The ideal partner to a bivvy bag, a lightweight tarp allows you to cook, sort gear and generally have a spot to get out the rain or breeze for the evening. Pretty much essential in our unpredictable climate then. The Rab Siltarp2 has enough space for 2-3 campers, weighs just over 400g and packs down to nothing, thanks to the Sil-Coat Cordura fabric.
We have wrapped ours round fences, over rough boulders and through bike frames, sitting out torrential showers and hiding from strong winds, but it has never let us down despite its feathery weight and diminutive pack size. From our experience that Sil-Coat Cordura fabric could, frankly, stop a bullet. Well, maybe not, but judging by the winds we have had it in, that wouldn't surprise us and - amazingly - the coating continues to bead water off even a year down the line. This is one tough hombre.
Plenty of webbing loops round the sides are a boon for creative pitching, particularly the centre loop which we regularly press into service to generate more space in the centre of the shelter and prevents sagging.
Our Siltarp 2 is the middle size available, measuring 2.4 x 3m to create ample space for two riders spilling gear out and sheltering from the rain. You could opt for the Siltarp 1 (2.4 x 1.5m) for solo or Siltarp 3 (3.5 x 3m) for 3 or more.
One of the best on the market at the moment, the Siltarp2 is bikepacking gold- feathery light but tough as old boots. It is expensive, but material choice and quality of construction mean it could well be worth it.
