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Great video, I have looked at the different sil tarps but they are so expensive. Another option that I discovered from Walmart is the hammock rain fly. It is light weight and durable
Big fan of a lot of ur video and I just wanted to give you something fun to look at, if u youtube search this I think u might like it. Paul Elkins $150 bicycle camper. I do know that u show survival videos but I thought it be nice if u see some of the fun things others do for shelter survival.
Look's like a pretty good tarp for the price...I have been watching your channel for a couple of years and I frankly am surprised you don't have at least 5 times more subscribers...there's many survival channel's that are really good...but alot of them don't go outdoors showing us how to do thing's like you do...it's my opinion your one of the best to watch because you live it and show it
I bought one of these tube tarps after watching this video. Living where I do we don't have a lot of trees close together so i use collapsible trekker poles as dual purpose tent poles. So far I have only used it once and that was in decent fall weather with no rain. It held up good. I also have a reflective tarp which I used over one end to reduce the breeze at night.
I bought this to teach my Boy Scouts shelter building. It was a great shelter! I unzipped the middle and built it as a tent. Another leader and I stayed in it overnight in 30 degree weather the the reflection side helped hold in our heat a bit. There was plenty of mount points from loops and rings to rig it to the ground and 2 trees. Worth the $20 to have in my truck too! Highly recommend.
Keep up the good work Corporal! I am working to start a gear channel for my scouts and Civil Air Patrol cadets. If you have a good source for gear please share!
Nice presentation, as usual. I have the older model of this that only came in Orange/Silver metalic. My main complaint about it is that it is only 7' long when set up as a _Tube Tent._ It needs to be at least 8' long, 9' is better. When set up as a tarp, it is big enough. The open ends and solid floor of the _Tube Tent_ configuration mean that rain that blows in will run downhill from whichever end is higher. Using it as a traditional tarp with a separate ground sheet can solve most of that. The zipper is not needed, adds weight and is redundant. Any tarp can be set up as a tube tent, using the same number of stakes as this UST.
I remember the first one of these I purchased several years ago... it was only available in an orange color at that time. Since they have added the green version, and after much time pondering it's usefulness, we decided (as a family with 5 vehicles) to add it to our vehicle get-home kits. We had to modify things... like you, we changed out the crappy line for good old AAFES sold paracord, and we changed out the stakes for MSR groundhogs (abs stakes don't work well in our area generally), and adapted the use of Nite Ize Clam Jams for ridge line (because the family still has problems with their knots... but we are working with them on this). All are set up, stored in their bags to be hung in an A-frame (a little taller, yet not so wide as what you have set up here). Each kit also has a grabber blanket in it (for ground cloth application). We are happy with this as a shelter system for our get-home kits (3 season). I was pleased to see that you posted a video on this tarp... I haven't seen many videos on it. Thank you.
After lots of camping and backpacking in California, I was invited to canoe the Boundary Waters in MN. I took a tube tent. BIG mistake...the mosquitoes thought it was fly-through banquet hall. Bears be damned, I was running down the trails at 0300 trying to out-distance the swarms. When I first moved to MN, i asked: “I know in Winter, you go snowmobiling, skiing, and ice-fishing, what do you do in Summer?” “Well, they said, if it comes on a Sunday, we take the family on a picnic. If it comes on a Saturday, we take the 20-gauge and hunt mosquitoes.”
Thanks for doing this video I actually have the same tarp and used it last spring on a multi day hike in the Shenandoah NP. I didn’t want to take my tent as I wanted to save a little weight because I had extra clothes. I set it up each night in the tube configuration and like you had switched out the original stakes and cordage. In fact the knots used to secure the ridge line and tarp to the line were learned from watching your channel. Outstanding. I thought it worked fine and didn’t take up a lot of space or weigh a whole lot. For the price it’s not a bad option. When I’m not using it I keep it in the Jeep for emergencies. Nice video as always.
Thanks for confirming my decision to buy one of those tarp shelters, I bought it over 3 yrs ago and it is still solid and working as advertised. I have never used it in some of those configs but now that I see them I might try it. Another excellent how-to and test video.
I hope everyone appreciates how bloody crisp those lines are on those shelters. Another good video. I've honestly spent two days going over different tarp reviews. It's nice too see someone with genuine skills.
It's what made me stay. And I really appreciate that he goes back to show a nicely dressed knot once it's finished. Sometimes just studying the turns and seeing how a correctly dressed knot lies down can spark learning.
Nice review. My grandson got one of these last summer and we used it for different things in different configurations on a couple of camping trips. No tears, no leaks, no problems with it.
I was just looking the other day for a different type of all weather blanket/tarp. Thanks for the review I might try this and use it for an overnighter to see how well it works. Good video, always informative. Stay safe and thanks!
Thank you for all you do. I’m a bowhunter and learn great stuff from your detailed teaching methods. Appreciate your sacrifices for all of us also as a USA warrior. Keep up the outstanding videos. These techniques could be the difference between a quality outdoor experience or a nightmare or worse. I’m trying to absorb your suggestions like a sponge.
