The Best Ultralight Backpacking TARP To Start

[@davidingalls3037]

Jupiter wins my vote for all around most wholesome KZbin content.

[@samueljlarson]

Him or Forest Forest

[@20Hikecdt23]

Thanks Jupiter. You got me to really working on making my pack lighter. I returned the REI tent I had ordered and picked up a lightweight tarp. I keep moving forward . . . lighter. This April 2023 I'll be on the CDT. I'll be 70. Thanks for the help.

[@zacharycwebb5879]

I love tarp camping! I sewed up my own to save, had a lot of fun designing it too. My whole tarp set up including a big net, ground sheet, stakes, and stuff sack weighs in at 19.9oz! Super happy with my set up

[@JupiterHikes]

Awesome! I should have mentioned how easy it can be to sew these, but as someone who doesn't personally own a sewing machine, I guess it was best to just point at two high quality cheap brands.

[@zacharycwebb5879]

I completely agree, if I had been in any hurry I definitely would have bought one of those tarps. It took me almost a month to produce mine with a busy schedule haha also it looks like you could definitely sleep two under that bora tarp of yours. Love it Jupiter, keep that content rolling! I hope more people give tarping a shot, it’s a more immersive experience for sure.

[@TonyArechiga]

This vid sold me on the Borah gear tarp! Cool to just find this vid on my tarp camp search!

[@TonyArechiga]

Follow up! I purchased the 7x9 Borah tarp and did a backyard quarantine camp! It was awesome!!! Amazing purchase!

[@Cascalonginus1]

Thanks Jupiter I enjoy your content and have used some of your ideas. I used a 9X12 hammock tarp and hammock for the At until I got through New Hampshire. Then I finished up with just the tarp through Maine. Though it was big I loved using how I could find so many more spots to put it up. Can't wait to see what it's like with one under a pound!

[@andyfox18]

I just ordered my borah gear tarp! Thanks for inspiring me to take it to the next level!

[@Jimmisthefish]

Heck yeah, I got the borah tarp from a r/UL giveaway last year as my first tarp and I still love it to death!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Bravo Sir! A Fine Video Indeed...

[@JupiterHikes]

Thanks Darwin! I've been having a lot of fun making these.

[@c3920]

I just ordered my first tarp thanks to your example Jupiter! I'm excited to get it and start messing around with configurations in my yard.

[@dalecrabtree7984]

Great video! I'm in Florida so a tarp is perfect

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing this informative video. All the best to you out there on the trail. 🤗

[@russellinthebush2897]

Great vid. I have a Ray-Way tarp I made a bit over three years ago and have used it ever since. I've carried it over 3500 miles now and have never once gotten wet under it. Tarp, guys, stakes, storm end, polycro groundsheet, and stuff sack weigh almost a pound exactly. Net-tent for it weighs about 13oz but I dislike silnylon floors so I used a heavier material. I was hoping to meet you on trail this year (I may have seen you in Tehachapi but not positive). I did meet Heaps, James, and Samuel at the 600 mile marker. Hope your foot is well on the mend.

[@lalanterne3248]

I'm french tarp boy, thanks for this amazing video ! Hike on.

[@Foxr6]

Liteoutdoors 10x10 tarp on the way! Stoked!

[@jhonyermo]

Great ass video! Ray Jardine's writings convinced me on tarps many years ago. This is a great addition to tarping. Thanks much. BTW Evan (Evan's Backpacking Videos) did the entire AT in 2018 with a tarp. He had a bivy. All that AT rain and snow and he was dry.

[@JupiterHikes]

I did the AT with a tarp! The AT is the perfect place, as if the storm is bad enough there's always the option of a wood lean to, while still carrying the lighter weight shelter on your back.

[@larrydonna369]

We don't need no stinkin tents. Mine is an 8 x 10 silnylon that is modified with mosquito netting sewn around the edges. I have triangular pieces sewn to the 8 ft sides which I close with clips. It keeps the mosquitoes out, although I did have a bug crawl in my ear one night many years ago. I rig it A-frame style and I think the netting somehow helps keeping the rain out during a windy rain storm. I also have the flexibility to use it with my hammock if I can't find any level ground. My rig, with 8 stakes, line, and the bag weighs in at 28 oz. I look forward to camping during a storm so I can enjoy the pitter-patter of rain as it lulls me to sleep. Nice to see others appreciate the aesthetics of using a tarp.

