Big Agnes Gold Camp 5 Tarp

Low cost, mild weather, large shelter

First impressions are often the best judgment and mine are that the supplied pegs are totally inadequate for a 'Mid this size, I had to get some of the big 12" steel stakes from my stash, so buyer beware and be prepared to fork out for better pegs.

Secondly while probably fine in most scenarios, I'd not trust the centre pole in a blow and I would be sure to carry spare parts or a decent repair kit. That said it is described as a three-season shelter and outside of white season it should be fine or with experienced snow campers who would be prepared to buy a CF pole. It would also probably be OK in winter until the wind got strong. I find the door position a bit strange as I am used to doors placed at the centre seam.

I haven't seen the 3P version of this tent/tarp, but I think that the same pole may be used in both to save costs and lower the selling price. I do think also that not including a repair section would catch out some people.

Luckily I ski and always have spare ski poles around and a ski pole is the right size to carry as a splint section. I bought it on sale as an experimental project. I want to sew a short wall to a mid to use as a white season group shelter and I didn't want to experiment with a BD Megalite. I think that with a 300mm [ or perhaps even 450mm] short wall added and a strong carbon fibre pole this would make a killer group shelter for anybody willing to do some sewing

Background

Almost 50 years of bushwalking in all seasons, 30 years now in ski touring and some rock and Alpine experience