Why should I buy the expensive tarp?

[ntxkayakr]

There was some good advice early on in this thread then folks got all personal and uppity about their style of camping. If you have difficulty field repairing a damaged tarp (regardless of material) due to unexpected strong wind or falling debris then I suggest you rent a cabin or motel room. Any longtime camper will tell you that a temporary shelter, especially made of fabric, will fail you when you least expect it regardless of how much you paid for it. Those who are prepared to do field repair fair best.

[Rolloff]

There was some good advice early on in this thread then folks got all personal and uppity about their style of camping. If you have difficulty field repairing a damaged tarp (regardless of material) due to unexpected strong wind or falling debris then I suggest you rent a cabin or motel room. Any longtime camper will tell you that a temporary shelter, especially made of fabric, will fail you when you least expect it regardless of how much you paid for it. Those who are prepared to do field repair fair best.

I agree.

But of course.

The more you spend on a tarp, you'll find the field repairs to usually be, easier, better, and much more permanent, than that piece of duct tape. Few people figure that into the price of a nice peice of Sil or CF. That CF repair tape is a finished repair. No need to seal or re-do, or replace, before you can make another trip.

[hattywaiverwireguru]

If you see yourself hammocking for a while the extra investment is worth it. Easier to setup, designed for hammocking, and resale value it better if you find you don't like it.

[bc2020]

I try to go cheap also but then I have to remind myself that I'm getting twisted up over about a half a tank of gas. Or one night in a hotel room.

Then I figure the extra $50-$100 for potentially years of use is really a no-brainer!