Pro tip: That 'must-have' ultralight tarp is not worth the hype for most people

I just got back from a 4-day trip in the White Mountains and saw at least a dozen people struggling with the same fancy, 8-ounce Dyneema tarp. The wind kept whipping under it, and one guy's setup completely collapsed in a light rain after 2 hours. Everyone online says it's the best shelter upgrade, but for the $300 price tag, you get zero bug protection and a steep learning curve. My old, heavier 3-season tent kept me dry and sane for a third of the cost. Has anyone else switched back to a basic tent after trying to go super ultralight?

3 comments

3 Comments

robin4897d ago

Man, I was totally on that hype train last year! Bought a fancy tarp and felt like a backpacking genius... until a surprise thunderstorm rolled in. Spent a whole night getting misted on by blowing rain and eaten alive by mosquitoes. My cheap old tent came out of storage the next week and I haven't looked back. Sometimes simple and dry just beats light and complicated.

henrygrant7d agoMost Upvoted

Guess the bugs and rain didn't get the memo about ultralight philosophy.

singh.uma7d ago

Lol is it really that deep? People act like a few extra ounces in your pack is a crime. My buddy has one of those tarps and spends half the trip fussing with the pitch. Meanwhile I'm already eating my dinner. Dry and bug free beats bragging rights every time.