[@robingood62]

Great Vid, greetings from good old Germany! I love tarps and I go with my Hilleberg Tarp 5 for some years now and be happy with it.

[@Speakers154]

I just bought a Borah tarp on your recommendation. I hope the company rewards you in some way. The tarp is about a third of the weight of the tarb I was going to take on a trip, so it is a huge weight saving. Thanks!

[@JNeff99]

Ok, I brought a tarp. Now I have to learn how to politely tell people they can't sleep under my tarp when they ask..... haha

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Thanks Jupiter! Looking into tarps and have been hung up on the cost. This looks like a great option to use. Thanks again for producing great informative videos! Cheers

[@decentdiversions]

I love tarps! Combining them with a bug bivy (I have the Borah one) is nearly essential where I’m from. I typically sleep under a polycryo tarp that I made - I used a 7’x9’ one made from a patio door sheet of polycryo and another that’s kind of like a Solplex or an SMD Deschutes. PS: thanks for sending me art to Canada!

[@JupiterHikes]

Hey thanks for receiving my art in Canada! I've sent a surprising amount to Europe, it's cool to see folks from other countries interested. And have you ever heard of a bug net condom, or an umbrella condom? I'll have to make a video about it soo, but it's basically a half bivy that is held up by an umbrella. Really cool stuff and cuts the weight of a bivy in half essentially. Lint is really well known for innovating the idea very long ago.

[@decentdiversions]

JupiterHikes yea! I’ve seen lint do it. Been tempted to make one. I have some noseeum mesh at home.

[@JupiterHikes]

@@decentdiversions Dude definitely make one, it's by far the most unique and interesting thing I've ever used backpacking. Loved it for a couple years, and now that I'm thinking about it more will probably bring it back.

[@RichardBuckerCodes]

I made a 7x9 tarp from polycryo. I'm not sure about the long term durability but it stood for 8 blustery hours in the backyard. Clearly there is no privacy but for a casual weekend hike that's fine and you can use the tarp as a rain skirt.

[@tomnoyb8301]

Going to make the case for a $12 Walmart PE tarp. First, SilNylon stretches. And when it rains SilNylon invariably collects a pool of water somewhere on the tarp. This normally happens in the middle of the night and the pool only stops growing when the pool collapses, soaking you and your gear. PE tarps never unintentionally pool. Second is cost. And third is weight, where SilNylon is slightly lighter. PE is 1.4lbs vs Jupiter's 1lb for the same size tarp. Look, I'm a big believer in DCF-cuben (I have two), but if the trip is short and terrain iffy or one intends to cozy the tarp up to a fire, I'm bringing the Walmart PE tarp.

[@JupiterHikes]

Awesome man I wish I knew about that sooner! I didn't want to mention the big blue Home Depot tarps but that sounds like a perfect alternative.

[@SargentEdgedTools]

Have a link? PE is polyethylene? Gracias!

[@tomnoyb8301]

@@SargentEdgedTools - www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073JSWD16/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@SargentEdgedTools]

@@tomnoyb8301 Thanks buddy!

[@mitchlenington5266]

Excellent man. Been thinking about switching for a while now. Enjoying the videos

[@papajeff5486]

Gonna tarp the PCT, Spring, ‘23. Would be interested in how you deal with mosquitoes. Kentucky

[@spikeeus]

I have the 7x9 Borah tarp. Very well made.

[@danos5181]

No bugs in Florida (even in winter?). How do you manage without a bug bivy, especially crawling bugs like ants centipedes, ticks etc? And if you do use a bug bivy in buggy times, most are so small there is hardly any room to sit up. How do make this workable? Can a bare tarp be useful for more than just for setting up and immediately sleeping? Thanks (love your vids).

