Drifta Stockton Hexa Tarp Review- Light, Fast Shelter

[@OTWD]

Forgot to mention: Hexa Tarp could replace roof rack mounted awning if wanting to travel light/ keep centre of mass low on vehicle. Six 40mm solid stakes are rather heavy, 30mm probably do in most situations. Pegs are the heaviest element of the setup. My ground sheet is 2.5 x 5m... I could fit the ground sheet in my Drifta Equipment Bag (Small) in with the hexatarp if I wanted to. At 5:53 my young passenger is saying 'Bye Tent' over and over! The eyelet rust seems cosmetic and not something that the early adopters of the tarp need to worry about

[@leanneprice33]

“3 year olds don’t wait 5 minutes” 🤣 Spoken in a tone of voice only a parent could understand. Love the video as always Dan. We love a tarp. Super versatile piece of kit.

[@OTWD]

Hey Guys! Thanks heaps. It's just so much lighter than other shelters I reckon (once you get used to putting it up and down). Glad you are here as always Price family. Not long now until +1 💙

[@JasonByrne-bf1yt]

Excellent review Dan. You covered everything in perfect detail. Thank you.

[@stevem4468]

Another ripper Dan! Well done! 2 weeks of black coffee now mate! ❤ing it

[@OTWD]

Haha!...Yyou are my black coffee success story Steve! Thanks for your support mate!

[@lukewilliams4542]

another great vid Dan. I've been mulling over buying the large Hexa tarp, cheers for the honest run down and tips

[@OTWD]

Thanks heaps Luke, I think you were the first person to watch it through entirely since it went live. Appreciate the comment - good luck figuring out what's best for your needs :D

[@RoMiTouring]

Brilliant review Dan... I've been looking at one of these for a while now... have to go hunting and see if you've done the 'future Dan review'... :D

[@OTWD]

Hey Ross! Future Dan was just a single clip, sorry😁 No other videos on the Hexa yet! One coming soon on the setup and packup, and I'll talk further about the extra bits and pieces that make it even better. Cheers! PS. I just got a half hexa too, which I plan to use when travelling light/without the family. Thanks for taking the time to comment mate!

[@michaeldallimore8590]

Another good one Dan. Thanks for the review.

[@OTWD]

My pleasure Michael. Thanks so much.

[@Stuart4444]

Thanks Dan, great video. Although I was a bit concerned about the little ones so close to the river.

[@OTWD]

Hi Stuart. Thanks for watching mate - sorry for delayed response. We don't let them stray far from us, and we acknowledge the risks. Cheers👍

[@Inserico]

Great overview of the tarp Dan, thanks!! 👍 I was wondering whether you're able to position the tarp Nth/Sthward (i.e. one main pole to the north, one main pole to the south), and block out most of the sun throughout daylight hours?

[@OTWD]

Hi Brendan. Sorry it's taken me a while to respond mate. That's definitely a plausible way to do it. It's easy to pull down and peg the the sides. Cheers. Dan😁

[@lochieisking]

Hey Dan, been looking at the hexa tarp from drifta and your little mods are epic to know what else to purchase. Love the use of the extendable pole instead of the click together ones. May I ask what guy ropes and how many you purchased instead of using the supplied ones? Do you still use the original supplied guy ropes for the 2 ends? I was tossing up between the Large and the Medium but the medium looks perfect for space. Thank you.

[@OTWD]

Hi Lochie. Sorry for taking a month to reply - I do get to all comments eventually. Thanks heaps for watching the channel. I appreciate this thoughtful comment and question 😬 Medium is good for up to four people, who don't mind being close together (+ room for some camp furniture etc). If a bigger group - consider the large. The medium seems less trouble to setup, especially for one person. The forked black ropes that come with the tarp work great (because of the pre-tied loop, made to size, etc). I recently got two green(5.5m) Drifta Stockton guy ropes (two each end) to try instead- this is the necessary size. I will probably end up tying two together so it works like the supplied rope. I need a bit more play and practice👍. So 2 black (mid sides), 4 brown (corners) and 4 green (2 per end) is what you need. Cheers 😁

[@MattWeddis]

Great video Dan. I one a different lightweight tarp but this video has given me some ideas to use it better. I’ll get some poles ASAP. I’ve also enjoyed your fire pit videos and have just purchased one. I’ve just subscribed too. Your videos keep popping up in my recommended feed and they’re great.

