Sea to Summit  Escapist Tarp Shelter

I just used this tarp as my primary shelter on a 6-day backpacking trip in the Wind River Mountains. I was leery about taking that step away from a full blown tent to an ultralight shelter. Temps were down near freezing each night and 5 of the 6 nights we had gusty winds. Two of the nights I had to lower the pitch of the tarp to 3 feet because the wind was too strong. This tarp worked awesome and came through with no visible wear whatsoever. I've transitioned to really ultralight lately and this tarp is definitely one of my key pieces of equipment. I use it with a piece of Tyvek for the ground and an insect net when needed. Great multi-use piece of gear to have. I couldn't be happier.

The tarp is compact, reasonably light weight and fully waterproof after couple of uses in the backcountry. Survived 5 minutes of pea sized hail in Yellowstone. Summer 2017 we were being chased by thunderstorms in Yellowstone NP, Pelican Valley. Plan was to take shelter at the Pelican Springs Patrol cabin when it became obvious that we needed shelter fast. Pelican Springs Patrol cabin didn't have porch or anything to shelter 6 people. Threw up my Escapist Tarp in less than 5 minutes, just in time for the rain and hail and thunder. Rain and thunder lasted 2 hours. Tarp kept us dry and much cooler than rainy gear. I will not travel in the backcountry without. As a matter of fact I have 2. FYI, if you don't know the cabins are locked unless Park Rangers happen to be there.

I don't give the 5 stars just because it is a little heavier than specifications. But still it is awesome, also is easy to fold and pack.

I have really enjoyed the versatility of this this tarp shelter. It weighs very little, takes up very little space, and was easy to set up by myself with minimal practice. The bag has set-up instructions for all of the configurations printed right on it in case you assistance. Recently, I packed it on three night backpacking trip with the family to use it as a group cooking/eating shelter since rain was forecasted, but ended up sleeping under it in my hammock after my snoring got me kicked out of the tent . . .

My wife and I tried the Escapist tarp out on a kayaking trip in the Broken Group Island this May. During the intermittently windy and rainy weather at a semi-exposed campsite, the tarp kept everything dry. The tarp is extremely compact and well-constructed and is highly recommended for those who consider space to be at a premium.

This is my foray into lightweight backpacking. I could not get it back into its stuffsack, but I ended up just rolling it into my reflective 6x5 tarp. The 6x5 tarp goes on the ground, under my sleeping pad, and the Escapist tarp goes over me. I set it up with five stakes: one at each corner, plus one to secure my hiking pole (just one, unlike the picture). I have a bug net I put around my head. So far, so good.

With rain, sleet, hail, and snow, this tarp has kept myself and my friends and family warm and dry with plenty of space to cook or play cards while waiting out the weather. Whenever fellow hikers see us comfortably under our tarp, they remark that we were smart to bring it. This tarp is so light, it always comes with me.

The sea to summit tarp is a versatile shelter that can withstand diffrent environments while offering relative comfort. Pros: Lightweight Easy to set up Can set up in diffrent designs Waterproof Very open, spacious Cons: Not good in buggy areas ( though that comes with the territory if your a lightweight backacker)

This tarp is extremely light and waterproof. The M packs down ultra small and can easily fit into a Nalgene pocket on your pack. We used this tarp to create an extra outside room for our tent and it was fantastic.

Super light, and perfect for my needs. I have been tarping it for the last few years, and this is a great tarp for keeping your weight down. With simple spikes, and poles, you have a shelter. I should note that my use is always colder weather use, so no bugs. If bugs are an issue, then you need a tent.