I have the Aquaquest 15x15 . It rained on my campsite for 24 not one single drop went through. After that I purchased 2 more Aquaquest Defender series tarp but went with the 10x10 . Best tarp manufacturer in my opinion. I need for aquaquest to start making tents ,they obviously know how to keep the water out . Let's go Aquaquest. Make some tents you have a bivy let's get the tents into production
I like your reviews. You touched on a lot of points that other reviewers missed re: this tarp. Also, I like the pace at which your videos move; very comfortable. The point you make about the utility and versatility of the 10' x 10' tarp as compared to other sizes is most valuable; really outstanding. Nice insight. Thanks for this!!
I just got mine yesterday, and it was this video that helped me make that decision. I watched this a few months ago and I can't believe I didn't hit the subscribe button then! Was happy to see this again. Anyway, I was gonna' get the Safari 10X10 instead of this one, but I don't mind the effort to haul it. It's a trade off. IT'S TOUGHER. That's why I went with it. This is the bushcraft model, I guess you could say. Incredible stitching, everywhere. Double and triple stitching and everything is reinforced so well, and it's so tough/thick. The material - you can feel it's for serious business. Will last my lifetime. Excellent review, man. I appreciate the way you just speak as you would in person. I also appreciate the time you put into the indepth detail you included. You showed all of it, close up and described/mansplained it well. Yes, it's a long video by some standards, but thank you. I am more than pleased with this tarp, and your video convinced me. Pretty cool I see this again the day after it arrived! PEACE!
I have one of those Medium Aqua Quest ripstop tarps that you mentioned at 1:28. I've never used it; just threw it in the bottom of my "go bag" to use in an emergency. Nice that you could use your mom's old clothes line again.
You are the most accurate reviewer of this type of gear that I have seen, and as you have discovered, 10' does not equal 3 meters even though many products ( from China?) claim to be 3mX3m and 10'X10' size. Good job!
When I got interested in using something other than heavy canvas tarps, I had some specific things in mind and discovered I couldn't completely trust measurements published by manufacturers. So, even though it adds five minutes or more to each of these videos, I like to make sure to show accurate measurements. I'm glad that turns out to be useful! Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate it.
Thank you for the kind words! I appreciate it. ... I try to be thorough and it's good to know some folks can make use of the information. Thanks for watching!
I'm a new subscriber to your channel, I've viewed only a few of your vids thus far. I'm looking forward to viewing more of your earlier ones as well as future ones. I do not usually comment on videos but I feel compelled to take the time to say thank you very much ,,, for the time taken and the overall quality and insight of the content is indeed very much appreciated. Once again, Thank You ! Keep up the good work and my best to you and yours.
I would love to see you do a review of the Safari 10x10 camo tarp. You have the best on UA-cam. Thank you for the in depth review of this tarp. I'm buying either this one or the Safari 10x10 camo tarp for my INCH bag this week.
For your inch bag, it might come down to weight. If you're on foot and never coming home, you've got to consider just how many pounds your back can handle. The Safari is a high quality tarp. Good materials. Nicely stitched. Same tie out configuration as the Defender Camo. It's about half the weight. Both of my Defender Camo tarps are in vehicles. The 10X10 is in my truck tool box. I take a lot of 2-3 day creek fishing trips in canyons and gulches in the Rockies and it has provided me excellent shelter many, many times. I carry a lighter tarp in my backpack if I'm hiking out of range of my vehicle though, because the Defender is just plain heavy.
@@betweenfiveandseven yeah, that is what has turned me off about the defender. My only consideration is the durability over long exposure to the elements. I know they're the same 70D nylon and stiching, i just wasn't sure if the heavy TPU coating would make it much more durable to the elements. Thanks for the reply and input.
The Defender is ultra-durable for sure. But this is where I just don't have any experience to rely on. I have more than a dozen of these sorts of tarps to choose from and I've never used one of them so much I wore it out. I honestly don't know how much use it would take to get one to the point of failure. I have a DD 3X3 that's been deployed close to 100 nights. The Defender in this video has been deployed close to 100 nights. I have a DD Super Light that's been deployed at least 50 times for thunderstorms that caught me or for a few hours of shade, but only a handful of nights. None of them have developed any significant problems. But I can say for sure that the Defender Camo still almost looks brand new. Even the webbing on the corner tie-outs is still stiff and shiny-black.
