| Newsgroups |
gmane.culture.backpacking.backpackgeartest |
| Message-ID |
<[email protected]> |
THE RAY-WAY TARP KIT (2person tarp)
ReviewerInformation
Name:Aaron Timm
Age:35
Gender:Male
Height:5'9”
Weight:165
Emailaddress: trailsideadventurer-/[email protected]
City,State, Country: Neskowin, Oregon, United States
Date:September 7th,2015
BackpackingBackground: Ihave been an avid backpacker from a young age. From 1 night trips,to 3 week trips, I have immersed myself into the outdoors throughbackpacking, mountain climbing, and many other avenues of outdooradventure. I am highly experienced in knowing what gear to use inwhat situation, and am well versed in ultralight backpacking, winterand snow backpacking, family or young group backpacking, photographyand cinematography backpacking, and hunting and/or/fishingbackpacking. Location wise, I have backpacked in mountain terrain,desert, river trails, and snowshoe trips. Living on the OregonCoast, I am also very good at knowing how to stay dry in torrentialrain.
Manufacturer:Ray-Way
Yearof Manufacture: 2015
URL:http://www.rayjardine.com/
Listedweight: 14.86 Ounces Tarp. 1.9 Ounces Lineset (421.27 Grams Tarp.53.86 Grams Lineset)
Length:9 Feet (2.75 Meters)
Width: 7.5 Feet (2.2 Meters)
MSRP: $74.95
Fabric:Silicone-Nylon, 1.37oz./yd2PackedSize: ~8x5x5 feet with lines (20x12.5x12.5 Centimeters)PackedWeight: ~1.5 pounds with lines (.68 Kilograms)
ProductDescriptionTheRay-Way Tarp Kit comes packaged with all the fabric needed to sew thekit, sewing instruction, webbing, and guy lines. Not included isthread, which can be ordered through the Ray-Way site. For sewing,follow instructions, or take to an experienced seamstress.
Followinginformation is after the tarp has been sewn and sealed.
Ihave used the Ray-Way Tarp on many trips over the last five years,and it has held up and kept me comfortable in many differentsituations. I have used and been happy with the tarps easy setup inheavily wooded locations such as the Oregon Coast, desert andmountainous regions, such as The Three Sister's Wilderness Area, andin winter around Crater Lake.Throughadverse weather, the tarp stands up well. I have tested in heavilyfalling snow, and the tarp works well in not only sliding the snowoff, but in making a snow-dug shelter with the tarp as the roof. Thetarp also has held up under heavy rains. The only point of weaknesswas along the upper seam that let small drops of water through. Thiscan be stopped by regular seem sealing however. In windy conditions,the tarp has been impressive. In 60mph winds the tarp never rippedand stayed in place. Inhot conditions, the tarp works well in letting air circulate, as itcan be set up higher from the ground. However, the tarps materiel,much like a tent, will hold heat when in direct sun.Thetarps main downfall is the lack of insect protection. In areas withheavy mosquitoes the tarp adds no protection. However, a bug screenadd on is available, however I have not used it.
SummaryTheRay-Way 2 Person Tarp is an excellent tarp. Large enough to hold twopeople with a ton of extra space, and light enough for the ultralightbackpacker. The setup possibilities let one use the tarp in severaldifferent ways with weather and terrain being a consideration.
ThingsI like:1.Durable.
2. Light Weight.
3. Versatile.
Things I don'tlike:1. Lack of Insect Protection.
2. Does not come already sewn.
3. Guy lines tangle easily when packed.