DIY: Black Polyethylene Plastic Sheeting Tarp

I am writing a review of a piece of plastic because it inspired me.

I was recently backpacking with a friend in rain/snow conditions and when the snow and wind began he pulled out this small roll of plastic 10' x 10' 4 mil and constructed a shelter with his trekking poles and eight well placed rocks.

What struck me was the durability and that the plastic was completely waterproof, not coated, treated, or some exotic fabric. I have been looking for a lightweight tent or shelter but cost and weight has been a problem.

Emergency shelters are cheap but offer minimal protection and normally have one or two sides open. Standard tarps are heavy and lightweight tents start at about $200, more for a really good one and don't come close to full protection under one pound.

This shelter cost four dollars and weighs just under one pound and i would never worry about putting it away wet because you just shake of the water and roll it up. Just under one pound does weigh in a little heavy for a shelter but it is capable of protecting from all sides and in wind gust up to 30 mph if constructed right (at least that's what the weather report said the winds in the mountains were those nights).

I may one day — when a full tent weights 1 pound and protects form high winds and heavy down pour — upgrade. Till then i will enjoy my light piece of plastic.