MLD DCF Super Monk Tarp – 5.7′ X 9′

[Monte Masterson]

Perfect sized solo tarp. Quality and value is unmatched. You can choose .5 or .75 DCF. Weights are 5 oz and 6.5 oz respectively. Tarp has 14 tieouts which includes 12 perimeter (with Linelocs) and 2 mid panel. I’d go with the .75 and have the ultimate solo tarp. I would also have solace of mind knowing the build is supreme and that the Super Monk can stand up to ferocious winds. No sag and very little water retention. It’s a bargain at $235.

https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/monk-flat-tarp/

[Paul S]

Nice! As a Monk owner, I’m really tempted. I’ve found that I can make my Monk work in the mountains—I’ve used it in bad weather and above the treeline with high winds. While it’s obviously super light, the downside is that, because it’s so small, you’re basically pressed against the dirt. You have to pitch it with a peak height of only a couple of feet. Bigger tarps give you more room, obviously. ;-) Maybe a Super Monk would be more practical in that respect.

[Murali C]

Above tree line when it is raining sideways – do you use your rain jacket to cover the opening?

[Murali C]

I am trying to convince myself I should carry this 7×9 tarp from Zpacks on the PCT desert section. I will be carrying an umbrella – so I could do this to prevent side ways rain from one side. The other side can be low – 2 feet or so. Comments?

[dirtbag]

A 7×9 tarp you should be just fine.  I used my Borah Gear 7×9 tarp in the White Mountains NH  and it was torrential downpours.. heavy heavy rain and I kept completely dry underneath it. I do use my bivy , but even that did not get any splash on it.  My usual solo trips I carry the solo silpoly bivy 5.8 × 9 and even that I stay dry underneath. . Plenty of nights rain and light snow. Though the 7×9 is nicer for more room. I can even sit in my chair under there while it’s raining and enjoy the views.

[dirtbag]

@Paul S..  props for making the Monk tarp work!  That is some tight quarters there for sure.

[John Brochu]

I think 7 x 9 would be ok too. For years I used a 8L x 5W x 4.W cat cut tarp in the Whites paired with a light bivy for ground protection and to add some splash protection, and I only rarely had issues. But I have moved on to a tent now as I’m too old to be crawling around doing gymnastics under a tarp when tent weights are close enough these days (for me at least) to a tarp/bivy combo.

[Jerry Adams]

good idea murali

when I have had raised edge tarps with rain, it’s usually good, until the wind shifts and starts blowing the rain inside

another problem with raised edges is it doesn’t do as good in the wind.  Better to have all edges close to the ground, like a mid.

[Monte Masterson]

The 12 perimeter tieouts on the Monk Tarp allows for a lot more pitches, such as the double pole holden (below) with 5.7′ X 9 MYOG silpoly.

[Monte Masterson]

The Monk Tarp at 5′ wide is only about 4″ wider than most poncho tarps, so if caught out in a major blow the night could be long. However, the extra 8.5″ width on the Super Monk makes a huge difference in terms of space and protection. MLD Super Monk paired with an MLD Bug Bivy 2 (7 oz) would only be 12 or 13.5 oz total. The Bug Bivy 2 is 27″ high and has much more rain-spray/wind protection with its 10D DWR coated panels over the regular 24″ high Bug Bivy. It’s basically a partial solid inner.

I know most people will say 5.7′ X 9′ is too small and I get it, but everything is a compromise. For example, a smaller tarp doesn’t have as big of openings on each end (A frame pitch) to let in as much blowing rain, nor is it near the windcatcher of a larger tarp, thereby making it more wind worthy. You can also find camp spots a lot easier because you don’t have as big of a footprint. And a lower profile is much better for stealth too. Lastly a smaller tarp is of course lighter.

The tarp vs tent debate has been played out for decades and when many say that tents nowadays are so light and advanced they can have much better protection and easier set up with a tent at nearly the same weight, it’s very logical. Nevertheless, it still comes around to the tarp’s number one advantage over tents….VERSATILITY.

[Murali C]

My Altaplex tarp is 7.5 oz and provides 360 degree protection – but, yes, you do need a big spot to set it up while a flat tarp can be set up with minimal footprint. I still need to convince myself that a flat tarp will be storm protective – which is what keeps me from trying it. I just need to do it!

The biggest advantage of tarps are the volume it takes in a backpack. My Altaplex tarp or the Zpacks 9×7 tarp are so small compared to Altaplex tent I recently bought here on BPL. I had forgotten how huge these things are. Crazy large. Most likely I will convert it to an Altaplex tarp by getting rid of the netting and foot print – which is what I did to my earlier Altaplex tent as I like tarps more – for example, you can get inside the tarp during rain and then unpack etc.

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