[@There4Stand]

check out TarpTents, single or double wall, super light...to see it in practice - including winter conditions, check out Erik Normark on KZbin

[@jessi_pop]

What's your favorite pitch for really, really bad weather, like windy and heavy rain?

[@jules4343]

A really great video. I like that you are so down to earth and don't try and tell people they need a squillion dollar DCF set up. Is the 9x10 your most commonly used size? What do you think of 7x9 for solo use?

[@smileyjoe]

Hi Jupiter, I'm curious about the length of the tarp guy lines.... you say 2 8ft, 2 6ft, and 2 4ft. Can you go into a little bit more detail about why this assortment? Just got my first trap and I'm wondering. I went with the Yama Gear tarp, btw. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@isaacmayer407]

Was wondering the same

[@hokuspokus8947]

Your the man, Francis!!

[@adventure_hannah3841]

Heck to the yeah! Tarping is where it's at!

[@jimizxztheorginal]

Thank you so much for this information. My wife ordered the 9x7 borah gear tarp as my xmas present! I know this video is old so I may not get a response but, what type of guyline do you use for tarping? 550 seems too heavy but seems like zing-it might come untied in a storm.

[@wolfeadventures]

Do you use a bug bivy also?

[@Foxr6]

This one got you a Sub brother! Keep the videos coming. Cheers

[@AmyHikes]

Wow, that’s amazing. I love it. I have one in mind. What kind of bivy do you use? I think my hammock will make a great bivy. I love the space and weight it saves.

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

So if I carry a External frame backpack that is 5 lbs... empty but my trail weight is 20 lbs...does this make me an Ultralight backpacker?

[@h.i.training815]

That depends; do you wipe with toilet paper, or with your hand? And how long is your toothbrush?

[@rodonthetrail]

Great video and happy new year! Also check out the Easthill Outdoors Dragonfly... it's way cheaper!

[@Beastro777]

Yea, I have been seriously thinking about trying it as well, but, do you just use the 550 cord?

[@JupiterHikes]

You could, but 550 can be kinda stretchy, heavy, and overkill. I use 1.2 or 2.0mm cord from zpacks and haven't ever had issue. Though in a pinch I've also used the 550, and even some twine I found in the woods when I had misplaced my own line

[@desommetsensommets8065]

I guess I now want to try it as I am in the process of minimizing and lightening my pack. Outdoor Lite is a Canadian company so it means no customs fees and no exchange rate for me :) (not usually the case with all those small gear companies located in the USA)

[@JupiterHikes]

Yep! I thought it was cool they're Canadian. I know of a few UL companies from the great north, and happy to share one to get a solid tarp.

[@Eastbound84]

Do you recommend grey or olive green? Is the olive green better for less bugs?

[@darthtwelve4398]

Great video. I’m still using an old Golite cave 2 tarp. I love it but it’s about at the end of its life. I’m definitely gonna need a new tarp soon. Under $100 sounds perfect.

[@JupiterHikes]

Oh shit awesome! If you have access to a sewing machine, check out Ray Jardine and his patters. The Cave 2 is a direct copy of his design. On the PCT this year I had used a copy of that made by John Z in cuben that was much smaller hah

[@jasonjackson7293]

Have you ever had any unexpected/unwanted critters visit you in the tarp? One of my first time out in a bivy I woke with a rattle snake rattling right by my head in the middle of the night. I have been a little gun shy since to try tarp camping again.

[@JupiterHikes]

Slugs once in New Brunswick, and ants once in florida(they didn't even bite me) and that's it! Really crazy experience you had. I've only ever heard of something similar once. I think most people never deal with any real critters

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

My biggest fear, snakes!!

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

Jupiter, what is your opinion on shaped tarps like the MLD Cricket & Six Moon Design Deschutes?

[@JupiterHikes]

I really like the Deschutes which has the perimeter bug net. I wish more companies made tarp/tents like that. Not so sure about the cricket though. If it neeeeds two trekking poles I'm not into it and would a thousand times rather have the zpacks pocket tarp

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

@@JupiterHikes thank-you Jupiter.

[@charliekendall4288]

I noticed no mention of ticks.

