Kelty Noah's Tarp - Great Modern Tarp for Protection from the Elements
Pros:
Repels water wonderfully, easy setup, lightweight, dries quickly, folds small
Cons:
Doesn't come with poles (expensive add-on)
The Bottom Line:
This tarp is a really great improvement over typical tarps. I use Kelty's Noah's tarp for a variety of shelter needs, from camping to other outdoor uses.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
I have used regular tarps in the past on a regular basis for a variety of camping needs. Generally, I have needed tarps for protecting my tent from rain, especially in multi-day set-ups, as well as for general protection from the elements when outdoors.
However, typical tarps definitely have many downsides. They are heavy, crinkly, unwieldy, and take a while to dry once wet. They also take up space and can be hard to fold.
I had seen some tarps in an outdoor store, so I decided I would look on the internet. I don’t remember the exact website I found the Kelty Noah’s Tarp on, but it runs on average about $70.00. At first, the price seemed a little steep, but I liked the specifications, and I figured I would use and have, this tarp a lot longer than the typical kinds.
THE BASICS
I had three sizes to choose from: 9’, 12, or 16’. I chose the biggest size, the 16’ x 16’, which unfolded, covers an area of 256 square feet! The smallest size is tempting at 1 lb 13 oz, but this one weighs in at 4 lbs 11 oz (when packed with the bag – without the bag, it is 4 lbs 2 oz). I can only imagine how heavy a 16’ regular tarp weighs, so this is one of the greatest benefits alone.
Unfolded, the tarp does not form an exact square. It is more like an elongated diamond shape so that you can pitch it with a peak (obviously to allow for water to drain downwards). The Kelty website describes the shape as “Cantenary cut”.
This item has a lifetime warranty against defects.
FEATURES
Another very attractive feature of the Kelty Noah’s Tarp is that it folds down to 7” x 25”. It comes with a bag to pack the tarp in. I could never fold one of my regular tarps down to that size. Unlike a lot of my other outdoor product stuff-sacks, I don’t have a problem getting the tarp back in the bag when I’m done with it. There is just enough extra space for it to fit comfortably in the bag without requiring a struggle.
Built into the tarp are some reinforced nylon webbing pullouts, which are placed in a variety of places to allow for convenient setup. The corners have grommets for holding poles. The only downside to this tarp is that it does not come with of the poles.
I bought two poles at the same time I bought my Kelty Noah’s Tarp, at $39.00 a piece. The poles, unfortunately, add to the price of the tarp substantially, but I felt it was a worthwhile investment. The poles are adjustable up to 8.25 feet, and are a really great integral part of the setup. You can also use them for other things besides with this tarp, so hopefully I'll get plenty of other uses out of them.
The tarp is made of Coated polyester taffeta. It reminds me of a very light parachute type material. It is light grey in color and has the Kelty Logo printed on it. The seams are taped as reinforcement against rain.
The material does well because it is very light and stands up well to rain. I have used it for days at a time in the rain without it leaking. However, despite no rain leaking through, condensation built up on the underside. Fortunately, by setting it up with a peak, if any of the condensation drips off (hopefully the case), it doesn’t get on whatever is directly under the tarp.
The great part about the material is that not only does it repel rain very well, it dries very fast. I usually throw this on the driveway or over our deck once I get home, and the sun dries it quickly. I like to make sure it is completely dry before packing it in the stuff sack so that it doesn’t get moldy.
SETUP
Setup is pretty simple. I generally start by attaching two opposite ends to poles, and then staking out the other two corners. I try to get the material as taut as possible, but sometimes I have problems getting the stakes to stay, especially in rainy conditions. I actually recently bought some spiral-shaped stakes, and I’m hoping they work well in those types of conditions. I have also found a great ratcheting system (see link below).
VERDICT
In general, I am highly satisfied with this product, as I can use it in a variety of situations, and it is small enough so that I can stow it just in case I end up needing it. I have used this for mult-day camping trips, and it keeps the tent clean and dry, including anything stowed around it. I have also used this as a temporary shelter from rain, which works wonderfully.
Kelty: www.kelty.com
Rope Ratchet: www.Roperatchet.com