I have a 10 x 10 AquaQuest Safari. It's the standard silnylon trap, so no reflectics, but it has tons of tie out points. The thing is well put together too and has held up well. I believe AquaQuest has 3 versions of tarps, each coming in multiple sizes.
I replaced my Grabber all weather blanket about a year ago with the 2go Systems Trifecta V3 as my bivy / tarp shelter system and it has held up really well. It's made out of Tyvek with a reflective side so it's pretty durable but won't hold up to abuse. It has reinforced loops instead of grommets.It comes with a waterproof zipper that is very stiff when new but smooths out nicely if you wax it. The zipper allows you to zip it up into a waterproof bivi bag for when you've been hiking for hours and your too tired to set it up as a tarp shelter. The Trifecta is lighter and packs down smaller then the Grabber but it is three times the price on amazon and you can't use for stuff like dragging a pile of fire wood around like you can with the Grabber. I have no affiliation with 2Go System, I've just been using it for two nights every other weekend for about a year now most of the time paired up with my sleeping bag.
A straightforward and objective critique of this product, sir. I've had the same problem with grommets as you've described, which I remedied by using tarp clamps with screw-down jaws, but eventually double-stitching loops of nylon webbing to all grommet points. I was going to ask if this item had a zipper-flap, but perusing your Amazon page showed that it does. Another concise and no-nonsense video well done, sir!
Here’s a thought- design what you consider an “ideal” tarp and go to a place that makes boat covers, pick out the best material , have them make to your specs and then show us.
I've had the orange version now for a few years. It's ok as an emergency shelter but will never replace my DD 3x3 tarp. Good review and demo of what's it's capable of. But in the end, the all-weather tarp is a throwaway item to be used for emergency and I would be ok with that getting destroyed than a more expensive item.
DD 3x3 tarp is a great choice. Don't go for the superlight version, go for the full 3x3 version. It's bombproof and has a ton of tie outs for any configuration. Definitely worth a few mins of your time to check it out.
Good info on the weakness of the grommets on the Grabber! Hadn't heard that yet and just got one for Christmas. I might try sewing some loops on the Grabber to extend its life a little. Much appreciated as always, Corporal!
I was just about to pull the trigger on an Arcturus tarp when I saw this.... then I looked at the date. I thought you got rid of the Arcturus already... What a relief! Countdown still going.
I've had a variety of UST products. I typically classify most of these items in my "survive a night or two" category. Great, inexpensive, lightweight gear that can be stuffed into a day pack, etc. But not for long-term use, over and over again. Great videos !!
I bought mine a few years ago when it was only around $30 and finally used it this fall for a weekend. I set it up with a ridge line and my hiking poles and used a third of it for my groundcloth. No rain that weekend and the temp got down to freezing overnight and this setup kept the frost off my dog and I. I enjoyed it in this situation as it's lightweight and afforded adequate coverage.
I've patched up the grommet scars on tarps (with Gorilla Tape) and used tarp clips to salvage otherwise excellent materials. They're not very heavy or too bulky and save money at the same time! The only time I get a new tarp is when it's FUBAR.
I've made my own tarps with grommets only, no loops. I use scraps of naugahyde or whatever I find on old chair seats/backs on trash day. My space blanket only had 4 grommets, which are good so far, but I added about a dozen more for better convenience. I cut 1 1/2" x 6" strips, fold them in half and place right over the edge of the tarp. Sew all around, punch a hole and install a brass grommet. Never in 35 years of doing this has a grommet come loose. I'd give your UST Tarp a 5/5 for quality and functionality. Tks. Cheers.
I like that tarp, especially the zipper, which configures it into a decent floor. A tip, which I'm sure a lot of people already know, to prevent leaks in a hurry, close zipper run a line or two along the inside and outside of the zipper with Chapstick(or generic substitute, that's what I use). Also, it prevents corrosion, or rust on metal zippers. As for the cheap line I can always find something else to tie it on, and the aluminum stakes, when properly sharpened, make a rather formidable punji stick.
I worked in a fiberglass batting fabrication/cutting shop for a while...we had large rolls of endless length plastic tubing that we'd slip around the bundles...shoulda coulda woulda cut myself off 30 feet of it, never realized I could use it later...perfect tube tent material...
Have two of them and been using one for day hiking trips and over nighters for over a year. Has held up well but I did replace cordage and stakes in that kit after first use. Second one is in car kit and I have tested it as well. Did replace my grabber with it in over night kit. But I use the Arcturus outdoor survival blanket in my bushcraft kit it's grommet are a little better than the grabbers in my opinion. It last me about 6 or 8 trips before the grommets go. But like my DD trap for trips of two or more days. Great vid. Always a pleasure to watch you work. Thank you.
Not sure if you're looking for a dual sided tarp, as in having a reflective side, but I have become quite partial to the Aqua Quest tarps. My favorite is the Safari 10x10. They are lightweight SilNylon and 100% Waterproof. They come in either Olive Drab or Camo.
