Tarp for Water travel

Borah gear tarps. 7×9 tarp is pretty big. I prefer the 5.8×9 personally.  You can also go custom size from simplylightdesigns.com.  I highly recommend either one for a tarp.

If 5 x 7 suffices, Walmart stocks an Outdoor Products tarp that is quite compact.  Grommets on each of the four corners and the midpoint of each side (8 total grommets).  For sun protection and reducing radiant cooling at night, it would be big enough for me, but too small for rain protection.  Just the thing for afternoon siestas in Baja to create a spot of solid shade.  Reasonably durable (more so that sily-poly) and at $10, cheap to replace.

I completely forgot about simply light designs. Thank you for the reminder.

I have been super impressed with the Seek Outside DST. Multiple pitching options, lots of guy outs, tons of coverage.

Flat tarp (not catenary cut) in silnylon or silpoly, size 7’ x 9’ – 8’ x10’, would work well. The more timeouts the better. Many discount brands around, but solid craftsmanship with quality materials does equal durability and thus performance in windy conditions. I picked up an Oware USA tarp, 30 D silnylon 8’ x 10’, during one of their frequent sales for rainy group trips and it’s worked out great. Very versatile. Just be sure to bring enough cordage to accommodate funky setups.

+1 for Borah Gear tarps. You can also have extra tie loops added for very reasonable cost.

Etowah Outfitters builds flat tarps in a variety of fabrics. The owner is a paddler and started out making tarps for long canoe trips. Good, solid gear, well made. Nothing over the top or built to above treeline stds. My 10×10 sil tarp has held up for years and many a strong thunderstorm w 40-50 mph winds. Service is very good, prices very reasonable. He has been around for a long time, knows what he is doing.

A number of good suggestions, thank you.

Does anyone have experience with Rab tarps? For whatever reason (probably a social media algorithm) they keep popping up in my searches.

SLD is my go to guy.  I’ve had good luck with his Xenon SilPoly.

You could check out Bear Paw Wilderness Designs.  Look at their Bargain Bin for ready made.   They also offer a Silpoly if you want something special made.  Just some thoughts.

The RAB tarps (bought integral designs in past) should be very good, likely 30D, more heavy duty and slightly more grams.

DD Hammocks has a huge selection of flat tarps.  Their regular 3×3 Sil Poly pushes 2# but is pretty bomber.  I had one.  Their Superlight series , SilNylon, is half the weight.  I had one.  Did not care for it .  Seems to soak up water like a sponge.  I use Amazon, ( boo hiss, boo hiss ) for information.  I’m not sure sure whom to trust regarding quality.  Aqua Quest maybe.  I had had a Free Soldier when first starting down the tarp rabbit hole.  It failed quickly.  The more I think about it, If your not afraid of a bit of weight, here’s the DD brand I mentioned. https://www.amazon.com/DD-Tarp-3m-Olive-Green/dp/B005FPN7GE/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3UB9P1Z0ZIX0C&keywords=dd+hammocks&qid=1672587543&sprefix=dd+hammocks%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-4  Then, grab a tasty beverage and watch a few of Papa Hiker’s early YT vids.  I’m thinking you might fair better with something that can be beat up on more so than dealing with the ultralight side of tarping.  But I’m drifting off topic.  Good luck with your search.