Glad you like our Defender 10x10! Solid review. Our new Safari series tarps are a nice of weight and strength for those looking for something a little lighter than the Defender but don't need an ultralight tarp.
Are yall going to have any more 15x15. Of this trap id like to have one im a big man im 325 pounds my gear whys in at 110 pounds thin my dogs. I take 2 dogs with me so you can see. Y. i like the 15x15. I like square tarps i make tent's out of them
Why do the internal tie-outs strike you as being more for the hammock camper than for ground sleepers? In EITHER case, having a way of stringing a light-duty line for lighting, air drying, etc. is equally desirable. This is not the only review of this AquaQuest feature to make that rather groundless assumption, so you are not alone, but I just don't understand why. If I never flew this tarp over my hammock, I'd still find this feature very handy.
Because of the strong likelihood that using a 10X10 as hammock cover will most likely be done in an A-Frame configuration whereas 10X10 as ground cover tends toward a plethora of tarp origami set-ups that don't stretch the center seam.
Yup 10X10 is good BUT and It's a BIG but test a 13x20 and you will find that that extra pound pays off big using compression straps to shape and shrink that seemingless monster tent dwn to almost any shape and size you choose, allowing all in both friend/dog/gear and yes even fire. Tks f
Excellent review as usual. I agree with your assessment, as this looks like a great tarp. Will you be comparing this tarp to an equivalent tarp from the DD line? Perhaps you already have a favorite.
I'm not sure if I will be doing a comparison with this one or not. I haven't thought quite that far ahead yet. I do enjoy doing comparisons because I think it's a lot easier to get to the important details and how items stack up against one another. As to a favorite: Well, the DD 3X3 is still in my backpack and the DD Superlight is of course still in my light weight day bag. This one has already found a permanent home in my truck and I have already fashioned ties to attach this with my sleeping bag to the bottom of my biggest backpack.
You won't be unhappy with the DD 3X3. Comparing it to the Aquaquest Defender 10X10, the advantage the DD has is weight. I've done a few videos featuring the DD 3X3 and the DD Superlight. They're both excellent tarps. the superlight is in my creek fishing day bag and my DD 3X3 has a permanent home in my 2-3 day bag. If I'm going out longer and have horses, mules, snowmobiles, 4 wheelers, or a boat, the Aqaquest is my first choice, but when I'm considering weight, the DDs are great tarps.
@@betweenfiveandseven thank you for the encouraging words...i was beginning to feel like I'd gone the wrong way..i looked at the defender because I believe that's the one Pete mindwise man..aka Maverick outdoors uses. But then saw the DD in many other videos...it is being shipped from the UK..im in florida USA. Appreciate your time. Safe trips n happy trails sir...this is my first visit to your channel...i will be back!!
I was looking at the Sea to Summit Poncho/Tarp for backpacking. Would you be willing to do a review on that Poncho/Tarp. Or at least tell me your opinion. Do you think I would be off buying the Guild Series Aqua Quest. Im really new to this and appreciate your experience.
As a tarp, the sea to summit poncho is 4' 9"X8' 7". That's not much coverage. The "personal shelter" size tarp I am most comfortable recommending is 10'X10' because it can be big enough for two people but definitely is big enough for one person plus all of their gear... but a rectangular shape close to 8'X10" is also very good for one person and gear, so if you prefer a rectangle, 8X10 should do.... The Sea to Summit Poncho being under 5' wide sure makes it hard to create shelter for wind and rain, so while a poncho like that is great to have as a poncho, I'm not too excited about trying to use one as sleep shelter. Since I can't be sure of your budget, I will say this about my recommendations: The Aqua Quest Guide is a spectacular tarp, but unless you catch a nice sale (and they do have sales pretty regularly), it's a little expensive.. I'm also fond of the DD 3X3 from DD Hammocks. The Guide in 10'X10' is 1.5lbs to carry and the DD 3X3 is 1.8lbs. The Guide packs down about 1/3 smaller than the DD 3X3, so the price difference might be worth it, but the price difference is substantial. The regular brown or green DD 3X3 sells for pretty close to $60 USD shipped. the regular price on the Aqua Quest Guide 10X10 is around $139 USD, but I see that they are currently (at the time of writing this) having a sale and it is $90 USD shipped.