Great budget tarp. I’ve carried it a few years now. Used it as a fly over my hammock while camping and carry it in motorcycle as an emergency tarp. Good review as always. Keep up the great work brother. Love your videos
I used the UST 1.0 for a few years left it out in the weather/ rain and snow 1 too many times. Eventually the reflective coating started to peal also fires near that thing burn pin holes in it in no time. I think it’s designed for emergencies only. I repaired mine with gorilla tape to make it serviceable. I prefer the grabber blankets.
The diagram UST provides shows to zip it at the top, which is dumb. Turn that zipper to the ground so it won't leak. Corporal, The questions I have about that tarp are 1)whether that tarp would support your weight as a raised bed or emergency hammock, and 2) how effective a kocjanski style super shelter you imagine you could fashion with that shiny side. It seems the grabber blankets would be far superior in both realms. I'd love to have follow up vids on both these thoughts, if you get a chance. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Semper Fi. Sharing to my Nephew ~ He's looking for something lightweight for a trip in Europe this summer. This may be the ticket! Did some stuff with an old Marine Corps Poncho with him the other day! This may be what he is looking for!
Had to go to Michigan few years back and decided to camp out while there. I was born and raised in MI. but man I didn't remember how windy it gets. I started out with tarp and cot. like your statement the grommets ripped out. Flipped it around and used different set up ; two more rip outs. Last I saw that tarp it was around 10 feet high and blowing over a corn field. Have lived in Arkansas since '96, and there have been times that it made no difference what type of stake you try it wont work. That's when you look around for logs or rocks. Like you I don't trust/like the cheep stakes. Don't know how many of those things got thrown away, then my neighbor asked for them. They add them to their recycling .
As an emergency shelter I think this would work. Had not looked at it before as I had bad results with UST gear. Will give UST stuff another try. Thanks for sharing.
I got a silnylon tarp from Aqua Quest. A good company that is local to me so I was happy to support them and get my first silnylon bit of equipment! Made a free standing plowpoint using trekking poles and it did the job quite nicely!
Thanks for the review, Corporal. I'll stick with my Helikon-Tex model poncho that I carry every trip, or a DD 3mX3m tarp for trips longer than a night or two. I do appreciate your gear reviews. They are always good info with no BS. I'm hoping you'll give us your thoughts on that Savotta there, too.
We have scene all of your videos we appreciate your input it is very good you take the time to explain it is very thorough we like the Swagman roll and the poncho liner thanks so much for the info
thanks for the review. I moved my shelter to the "BlueStone Hammock Rain Fly in 10 x 12 " easy find on Amazon. All things considered it serves me well and priced low.
Thanks for reviewing this product. I might still get it but I'll have clearer expectations. I like that style of stake for supplemental uses such as keeping a ground cloth in place. Wouldn't be my choice for a survival situation.
Looks like a good product. I worked outside for 40 years outside in pa & ny. Keeping dry is paramount if you need to stay warm so this is why I like the "floor" feature in this as well of radiant reflective film. BYOC (bring your own cord)
Like James Ohara mentioned, since this tarp has a zipper, you can easily connect two of these lightweight tarps together for a decent sized shelter for two plus gear. Makes for a great shelter to add to my emergency car kit. Lightweight, durable and easy to set up in several configurations...
This tarp is great. I purchased the orange color a few years ago. It does what it is meant to do. The only configuration I have not used it, as a hammock. By the way, I had the same issue you did and tossed that cheap cordage and stakes, and replaced it with 550 and ABS stakes.
Corporal I've learned quite a bit from you hope you get is good that you have fake my camps I'm a prospector gold on the weekends hat Creek sit sometimes there ain't no place to try put your tent so I'm learning how to make a flying that way Spike Lee the 10th at home pics of tarps with me to get underneath the that way I can pack lighter cuz equipment gets quite a heavy so thank you for teaching me I didn't know I could do so have a nice day and I'll just keep watching you until I learn more
Just my personal experience. Run seam sealant of some sort. Mine leaked really bad at the seams. Granted it was a really heavy rain but nothing worse than getting wet in a cold rain under something that should keep you dry. I haven't purchased yet but I have been looking at 2go systems
Wow. That seems to be a very innovative/ interesting tarp. It appears to be durable, lightweight (2lbs. ?), versatile with a zipper. I've never seen a tarp with a zipper. Compact stowage. And with a low price. Pretty cool 😎. I gotta check this out. This is why I like your videos. It's the best channel on YT. You always come out with the best content like info, skills, gear and stuff like the Swagman Roll and now this tarp. Not always the best coffee but you're still TOO COOL 😎 on YT. Rock on, Corporal. GOD Bless the U.S.A. AIRBORNE !
I had been wanting to get one of those, never did pull the trigger on it yet. Ust makes an emergency blanket as well which i have but the grommets i think are even worse than on the grabber. Good luck in your search.
Good review. Thank you for that. I've got my poncho but I might throw this on my pack when my kids come on day hikes. We've been caught in storms before and we can't all fit under one. This thing looks pretty big as a lean to.
