Updated for 2008 the design of this simple British made tarp has been 3 years in the making. After the inital introduction to the lightweight world of using a tarp and bivvy bag by Ray Jardine and Ray Mears, we've been exploring the practicalities of using the tarp as a way to make life in a bivvy bag a more enjoyable experience.
After experimenting with all variations of designs, shapes, beaks, lifters, support systems and so on, we've found the KISS principle to be the best. Using a rectangular sheet, with appropriate length tabs, well stitched reinforcements in the right places, we've found that the secret is all in the knots and the tension.
The 2.7m x 1.5m (approx) solo tarp will completely cover one person, or the torso of two, with plenty of storage space, depending on how it is pitched. You have the option to pitch it in the 'A-Frame', 'Flying-V','Lean-To' and 'Cave' configuration.
The 'A-Frame' suits summer weather, lowland camping, slight breeze and all round ventilation. The 'Lean-To' is more to cut out the wind, will take a fair amount of rain from one angle and still provide a good view. The 'Flying-V' is ideal for heavy weather, high wind and maximum protection. The Cave is virtually a pyramid tent and gives maximum protection, although better suited to the Duo Tarp, it can still be erected using this Solo Tarp. All four styles can be mixed and matched to suit your needs at any one time.
Made from siliconized nylon and double stitched around the hem, with reinforcements on every tab support, the tarp will take a variety of pressures from all angles. On the centre ridge line of the tarp there are two 'lifters' which are seam sealed. These are not for central support from a line when pitched as an "A frame', but for 'lifting' cords, to pull back the flat surface area and provide more space underneath the tarp. (See gallery)
Weighing in at 323g (lighter than 2007 model) including bag, optional extras include titanium ultralight pegs, a 15m length of 3mm paracord and 3m of 3mm shockcord. Depending on which method you use and of course how bad the weather may be, a tarp can be pitched using as little as 4 pegs and as many as 12. Once you find a pitching style which suits your needs, shockcord may be a permanent attachment to certain tabs for swift pegging out.
The bag which comes with the tarp is a loose fit to be able to accommodate cords, pegs and shockcord.
Plus of course every tarp we sell, arrives with a free copy of The Tarp Video on CD-Rom (Mac and PC) which explains in video form, how to tie all the knots you need to know, how to hank cordage and erect your first tarp in the 3 main configurations. As pitching a tarp may be new to your outdoor experience, we suggest you take your time practicing with the various configurations in your back garden before you head out into the wilds!
Using a tarp with a bivvy bag is a great way to see more of the outdoors and feel 'part' of your environment. These tarps are designed to support the lightweight backpacker and bivvy user. Of course there's many ways they can be used, including extending the vestibule area of a tent, as a windbreak on the beach or a 'hide' for photographers.
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Features
Size: 2730mm x 1460mm
Weight: 323g
Material: 1500mm Hydrostatic Head Siliconised Nylon
Colour: Green
Attachment points: 16 exterior and 2 lifters
Construction: Double stitched reinforced hem with seam sealed reinforced attachment points.
Webbing and lifters: 15mm polypropylene
Supplied with bag: Loose fit to accommodate pegs and cord. Free CD-Rom (PC and Mac) video explaining how to tie and pitch your tarp.
Optional extras
12 Titanium Ultralight Pegs: Weight 12g
15 Metres Paracord: Weight 80g
15 Metres 1.5mm Dyneema: Weight 16.3g
Packs of 12 Line Locks: Weight 6g
3 Metres Shockcord: Weight 30g
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