[@OTWD]

Hi Matt. Thanks for leaving such a thoughtful comment. Sorry it has taken a while to get back to you - needed to take a break. I bought a Drifta Stockton half-hexatarp aswell (one of these ones but cut down the centre line) for my solo 4WD travelling - and it works great. A good alternate to a pull-out awning on a roofrack- lighter, and without the weight on the roof.. Glad you got a folding fire pit they are still my favourite bit of kit!! If you are into cooking they are heaps of fun to experiment with. Glad you are on board mate, appreciate the encouragement😬. Safe travels.

[@JamesJeanneret]

Great video Dan. Thanks for doing this! 👍🏼

[@OTWD]

Welcome, James. Appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@chappy6817]

I have the small one which replaced my traditional tarp with heavy poles. I like the tarp, just need to work on how I infertace it with my RX-5. That said last time I went out we just used the foxwing 270 and tent awning which was enough shelter.

[@OTWD]

How do you like the 270 foxwing? Our family is the same, we use the hexa or the awning (just a pull out 2 x 2.5m) but not not usually both. I think most people would put up one of the diagonal corners (two extrapoles) and just have the tent awning underneath overlapping (without touching). Thanks heaps for watching Chappy :D Good to hear from you mate

[@StaffKindy]

What is ground cover/mesh you are using here under the tarp? And what size please!

[@OTWD]

Hi thanks for watching! It's the Kings 5 x 2.5m mesh ground sheet. It fits well under the medium hexa. We usually pull it toward one side as to create a continuous ground matt from the tent leading to under the tarp. Kings also do a 6 x 3m I believe, that would be great too. I'm a big fan of the oztent mesh floorsaver, which I show in my oztent videos- more expensive, but very high quality, and would work well with the hexa tarp equally as an oztent. Good luck😜!!

[@DestinationOffroad]

Amazing video Dan, well structured and executed. I have been thinking about getting a tarp, I had seen Drifta's larger version a year ago and forgot about it. I was actually considering the Alton 3mx3m Ultralight Tarp, or the Oztrail version. This Hexa Tarp looks more usable, and with the EzyAnchor anchors and double guide rope combo's would make this perfect for our needs. Thank you for the indepth review.

[@OTWD]

Hi Dave, glad you liked the video mate. Thanks for the encouragement. I'm really happy with the Hexa Tarp, I reckon it's underrated - I'm trying to convert a few more people!

[@rubycarpenter8202]

Where did you get your mini carabiners from?

[@rubycarpenter8202]

Also great insight to this tarp, I think it's going to work perfectly so thanks for showing how good it goes

[@OTWD]

Hi Ruby, I apologise for taking so long to reply, needed to take a short break. Thanks heaps for watching. The carabiners are Drifta Stockton, they come in a few different sizes. I was apprehensive about the smaller ones but they have turned out great (easy to take on and off). Glad the video was useful. I use the half-hexa version now when I go on 4WD solo trips - great alternative to a 4WD awning. Cheers 😬

[@JasonHarris-jx2ux]

Hey Dan. Great vid mate. Very versatile bit of kit. I’d love to see the set up video. I’ve put up my gazebo on my own several times and it can be a pain. I love that the hexa can be attached to your vehicle, tree and the wings be adjusted up and down. It looks to be a similar but larger design to tarps that are used for hammock camping. Bring on the setup time trial! 👍😁

[@OTWD]

Thanks Jase! Gazebos are so heavy and the Hexa is so light. The tent pegs are the heaviest part in my tarp kit now. Time to get out a stop watch !! - You are the target audience for the followup video 😀 Have a great weekend!

[@davidholmes4088]

Great video. Going to get one.

[@OTWD]

Hi David, Thanks for watching (and taking time to comment!). Glad to hear you are considering pulling the trigger. I haven't looked back. Cheers

[@aussieoverlanders]

Love this Dan. Love the Hexa too :-)

[@OTWD]

Thanks for watching Gareth and crew😀 The hexa is awesome! I'm still waiting for you to start making videos again :D

[@richardwitty6152]

Gday mate where did u get that tarp ? I’m in Wollongong I’ve looked everywhere can u help me ?