You do excellent, informative videos so I'm a new sub. But my interest in tarps is for weight savings. At almost 4 pounds I'd rather carry a tent that sets up easier and has a floor. I'm sure these are super high quality but I just don't see any advantage for me. Thanks for the great info!
4lbs is a lot. There are a lot of excellent 10X10 tarps out there at or near 1.8lbs (and I have reviewed at least a couple of the best). If I were considering what I might need for long term shelter or in an environment that is constantly windy and rainy, it's hard to beat the Defender Camo tarps (in any of the 3 sizes). I recently did a cold weather overnighter under this tarp and I was pleased with how quiet it stayed and that it didn't get very stiff even around 20 below. ... but you are right. For some, 4 lbs means they could carry a tent instead and might prefer a tent for many reasons. 4 lbs is enough that the user should really think about their options. .. Thanks for taking the time to watch! I appreciate it.
Thanks! I appreciate that, and I take it as good encouragement from a well-established youtube channel operator. I've been a subscriber of yours for quite a long time and a few of your videos really stand out among my favorites. In fact, I'm still feeling your pain from the npa airway tube ;)
Thank you! I appreciate that. I'm going to start back up with new videos about early or mid-May. I've done quite a lot of gear testing this winter and I have a couple of special items I'm pretty excited to show.
I'd imagine you'd need to build some sort of frame, but I'd suppose with some ingenuity and tenacity, you probably could make it in to some sort of skin for a floating vessel. The size of 3 meters by 3 meters might require your vessel to be a little smaller than you might imagine on first thought, but I bet you could generate something that floats.
But they need to switch to an a tacs camouflage it's way better camouflage than the mountain Woodland camouflage it comes in three different patterns green desert and brown
This tarp is not $75 bucks an after most of your tent fails this tarp seems like it's better more than a tarp in my case take the 3 pounds over tent you should give this way more credit
Superb tarp, but, in my opinion you should never walk about on any tarp in your boots, no matter how tough the tarp is , BOOTS OFF ! ....sorry, awesome video though....ordered one 🤙
You'll love the tarp. The exact one in this video found a permanant place in my truck gear. It has been pitched a hundred or so times by now for everything from providing shade in 95 degree above weather to providing a wind break while ice fishing in 15 below. .. And in my defense: I don't take it easy on any tarp I review. They've all been out in bad weather, rolled up, stuffed in my toolbox wet, stretched too tight, walked on, pitched too close to my fire, etc etc etc. I reviewed this particular tarp before it got used much , but since I'd already reviewed its little brother, I was comfortable talking about the materials etc.
I just ordered this tarp 10x10 camouflage off Amazon, can't wait to try it out! Thanks for reviewing this tarp!
I have the Aquaquest 15x15 . It rained on my campsite for 24 not one single drop went through. After that I purchased 2 more Aquaquest Defender series tarp but went with the 10x10 . Best tarp manufacturer in my opinion. I need for aquaquest to start making tents ,they obviously know how to keep the water out . Let's go Aquaquest. Make some tents you have a bivy let's get the tents into production
I have had this tarp up for 4 years straight, summer, fall, winter, spring it is great and remains up at my bush camp........o in Michigan
I use snakeskins on my tarps, it helps with set up and take down especially in windy conditions.
I like your reviews. You touched on a lot of points that other reviewers missed re: this tarp. Also, I like the pace at which your videos move; very comfortable. The point you make about the utility and versatility of the 10' x 10' tarp as compared to other sizes is most valuable; really outstanding. Nice insight. Thanks for this!!
Thank you for the kind words! I'm glad this was useful information for you.
I just got mine yesterday, and it was this video that helped me make that decision. I watched this a few months ago and I can't believe I didn't hit the subscribe button then! Was happy to see this again. Anyway, I was gonna' get the Safari 10X10 instead of this one, but I don't mind the effort to haul it. It's a trade off. IT'S TOUGHER. That's why I went with it. This is the bushcraft model, I guess you could say. Incredible stitching, everywhere. Double and triple stitching and everything is reinforced so well, and it's so tough/thick. The material - you can feel it's for serious business. Will last my lifetime. Excellent review, man. I appreciate the way you just speak as you would in person. I also appreciate the time you put into the indepth detail you included. You showed all of it, close up and described/mansplained it well. Yes, it's a long video by some standards, but thank you. I am more than pleased with this tarp, and your video convinced me. Pretty cool I see this again the day after it arrived! PEACE!
