Found a budget tarp - opinions?

[gunner76]

I like the camo patttern but it does seem a bit small for a hammock.

[Deadphans]

Cool bud, let us know how it goes for ya! I see they have a hammock for 1 dollar lol...cept shipping bumps the cost to around 14 bucks...

[Dogstar]

Sorry for the delay on posting this, life came and nipped me in the butt and kept me busy.

The tarp arrived in good time and I've taken it out for a test run or two.

A few negative points:

1. the material is (as suspected) a very thin coated nylon. It's really too thin for purpose in my opinion and weak points have started to develop where it meets the ridgeline.

2. The stitching is very lightweight. I think in a reasonably strong wind the tie outs stand a chance of being ripped clean off.

3. It's quite noisy in the wind.

A few positive points:

1. I'll probably keep this tarp as a summer backup, it's light and compact enough to fit in my response pack and serves as a perfectly good cover tarp / sunshield.

2. I now have enough material to make a weather sock for my hammock should I wish to without ordering any in

So yes, I would not recommend anyone buy this product unless they have very low expectations.

[Timberrr]

That's a very helpful review.
Thanks.

Sometimes the baby is just ugly.

[sidvicious]

all of the regular vendors seem to have tarps for most budgets. most will cut to order. personally i wouldn't go the route you posted unless you're simply experimenting.

its likely a usable product, but here on the forum there's lots of proven items. i say the governing factor is if you NEED a tarp, don't do it.