AquaQuest Safari Tarp – Lightweight Waterproof (5,000mm) Seam-Taped Ripstop Rain Fly for Backpacking, Thru-Hiking & Hammock Camping

This my 2nd tarp from Aqua Quest. The first trip that I brought my original Aqua Quest tarp on, we got hit by long, intense thunder storm with high wind (that shifted direction multiple times) driving steep-angle torrents of rain. The poor-quality (but still not inexpensive) tarp from REI that we also had setup literally shredded apart: failing at the grommets but also just splitting a few places in the middle as well. Even though we had the AQ setup in a much less sheltered spot, higher from the ground, and under quite a bit of tension, it came through that storm (and many others) with no sign of wear. Had it not been for the AQ tarp, much of our gear would have been soaked and we would have been confined to our individual tents. Instead we where able to enjoy the storm together dry and warm under the tarp and even had a hot meal.I usually leave mine up in the sun, wind, rain for week-long trips (only taking it down to move sites). My older model from the same company (apparently of the same material) and the one that's seen a few seasons of the use described above and is indistinguishable from the new one in terms of wear.This tarp is not inexpensive, but it's an excellent value. IMO even if this tarp makes the difference between 1 day being miserable or pleasant , it's already more than justified it's cost (how valuable is your limited vacation time to you?).... and it will continue to do so time and time again, year after year.Plus, considering it's size and durability, it's shockingly light and pack-able. I think they only way to beat it in terms of performance-to-weight ratio is with cuben fiber (and you'll pay 5x the price to save those few ounces.) The plethora of tie-out loops not make both getting a good initial setup as well as quick changes (when the weather shifts direction) easy, so you can have good coverage, good internal space, eliminate pooling of water/ direct run-off and have minimal buffeting. The new tarp (the one for which this review is posted) has even more tie-outs the older one.On my last trip this year we had 2 more rainy days in middle of the week (+about 2 hrs of hard storm). But we had both tarps setup: one lower to cover the sitting area and gear and one higher to give standing room for doing work like wood and food prep. We used the tie-outs to attach then to each other at the corners and then to also create a gap in the middle to let the smoke out. Again, these tarps turned days that would have been pretty miserable into ones that where fun and productive. It's like fort-building for big-kids, but the fun factor doesn't make them any less a seriously essential piece of gear.

Great tarp. Its so much lighter than a polyester tarp so that means it's quieter when the wind hits it. I come from polyester tarps so I was so shocked at how much more compact the sil nylon is and how light it is. I got the 10 by 7 tarp and its perfect for a one person tent or just a cowboy camping on the ground. Kept me dry for 3 nights now when it rained.The 70d nylon really does make it water proof. I give the tarp a couple of shakes after rain and it dries out quickly.One con is the bag is small and hard to pack back in. I just stuff my tarp in a water proof backpacking rain fly though.

Exceptional !Above and beyond quality Aqua Quest Tarp. This is not something that you can say many times with purchases these days.The Aqua Quest 10x13 (3x4) by Gear Out Here is an outstanding value of design and performance and value for your money.Every stitch was perfect, every seam was tape sealed, every run of thick webbing and hoop tie out is double reinforced- I know because I took it out , hung it flat and looked. If you were to design this and have it made for you- it would not be as good of quality as this is !In Alaska circ.1979 when my wife and I first got into camping, she made us both field coats of this new material called 'GoreTex'...expensive to buy and had to seam seal every stitch just like our first tent. So I know materials and workmanship of this tarp are first rate !Does it perform....yes, this tarp is WATERPROOF ! Two Days set up in my field as a shelter style with light to heavy rains and sometimes strong winds...again-perfect. Not a drop of rain under this tarp and my dog loves to run under it when the rains started again. We just sat under it looking and listening while it rained, then went out again after the rains subsided.Not the lightest material, nor heavy like my canvas tarps for bush crafting- I think this is the sweet spot for 1-7 day camps and woods crawling- which is all the time I can get anyways. From the materials to construction- this tarp is the best value and will last you many-many years.Had an issue with my order- 'Gear Out Here.LLC' jumped right on it and fixed the snafu right away....That is High Value Support and will always earn my repeat business. Thanks, Gear Out Here !THIS is the tarp you should buy for high quality and lasting value- and you should get it from Gear Out Here !

Bought the 13 x 20 for a cover over my back patio canopy frame. Love the evenly spaced and many tie outs. It made installation so very easy. It is light weight and very sturdy. Repels heavy rain and doesn't no issues for wind gusts up to 40-50 mph. I have a 10 x 10 in my hunting backpack and have used it on several occasions for a shelter in the woods. I find that with these tarps you get exceptional quality so rate this as superb value as you get what you pay for and in this case the best light weight tarp available.