Being rather tall at 2m, therefore wide at the shoulders and wishing to avoid my toes or head getting wet....

Thinking Alpkit bicycle 7 Tarp (2.8x2.4) or DD Hammock Tarp (3x3)

Thoughts or other suggestions

thanks

For tarps you want to look for ones made from silnylon, as they are quick drying, light weight and pack small.

On that basis go for the rig7 or similar

bicycle 7 should be plenty big enough.

As Chew says, the bicycle is silnylon so is pretty light for it's size and doesn't 'hang on to water' like PU coated nylon can. The DD tarp is PU coated so is quite a bit heavier and will be nearly 3 times the size of the bicycle when packed ... it lacks the Rigs extra mid-point ties too, which are very useful.

Useful input thanks

I've been looking at these as I think my old army tarp is to bulky and heavy plus the poles I use with it are a pain as well

What poles would you use with this tarp?

With my Rig7 I have bee using 2 x 110cm (3 section) Stu's poles and they have been great. http://www.bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/p ... html#poles

I also have a Rig3.5. I haven't used it out yet but I have dropped the middle section from the 110cm poles and tried a number of setups in the garden that I would be happy with in the wild.

I think I've just been looking at your pics online where you have front tyre at rear and bike bars as front support looks pretty neat done that way

Is there any need for poles when the bikes with you?

Never thought of using bike as a support before!!! Doh

Rubber band to lock the brakes and use the seat rail for the high point (Handy if your tall with a high saddle)

I'm 6ft 2" and like a bit of space when I cwtch down for the night

I might have to sneak this in the house when the mrs back is turned ;-)

Having it over the bike like that ray has worked well and provides a lot room. It has kept me dry in rain but you have to be more careful about where you put the guy lines to make sure it doesn't collect water. The side where the wheel is can be a bit of a wind catcher in strong winds.

Personally I think that poles are much better. They give you loads more options depending on the weather and the space you have to pitch. It's worth being more flexible especially if you are using a rig7/rig3.5. They have so many tie outs you can actually make use of them.

Could be helpful.

Bear Bones Guide to the Rig7 part 1: http://bearbonesbikepacking.blogspot.co ... art-1.html

Bear Bones Guide to the Rig7 part 2: http://bearbonesbikepacking.blogspot.co ... art-2.html

ah well ive been a bad lad Tarp and poles ordered fingers x'd they get here before WRT

Been itching to get a Rig7 ordered but doubt I'd still be alive after the postman dropped it off

Well I'm thinking I will be in she who must be obeyed's bad books as I've ordered a few more bits as well! All my old gear was heavy so changed what I can

Will have to get some brownie points in at the weekend