[at-l] light weight tarp ?

[jeff@rixco.com (Jeff Beaumont)]

mtn0613@mail.newnanutilities.org wrote:

> Hi Gang, I have a request, I need a light weight tarp. I use a bivy, but
> carry a small tarp to use as a wind break or something to cook under in bad
> weather. I bought it in a hurry at REI, so did not really shop around for a
> good one. It weighs about pound, way too heavy! Anyone have any suggestions
> along with some links to view them and or order one?

A pound is WAY too heavy?
I think you have approached the point of diminishing returns. At
significantly under a pound, a tarp would either have to be very small and
therefore of questionable usefulness, or very thin, which compromises
durability.
The best thing I can think of that is not high tech and expensive is
Visqueen. This is 6 mil plastic sheeting that is available in most hardware
stores. It is not always called Visqueen (which I think is a brand name) but
there is always some 6 mil translucent plastic drop cloth material at most
hardware stores that is equivalent. Make sure it is 6 mil though, anything
less won't last. I saw a very large roll at Home Depot the other day for
$20. You can cut it to your preferred size.
In order to rig this tarp you can use Sierra Designs "Grip Clips" or look in
Colin Fletchers book "the Complete Walker" for his method that requires only
your tent line and a few pebbles that you can pick up at your tent site.
Don't put grommets in it, they can easily weigh more than the tarp itself.
The beauty of Visqueen is that it is light, strong and cheap. When it wears
out you simply recycle it and cut yourself another piece. If you are
Thru-Hiking you could put one in every other mail drop.
BTW-Visqueen is often used for low-end tent ground cloths. In fact Eureka
will sell you custom cut footprints for their tents using visqueen-like
material for about $10! For that money you could buy enough at the hardware
store to make quite a few  ground cloths.

Jeff

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