Hey Cpl. or anyone else, the reflective tarps and survival blankets made from mylar or whatever the reflectant is; sure it keeps in heat but then don't you sweat which causes other issues like frostbite? Not being combative here, I really want to know what you think. It's like having waterproof shoes in the cold, feet sweat and are wet and wick away heat then freeze. Thanks for your work. I know it takes a lot start to finish to do one of these.
My experience with a tube tent was my first backpack trip in my 20's with a church group. It was just a tube of plastic. I set it up several times and there was no designated floor, so it could be any wheres. When it started to rain I found a bunch of pin holes in the tent as the floor was not in the same spot all the time. So it leaked on me. since then I have never used a tube tent. Your other set ups looked a lot better and I could see using this tarp in their configurations. Bruce from the city of Orange in Orange county Calif.
I've tried a lot of tarps over the years and ended up with a 10"x20" waterproof ripstop nylon . It packs small and light and the extra square footage is nice in wind blown weather . You can find different colors if you prefer visibility or stealth .
Almost there. Sew on ends and you have a tent. Flat tarps are OK, but once you start sewing and zipping, you might as well make a tent. There is less wasted cloth/weight. My first backpacking tent was a tube, made of plastic, and cost $5 back in the 60s.It kept me dry on a lot of trip. No ties or grommets, just a ball of cloth tied in an edge. I usually set it up the same way.
this is sound weird but you know when you find something that really speaks to you? that's what Corporals Corner does for me, really good info that I either learn something new from or something that reaffirms what I already know, thanks for the videos
And you cannot forget the chill gorilla tarps I just got my brother from another mother that 12 x 12 And you might want to look into silpoly which is actually lighter you can go for a 13 by 13 with doors and have even more configuration
I will go with Harbor Freight tarp $3.50 most every time! Works just fine, durable enough. Dollar store cordage is starting to fail. I don't know the difference between bank cord and paracord but I have paracord so will switch out and use it. I'm geared towards a 3-5 day lightweight Trans Catalina hike. I will not be sitting on my ass. I will be using a 30L daypack. Maybe a poncho liner with nylon fly to break wind? Not sure yet, but will be light!
umm I actually like the crap line. it's great for tarps. Paracord stretches so bad at long lengths and I always have to tighten it up when I use one. I use amsteel for tarp ridgelines and guy lines. I only use Paracord for small lanyards and loops and as a utility ridgeline for hanging items but not as my tarp ridge anymore. The thin stakes are also great because they are lightweight and not bulky and if they bend...I just bend them back. I have to say though that I did switch over my amsteel prusiks on my ridge to the bank line you use. It's great. It holds tight but I wish it didn't stink! 😁I love your deployable ridgeline setup as well. I just use amsteel instead. Thx man. ✌️🤟
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Great video, I have looked at the different sil tarps but they are so expensive. Another option that I discovered from Walmart is the hammock rain fly. It is light weight and durable
I enjoy and appreciate your gear reviews, and another opinion on TH-cam is always welcomed. Did you previously review that Savotta pack?
Check out Aqua Quest.
If it's anything like the Kelty tents, it would be, Their tents are great
Big fan of a lot of ur video and I just wanted to give you something fun to look at, if u youtube search this I think u might like it. Paul Elkins $150 bicycle camper. I do know that u show survival videos but I thought it be nice if u see some of the fun things others do for shelter survival.
I love how down to earth you are, and how the music you play is super relaxed. Thanks for being a great teacher!
Look's like a pretty good tarp for the price...I have been watching your channel for a couple of years and I frankly am surprised you don't have at least 5 times more subscribers...there's many survival channel's that are really good...but alot of them don't go outdoors showing us how to do thing's like you do...it's my opinion your one of the best to watch because you live it and show it
YT peddles BS Entertainment is the reason why
Please don’t ever stop making your videos. They are hugely informative and a welcome way to watch escape in these trying times.
I see small changes to your video production in this one. It’s great! Thank you for taking the time to do it right!
I bought one of these tube tarps after watching this video. Living where I do we don't have a lot of trees close together so i use collapsible trekker poles as dual purpose tent poles. So far I have only used it once and that was in decent fall weather with no rain. It held up good. I also have a reflective tarp which I used over one end to reduce the breeze at night.
I bought this to teach my Boy Scouts shelter building. It was a great shelter! I unzipped the middle and built it as a tent. Another leader and I stayed in it overnight in 30 degree weather the the reflection side helped hold in our heat a bit. There was plenty of mount points from loops and rings to rig it to the ground and 2 trees. Worth the $20 to have in my truck too! Highly recommend.
Keep up the good work Corporal! I am working to start a gear channel for my scouts and Civil Air Patrol cadets. If you have a good source for gear please share!
Excellent as always, and another movie reference, the punisher. Very cool, thanks for sharing and passing on the tribal knowledge.
Nice presentation, as usual.
I have the older model of this that only came in Orange/Silver metalic. My main complaint about it is that it is only 7' long when set up as a _Tube Tent._ It needs to be at least 8' long, 9' is better. When set up as a tarp, it is big enough.
