Hi.

I'm looking to go down the bivi and tarp route and would be grateful for peoples thoughts on choice of tarp.

Currently I'm torn between:

Alpkit bicycle 3.5 - https://www.alpkit.com/products/bicycle-3-5
Size - 2.4 m x 1.4 m
Weight - (inc stuff sac): 300 g
Stuffed size: 8 x 10 x 14 cm
Price - £50

DD Superlight S (Solo) - http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/tarps ... WE116.html
Size - 2.8 m x 1.5 m
Weight - 260g (excl. pegs)
Stuffed size - 17cm x 12cm x 4cm (can be compressed even smaller)
Price - £43

There doesn't seem to be a lot between them. I like the fact that the DD is a bit bigger and slightly lighter, and saving some money is nice. The DD has more tie out points around the edges. They have different points to each other for lifting up the inside.

Does anyone have any comments i.e. DD used to make great tarps but they are now made from reclaimed biscuit wrappers.

Thanks,
Roo.

The Rig3.5 has lifters away from the central ridge line so is slightly more flexible in how you can pitch it. If you are only going to pitch as a ridge as shown in the shot of the DD tarp then no real difference.

No comment on those two but there's the SilTarp 1 as well.

https://rab.equipment/uk/accessories-eq ... s/siltarp1

2.4 m x 1.5 m
218g
£56

As Bob says, the real difference will become apparent if you want to alter the pitch from an A frame. Something like a half-mid really benefits from the lifter tie-outs on the bicycle.

You won't go far wrong with either or as Colin suggests, the Siltarp 1.

Thanks for your suggestions guys. I was slightly leaning towards the bicycle 3.5 due to the tie-outs and due to some of the comments now have one.

It won't be used with tomorrows bivi trip, but it will certainly be used next month.