Several years back when I was doing a lot of canoe camping, I had a Kelty Noah 9 tarp that provided a nice amount of shelter for 2-3 people. Somewhere along the line I sold it and I see they still make it, but I’m wondering if there’s something preferable. I’m mainly interested in sun and rain protection, especially for cooking. Any thoughts/recommendations?
I use a Unigear tarp when camping which I’ve found to be really good and not too expensive. I actually bought a 2nd one as a spare for when this one eventually needs replacing.
You can get heavy duty 9 mil silver tarps from Harbor Freight. I have a 16’ x 22’, a 12’ x 16’ and an 8’ x 10’, i have dedicated poles that I made out of 2x4s and an aluminum adjustable pole with a round donut shaped plug. I have set of 8 inch and 12 inch aluminum stakes from a military surplus store and 1/4 inch braided rope with a loop on one end and a taught-line-hitch on the other. Put it all in a small canvas bag. That way you have tarps for different sized group. If you know the location and the tree distribution, you can string it to trees instead of poles.
Tie a set of ropes to split the tarp width to form a ridge, then lock the corners down to other trees. So the water drains off. The Harbor Freight 9 mil is stronger and cheaper, with reinforced corners, than the cheap versions from Lowe’s or Home Depot. They hold up to wind better.
I have the Kelty Noah 12 - its fine. Its designed to be set up as a wing on the diagonal, but I rarly do that. I usually set it up square. When I buy another one or replace it I will just buy a plain square tarp.
I bought this a few weeks ago in case it pours rain while I’m trying to cook. My whole camping setup is heavy in my kayak and I won’t get to use this often, so weight and small pack size were my primary concerns. The tarp is 7’x8’ and the whole kit is 1lb 1oz (I weighed it), and it fits into the pouch easily without having to stuff it.
I haven’t gotten the rain to use it yet, but I’ve opened it up and it is complete and it seems well constructed. I almost bought one with the double layer, but since I’m only going to use it in rain I decided the extra weight and size were not necessary.
1 Like
That configuration is strong and makes it easy to use trees. I had a coated nylon tarp that worked well, but the coating deteriorated and got sticky, smelling like vomit. Lots of options on Amazon at a great price. I don’t see details of the material or construction weigh. The larger 12 x 16, 9 mil tarps are heavier but nice for prolonged rain trips where weight is not an option.