[@OTWD]

Hi Richard, Drifta Stockton Supastore Illawarra 9/11 Princes Hwy, Albion Park Rail NSW 2527. You won't look back😁

[@billmoore5399]

Hey Dan, Love the videos mate. Can you tell me the name of the bag that you replaced the original one with please. I have the SP large Hexa Tarp. Cheers

[@billmoore5399]

All good Dan. Found the bag. Cheers

[@OTWD]

hey mate sorry been away camping! in the video I have a small equipment bag, but it’s a bit overkill(a little too big but may be good for the large). I think there is now a purpose made hexa bag. cheers

[@OTWD]

and thanks for the kind encouragement too, Bill 😬

[@OffTheBeatenPathAus]

Good bit of kit if you're setting up a base camp for a couple of days. Nice you curated the weather to show it's weather proof as well!!

[@OTWD]

4WD awnings are way heavier and the weight up high isn't ideal. As long as you are prepared to tackle the slightly more complex setip, then I think its a great alternate. And it's a great base camp like you say - drive off and come back later with ease. Thanks for watching Jason!

[@OffTheBeatenPathAus]

@@OTWD weight saving and not being tied to your vehicle is a huge bonus no doubt!

[@dualcablowlux]

i had the driftahexa tarp on a beach light winds. a gust through maybe 10 knots and the force on the tarp snapped one of the main poles! drifta gave me a full refund. keep in mind for any windy areas

[@OTWD]

Thanks for the caution. So far so good for us! Cheers

[@davidlovell4390]

Great video , got me thinking ……

[@OTWD]

Hi Dave! Sorry for delay. I reckon it gives 4WD awnings a run for the money. It's versatile for sure.

[@davidlovell4390]

@@OTWD I was a Drifta’s Gloucester store recently, guess what ….. I bought their pop up marquee …… please don’t judge me .😂

[@OTWD]

@@davidlovell4390 Hey Dave, I've been following your movements on FB - looks like a great trip! Hoping to visit Drifta@Gloucester and Barrington Tops one day. No hard feelings...we can't all look as cool as me :D PS. despite your numerous ham and cheese reviews, my fav is still the one I had talking with you :)

[@4x4touring47]

Haha "that guy got something like a gazebo but way better . . . . He knows what he's doing!" Lmao 🤣 Some great tips in there mate 👍👌 I've been looking at the hexatarps for a few years and wondered how good they are and you're walkaround gave me some great info. They look the goods! You should check out ratchet ropes. I have a 270 awning and it makes using that a dream 👌 Google Bunnings rope ratchet and I thi K they're about $13 You should have a word with frifta and see if they can make a hexa deluxe package with all of the upgrades included! I'm guessing spent another $150 getting the extras Enjoying your vids mate 👍

[@OTWD]

Hey mate! Forgive me for taking so long to reply! The more I use the Hexa the more I like it. I'm mucking around with the newer 1/2 hexa now - working out whether it could replace my vehicle awning one day. Will definitely check out the ratchet ropes - thanks for the tip. I see them on the Bunnings website but will buy one to play with! Maybe Drifta will make the Out There With Dan Hexa kit......leave it with me😬 Comments like yours are why I enjoy posting to KZbin. Thanks so much for the encouragement, and glad the videos are a good fit with what your own journey. Cheers👍😀 PS. With a name like 4x4Touring...how long do we have to wait before you start posting videos!!?

[@nnoddy8161]

Rip off of Snow Peak's Hexa Tarp. Disappointing that Drifta now plunder the IP of the companies whose products they once sold.

[@OTWD]

Thanks for watching. Wonder who is the rightful IP owner of the 3x3M gazebo then?

[@jonathanmackenzie2570]

Good point but Luke used to rail against the Chinese Knock offs, back in the day. He would even read out emails from companies wanting to supply knock off SP gear like the tent pegs. It’s no big deal but he does need to own it and I’m not sure he’s done that. Economics always trumps idealism.

[@Mark2790]

I like this product, but no way that is worth $325. I don't get why a 3x3m gazebo has so much more bulk and materials but can cost less. It's like I have to pay more for less.

[@OTWD]

Hi Mark, I think it's good value considering the shelter foot print and how light weight and compact it is - its not a magnitude different to a gazebo, it's comparable. There's plenty of products where less costs more. Usually it's paying for the convenience of being lighter or smaller. Think carbon fibre bicycle frames, or light weight hiking tents. Appreciate your perspective and thanks for commenting.👍

[@jonathanmackenzie2570]

Further to this, I have the original SP Hexatarp, the big one and yes it’s expensive but it will try put in gale force New Zealand winds. That’s not something a gazebo can do, obviously. And even tho it’s big it packs down small. I had mine staked with genuine SP cast iron pegs, the big ones, and the wind was so strong that it bent them! I sent a pic to Luke at the time. The Hexa did a great job.