I just received my 10x10 I have a 10x13 as well, really love AQUAQUEST DEFENDER SERIES Tarps.
I have one of those Medium Aqua Quest ripstop tarps that you mentioned at 1:28. I've never used it; just threw it in the bottom of my "go bag" to use in an emergency. Nice that you could use your mom's old clothes line again.
You are the most accurate reviewer of this type of gear that I have seen, and as you have discovered, 10' does not equal 3 meters even though many products ( from China?) claim to be 3mX3m and 10'X10' size. Good job!
When I got interested in using something other than heavy canvas tarps, I had some specific things in mind and discovered I couldn't completely trust measurements published by manufacturers. So, even though it adds five minutes or more to each of these videos, I like to make sure to show accurate measurements. I'm glad that turns out to be useful! Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate it.
Your presentation was great, and it guided me in what I should consider in what I buy. Thank you!
You do absolutley THE most informative reviews on the net. First stop before purchasing.
Thanks.
Thank you for the kind words! I appreciate it. ... I try to be thorough and it's good to know some folks can make use of the information. Thanks for watching!
I think the only thing that could make this square tarp better is a diagonal ridge line from corner to corner with the loops attached.
I like your review and I like your old farm. Lots of apple trees and old chevy pickups.
I'm a new subscriber to your channel, I've viewed only a few of your vids thus far. I'm looking forward to viewing more of your earlier ones as well as future ones. I do not usually comment on videos but I feel compelled to take the time to say thank you very much ,,, for the time taken and the overall quality and insight of the content is indeed very much appreciated. Once again, Thank You ! Keep up the good work and my best to you and yours.
Thank you for the kind words! I appreciate that and take it as good encouragement!
I would love to see you do a review of the Safari 10x10 camo tarp. You have the best on UA-cam. Thank you for the in depth review of this tarp. I'm buying either this one or the Safari 10x10 camo tarp for my INCH bag this week.
For your inch bag, it might come down to weight. If you're on foot and never coming home, you've got to consider just how many pounds your back can handle. The Safari is a high quality tarp. Good materials. Nicely stitched. Same tie out configuration as the Defender Camo. It's about half the weight. Both of my Defender Camo tarps are in vehicles. The 10X10 is in my truck tool box. I take a lot of 2-3 day creek fishing trips in canyons and gulches in the Rockies and it has provided me excellent shelter many, many times. I carry a lighter tarp in my backpack if I'm hiking out of range of my vehicle though, because the Defender is just plain heavy.
@@betweenfiveandseven yeah, that is what has turned me off about the defender. My only consideration is the durability over long exposure to the elements. I know they're the same 70D nylon and stiching, i just wasn't sure if the heavy TPU coating would make it much more durable to the elements. Thanks for the reply and input.
The Defender is ultra-durable for sure. But this is where I just don't have any experience to rely on. I have more than a dozen of these sorts of tarps to choose from and I've never used one of them so much I wore it out. I honestly don't know how much use it would take to get one to the point of failure. I have a DD 3X3 that's been deployed close to 100 nights. The Defender in this video has been deployed close to 100 nights. I have a DD Super Light that's been deployed at least 50 times for thunderstorms that caught me or for a few hours of shade, but only a handful of nights. None of them have developed any significant problems. But I can say for sure that the Defender Camo still almost looks brand new. Even the webbing on the corner tie-outs is still stiff and shiny-black.
first time viewer, very elloquent and informantive. Just subscribed! thanks
Thank you for the kind words! I appreciate it. I'm glad this video was useful for you!
Hoping all is going well for you, I see it has been a minute since this was posted - How has the tarp held up for you?
When sparks from a fire lands on it what happens ?
Glad you like our Defender 10x10! Solid review. Our new Safari series tarps are a nice of weight and strength for those looking for something a little lighter than the Defender but don't need an ultralight tarp.
Thanks! I'm really pleased with this tarp. You folks make good gear!
