Hiking Equipment

Pacific Outdoor Equipment S1 Tarp Shelter

User Reviews about Pacific Outdoor Equipment S1 Tarp Shelter

After checking out almost all of the sil tarps or guide tarps out there, I settled on this one. Packs fairly small, is moderately light weight and is the perfect size (7' x 9'). The construction of the tarp is excellent with reinfoced gromets.

Great product!! -- Awesome tarp

This tarp is heavier than most because it is made of 40D silnyl, but that can be an advantage in rough weather. I just returned from an over-night backpacking trip during a thunderstorm and high winds. The S1, staked down, was fantastic at keeping out rain and wind. The grommets are reinforced very well. The length is actually 9 feet 6 inches, which I liked. Due to the catenary curve and my sewing in extra stake loops, the width of the interior is enormous: lots of room.

However, the tarp has some limitations:
(1) At 20 oz, it's heavier than 30D silnyl tarps, spinnaker, or cuben.
(2) It needs 4 more stake-outs for pitching it to the ground in high wind weather, so I sewed stake loops in.
(3) There is a curve along the ridge line, sloping down to the center. While this makes for excellent handling of wind, if you want a higher center, you won't get it. Also, when condensation forms, it does not drip down the sides very well. So, when the rain pelted my tarp, I was sprinkled with condensation. An A-frame would reduce this problem.

In sum, this is an excellent tarp, especially for the price. It also makes a great option for people wanting to use a tarp for the first time. You'll learn a great deal from how it's made and how it performs, and it won't break the bank. -- Lots of Room and Easy to Pitch