Short and Sweet Review: Ray-Way 2 Person Tarp Tent

Manufacturer: Ray-Way
Year of Manufacture: 2015
URL: http://www.rayjardine.com/
Listed weight: 14.86 Ounces Tarp. 1.9 Ounces Lineset (421.27 Grams Tarp. 53.86 Grams Lineset)
Length: 9 Feet (2.75 Meters)
Width: 7.5 Feet (2.2 Meters)
MSRP: $74.95

Fabric: Silicone-Nylon, 1.37oz./yd2

Packed Size: ~8x5x5 feet with lines (20x12.5x12.5 Centimeters)

Packed Weight: ~1.5 pounds with lines (.68 Kilograms)

Product Description

The Ray-Way Tarp Kit comes packaged with all the fabric needed to sew the kit, sewing instruction, webbing, and guy lines. Not included is thread, which can be ordered through the Ray-Way site. For sewing, follow instructions, or take to an experienced seamstress.

Following information is after the tarp has been sewn and sealed.

I have used the Ray-Way Tarp on many trips over the last five years, and it has held up and kept me comfortable in many different situations. I have used and been happy with the tarps easy setup in heavily wooded locations such as the Oregon Coast, desert and mountainous regions, such as The Three Sister's Wilderness Area, and in winter around Crater Lake.

Through adverse weather, the tarp stands up well. I have tested in heavily falling snow, and the tarp works well in not only sliding the snow off, but in making a snow-dug shelter with the tarp as the roof. The tarp also has held up under heavy rains. The only point of weakness was along the upper seam that let small drops of water through. This can be stopped by regular seem sealing however. In windy conditions, the tarp has been impressive. In 60mph winds the tarp never ripped and stayed in place.

In hot conditions, the tarp works well in letting air circulate, as it can be set up higher from the ground. However, the tarps materiel, much like a tent, will hold heat when in direct sun.

The tarps main downfall is the lack of insect protection. In areas with heavy mosquitoes the tarp adds no protection. However, a bug screen add on is available, however I have not used it.

Summary

The Ray-Way 2 Person Tarp is an excellent tarp. Large enough to hold two people with a ton of extra space, and light enough for the ultralight backpacker. The setup possibilities let one use the tarp in several different ways with weather and terrain being a consideration.

Things I like:

1. Durable.
2. Light Weight.
3. Versatile.

Things I don't like:

1. Lack of Insect Protection.
2. Does not come already sewn.
3. Guy lines tangle easily when packed.