[@edchapman1900]

What about bugs?

[@JupiterHikes]

The beauty of a tarp is in its modularity. No bugs forecasted for this trip? Leave the bivy, the headnet, the umbrella condom at home! So the PCT for example a lot of hikers have tarps, then just ship themselves a bug net for the sierra section and oregon. Effectively carrying much less, rather not carrying things they don't need when they don't need them.

[@edchapman1900]

Thanks Jupiter

[@mkeboyd]

I got a silnylon pariah tarp for Christmas last year and I love it. I need some type of bugnet or bivy though. Do you not use a mat btw?

[@JupiterHikes]

I do use a mat most of the time, though it often gets left at home if I know the temps aren't too crazy or the ground I'll be sleeping on is super comfy. And that's awesome! They were another company I was looking at to mention, but I hadn't heard of them before so just stuck with the two I had

[@David_Bruton]

Hey Mike, I'm shopping for my first tarp now. How have you been liking your Paria Tarp?

[@coasternut3091]

I suggest Dutchware Zingit for guy lines

[@thomaskoppel3544]

Hi Jupiter, thanks for your inspiring videos :) I'd like to ask you advise for the dimensions of my first tarp. I intend to use it for my main shelter for long distance hikes. I'll be using it alone or with my partner, so it should fit two people and their gear (2 40L packs). My body is more on the taller side with 186cm (6.1ft). I found a really nice flat tarp with dimensions of 266x266cm (8.7x8.7ft), but I am not sure if this is actually big enough? The tarp can be customized, therefore I could actually get exactly the dimension I need. Do you think I should enlarge to something like 8.7x10ft to take in count the fact that I am more of a taller guy? Thank you, Thomas

[@JupiterHikes]

I would go with a 10x10. Especially if you think you'll be with someone else, more room is great without adding much weight.

[@christopherjudd5319]

Great video. Can you recommend a starter tarp that would work for two people? The Borah Gear 9x10 tarp you have is no longer being produced.

[@David_Bruton]

You can still (May 2020) send them an email and request a custom 9x10 tarp from Borah Gear. They make them often enough that it's almost a standard item for them. It's the beauty of a small/cottage business

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

What do you think of a Equinox Myotis Ultralite Tarp 10×10 ?

[@mactan_sc]

I wish that tarp was still available without custom order

[@RetroLPGames]

I've been thinking about making the switch for quite some time now. How do you deal with things like fog though? I feel like a tarp wouldn't help with that at all. And depending on the area that could be quite the regular problem. Any ideas?

[@lanetaglio]

Great vid,..what pack is that? Thanks so much!

[@JupiterHikes]

The pack is a Pa'lante V2

[@sirroxalot]

Just under $100 is considered cheap!!! I paid $3 for a 5x7 tarp at Ollie's, and I had to think about it.

[@jacksonmclendon6136]

What shirt are you rocking?

[@stuminnis4050]

Maybe I'm just a wuss, but unless I'm somewhere with very little bug pressure, I gotta have a bug bivy when I tarp. I use the MLD bug bivy, but I also hear good things about Borah's, which is nearly half the cost of the MLD.

[@bereantrb]

Nothing wuss about that. Ticks are no joke; I know a guy who got very sick from a spider bite; and here in FL many people don’t realize we’ve got scorpions-I’ve been stung. The outdoors isn’t the all-out assault some are fearful of but there’s lots of things that aren’t worth the exposure when protection is so simple.

[@JupiterHikes]

Hey 'Stu! Have you ever seen a bug net condom, or an umbrella condom? It's like a half bivy, roped up by an umbrella. Made and innovated by Lint. I had made one myself years ago, It's really cool, and cuts the weight of a bivy in half if you're already an umbrella fella

[@stuminnis4050]

@@JupiterHikes I looked into that. I'm not much of a MYOG guy because I can't sew for shit, but Simblissity has one at 4.7 oz., which I'm betting is comparable to most MYOG builds. Seems like a lot of inconvenience to save 2 oz. to me. (The MLD bug bivy is 6.5 oz.) Then again, I've never tried one so I suppose I'm prejudging.

