To complete the lightweight shelter set up I am looking to get a lightweight tarp and narrowed it down unsurprisingly to an alpkit bicycle 3.5 and rab siltarp1. In comparing the sizes there seems to be a bit of conflicting information that I am hoping someone can shed a bit of light on.
The rab is quoted at 2.44m x 1.5m (3.75m2) (rab, cotswolds) which on paper is larger than the alpkig bicycle 3.5 at 2.4m x 1.4m (3.5m2) however I have also seen the rab quoted at 2.25m x 1.5m (ultralight outdoor gear) You would think measuring a rectangle would be pretty straight forward but whats the true numbers? Have anyone compared both and could you tell me which is right or let me know what the correct sizes are, thanks.

Just measured my Siltarp 1 it's 240x149cm measured slightly taught along the seemed edges not the tie-outs.

Got a Siltarp 1 I need to sell if you go that route

atk wrote:Just measured my Siltarp 1 it's 240x149cm measured slightly taught along the seemed edges not the tie-outs.

Thanks for that its really appreciated.

Fantasticmrmatt (urban fox) wrote:Got a Siltarp 1 I need to sell if you go that route

dropped you a pm

atk wrote:Just measured my Siltarp 1 it's 240x149cm measured slightly taught along the seemed edges not the tie-outs.

Quick question is yours the rab one or integral designs, I think they are both the same mind.

Rab

atk wrote:Rab

Thanks for the info and taking time to measure the tarp, its been a big help.

One thing to note is that the Siltarp only has one "lifter" whereas the Rig3.5 has four, these do help with pitching. The Siltarp is 100g lighter though.

whitestone wrote:One thing to note is that the Siltarp only has one "lifter" whereas the Rig3.5 has four, these do help with pitching. The Siltarp is 100g lighter though.

yeah I noticed that. I did see a decent looking set up using a siltarp and bike in an "almost tent" like config. Still a bit undecided but erring on the side of the rab at the min purley on weight. Though I know folk like the 3.5... decisions eh..

siltarp and bike in an "almost tent" like config.

I'll happily sell you mine but to be honest for this it ain't big enough.

£25 (it's an Integral branded one in grey, not had much use, no issues with it)

Iv had both and can honestly say the bicycle is much better, slightly longer better coverage and more tie out points...sold the siltarp

dingle wrote:I did see a decent looking set up using a siltarp and bike in an "almost tent" like config.

Like Matt says, if that's what you're looking for neither of those tarps will give you the coverage you're looking for.

They're both minimalist and you'll find that they'll just about cover you and give you just enough coverage to keep the worst of the weather off you.

If you want something to give you "tent" coverage you'd be best going for a bicycle 7 or having a look at tarp tents

probably didn't make myself clear really. I fancy one of this for the reasons above really as its paired up with a bivvy bag. The set up I saw with the silltarp and bike was a low a frame type affair so long as it keeps the worst off that's fine. I have a couple of others but in comparison they are at least twice as heavy. Been looking at the bicycle 3.5 for dummies too (I like the half pyramid). just trying to weigh up the extra lift points versus ~70g..

Mike wrote:Iv had both and can honestly say the bicycle is much better, slightly longer better coverage and more tie out points...sold the siltarp

Thanks Mike

70 grams.......that's the weight of 1.5 mars bars.......

dingle wrote:probably didn't make myself clear really. I fancy one of this for the reasons above really as its paired up with a bivvy bag. The set up I saw with the silltarp and bike was a low a frame type affair so long as it keeps the worst off that's fine. .

That's how I use mine - as covered space over my head really - but it's paired with a waterproof bivvy bag so I don't require full length cover.

Chew wrote:70 grams.......that's the weight of 1.5 mars bars.......

ha ha I know or a couple of packets of crisps... gets a bit daft dosn't it.