Lightest 8×10 tarp

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/ss/Shelters%20-%20Tarps%20&%20Floorless/index.html

The integral Designs 8×10 siltarp weighs 14 oz and costs $135 from ID (I've found it as low as $120 elsewhere). It's among the lightest and strongest I've found at that full size.

http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=727&CFID=7378347&CFTOKEN=43005992&mainproducttypeid=1

The BMW 9×7 catenary tarp made of a slightly more fragile mylar blend is available right here in the shop. Weight 5.1 oz and $162. Note: It tapers to only 5'6" at the narrow end.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/stealth_one_nano_ultralight_tarp.html

Thanks for the info. I searched through the site looking for a comparitive review of tarps but didnt find anything. I guess I will need to read through all the reviews of the tarp/ponchos and floorless tents to get an idea of what the fabrics are like, then look at the different tarp features and weights. I am looking for a light tarp to put over my hammock, and I would like a big one to help cut the wind and give me a shelter to cook under and room to play without getting wet.

The best tarp for a Hammock ( Hennessy Hammock here ) is the MacCat from Outdoor Equipment Supplier. The Standard is great and the Deluxe is even better buts weighs a bit more. These are Catenary Cut sides to eliminate tarp sagging and wind flapping. Standards weight is 11.8 Oz. Here is the link:

http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com/maccattarps.htm

Another good one is the JacksRBetter Sil Nylon Tarp. This tarp with its diagonal ridgeline seam was originally designed for hammock use and requires only two stakes. The 10 foot diagonal ridgeline provides excellent coverage for hammocks up to 9 feet long. It weighs only 9.4 Oz. Here is the Link:

http://www.jacksrbetter.com/index_files/Products%20List_files/8×8%20SilNyl%20Tarp.htm

I hope this helps,

JDeane

In the last batch of 8×10 tarps i made, i threw in a few
white spinnaker ones that weigh 9.5 oz. These would require
careful stakeout as the fabric is weaker than silnylon. They
do stretch a bit less when wet.

Dave

In todays material the lightest 8' x 10' Tarp will be made out of Cuben Fiber.

If you made one or buy one made out of the 0.35 ounce per sq yard Cuben Fiber product a tarp this size will weigh something less than 3.5 ounces. You could go to a 0.48 ounce per sq yard product if you are faint of heart.

Enough Cuben Fiber (0.35 ounce) material for an 8'x10' tarp will cost about $114.