The open ends and solid floor of the _Tube Tent_ configuration mean that rain that blows in will run downhill from whichever end is higher. Using it as a traditional tarp with a separate ground sheet can solve most of that.
The zipper is not needed, adds weight and is redundant. Any tarp can be set up as a tube tent, using the same number of stakes as this UST.
It is time I tell you that I love your introduction with the thunder, rain and lightning.
I remember the first one of these I purchased several years ago... it was only available in an orange color at that time. Since they have added the green version, and after much time pondering it's usefulness, we decided (as a family with 5 vehicles) to add it to our vehicle get-home kits. We had to modify things... like you, we changed out the crappy line for good old AAFES sold paracord, and we changed out the stakes for MSR groundhogs (abs stakes don't work well in our area generally), and adapted the use of Nite Ize Clam Jams for ridge line (because the family still has problems with their knots... but we are working with them on this). All are set up, stored in their bags to be hung in an A-frame (a little taller, yet not so wide as what you have set up here). Each kit also has a grabber blanket in it (for ground cloth application). We are happy with this as a shelter system for our get-home kits (3 season). I was pleased to see that you posted a video on this tarp... I haven't seen many videos on it. Thank you.
After lots of camping and backpacking in California, I was invited to canoe the Boundary Waters in MN. I took a tube tent. BIG mistake...the mosquitoes thought it was fly-through banquet hall. Bears be damned, I was running down the trails at 0300 trying to out-distance the swarms.
When I first moved to MN, i asked: “I know in Winter, you go snowmobiling, skiing, and ice-fishing, what do you do in Summer?” “Well, they said, if it comes on a Sunday, we take the family on a picnic. If it comes on a Saturday, we take the 20-gauge and hunt mosquitoes.”
Thanks for doing this video I actually have the same tarp and used it last spring on a multi day hike in the Shenandoah NP. I didn’t want to take my tent as I wanted to save a little weight because I had extra clothes. I set it up each night in the tube configuration and like you had switched out the original stakes and cordage. In fact the knots used to secure the ridge line and tarp to the line were learned from watching your channel. Outstanding. I thought it worked fine and didn’t take up a lot of space or weigh a whole lot. For the price it’s not a bad option. When I’m not using it I keep it in the Jeep for emergencies. Nice video as always.
Thanks for confirming my decision to buy one of those tarp shelters, I bought it over 3 yrs ago and it is still solid and working as advertised. I have never used it in some of those configs but now that I see them I might try it. Another excellent how-to and test video.
I hope everyone appreciates how bloody crisp those lines are on those shelters. Another good video. I've honestly spent two days going over different tarp reviews. It's nice too see someone with genuine skills.
A Marine Corps DI probably instilled that in him!🇺🇸👍
It's what made me stay. And I really appreciate that he goes back to show a nicely dressed knot once it's finished. Sometimes just studying the turns and seeing how a correctly dressed knot lies down can spark learning.
Nice review. My grandson got one of these last summer and we used it for different things in different configurations on a couple of camping trips. No tears, no leaks, no problems with it.
I was just looking the other day for a different type of all weather blanket/tarp. Thanks for the review I might try this and use it for an overnighter to see how well it works. Good video, always informative. Stay safe and thanks!
Thank you for all you do. I’m a bowhunter and learn great stuff from your detailed teaching methods. Appreciate your sacrifices for all of us also as a USA warrior. Keep up the outstanding videos. These techniques could be the difference between a quality outdoor experience or a nightmare or worse. I’m trying to absorb your suggestions like a sponge.
You're the only channel on TH-cam of this nature worth watching. Been a viewer for a long time, keep up the good work man. 🌲🏕️
I have a 10 x 10 AquaQuest Safari. It's the standard silnylon trap, so no reflectics, but it has tons of tie out points. The thing is well put together too and has held up well.
I believe AquaQuest has 3 versions of tarps, each coming in multiple sizes.
Corporal YOU ARE AWESOME! Keep up the fantastic work brother. learning so much from your tutelage, greatly appreciate all you do.
Thank you for another great review. It’s good to see all possible options. Good to go!
I wish UST would bring these back I've had one for 3 years and I love it
I replaced my Grabber all weather blanket about a year ago with the 2go Systems Trifecta V3 as my bivy / tarp shelter system and it has held up really well. It's made out of Tyvek with a reflective side so it's pretty durable but won't hold up to abuse. It has reinforced loops instead of grommets.It comes with a waterproof zipper that is very stiff when new but smooths out nicely if you wax it. The zipper allows you to zip it up into a waterproof bivi bag for when you've been hiking for hours and your too tired to set it up as a tarp shelter. The Trifecta is lighter and packs down smaller then the Grabber but it is three times the price on amazon and you can't use for stuff like dragging a pile of fire wood around like you can with the Grabber. I have no affiliation with 2Go System, I've just been using it for two nights every other weekend for about a year now most of the time paired up with my sleeping bag.