Are yall going to have any more 15x15. Of this trap id like to have one im a big man im 325 pounds my gear whys in at 110 pounds thin my dogs. I take 2 dogs with me so you can see. Y. i like the 15x15. I like square tarps i make tent's out of them
i enjoyed the video and helps me with my decision making on a tarp, definitely a subscriber now
Thank you so much. Think I will go for the 10x10. You're Awesome !!!
How much is a 10 x 10 tarp and where can i order one from
Excellent and Informative review. Thank you.
I'm glad this was useful information for you! This is a great tarp.
Why do the internal tie-outs strike you as being more for the hammock camper than for ground sleepers? In EITHER case, having a way of stringing a light-duty line for lighting, air drying, etc. is equally desirable. This is not the only review of this AquaQuest feature to make that rather groundless assumption, so you are not alone, but I just don't understand why. If I never flew this tarp over my hammock, I'd still find this feature very handy.
Because of the strong likelihood that using a 10X10 as hammock cover will most likely be done in an A-Frame configuration whereas 10X10 as ground cover tends toward a plethora of tarp origami set-ups that don't stretch the center seam.
Excellent review! Would you say this tarp can take the beating of being groundcloth aswell?
Absolutely, but considering the price to pay and weight to carry, I think if rather use tyvek or a painters drop on the ground.
I have the 10x7 defender and the 13x10 safari and love them both!
Aqua Quest makes excellent products. I don't have a Safari series tarp (yet) but I have to assume they're impressive.
Yup 10X10 is good BUT and It's a BIG but test a 13x20 and you will find that that extra pound pays off big using compression straps to shape and shrink that seemingless monster tent dwn to almost any shape and size you choose, allowing all in both friend/dog/gear and yes even fire. Tks f
Like to see a video of you set up like that. I like lots of room
Excellent video! I'm sold... 10 x 10 Aqua Quest it is!
Great reviews Im in!
Excellent review as usual.
I agree with your assessment, as this looks like a great tarp.
Will you be comparing this tarp to an equivalent tarp from the DD line?
Perhaps you already have a favorite.
I'm not sure if I will be doing a comparison with this one or not. I haven't thought quite that far ahead yet. I do enjoy doing comparisons because I think it's a lot easier to get to the important details and how items stack up against one another. As to a favorite: Well, the DD 3X3 is still in my backpack and the DD Superlight is of course still in my light weight day bag. This one has already found a permanent home in my truck and I have already fashioned ties to attach this with my sleeping bag to the bottom of my biggest backpack.
I wish i could find the 15x15 i would get it.
I tried to get one in 15x15 recently, too. The response I got from Aquaquest was that they expect them by mid-August.
Wish I would have found you last night..i just ordered a DD3x3...last night...my first tarp
You won't be unhappy with the DD 3X3. Comparing it to the Aquaquest Defender 10X10, the advantage the DD has is weight. I've done a few videos featuring the DD 3X3 and the DD Superlight. They're both excellent tarps. the superlight is in my creek fishing day bag and my DD 3X3 has a permanent home in my 2-3 day bag. If I'm going out longer and have horses, mules, snowmobiles, 4 wheelers, or a boat, the Aqaquest is my first choice, but when I'm considering weight, the DDs are great tarps.
@@betweenfiveandseven thank you for the encouraging words...i was beginning to feel like I'd gone the wrong way..i looked at the defender because I believe that's the one Pete mindwise man..aka Maverick outdoors uses. But then saw the DD in many other videos...it is being shipped from the UK..im in florida USA. Appreciate your time. Safe trips n happy trails sir...this is my first visit to your channel...i will be back!!
I was looking at the Sea to Summit Poncho/Tarp for backpacking. Would you be willing to do a review on that Poncho/Tarp. Or at least tell me your opinion. Do you think I would be off buying the Guild Series Aqua Quest. Im really new to this and appreciate your experience.