[@JupiterHikes]

@@stuminnis4050 For those that carry an umbrella it's a big advantage in comfort, and provides a little extra protection from rain at the head end combined with an umbrella. Mine weighs 4oz if I remember(I'll weigh it tuesday when I go see my folks) and it's very poorly made, rather I think it could be lighter even. The beauty is the space it gives you, almost like a miniature tent for your upper body held up by the umbrella that you can very easily eat in. I haven't done this one but Lint, during his breaks would set it up as he sat down and it would cover his entire body for a bug free lunch. So frankly I don't see the lots of inconvenience, beyond if you have to make it yourself. Given a trail you'd want an umbrella on that has bugs(the AT or FT to name two) it just seems like a great option :) Also I've owned the MLD bug bivy and hated it. So I think the 8oz superlight bivy is a better comparison.

[@TheyllNeverGetMe]

I really like that idea. But here in Texas that is a great way to wake up to a scorpion sting or a rattlesnake. I have enjoyed tarp camping at the beach and in Colorado.

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

I like to use the term trail weight because that is what I am carrying...base weight is misleading because most thru hikers . . .will carry an average trail weight...I am a light weight External Frame Backpacker and love my Kelty Trekker 3950....but I carry a Zpacks.com 10 degree 900 series down quilt sleeping bag... I carry there Hexamid Plus Tarp...you should look at the Choke Hazard Cooking Kit...from minibulldesign.com you get a small cooking pot, pot stand, wind screen and a remote alcohol cooking stove this kit only weighs 3.73 oz... I mostly boil water...for freezer bag cooking...

[@Abyss.8]

I'd imagine a 3x3 DD tarp would be a good place to start,,,, lots of tie points,,,,cheap,,, and we'll made

[@Oldsparkey]

OK , You are in Florida , I'm in Florida and when I go camping there are mosquitoes all over the place. In more then 60 years of camping in Florida my only mosquito free nights is when it's 50 degrees or less. You know how many of those nights we have , a couple of weeks ( if that much ) at the best. My escape from them is with a Mosquito proof , Jungle Hammock. How do you get away from them with just a tarp and no bug net ?

[@frolickinginflorida4321]

im sayin he's crazy too tarp camp in florida id do it all day in the mountains, but here forget that way too many alien lookin bugs and mosquitos.

[@bereantrb]

Chuck Littleton Borah Gear that he mentioned makes a bug bivy, as do other manufacturers. Borah’s is very reasonably priced.

[@JupiterHikes]

Hey! I think you're underestimating the amount of nights in florida that go under or around 50 degrees! Also most of the state isn't a swamp(ie breeding ground :) ) so I've had a surprising amount of bug free nights even here in the north east everglades. Beyond that though, I have tried and enjoyed them all, from a bug headnet, to a bug bivy, regular bivy, and even some weirder things. I think that deserves a video all in its own. The beauty of a tarp is that you can very easily leave those at home if you don't expect bugs. Like on the PCT in the southern 700 miles. Why carry a bug net when there are none to worry about. So tarp it is!

[@Oldsparkey]

I think your idea of the additional video is great idea. As far as the weather back in the good old days ( 50's early 60's ) October would be cool and then colder and continue on till March. ( 3-12-65 , Daytona Beach , upper 30's , rainy vacation ). As a kid growing up here we would have warm clothing on for about 4 months. Now I can get by with shorts and "T" Shirts most of the year. It ain't like it use to be , warmer every year. This Central Florida area has mosquito's most of the year which is nothing new. During the Spanish Land grant days a large portion of East and Central Florida was one county called Mosquito County. It took in most of the East coast including today's .....Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Seminole, Osceola, Orange, Lake, Polk and Palm Beach counties. I have had really bad ( thick ) mosquitoes at the Everglades ( West Side , Everglades City & Flamingo plus the 100 mile wilderness trail ) and even the Fisheating Creek area.

[@ryangases9386]

does this not give anxiety (snakes, spiders, etc...)?

[@springbloom5940]

Cant go wrong with Aquaquest.

