Tarp Newb Questions

Adding email reply.

Okay, so I think I’m going with an Echo II insert and I’m going to make a flat tarp in the realm of 9×11. Hopefully the length of the tarp will allow me to stay dry with the head end of the insert being open. I should be able to set the insert pretty close to the back of the tarp since the foot is fully covered on the insert and this should give me a few feet of tarp overhang at the head end. Would anyone agree?

The echo 2 insert is pretty “bomber”, with the enclosed foot end, plus a nice vertical walled bathtub floor.   I’ve set one up under an 8×10 tarp.   Pitched in the proper direction to the wind, I think you’d have no issues at all.    The 9×11 would give you some extra vestibule space along the sides, and way more than enough length.   I didn’t particularly like how much of a footprint the 8×10 tarp required.

I usually use my 8 x 10 with no bivy or net tent at all.  I have really had no problems with wind blown rain.  Site selection and orienting your tarp the correct direction matters quite a bit.

Thanks for the reply, this makes me feel a lot better about it. I can take this to the MYOG section if needed, but how are you guys setting up your tarps for trekking pole attachments? I like HMG’s setup of he small ring sewn to the tarp with a lineloc 3 on the outside but I’m not sure where to get those rings. Do drings slide over the tip of the pole with webbing attached to it? Or are you guys just putting grosgrain loops on your tarp’s tie-outs to attach the guys then using the wrap twice around the pole tip and tighten method? Sorry for the basic questions but this will literally be my first tarp but they’re way too easy to make for me not to MYOG it, I just would like some insight into your tie-out techniques for any points where you might use a trekking pole.

I would recommend the Yama 2-person bug shelter in silnylon over the echo insert. It’s MUCH cheaper, larger, and only a hair heavier (0.4 ounces, I think). It’s probably also more packable and resistant to abrasion.

I feel like all of the HMG shelters are so overbuilt that it negates the reasons some choose cuben in the first place..

How to Pitch a Tarp with Trekking Poles Video

Andrew Skurka’s My Guyline System for Tarps

Can anyone with an Oware tarp tell me how their tie outs are formed? They appear to just be grosgrain loops but I can’t find a close up. I ask because I watched a pitching video where a gentleman pitches his Oware flat tarp in many ways and all of the tie outs appear to accept a trekking pole tip right at the tarp but I can’t tell what exactly they’re using. They appear to be grosgrain loops sewn with a loop at the perfect diameter to take the tip of the pole without sliding down the pole but not positive. What I’m going for is a way to have all my tie outs accept a pole tip without having to add a bunch of hardware while also being a basic loop to accept just guyline for tying out.

Thanks!

Okay, I have the tie out concerns solved. Now I’m second guessing my decision to make a flat tarp. I did pick up an Echo ii inner and I’m about to pull the trigger on the Membrane Silpoly to make a 9×10 flat tarp. But, now I’m starting to get worried that it’s not going to keep me dry. I really want the versatility of the flat tarp and would be totally fine picking up something like a cirriform 2p tarp for winter warmth, but will a flat tarp keep me dry with this echo ii net for three season use? Anyone used this setup with good luck?

If only someone made flat tarps with a detachable vestibule like the Echo ii tarp. That would be perfect. Does this exist? I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find this.

there is the Borahgami Shelter which is an 8×10 with Velcro closures on doors if you want to seal it all the way up here is a Video review, on Borah gears site it says 17.9oz but Jearsblog and several other reviews I have read they said it was a little over 13oz

I like that Borahghami and it actually gives me an idea. I will make a end closure/door like theirs but fully removable. I only need one at the front at the rear of the echo ii is solid cuben. Could anyone on who who owns the Borahghami take a photo of how the velcro is sewn to the tarp and the door. This would be really helpful knowing how they orient things so I can do it up on my own.

Ordered a couple of extra yards of Membrane Silpoly for this door add on which, at .93 oz/sq yd, I should be able to keep this tarp under 15oz at 9x10ft with the removable door. Not bad for <$60. :)

Following  this thread.

Can anyone with the full HMG Echo comment on the waterproofness of their technique of using the flap coming up and over the side of the tarp and clipping on. I am aiming to use a flat door/face like the Borahghami but with an attachment system like the HMG so I can avoid all the velcro. That will make it more universal as well and if it comes out well, I will likely make a second door to use in winter when I leave the net home. I will just close both sides up and have a house. I don’t see a need for vestibules with a tarp that will be 10′ long. Anyways, thanks in advance on the Echo question.