Rockywoods 7d Coated Tarp 4.4 Ounces

[Aaron Sorensen]

Just completed a tarp with the new Rockywoods 7d fabric.  I picked some up right after Richard N. tested it.
<div>

This is a very minimal tarp but it provides adequate protection from the rain and works for me.  At 4.4 ounces, (w/o stakes) I am very happy how it came out.  I really like the 2 tent stake set up and it  only takes about 30 seconds to set up.

Length is 11 feet and tapers from 5 feet wide to 0 at the foot end with a 39″ height.

The 7d fabric is a little difficult to work with.  It’s not fragile or slippery, it’s just delicate.  You have to be really careful when cutting it.  My scissors cut into it with just the slightest touch.  The Dutchware 1.05 ounce fabric is so much better to work with, but I wanted it to be a light as possible and I Hate Cuben Fiber.

</div>

[Aaron Sorensen]

Best part about this material is how little volume it takes up.

 

[Jerry Adams]

Nice!

Is that a yard stick inside?

Where will your sleeping bag go?  Will it be totally covered?

[Aaron Sorensen]

The stick is 4 foot wide and it’s 5 foot at its widest.

At 11′ length, there is enough coverage.

[IVO K]

I really like the 2 tent stake set up

What is this “2 tent stake set up” you speak of?

[Anonymous]

Looks pretty nice and definitely nice weight.  How much does this fabric stretch, especially if it’s been sitting in heavy rain for a while?  Besides the delicacy, that would be my concern.

If you made this with RBTR’s membrane silpoly, the tent would be just a couple ounces or so heavier, but not stretch or potentially soak up moisture (and thus extra weight).

Would a few ounces really make a difference to your body, or is it more of a belief system/idea attachment?

[Aaron Sorensen]

Just a few ounces more!  That’s almost 50% of it’s weight.  If we never cared about a few extra ounces, Cuben wouldn’t exist.  Shave a few ounces here and there and that’s a pound.  A pound is over 20% of my 3 season base weight.  So yes I care that it’s a few ounces lighter and takes up less space.

My normal shelter is a 3 ounce bivy and an XL GG ground cloth.  I just sandwich myself in the ground cloth if it rains. I bring this system in case of rain, not if I know it’s supposed to rain. So the tarp can save a little weight, have more protection and take up less space.

This tarp set-up has the poles on the inside that support it in a way that itt only needs 2 tent stakes to hold it up. Front and back stake with a piece of line on the outsides in front to attach to a rock or stick to keep everything taunt.

[jimmy b]

Nice, Aaron, I have enjoyed seeing you push the limits here. Inspiring me to do more to lighten further..

jimmyb

[Stefan Hoffman]

I was just shopping fabric to replace my cuben tarp. Let us know how that thing does in some rain, if you get a chance. It sounds promising with the double sided coating. I cant decide how much i care if it soaks through.

[W I S N E R !]

Beautiful shelter.  And respect for being one of the last few on this site that seem to be really interested in pushing boundaries/innovating.

[Aaron Sorensen]

When I make my tarp like this with Membrane, I will use a full 4 yards. That one foot I took off would really help.

I’ll do a stretch check over the weekend and report back on this and the amount of water it retains. I’m very interested myself.

[R]

Aaron,

Have you had a chance to evaluate the wet stretch/sag on this material?

How do you like the shelter in general?

[Kattt]

“Beautiful shelter. And respect for being one of the last few on this site that seem to be really interested in pushing boundaries/innovating.”

He is unique.

[Author]

Posts