Rope Tarp

Does anyone have any recommendations for a good rope tarp? I already have a backpack that I love, so I don't want to get a new bag, but I would like to get something that I can use to keep my rope off the ground. I've found a bunch of tarps online, but most have mixed reviews. Thanks!

Get a 6x8 tarp. They are really cheap, $5 or so.

Look at REI Outlet or a similar site. Find a footprint for a discontinued tent. I think I got mine for $3, maybe $5 at REI Outlet. It is huge, lightweight and relatively durable. The Ikea bag is also a good option.

+1 for the Ikea bag. They work great and very durable.

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I use a backpacking poncho. That way in case it rains while you are out you also have protection. It rains a lot down here in the south during the summers. No reason to have just a plain tarp or a bag that doesn't double as something else. I have been using it that way for at least three years now with the same poncho. So it is durable enough to spend the extra few bucks, plus you get to laugh at everyone getting soaked when you hike out and they laugh at you because you look like Quasimodo.

Ya no way I could be bothered to carry a tarp AND a rain jacket when cragging. That extra 5 ounces would kill me on the 15 minute approach!!!!

Plus who wants to wear a tarp that has been sitting in the mud getting walked all over by smelly climbers feet... No thanks, I will carry the extra 5 ounces.

I like the Ikea bag, btw. I might have to go in the store to get one now. Gah. Perish the thought. I would just cut down the smallest blue PVC tarp you can get at a painter's store or Home Depot/Lowes. You can melt the edges with a torch to keep them from fraying.

dorseyec wrote:Ya no way I could be bothered to carry a tarp AND a rain jacket when cragging. That extra 5 ounces would kill me on the 15 minute approach!!!! Plus who wants to wear a tarp that has been sitting in the mud getting walked all over by smelly climbers feet... No thanks, I will carry the extra 5 ounces.

The dirt is on the outside of the poncho, and when it rains it gets washed off. It is not about the weight, but volume and versatility.

TomCaldwell wrote: The dirt is on the outside of the poncho, and when it rains it gets washed off. It is not about the weight, but volume and versatility.

Well my friends all usually walk all over my rope bag with their sweaty feet before and after climbs so it is not something I would really want to wear, I guess you are different..... Id almost prefer to wear the dirt side!

Versatility is nice but my rain jacket is the size of a baseball. If you are using a rope bag you are usually cragging and not doing some epic hike so Id opt to carry the extra 5 ounces and not to be a total dirtball...

Get a tent footprint you can find on clearance somewhere. I use one from a EMS single man. works great and isn't made like an actually cheap tarp. Or a piece of Tyvek. Super durable/Super cheap/Super light.

dorseyec wrote:Could someone tell me which sock I should put on first in the morning? Right or left? I looked online but am getting mixed reviews...

If you don't like the thread, go else where. This anonymous curmudgeon shit is lame.

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Now what kind of tarp would Tommy from "Good Fellas" use? I guess he'd just use the fuckin' table cloth, I mean, whatever.

dorseyec wrote: Hey dirtball, its as good of question as which piece of plastic is better for laying a rope on.... You are free to go elsewhere too. I do understand tarps can cost upwards of $5 and this is not a decision to be taken lightly.

Now I am definitely not asking you to go climbing tomorrow.

What if I offer to let you use my rope bag as a jacket? You can also use my climbing shoes as gloves to keep your hands warm! Versatility!

dorseyec wrote:Hey dirtball its as good of question as which piece of plastic is better for laying a rope on....

Do you think you're contributing to this discussion at all? Clearly you don't think the OP's question is a good one, but your response seems to be, "This is a stupid question, it doesn't matter at all, but these other answers are wrong."

ThreeDee, NC Rock Climber, David S, TomCaldwell, and PosiDave have all had worthwhile responses, thanks to you guys (OK and Stitch too).

dorseyec wrote:I understand tarps can cost upwards of $5 and this is not a decision to be taken lightly.

It seems like you are the only one not taking this decision lightly...

mike h wrote: Do you think you're contributing to this discussion at all?

Contributing to the discussion of the pros and cons of various tarps? Hahaha. Its a tarp, what is their to discuss exactly? A rope bag I could see discussing maybe but this is a sheet of plastic....

To make light of a question and or to provide anecdote is one thing. Your dialog reads of hateful ridicule.

mike h wrote: Do you think you're contributing to this discussion at all? Clearly you don't think the OP's question is a good one, but your response seems to be, "This is a stupid question, it doesn't matter at all, but these other answers are wrong." ThreeDee, NC Rock Climber, David S, TomCaldwell, and PosiDave have all had worthwhile responses, thanks to you guys (OK and Stitch too). It seems like you are the only one not taking this decision lightly...

Just look at his post history. Being an ass is his entertainment.

dorseyec wrote: Contributing to the discussion of the pros and cons of various tarps? Hahaha. Its a tarp, what is their to discuss exactly?

So if you don't have anything valuable to add, and don't think there's anything to be gained, why are you still here? I know I'm also free to leave, but unlike you I think it's a reasonable question and am curious about the answers. Others have given worthwhile responses that show there are various legitimate preferences for a sub-$5 piece of plastic.