Granite Gear Tarps on STP

Tyler,
I haven't checked reviews recently but I did a little research on these back in the day. In my opinion, yes, they are heavy for the weight. You might say they're a little more "mainstream". The good news, though, is that the weight comes with the benefit of high strength. They've got tension tape all around the perimeter (which does something cool I guess), and the skin of the tarp is siliconized Cordura, which frankly I haven't even seen in any application outside this one product. Cordura by itself is famed for its durability. Siliconized cordura ought to be more so, and waterproof.

So there you have it. Heavier than most A-frame tarps you'd find on this forum. But stronger too.

My $0.02

I noticed that the fabric is white on one side and blue on the other ("blueberry/cloud" at the link). I've never seen any other silnylon like that. There must be some weight penalty to that, though if it was made from 2 pieces of fabric sandwiched together it would weigh a lot more than 19oz.

However the weight doesn't seem that high. The link lists the 8×10 as 19oz, which I'm confident is without guylines. I have a custom O'Ware 7×9 rectangle (no cat cut) with some extra tieout points on it (which are stout and backed with a vinyl square), and it weighs 17oz with guylines and seamsealing.

$149.95 for the 8×10 now, which is nowhere near a deal when the MacCat of roughly the same size, and roughly half the weight, can be had for <$100

I didn't check yet to verify if you are right, but the prices I listed were with an extra 35% off.

In the end it seems like they would be too heavy for lightweight trips. Plus, as some have mentioned, tarps are cheaper and lighter elsewhere.

"The link lists the 8×10 as 19oz, which I'm confident is without guylines"

No, that includes all guy line and trekking pole holders. Also includes the attached stuff sack. With that and the tension tape, the weight is competitive. I would consider these tarps Bomber tarps as they can be set up so tightly.

You guys should read the review done by BPL.

"149.95 for the 8×10 now, which is nowhere near a deal when the MacCat of roughly the same size, and roughly half the weight, can be had for <$100"

Half the weight? The MacCat is 15 oz without guy lines. LOL!

Price of $105 here:

http://www.campsaver.com/white-lightnin-tarp

Well this is good to know. Thanks Dave.

I recently bought a Nemo Meta 2P at a great deal, but after a few nights it just feels too cramped. My head and feet were flirting with the walls all night. I've seen the review that suggests using a stick to raise the guy lines on the head and foot end to offer more space, but I'm just not sold on it.

Would I be foolish to replace my Nemo Meta 2P with this 8×10 tarp? It's a situation where I couldn't keep both. I've also got a 9×5 + bivy that I made for solo trips. I do most of my backpacking in NC.

The Meta provides bug protection and a little more 360 degree protection but an 8×10 tarp for 1 is quite large. Plenty of room and a ton of coverage. Plus much less condensation issues.

I used to trek with a 5×8 tarp and bivy and it worked well but my bivy was waterproof and I would inherently get some moisture on the bivy. I never really like this combination much because I HAD to use the bivy in the rain. With an 8×10, there is no need for the bivy, unless you were using a bug bivy for 6 oz or so.

If you are determined to tarp, then I think this is a good one for the sale price. If you end up liking tarping then eventually you can spend much more $$ for cuben, etc.

Is it 8' along the ridgeline or 10'?

And if I wanted to get two people under the 8×10, would it work without bivies if pitched low on the sides?

Seriously considering this because if the weight and condensation advantage.

8' wide and 10' long. With the sides pitched close to the ground yoiu can definitely put two people in there and have room at the ends for gear. If you were to use it as a dedicated 2 person shelter, I would look at the 10' x 10'.

Tyler, responded to your PM.

8 X10 set up close to the ground Plenty of room fro 2

Jeff

Thanks Jeff!