As a tarp, the sea to summit poncho is 4' 9"X8' 7". That's not much coverage. The "personal shelter" size tarp I am most comfortable recommending is 10'X10' because it can be big enough for two people but definitely is big enough for one person plus all of their gear... but a rectangular shape close to 8'X10" is also very good for one person and gear, so if you prefer a rectangle, 8X10 should do.... The Sea to Summit Poncho being under 5' wide sure makes it hard to create shelter for wind and rain, so while a poncho like that is great to have as a poncho, I'm not too excited about trying to use one as sleep shelter. Since I can't be sure of your budget, I will say this about my recommendations: The Aqua Quest Guide is a spectacular tarp, but unless you catch a nice sale (and they do have sales pretty regularly), it's a little expensive.. I'm also fond of the DD 3X3 from DD Hammocks. The Guide in 10'X10' is 1.5lbs to carry and the DD 3X3 is 1.8lbs. The Guide packs down about 1/3 smaller than the DD 3X3, so the price difference might be worth it, but the price difference is substantial. The regular brown or green DD 3X3 sells for pretty close to $60 USD shipped. the regular price on the Aqua Quest Guide 10X10 is around $139 USD, but I see that they are currently (at the time of writing this) having a sale and it is $90 USD shipped.
I like that tarp, its at the top of my list. thanks
You're welcome! I'm glad you found the information useful.
Good review! I have this tarp. It's everything you said.
You do excellent, informative videos so I'm a new sub. But my interest in tarps is for weight savings. At almost 4 pounds I'd rather carry a tent that sets up easier and has a floor. I'm sure these are super high quality but I just don't see any advantage for me. Thanks for the great info!
4lbs is a lot. There are a lot of excellent 10X10 tarps out there at or near 1.8lbs (and I have reviewed at least a couple of the best). If I were considering what I might need for long term shelter or in an environment that is constantly windy and rainy, it's hard to beat the Defender Camo tarps (in any of the 3 sizes). I recently did a cold weather overnighter under this tarp and I was pleased with how quiet it stayed and that it didn't get very stiff even around 20 below. ... but you are right. For some, 4 lbs means they could carry a tent instead and might prefer a tent for many reasons. 4 lbs is enough that the user should really think about their options. .. Thanks for taking the time to watch! I appreciate it.
Nice review! Look like a sweet tarp!
Thanks! I appreciate that, and I take it as good encouragement from a well-established youtube channel operator. I've been a subscriber of yours for quite a long time and a few of your videos really stand out among my favorites. In fact, I'm still feeling your pain from the npa airway tube ;)
Essential Gear & Useful Skills ahh! That was a fun video! Thanks for watching.
Enjoyed the review and subscribed to your channel.
Thank you! I appreciate that. I'm going to start back up with new videos about early or mid-May. I've done quite a lot of gear testing this winter and I have a couple of special items I'm pretty excited to show.
That is a sweet looking tarp.
I am incredibly pleased with it. I think this one will be with me for years.
Fabulous review!
Thank you! And thanks for watching!
Can I fold this into a kayak?
I'd imagine you'd need to build some sort of frame, but I'd suppose with some ingenuity and tenacity, you probably could make it in to some sort of skin for a floating vessel. The size of 3 meters by 3 meters might require your vessel to be a little smaller than you might imagine on first thought, but I bet you could generate something that floats.
enjoyed the video great job and God Bless
Great review!
Thanks! And thanks for watching! I appreciate your time.
It looks similar to the British army basha. I going to order one of these bad boys.
👍
But they need to switch to an a tacs camouflage it's way better camouflage than the mountain Woodland camouflage it comes in three different patterns green desert and brown
This tarp is not $75 bucks an after most of your tent fails this tarp seems like it's better more than a tarp in my case take the 3 pounds over tent you should give this way more credit
Cool
I have the 10x7 version. It is also SUPURB! :p
I have the 10X7 as well. Love it. I did a video about it and the "prairie storm pitch" a couple of years ago. It really is superb!
Superb tarp, but, in my opinion you should never walk about on any tarp in your boots, no matter how tough the tarp is , BOOTS OFF ! ....sorry, awesome video though....ordered one 🤙
You'll love the tarp. The exact one in this video found a permanant place in my truck gear. It has been pitched a hundred or so times by now for everything from providing shade in 95 degree above weather to providing a wind break while ice fishing in 15 below. .. And in my defense: I don't take it easy on any tarp I review. They've all been out in bad weather, rolled up, stuffed in my toolbox wet, stretched too tight, walked on, pitched too close to my fire, etc etc etc. I reviewed this particular tarp before it got used much , but since I'd already reviewed its little brother, I was comfortable talking about the materials etc.
Amazon $79, ya buddy
That's an excellent price. I paid $83 the day they hit Aqua Quests website during their summer sale. Full retail is $139.