Thank you for your Service from a Vietnam Era Vet. of the U.S.A.F. Happy Memorial Day!! Haven't had the chance to try out my Tube Tarp!!
A straightforward and objective critique of this product, sir. I've had the same problem with grommets as you've described, which I remedied by using tarp clamps with screw-down jaws, but eventually double-stitching loops of nylon webbing to all grommet points. I was going to ask if this item had a zipper-flap, but perusing your Amazon page showed that it does. Another concise and no-nonsense video well done, sir!
A great video as always. I really enjoy the straight forward unbiased opinions. Keep em coming!
Here’s a thought- design what you consider an “ideal” tarp and go to a place that makes boat covers, pick out the best material , have them make to your specs and then show us.
Thanks for TAKEING time out from you wife and kids to show people how to live if they find themselves in the shit. Thanks. Love this.
Binge watching the Corporal again on another fine Sunday. Outstanding AF!
I've had the orange version now for a few years. It's ok as an emergency shelter but will never replace my DD 3x3 tarp. Good review and demo of what's it's capable of. But in the end, the all-weather tarp is a throwaway item to be used for emergency and I would be ok with that getting destroyed than a more expensive item.
DD 3x3 tarp is a great choice. Don't go for the superlight version, go for the full 3x3 version. It's bombproof and has a ton of tie outs for any configuration. Definitely worth a few mins of your time to check it out.
Love your channel. Your videos are objective, informative, and concise with great production quality.
Thank you for your reviews, its like a try it before you buy it for us. The link to your knots and cordage was an outstanding idea!! 😁 Thank you
Good info on the weakness of the grommets on the Grabber! Hadn't heard that yet and just got one for Christmas. I might try sewing some loops on the Grabber to extend its life a little. Much appreciated as always, Corporal!
I was just about to pull the trigger on an Arcturus tarp when I saw this.... then I looked at the date. I thought you got rid of the Arcturus already... What a relief! Countdown still going.
@@jamescrowe7892 I think this is sound advice!
I've had a variety of UST products. I typically classify most of these items in my "survive a night or two" category. Great, inexpensive, lightweight gear that can be stuffed into a day pack, etc. But not for long-term use, over and over again. Great videos !!
I bought mine a few years ago when it was only around $30 and finally used it this fall for a weekend. I set it up with a ridge line and my hiking poles and used a third of it for my groundcloth. No rain that weekend and the temp got down to freezing overnight and this setup kept the frost off my dog and I. I enjoyed it in this situation as it's lightweight and afforded adequate coverage.
I've patched up the grommet scars on tarps (with Gorilla Tape) and used tarp clips to salvage otherwise excellent materials. They're not very heavy or too bulky and save money at the same time! The only time I get a new tarp is when it's FUBAR.
I've made my own tarps with grommets only, no loops. I use scraps of naugahyde or whatever I find on old chair seats/backs on trash day. My space blanket only had 4 grommets, which are good so far, but I added about a dozen more for better convenience. I cut 1 1/2" x 6" strips, fold them in half and place right over the edge of the tarp. Sew all around, punch a hole and install a brass grommet. Never in 35 years of doing this has a grommet come loose. I'd give your UST Tarp a 5/5 for quality and functionality. Tks. Cheers.
Hi.Great ideas & videos.we'll use them & tell friends to check-out your videos.Thank you. Stay healthy & safe.Cheers.
I like that tarp, especially the zipper, which configures it into a decent floor. A tip, which I'm sure a lot of people already know, to prevent leaks in a hurry, close zipper run a line or two along the inside and outside of the zipper with Chapstick(or generic substitute, that's what I use). Also, it prevents corrosion, or rust on metal zippers. As for the cheap line I can always find something else to tie it on, and the aluminum stakes, when properly sharpened, make a rather formidable punji stick.
I have had one for over a year usually use it as cover but bought it because it looked versatile. Good product.
I worked in a fiberglass batting fabrication/cutting shop for a while...we had large rolls of endless length plastic tubing that we'd slip around the bundles...shoulda coulda woulda cut myself off 30 feet of it, never realized I could use it later...perfect tube tent material...
Have two of them and been using one for day hiking trips and over nighters for over a year. Has held up well but I did replace cordage and stakes in that kit after first use. Second one is in car kit and I have tested it as well. Did replace my grabber with it in over night kit. But I use the Arcturus outdoor survival blanket in my bushcraft kit it's grommet are a little better than the grabbers in my opinion. It last me about 6 or 8 trips before the grommets go. But like my DD trap for trips of two or more days. Great vid. Always a pleasure to watch you work. Thank you.
This guy is the real deal. Did you all see that salute at the end? Sharp and straight like a razor
Not sure if you're looking for a dual sided tarp, as in having a reflective side, but I have become quite partial to the Aqua Quest tarps. My favorite is the Safari 10x10. They are lightweight SilNylon and 100% Waterproof. They come in either Olive Drab or Camo.
