Posts Tagged ‘tarp’

Using Tarps for Backcountry Camping

Sunday, December 20th, 2009

Using Tarps for Backcountry Camping

Not every backpacking trip requires using a tent for a shelter. Tarps and flies are much lighter, cheaper, and can still provide protection for backcountry hikers from the elements.

Plastic Tarps vs. Nylon Flies

A plastic tarp is cheap and can be found not only at outdoor gear stores, but also at hardware stores and military surplus stores. Most plastic, heavy-duty tarps have metal grommets along the edge. These allow the user to tie nylon cord to the tarp. The cordage can then be stretched out and staked down or tied to a tree. A second tarp can be laid on the ground to keep the sleeping bag dry. The disadvantage of tarps is that they can wear out quickly, and don’t come with a warranty for damage.

A nylon camping fly, such as the Integral Designs Siltarp, can do the same job as a plastic tarp. Its main advantage is that it can be lighter and more compact than a plastic tarp, depending on the size. This could mean a big difference for lightweight backpackers who need an individual shelter. The main disadvantages are that a fly is more expensive, and can not be used as a ground cloth.

Setting up Tarps and Flies

A basic setup for a tarp or fly is an A-frame design. This method covers a large amount of ground while also providing a way for rainwater to flow off the shelter. Spread the shelter out and attach cord at the corners and on either end of the middle of the tarp or fly. Tie the middle lines first, then stake out the four corners.

A low impact way to set up the middle is by using two trekking poles that have been extended. This way, one doesn’t have to use a tree, which could mark up the bark, especially birch or aspen trees.

This article brought to you courtesy of Heavy-Duty-Tarps.com

Heavy Duty Hay Tarps

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Heavy Duty Hay Tarps are used for farmers, ranchers, or anyone who has hay and needs to cover it up and keep it out of the elements. Anyone who uses hay regularly and want to kee the qualty up while it is being stores prefere to use Heavy Duty Hay Tarps as thier choice of hay covering. A Heavy Duty Tarp should be made of super tough comercial grade poly fabric with a strong tensile strength and with the utmost craftsmanship so you can expect it to last and keep your investment out of harms way.

Heavy Duty Hay Tarps or farm tarps, as they are sometimes refered as, are great hay tarps for rain, snow or wind, keeping all your hay out of the elements. When it comes to covering horse hay with tarps, we suggest using Heavy Duty Hay Tarps.

How Do I Choose A Heavy Duty Tarp?

Monday, December 14th, 2009

How Do I Choose A Heavy Duty Tarp?

It depends on what you need your heavy duty tarps to do. Heavy duty tarps are made up of mesh count, mil thickness, denier, weight and the size of the rope inside the hem which goes around the perimeter of the tarp.

Heavy Duty Tarps come in a variety of colors and generally have a minimum mesh count of 12 x 12 or 14 x 14.

The most popular Heavy Duty Tarps on the market today are Silver Tarps and White Tarps. Heavy Duty Tarps are the ideal choice for canopy applications due to their strength and resistance.

The Silver Heavy Duty Tarp is a unique waterproof material that is lightweight, inexpensive and provides total shade. Designed with a black polyethylene center layer, the Silver Tarp blocks 100% of the suns harmful UV rays and is 100% waterproof.

The silver Heavy Duty Tarp is also a strong, lightweight and waterproof
material with a 12 x 12 or 14 x 14 mesh count but does not include the black sun blocker material. The silver Heavy Duty Tarp is popular choice for its ability to allow natural light come through while at the same time providing some shade and UV protection.

If you are looking for a Heavy Duty Tarp that is resistant to fire, you will need to make sure the tarp has been manufactured using flame resistant fibers or have been treated with some sort of topical application.

Choosing the right size and type of heavy duty tarp can be challenging so be sure to read all of the offered specifications offered by our top heavy duty manufacturers and retailers.

This Article was brought to you courtesy of Heavy-Duty-Tarps.com