Is an expensive tarp worth it?

[joe_guilbeau]

Thanks for your insight

You get what you pay for.

1. Ultralight Weight
2. Packability
3. Waterproofness

Pick two of the above, 'cause you can't get all three.

Options 1 & 2 get you Dyneema - because SilPoly will leak after the silicon is abraded; cost goes up.

Options 2 & 3 get you Aqua Quest Defenders because a 20,000 mm water column is good enough; plenty of size options also.

Or

Options 2 & 3 get you 6-mil. Clear Poly Sheeting - 6 Mil, 16' x 100'; you get six DIY tarps 16'x16' with a smidge left over. Not lightweight but will fold small and will be plenty waterproof.

[mistone]

Yeah, it's worth it to spend the extra little bit of money to get a good tarp Amazon's got tarps pretty cheap but it's all in what you want

[Ecaz]

You get what you pay for.

1. Ultralight Weight
2. Packability
3. Waterproofness

Pick two of the above, 'cause you can't get all three.

Options 1 & 2 get you Dyneema - because SilPoly will leak after the silicon is abraded; cost goes up.

Options 2 & 3 get you Aqua Quest Defenders because a 20,000 mm water column is good enough; plenty of size options also.

Or

Options 2 & 3 get you 6-mil. Clear Poly Sheeting - 6 Mil, 16' x 100'; you get six DIY tarps 16'x16' with a smidge left over. Not lightweight but will fold small and will be plenty waterproof.

This is also my answer. While I love dyneema, the pack bulk is usually more than I want, so i end up with SilPoly or SilNylon. With that said... dyneema really is better.