[@ericzimmer6993]

What is the name of the song!?

[@marilynrodger3570]

Hey Jupiter, Have you ever had an animal come into you shelter?

[@JupiterHikes]

I was just talking about this with someone, and I figure I've spent over 400 nights under a tarp or cowboy camping and have never had something come in with me. That's quite a few nights and the closest experiences I've had were some wild pigs rummaging near my camp, and a deer on a different occasion that was looking at me funny(so I moved)

[@marilynrodger3570]

That's great to hear! I know that having four paper thin walls only provides an illusion of security. I have been wanting to try a tarp. Thanks for giving my the confidence to take the leap.

[@NancyandMako]

Thank you so much for your video!!!!

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job

[@bird.1980]

Im guessing you are in Jupiter Florida. Im up in Satellite Beach. How did you get into hiking being in FLorida? I just got sucked down a youtube worm hole one day and ended up in the mountains the next. Just a section hiker doing the A.T.

[@JupiterHikes]

The ocean to lake trail! I live very close to it. Florida has some really incredible areas. This winter go do a section hike of the Suwannee River section of the FT. It's roughly 60 miles and amazing

[@Kemrer]

Thank you

[@reinis.berzins]

Tarp + ground sheet + mosquito net has roughly the same weight as a cheap single-wall ridge tent. Tent protects you against weather and bugs practically by 100%. In comparison when under tarp - wind may change and blow rain under the tarp, you may accidentally stick your sleeping bag or equipment outside the tarp or groundsheet during the night. Snowing bypasses tarp protection even more. Mosquitoes often find a way under mosquito net (if its malaria or dengue risk area - it's a matter of life and death). I don't have an ultralight tent, just an old nylon top + polyethylene bottom tent for ~10€, and it weighs ~1kg. There are no poles or pegs - I just find 2 sticks in the nature and instead of pegs tie it to small scrubs in all corners. It works perfectly.

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

What is your Trail weight...most of the time?

[@JupiterHikes]

My backpack usually hovers around 6lbs and with food+water rarely goes above 20. As for personal weight I guess 180?

[@greatthings4US]

Another great video Jupiter,.....but......I don't entirely agree with you. Most people don' t like bugs... so there is that to deal with if you use a tarp. Oh... and I own two of those $600 ultralight Cuben Fiber tents (in Spruce Green, a great color too). Thanks again for sharing.

[@bereantrb]

greatthings4US He mentioned Borah Gear; they also sell their bug bivy as do others. I have one. Problem solved.

[@greatthings4US]

@@bereantrb I totally agree. Borah Gear Bug Bivy for the WIN. :) Again, thanks Jupiter for another great video. Keep'em comin'....

[@JupiterHikes]

They will keep coming! I just wanted to bring light to tarps so more people can give them a shot! Bugs arent out year round, and this is something that will last you a long time, provide a new experience, and extra fun here or there. Heck some may find themselves like me and absolutely love it.

[@ninjatops99]

greatthings4US you can always just buy your own fabric (rip stop by the roll) and make your own it’s even cheaper and making a tarp like this would be an easy build

[@ChuckNoctis]

You can fit 2 people and 18 ticks under that thing ;)

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

So where can you buy this ?

[@JupiterHikes]

In one of the first two links in the video description

[@zarlydoug]

That looks cozy and light but - and maybe I’m a wimp or something - but how do you close your eyes at night and sleep knowing every insect and mouse in the area might be crawling on your body and face 🤐😄

[@014D]

It's a tarp!

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

9x10 is freaking huge. I don't even take a 9x9 unless I have my children with me or need space for two.

[@danielemilazzo432]

have you given up on a tarp?

[@JupiterHikes]

Nope! Still use it for every trip, just taking time to get my girlfriend into them

[@danielemilazzo432]

@@JupiterHikes thank you! and what size for two people do you think it's ideal? 8x10? I am in Australia and I am looking at the two companies you've recommended. thank you.

[@SectionHikingTheAT]

One of these days......

[@jeffreypascontent1969]

I did this one time and got bitten by a tick.