Pretty neat tarp my friend. Think I might look into that! Thanks for sharing
Great budget tarp. I’ve carried it a few years now. Used it as a fly over my hammock while camping and carry it in motorcycle as an emergency tarp. Good review as always. Keep up the great work brother. Love your videos
Me and my daughter loves watching your videos
You always produce informative professional straightforward videos we appreciate it Keep up the good work and God-bless you and yours
god bless u u have made another good vid on good an bad gear
I used the UST 1.0 for a few years left it out in the weather/ rain and snow 1 too many times. Eventually the reflective coating started to peal also fires near that thing burn pin holes in it in no time. I think it’s designed for emergencies only. I repaired mine with gorilla tape to make it serviceable. I prefer the grabber blankets.
Great looking piece of gear. But WOW the price difference between orange and green is unbelievable.
The diagram UST provides shows to zip it at the top, which is dumb. Turn that zipper to the ground so it won't leak. Corporal, The questions I have about that tarp are 1)whether that tarp would support your weight as a raised bed or emergency hammock, and 2) how effective a kocjanski style super shelter you imagine you could fashion with that shiny side. It seems the grabber blankets would be far superior in both realms. I'd love to have follow up vids on both these thoughts, if you get a chance. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Semper Fi. Sharing to my Nephew ~ He's looking for something lightweight for a trip in Europe this summer. This may be the ticket! Did some stuff with an old Marine Corps Poncho with him the other day! This may be what he is looking for!
Had to go to Michigan few years back and decided to camp out while there. I was born and raised in MI. but man I didn't remember how windy it gets. I started out with tarp and cot. like your statement the grommets ripped out. Flipped it around and used different set up ; two more rip outs. Last I saw that tarp it was around 10 feet high and blowing over a corn field. Have lived in Arkansas since '96, and there have been times that it made no difference what type of stake you try it wont work. That's when you look around for logs or rocks. Like you I don't trust/like the cheep stakes. Don't know how many of those things got thrown away, then my neighbor asked for them. They add them to their recycling .
I like the music score for the first tarp scenes. This could be a good fit for a backup tarp set up.
Excellent Video. 👍👍😎
As an emergency shelter I think this would work. Had not looked at it before as I had bad results with UST gear. Will give UST stuff another try. Thanks for sharing.
Your review is the best on youtube. And your knots and configs mage the others look like children. Thanks.
2GoSystems Trifecta v3 (Standard) Thermally Reflective - Bivvy/Tarp / Blanket on Amazon about 67 dollars but very versatile
I got a silnylon tarp from Aqua Quest. A good company that is local to me so I was happy to support them and get my first silnylon bit of equipment! Made a free standing plowpoint using trekking poles and it did the job quite nicely!
Awesome. I was looking at the UST Tube Tarp as a potential purchase. Still not decided but seeing it in action will help me make my eventual decision.
Great review, thanks for posting! Too expensive here in Australia: $95.73 @ Amazon Au!
Thanks for the review, Corporal. I'll stick with my Helikon-Tex model poncho that I carry every trip, or a DD 3mX3m tarp for trips longer than a night or two. I do appreciate your gear reviews. They are always good info with no BS. I'm hoping you'll give us your thoughts on that Savotta there, too.
We have scene all of your videos we appreciate your input it is very good you take the time to explain it is very thorough we like the Swagman roll and the poncho liner thanks so much for the info
Seen: past tense of see.
Scene: the place where an incident in real life or fiction occurs or occurred.
🤦🏻♂️
I realy love how you really test things before judging
That's what I use with my hammock setup I really like it!!
thanks for the review. I moved my shelter to the "BlueStone Hammock Rain Fly in 10 x 12 " easy find on Amazon. All things considered it serves me well and priced low.
Awesome video. You seem to have a fulfilling life. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reviewing this product. I might still get it but I'll have clearer expectations. I like that style of stake for supplemental uses such as keeping a ground cloth in place. Wouldn't be my choice for a survival situation.
Looks like a good product. I worked outside for 40 years outside in pa & ny. Keeping dry is paramount if you need to stay warm so this is why I like the "floor" feature in this as well of radiant reflective film.
BYOC (bring your own cord)
The zipper also allows you to join two and make a kick a** big tarp shelter.
Unigear 10x10 tarp has my attention right now. Loops, reflective material, budget friendly. Sold on Amazon. I'm thinking of trying this one out.
Great review love the no grommet corners. Thinking about getting one for my get home bag!! Thanks for the review!!
Like James Ohara mentioned, since this tarp has a zipper, you can easily connect two of these lightweight tarps together for a decent sized shelter for two plus gear. Makes for a great shelter to add to my emergency car kit. Lightweight, durable and easy to set up in several configurations...
This tarp is great. I purchased the orange color a few years ago. It does what it is meant to do. The only configuration I have not used it, as a hammock.
By the way, I had the same issue you did and tossed that cheap cordage and stakes, and replaced it with 550 and ABS stakes.
Thanks for the video Cpl. Kelly,
I like it , looks like it was built pretty good.
I’m definitely going to get me one .
Carry on corporal !
