarp hybrid for months now and it absolutely rocks. I sleep under it in tarp mode when the weather is bad and on it in hammock mode when the weather is good. The size seems small at first but for solo outings there is plenty of shelter even in driving rain.