Reddit reviews UST Hex Tarp and Camping Shelter with Thermal Protection and 6 Sided Hex Design for Camping, Backpacking, Wilderness Survival and Outdoor Emergencies
We found 7 Reddit comments about UST Hex Tarp and Camping Shelter with Thermal Protection and 6 Sided Hex Design for Camping, Backpacking, Wilderness Survival and Outdoor Emergencies. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
DIMENSIONS: 108” L x 96” W x 41” D and weighs 1.5 LBS; Packs down to 10" x 4" x 4" in the included stuff sackRELIABLE: 6 Sided Hex design provides coverage in all weather conditions for you and your gearCONVENIENT: Ultra-lightweight and single person size eliminates the need for a full size tarp; sets up in minutes and includes guy lines, steel stakes and stuff sack with instructions conveniently located on the exteriorBE PREPARED: Aluminized reverse side for thermal insulation and emergency signaling; Ideal for camping, light weight backpacking, hunting, outdoor survival and moreVERSATILITY: Can be used as a hammock cover, sleeping shelter an all-weather tarp to protect gear, ground cloth and thermal protection in emergencies
Are all of these recommended tarps really super awesome or is this just a case of people being elitist about their brand name equipment?
I've used this in numerous all out lightning thunderstorms and been perfectly dry, for $30.
https://www.amazon.com/UST-WG01613-BRK-Base-Hex-Tarp/dp/B00FB7XYXM
There's two routes you can go. The all together route, or you could do what I did. I got a 15% discount on gotyourgear on an ENO junglenest which got it down to about $73, and either buy, This which is just a tad short, but with enough sag 10ft should get all your hammock within it. I opted to sew my own tarp because I wanted a much larger one for sheltering two hammocks and keep my gear protected. Pretty good prices on silnylon. And Here are some simple [guides] (https://diygearsupply.com/diy-guides/tarps/) to make one on your own. For straps people opt for a shorter polyester webbing, coupled with whoopie slings. Atlas Straps are the easy way out if you don't want to modify your hammock, personally i'm happy with using all stock on my system, tried whoopies not a fan. I'm 6'2", singlenest will fit you perfectly, make sure to have plenty of sag when hanging your hammock, it may look wrong, but that how you achieve a flat lay. So either route you go, it basically boils down to if you want more customization with your equipment, or want something premade.
The forecast called for it to be rainy with a chance of thunderstorms, so I wanted to make sure I had a place where I could cook with my stove and sit outside of my tent that was dry and out of the rain. It was basically a front porch.
I also just wanted to see how it went up, that was the first time I'd ever set up a tarp. I was given a hammock as a gift for my birthday and eventually that tarp will be used as part of a hammock-camping set-up once I get an under quilt so I wanted to familiarize myself with it. :)
Edit: Some things about the tarp, in case anyone is interested. The tarp weighs in at 13.5oz, which is pretty good for a budget tarp. Once you add the stakes its probably closer to a pound, but still not bad considering. It also has a reflective coating on the inside so It can be used as an emergency blanket in a pinch or used to signal if you're really desperate. All in all its an awesome bit of kit, one of my favorites considering it cost ~$30.
If you're on a budget, you could look into this. I picked one up a a few months back, though I haven't had the chance to try it out yet.
UST base hex. Light, extremely durable and waterproof.
I will do it Wednesday night, it's the coldest night this week, 45. So not quite as cold but certainly better than testing in the woods. I think i'll use both of my tarps. I'm going to have the hex tarp wrapped loosely around the bottom of my hammock and then my larger tarp as a rainfly. Hopefully it will reflect my heat and keep out the wind. I'll report back then.
IDK What sort of weather you'll be camping/hiking in, but this is a pretty basic list of gear that I would take if I were on a budget:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JYHI24/?tag=ultrastuff-20
http://www.amazon.com/Suisse-Sport-Adventurer-Ultra-Compactable-Sleeping/dp/B001TR7QZA/ref=sr_1_3?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1408072994&sr=1-3&keywords=ultralight
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FB7XYXM/?tag=ultrastuff-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002COCF3M/?tag=ultrastuff-20
That's a bag, tarp, hammock and sleeping bag. They all have great ratings and should get you through just about anything.
Me, personally, I carry my hammock, a wool blanket and my tarp from http://www.bushcraftoutfitters.com/ ( http://www.bushcraftoutfitters.com/Coyote-Tarp-10x10-tarp-10x10-coyote.htm ) in my army surplus bag. I also carry my stainless steel pot and cup, cordage, zip ties, leather gloves, folding saw, axe and knife with me when I'm out in the woods. I have a "space blanket" too.
My pack could be lighter for sure, but everything I have serves a purpose.
Whenever you decided you want to get into campinp/hiking/bushcraft/whatever, decided what you really need/want to have with you. Don't just jam random "camping" supplies in your bag. Take your time, research and pack carefully. Your back will thank you.