Corporal I've learned quite a bit from you hope you get is good that you have fake my camps I'm a prospector gold on the weekends hat Creek sit sometimes there ain't no place to try put your tent so I'm learning how to make a flying that way Spike Lee the 10th at home pics of tarps with me to get underneath the that way I can pack lighter cuz equipment gets quite a heavy so thank you for teaching me I didn't know I could do so have a nice day and I'll just keep watching you until I learn more
This may be the greatest comment I’ve ever read
Just my personal experience. Run seam sealant of some sort. Mine leaked really bad at the seams. Granted it was a really heavy rain but nothing worse than getting wet in a cold rain under something that should keep you dry. I haven't purchased yet but I have been looking at 2go systems
Thanks CC, definitely has possibilities. Myself, I like my USGI poncho. 👍
Wow. That seems to be a very innovative/ interesting tarp. It appears to be durable, lightweight (2lbs. ?), versatile with a zipper. I've never seen a tarp with a zipper. Compact stowage. And with a low price. Pretty cool 😎. I gotta check this out.
This is why I like your videos. It's the best channel on YT. You always come out with the best content like info, skills, gear and stuff like the Swagman Roll and now this tarp. Not always the best coffee but you're still TOO COOL 😎 on YT. Rock on, Corporal.
GOD Bless the U.S.A. AIRBORNE !
I had been wanting to get one of those, never did pull the trigger on it yet. Ust makes an emergency blanket as well which i have but the grommets i think are even worse than on the grabber. Good luck in your search.
Good review. Thank you for that. I've got my poncho but I might throw this on my pack when my kids come on day hikes. We've been caught in storms before and we can't all fit under one. This thing looks pretty big as a lean to.
Hey Cpl. or anyone else, the reflective tarps and survival blankets made from mylar or whatever the reflectant is; sure it keeps in heat but then don't you sweat which causes other issues like frostbite? Not being combative here, I really want to know what you think. It's like having waterproof shoes in the cold, feet sweat and are wet and wick away heat then freeze. Thanks for your work. I know it takes a lot start to finish to do one of these.
Thanks for the video. I’d like to see a follow up after some use and see how it holds up.
Averaging one commercial every 2 minutes on your videos. For your content? Totally worth it.
My experience with a tube tent was my first backpack trip in my 20's with a church group. It was just a tube of plastic. I set it up several times and there was no designated floor, so it could be any wheres. When it started to rain I found a bunch of pin holes in the tent as the floor was not in the same spot all the time. So it leaked on me. since then I have never used a tube tent. Your other set ups looked a lot better and I could see using this tarp in their configurations. Bruce from the city of Orange in Orange county Calif.
I've tried a lot of tarps over the years and ended up with a 10"x20" waterproof ripstop nylon . It packs small and light and the extra square footage is nice in wind blown weather . You can find different colors if you prefer visibility or stealth .
10 inch by 20 inch?
Oops , brain fart !
This popped up out of no where man. Cool tarp though and awesome vid as usual. Cant wait till sunday.
Really appreciate the lack of BS in your vids :)
It's been in my kit for a long time and just bought a new one last year. This time in orange for a signal panel.
Almost there. Sew on ends and you have a tent. Flat tarps are OK, but once you start sewing and zipping, you might as well make a tent. There is less wasted cloth/weight.
My first backpacking tent was a tube, made of plastic, and cost $5 back in the 60s.It kept me dry on a lot of trip. No ties or grommets, just a ball of cloth tied in an edge. I usually set it up the same way.
this is sound weird but you know when you find something that really speaks to you? that's what Corporals Corner does for me, really good info that I either learn something new from or something that reaffirms what I already know, thanks for the videos
Outstanding videos and content as usual Corporal!❤️❤️❤️❤️🥓🥓🥓🥓🥓☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️
And you cannot forget the chill gorilla tarps I just got my brother from another mother that 12 x 12
And you might want to look into silpoly which is actually lighter you can go for a 13 by 13 with doors and have even more configuration
I will go with Harbor Freight tarp $3.50 most every time! Works just fine, durable enough. Dollar store cordage is starting to fail. I don't know the difference between bank cord and paracord but I have paracord so will switch out and use it.
I'm geared towards a 3-5 day lightweight Trans Catalina hike. I will not be sitting on my ass. I will be using a 30L daypack. Maybe a poncho liner with nylon fly to break wind? Not sure yet, but will be light!
Very cool! Lots of info, no chatter, unbiased. Great shots and editing!
umm I actually like the crap line. it's great for tarps. Paracord stretches so bad at long lengths and I always have to tighten it up when I use one. I use amsteel for tarp ridgelines and guy lines. I only use Paracord for small lanyards and loops and as a utility ridgeline for hanging items but not as my tarp ridge anymore.
The thin stakes are also great because they are lightweight and not bulky and if they bend...I just bend them back.
I have to say though that I did switch over my amsteel prusiks on my ridge to the bank line you use. It's great. It holds tight but I wish it didn't stink! 😁I love your deployable ridgeline setup as well. I just use amsteel instead. Thx man. ✌️🤟
I've used that taro for over a year. So far held up grate.