The use of tarp in our survival
hiking activities promotes ease in pack loading and weight bearing. An ideal-sized tarp being much lighter in weight
vis-a-vis single person backpacking tent and does not occupy much space inside
your rucksack.
Decathlon’s Forclaz Tarp Trek 900
weighs only 600g net and 635g including its 6 cordages and 8 aluminum stakes in
a 4-inch x 7.5-inch pouch.
My Initial Impression:
Water-repellency is ambivalent
due to limited time of testing. But
given 5 years product warranty somehow assures users of its quality against
normal use.
A bit pricey at first glance
compared to other brands available in the Ph market though could have been
reasonable with its asserting product warranty or if paired with good quality
trekking poles to include as combo package.
Minimalist backpacking essential
with ideal size and practical weight
Straps attached as ridgeline
provided additional set-up reinforcement. However, additional side loops are suggested
to have more set-up versatility.
Overall, The Forclaz Tarp Trek 900 for me is above par survival hiking companion with just 635g in gross weight. You get to carry your shelter without the burden of personally hauling a tent which is obviously way heavier and bulkier in size. Being a Scout Leader on our usual outdoor or wilderness survival activities, the Forclaz Tarp Trek 900 could be a fairly good bivouac buddy, compact in size and minimalist in load.
Enthusiastic to share my two cents plus some thoughts and suggestions for improvement...I am sharing these set-up variations not presented yet in any of Forclaz or Decathlon's ads.
My additional set-up suggestions:
My additional set-up suggestions:
Set-up #1 “Bivouac”
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no unnecessary creases if there are more side loops installed |
Set-up #2 “Half D”
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flooring can serve as additional wind protection had there been more side loops |
Set-up #3 “TP”
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Just a stake pinned on the loops . No need for cordage had there been loops |
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no annoying creases if side loop is installed. |
Set-up #4 With complementary creativity and diminutive innovation comes a "Hammock"
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"I should have done this on a perfect time had there been Forclaz Tarp Trek 900 before: Rest, Recover....then Tramp again." |
I hope I shared some insights for Forclaz to consider. I am confident Forclaz will appreciate.