Silnylon Tarp

Silnylon has been taken the backpacking world by storm. Lightweight ripstop nylon cloth is impregnated (as opposed to coated) with nylon creating waterproof featherweight material for packs, tarps and other gear.

I have used 10 X 12 foot silnylon tarp for the past few years instead of a tent. Offered by Campmor the tarp has three ties along the center seam and plenty of grommets along the edge offer many options for pitching. The picture illustrates how I usually set things up using a pair of trekking poles, lightweight line and some gutter spikes for stakes. A 3'X8' piece of tyvek house wrap serves as a ground cloth. As a result I have a comfortable, large shelter that weighs about two pounds and cost a great deal less than a tent of similar size. The tarp can, naturally, be used as a dining fly.

In cold weather I stake the sides directly to the ground and use the center seam ties letting the ends of the tarp touch the ground.

Related Posts
Philmont Dining Fly
Rigging Tarps
Tundra Tarps

Comments

[Ken Spry]

I had heard of the silnylon tarp and its use as shelter. I had not seen an actual picture of it setup. Probably not looking hard enough.

I would like to see an image of how you set it up for cold weather. A picture is worth a thousand words....

Also, are you including the weight of the trek poles in the 2 pounds?