Need suggestions for a canvas tarp or alternatives!

[TravisRising]

Even after a year, I have no idea how to use this forum to find information. So, I have to ask each and every time:

I had a Superfly overhead tarp that got destroyed by the sun at my permanent camp. I was using it for both permanent and weekend camping uses. My faulty reasoning was, "It was expensive, so it must be treated for sun exposure, right?"

Hard lesson learned. I heard tell that a good poly canvas tarp is best for long term solutions. I would love to hear suggestions on what would be the best one to get for equal amounts of sun and rain down here in Florida, all without breaking the bank. I'm not stuck on poly cotton canvas, but I'd obviously prefer to stay dry and cool for longer than this blasted Superfly has(I'll continue to blame the Superfly, because I'm obstinate ;-P).

Thank you in advance fellow hangers!

[FLTurtle]

What's wrong with the poly blue tarps like you find on roofs after hurricanes? Cheap and you can find them at any Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, etc.

[SilvrSurfr]

Poly canvas? Nah, that's not a thing. Canvas is made from hemp, flax or cotton, not polyester.

I don't think there is any tarp that can hold up against sunshine 365 days a year. If that's what you want out of a tarp, better to stick with the cheap poly blue tarps from Walmart.

[joe_guilbeau]

Poly canvas? Nah, that's not a thing. Canvas is made from hemp, flax or cotton, not polyester.

I don't think there is any tarp that can hold up against sunshine 365 days a year. If that's what you want out of a tarp, better to stick with the cheap poly blue tarps from Walmart.

Came across these Polyester Canvas Tarps yesterday, they are heavy at 14.5 oz.

Here is what the vague description says on the manufacture's website:

T"arps Direct's 14.5 ounce "WorkHorse" tarps are manufactured in the USA of a strong polyester blend that is silicone treated. WorkHorse is waterproof, breathable and will not bleed or stain. Lock-stitched seams and hem provide extra strength and durability. Brass spur grommets on the corners and approximately every 24" apart on all sides provide excellent tie-down opportunities. WorkHorse tarps work well for equipment covers, duck blinds, canopies, truck (steel hauler covers) covers, outdoor furniture covers, boat covers, material covers and many more."

https://www.tarpsonline.com/tarps/polyestercanvas.asp"]https://www.tarpsonline.com/tarps/polyestercanvas.aspx"]https://www.tarpsonline.com/tarps/polyestercanvas.asp

Also Sunbrell Awning 100% Sunbrella Acrylic woven materia 9 oz per sq yard and 5-year warranty. Samples are $4.00
60" width. They also have PVC backed non breathable awing and marine canopy fabric. You are going to need a fatter wallet.

https://www.sunbrella.com/sunbrella-...er-beige-4672c

[Phantom Grappler]

Keep shopping and looking around. You might find a tarp that is about what you want.

Maybe a Kelty tarp

Or a canvas tarp, but canvas can get mold and mildew. And unless treated will wear out from rain, wind, and sun.

Maybe polyester will work.

And tell your cottage vendor, you want a tarp that can survive the elements while being set up outside year round.
Vendors have experience choosing fabrics, and can sometimes give good advice.

Call Dutch and RipStopByTheRoll and John at Trailheadz and more great vendors.

Good luck

[JollyRoger70]

You might have some luck sourcing heavy-duty sun-resistant fabric from one of those companies that make awnings and sun umbrellas. We happen to have one just down the road from where I live (https://eastcoastumbrella.com), but you might find something closer to home. The result will probably weigh a lot, but I think that’s the trade-off. Good luck.


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[LowTech]

Being mostly a desert dweller sun is a major issue here as well. My recent method, after getting my first lightweight camping tarp, has been to use shade cloth as a top layer and then put the "rain tarp" underneath.
I picked up some 90% block for pretty cheap and it's not that heavy or large when packed up.
This is for long term setups. We live full time out of our rigs and tarps get set up every time we have a "sunny" encampment, which can be often as we have solar systems for power.
Previously I used some canvas tarps, talk about space taking and heavy.

[oxtopheryames]

Nothing will last forever, the cheap tarps from Walmart or lowes sound like your best bet.

[TravisRising]

Being mostly a desert dweller sun is a major issue here as well. My recent method, after getting my first lightweight camping tarp, has been to use shade cloth as a top layer and then put the "rain tarp" underneath.
I picked up some 90% block for pretty cheap and it's not that heavy or large when packed up.
This is for long term setups. We live full time out of our rigs and tarps get set up every time we have a "sunny" encampment, which can be often as we have solar systems for power.
Previously I used some canvas tarps, talk about space taking and heavy.

Could you perhaps elaborate on what you mean by "shade cloth? Does this come pre-made, or is it a DIYer?

[LowTech]

Could you perhaps elaborate on what you mean by "shade cloth? Does this come pre-made, or is it a DIYer?

Sure, here's some that I also used on our rigs. It comes in a variety of sizes/colors and has grommets every couple feet or so.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0831...b_b_asin_title

I'm not a fan of grommets in tarps as they always pull out under heavy wind load, and we have major winds, so I like to have an upholstery shop add some webbing loops on in a few places like the corners and midway along the edge. Then I set it up as I would a rain tarp for the hammock and pitch my actual rain tarp a few inches under it.
The gap in between does a great job of keeping down the radiant heat you feel under a tarp that has the sun shining directly on it.