I'm looking a getting a tarp mostly to use on overnight stops to give a bit of extra dry space to my little tent, but also as an option to use on smaller pitches which aren't long enough for my main tent's front extension.
I'm looking at the Quechua fresh (link below) for it's UV and heat reduction properties, especially since we're going to the South of France this summer, but they aren't in stock. Has anyone got one and if so does it really keep cool in hot sunshine? Is it worth waiting for it to come back in stock, or will the standard one suffice?
It also got me wondering what UV rating a typical tent has. I can't find any info on mine (Outwell Salinas, Outex 5000 material). Anyone got any info on such things?
If the ambient temperature is high, ie in the 30s then shade is better than no shade but a tarp will trap the warm air so will not be as cool as shadowcloth/aka sunshade netting which is the stuff they suspend across markets in Spain which allows the hot air to rise through it.
Using shadowcloth in place of a tarp will keep you cooler & it's not that expensive.
Best pitch shade are trees, so try to choose a pitch with trees that shade midday & afternoon sun. Any tarp will do the same job, more expensive ones will be stronger & won't break in high winds.
Some here or they stock it in large supermkts in southern France & Spain in the leisure goods section.
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Quote: Originally posted by Opensauce on 30/3/2016
Some here or they stock it in large supermkts in southern France & Spain in the leisure goods section.
thank you!
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------------- Sometimes You're the windscreen; sometimes the fly
Just seen your question. LIdl (in Ireland) not sure if its the same in the uk are doing a deal on tarp this weekend I think. €8.99 for 4x3m. cant go wrong with that IMO. Picking one up myself....
The tarps are proper outback ones, very strong, very versatile. I used two 4.5m x 3m ones when camping to make a camping kitchen and for shade.
I can't think that thy'd trap warm air particularly, but Top Tip - if you can fold them in half with an air gap between or use two), it will insulate you from hot sun (got that from Ray Mears and works a treat). If you got a large tarp you could also shield your tent from the sun.
------------- Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.
Thanks for the replies, some interesting points. However, the Decathlon one came back into stock so I've stuck with my original idea. Looking forward to a dry weekend so I can get out in the garden and try out some configurations.
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Topic: Another Tarp Question
