Hammock camper in search of a tarp for year-long trip

**Lanstrange** · 09-10-2020, 19:29

I am planning a trip down through Latin America, on my DR-650 with a surfboard rack.

I have a Warbonnet XLC hammock and am looking for a relatively large square tarp that will provide shade/rain shelter for the hammock/ground camping and a living area (will be moving almost every day).

I am torn between the Kelty Noah 12, Paria 12x10 square, Aquaquest heavy duty 13x10.

Anyone have any of these tarps are recommend one over the other for what I'm trying to do? Since weight isn't as big an issue for motocampers I feel the durability of the Kelty or Aquaquest may be superior to the other options.

https://www.kelty.com/noahs-tarp-12/
https://www.pariaoutdoorproducts.com...ctuary-siltarp
https://aquaquestwaterproof.com/coll...31800291754061

**gunner76** · 09-10-2020, 22:05

I have never used a Kelty tarp myself but the folks who do use them seem to be very happy with them other than the weight and bulk. I see all they are offering now is a diamond tarp which will not give you the protection you may need from a heavy rain storm. Of the three I would go with the Paria

**ksing44** · 09-11-2020, 05:12

DD Hammocks have a number of square tarps. In meters they have 3x3, 3.5x3.5, 4x4, and even 5x5. I don't have one yet, but it sounds like they're very nice tarps. I'm planning to get a 3.5x3.5 (11.5x11.5 feet) or a 4x4 (13x13 feet) when they're back in stock sometime in September.

DD Hammocks - All Tarps

**dkurfiss** · 09-11-2020, 06:22

I have a Kelty 12x12 that I have used for at least 5 years now. It goes with me motocamping & car camping where I use it as a cover rather than over my hammock. Let he say that while I love it's durability and cost, it can be a pain to get a nice tight hang on it when using it as an area cover rather than a hammock tarp. It is cat cut and works great for a large tarp with door over my hammock, I would much prefer a square or rectangular (no cat cuts) for area coverage.

**jeff-oh** · 09-11-2020, 09:06

I have the Aqua-quest Defender 13' X 10' Tarp. It is an absolute beast when it comes to coverage and durability. I got it for my Backcounty Canadian Canoe trips. It is heavy at 5 lbs, but it is extremely durable. I'd count on it to hold up for a year. The coverage is also impressive. The coverage provides what is needed in particularly bad weather. Set up with side coverage etc. is possible. Many high quality tie out points. You won't go wrong if you end up choosing the Aquaquest.

**Lanstrange** · 09-11-2020, 09:52

Originally Posted by ksing44

DD Hammocks have a number of square tarps. In meters they have 3x3, 3.5x3.5, 4x4, and even 5x5. I don't have one yet, but it sounds like they're very nice tarps. I'm planning to get a 3.5x3.5 (11.5x11.5 feet) or a 4x4 (13x13 feet) when they're back in stock sometime in September.

DD Hammocks - All Tarps

Awesome thanks! Someone else recommended that to me on ADVRider (motorcycle forum). I am strongly considering this one now over the Kelty

**Lanstrange** · 09-11-2020, 09:52

Originally Posted by jeff-oh

I have the Aqua-quest Defender 13' X 10' Tarp. It is an absolute beast when it comes to coverage and durability. I got it for my Backcounty Canadian Canoe trips. It is heavy at 5 lbs, but it is extremely durable. I'd count on it to hold up for a year. The coverage is also impressive. The coverage provides what is needed in particularly bad weather. Set up with side coverage etc. is possible. Many high quality tie out points. You won't go wrong if you end up choosing the Aquaquest.

Thanks for the review. This is the tarp with the least amount of info online so I wasn't sure. The 5 lbs/bulkiness is a deterrent however. Any idea about the medium duty one they have?

**cougarmeat** · 09-11-2020, 12:42

If you are going for a large tarp and are already considering Noah, why not go for their Noah 16? Sounds like size/weight will not be an issue. I think Dutchware has a “two person” tarp that is extra wide - that might be a choice. Also configuring two non-gigantic traps side by side (with necessary overlap) give you even more options.

**Lanstrange** · 09-11-2020, 13:05

Originally Posted by cougarmeat

If you are going for a large tarp and are already considering Noah, why not go for their Noah 16? Sounds like size/weight will not be an issue. I think Dutchware has a “two person” tarp that is extra wide - that might be a choice. Also configuring two non-gigantic traps side by side (with necessary overlap) give you even more options.

I was considering the 16, but it seems more difficult to set up. Most of the time I plan to stealth camp and would like it to be easier to make/breakdown camp

**jeff-oh** · 09-11-2020, 18:09

Originally Posted by Lanstrange

Thanks for the review. This is the tarp with the least amount of info online so I wasn't sure. The 5 lbs/bulkiness is a deterrent however. Any idea about the medium duty one they have?

All the data is right there on their web site. The defender is their tarp meant for durability. Their sil-nylon 13' x 10' tarp is 1.7 lbs.
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