Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Camping Equipment and all Clothing
Can anyone recommend a good tarp? Can anyone recommend a good tarp?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland




Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Aug 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Wells, Somerset
Posts: 233
Can anyone recommend a good tarp?
HI!

Having just returned from a jolly through France, with mixed weather, I'm convinced of the worth of a tarp.

My reasoning is this;

-Extension to the tent, or complete cover of the tent, means somewhere dry to cook/store stuff, and drier conditions to set up/pack up tent.
-Good camping conditions means fewer nights in hotels etc.
-Not too heavy, and not to pricey.
-Social area, important in bad weather, sitting in a tent in the rain is soul destroying I think

Anyhoo, we got a 3m X 3m tarp from a decathlon store, which just about lasted the week we needed it for. Just about big enough, but bigger would have been better I think.

There was friendly group of combination riders camped next to us at Ripley this year, and they had a Jack Wolfskin of similar proportion to a marquee, which seemed to do the trick.

Before I go ahead and buy one of these, can anyone give me any pointers or alternative suggestions?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Aug 2008
spooky's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Utopia/Germany
Posts: 279
regardless where I'm going..... I always have a "MOD basha" with me in my pack, light weight and cheap, use it as addition to my Hennessy hammock for exact the reasons you are mention. (socialising, repair jobs, catering aria, wind braker)
Well the size of this basha's are OK for a one/two man joby, this are only 2,5m x 2m big, but if every one in the group carries one all the basha's can be attached together to one big sheet, with all there loops they are quick, easy and save to tied up any where possible. Very strong material made from silicon coated rip-stop nylon.
Ps..... may not as posh as the common expensive outdoor gear, but certainly do there job very well...........
__________________
The trouble is that he was talking in philosophy, but they were listening in gibberish.
Last edited by spooky; 10 Aug 2008 at 21:58.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Aug 2008
bobkat's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 103
We use a "Noah's Tarp" by Kelty. Bought it at REI. Good for sun or rain. Comes in 9x9 feet and 12x12 feet and is very light weight. We also have two aluminum collapsible poles to hold up one edge. It makes a great covered porch for the tent to use when it is raining (Norway) or no shade exists (Morocco).
__________________

Our Favorite Roads, until the next trip!
Bob & Kathy
The adventures of Lemonade
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Aug 2008
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Smile
Aldi has been selling a shelter thingy recently- just throw away the poles which are heavy. But be quick - in my local store theyre selling them off reduced to get rid of them.....
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Aug 2008
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Quote:
Originally Posted by bobkat View Post
We use a "Noah's Tarp" by Kelty. Bought it at REI. Good for sun or rain. Comes in 9x9 feet and 12x12 feet and is very light weight. We also have two aluminum collapsible poles to hold up one edge. It makes a great covered porch for the tent to use when it is raining (Norway) or no shade exists (Morocco).
Nice trip, Bobcat!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Aug 2008
sebjones906's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: So.Cal.
Posts: 30
Thumbs up
I have a Noah's Tarp and it works well, also several tents of different sizes and for camping in different places. But as I understand your question, you are asking about a small tarp that can be used for many things. For years I have been carrying a military poncho. It rolls up tight and small, can be used for a ground cloth, sun shade, bike cover, privacy wall ... and of course ... with the intigrated hood it keeps the rain off your body and head. The one I have has snaps around the outside so that, if you have to, you can make a cacoon around your sleeping bag. I have used the same one for over 20 years. It's a WW2 rubberized type. Recently I replaced it with a later era nylon type. A poncho is a very versatile piece of equiptment and goes with me when ever I go Motorcycle camping.
__________________
Sam Jones
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Salisbury UK
Posts: 248
Quote:
Originally Posted by Baron Bolton View Post
...Anyhoo, we got a 3m X 3m tarp from a decathlon store, which just about lasted the week we needed it for.
The tarps from Decathlon were popular at Ripley. I actually bought one myself and it seemed to work well, albeit under moderate British weather.

I would appreciate it if you said what actually happened with yours. Prevention better than cure, etc.

You might be interested in this Hex Fly. If it's a genuine Hennessy, then it's a very good price.

edit - just sent them an email to ask if it is a Hennessy. Just curious. I'll post back here if I get a reply.
__________________
I've a feeling I'm not in Kansas anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Aug 2008
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,119
I have a couple of the Decathlon tarps. One useful tip is to steal a pole from one end and add it in the other so you have a high entrance and low back end. However this doesn't work too well when the wind changes

I had great problems trying to erect it without help. I think the solution might be to roughly peg out the guys before sticking the poles in, then fine tune it whilst it's wavering all over the place. Or find some helpful trees!

Tim
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 22 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Salisbury UK
Posts: 248
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
...I think the solution might be to roughly peg out the guys before sticking the poles in, then fine tune it whilst it's wavering all over the place...Tim
Had the same trouble when I first used mine at Ripley. Felt more like a Mr Bean than the laid-back Mr Mears putting the sodding thing up.

Have now roughly paced it out to made life a little easier. I still need practice, but reckon it's worth the time. I bloody love 'em!
__________________
I've a feeling I'm not in Kansas anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 5 Mar 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Manchester UK
Posts: 22
I use a Tatonka Polycotton tarp... Not as light as nylon but quieter and warmer too
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Apr 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 14
Silicone impregnated parachute nylon makes a durable, light weight, waterproof tarp that packs down to something that will fit in your hand.



Integral Designs and Hillberg make great silnylon tarps
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Sun Shelter Tarp in ALDI stuxtttr Camping Equipment and all Clothing 8 21 Sep 2009 12:54
Can people recommend good extreme cold weather gear? Alexlebrit Camping Equipment and all Clothing 15 9 Oct 2008 14:25
tarp BORN2BMILD Camping Equipment and all Clothing 2 25 May 2008 00:21
Any good roads/routes to recommend south of Hamburg? Route Planning 5 17 Jun 2005 10:27
Can anyone recommend a good wheel builder near Portsmouth? LordStig Honda Tech 6 3 Dec 2003 14:19

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:25.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top