Dueling Tarps

[Strapped-4-Cache]

I'm debating between two tarps and would like to get some input before I purchase. Although I would prefer to get a BWDD WT, a recent change in my daughter's meds has forced me to cut back on what I can spend.

Scanning the "Weather Protection" threads has shown two inexpensive options that I can afford - the GG 12x12 (no poles) and the Chinook 12x14. The Chinook should be available next week if forecasts are correct and the G can be purchased now.

I'm mainly a car camper, or hike short distances to sites, so weight isn't really an issue. I doubt I'll be doing any winter camping, but I have yet to go on a camping trip that it hasn't rained, so I'd like something that can be closed up if possible.

I'm sure that there's people out there that swear by one or the other. Since they're both comparably priced, and both need to be somewhat modded I can't decide which would be the better of the two and take the least amount of work to be ready to take into the field.

Thoughts?

[bdpalace]

I think the GG has more tie outs and the Chinook has grommets at key locations that could potentially fail. I have the GG and have had great luck with it. You'll have to mod it for a center ridge hang if you want to close it up. YMMV

[Beast 71]

I have the GG and have had great luck with it. You'll have to mod it for a center ridge hang if you want to close it up. YMMV

What he said. I've also used the GG on the diagonal and it gives alot of coverage that way to, it's about 17' on the ridge-line.

[sclittlefield]

The GG weighs in at around 2lbs. Not too bad given the size. Honestly, I'd just choose one based on color (white for GG, green for Chinook). I think either would suit you well.

[Wags]

if you can afford the wait time you may want to give a look at tom claytor's diamond tarp for $50

[Beast 71]

if you can afford the wait time you may want to give a look at tom claytor's diamond tarp for $50

You can't close up a Diamond Fly, that's why I own one of those and a GG12X12.

[HannahsDaddy]

+1 for GG. Love mine. Add two tabs to the center edges and you can hang any way you want.

[Strapped-4-Cache]

It seems that there are a good number of votes for the Guide Gear tarp. Scott mentioned color, which I hadn’t considered. I haven’t really done much stealth camping, so I don’t know that white vs green would matter. Green would blend, but I usually camp with friends so I haven’t needed to *not* be seen.

To anyone who has added tabs to the GG: Are the edges simply doubled and hemmed, or does the tarp have something like grosgrain edging it? My sewing skills are simple at best. Would the tab be sewed directly onto the tarp itself or is there a secondary fabric that the will be used to support the attachment. Or do you back the area being sewn with more grosgrain ribbon?

While I’m asking, how difficult would it be to add pockets for a pole mod? I understand that the pull-outs are a pain to do, but I’d think pole pockets may be easier. Would it be just as easy to put a pole pocket and tab at all four ‘middle’ locations around the tarp edge to allow for greater flexibility? It seems that by doing so you wouldn’t have a dedicated ridge line and dedicated ‘pole’ line, allowing the tarp to be rotated 90* if necessary. Too much? Am I over-thinking this and (very likely) making it more complicated than it needs to be?

Thanks for your input,

- Mark (S-4-C)

[Wags]

You can't close up a Diamond Fly, that's why I own one of those and a GG12X12.

living in georgia i think he wouldn't need the close up features of the 12x12.

[Strapped-4-Cache]

I'd rather have one tarp to cover as many situations as possible. I don't have the financial ability to purhase multiple tarps, so getting one that *can* be closed up would be nice.