Reddit mentions of Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho, Pacific Blue

it REALLY depends on expected conditions

Integral Designs silnylon poncho tarp has been my ‘The One’ for many years. I often find myself in places around the midwest where a poncho is the right answer. Places like The Smokeys where the trails are well worn and clear, wind is not a big issue, but heat and constant soaking drizzle are, having the multi-use versatility, and low weight, have been just the ticket. I dont think ID makes them anymore but Sea To Summit makes a pretty low cost version of it that fits all the needs. Its just big enough to do the job without carrying anything extra

Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL Nano Tarp Poncho - Pacific Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HUL26AE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cSRxCb5VBEHH8

I recently “upgraded” to MLD’s version of a poncho tarp made of DCF (also available in SilNylon). It has some slight design differences that make it an even better tarp. I like it for all the same specific scenarios where i’d been using the ID poncho tarp and its a lot lighter

https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/mld-pro-rain-poncho/

For places where i’ll need a more traditional rain proof / wind proof jacket; where a poncho wont do, i use MLD’s Monk tarp. Its the most minimalist tarp I use and makes for the lightest house kit i could assemble. Tarp + all the rigging + hammock + all the rigging + (head only) bug net weighs 11.2oz. Because sleeping pod-style is comfortable for me, i only need a seasonally appropriate sleeping bag - no underquilt

https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/monk-flat-tarp/

by comparison, the lightest ground house i kit i could assemble uses the same tarp and rigging + Borah’s DCF bivy + Gossamer Gear’s 1/8” hammock pad (a 1/8” thick full-length ccf pad that i fold in half for 1/4” thick torso length ground sleeping pad). The all-up weight for that kit comes to 13.6oz

The Monk tarp hammock house is ideal for me in places like the Sierras in summer where rain and storms are less likely and good site selection can mitigate much of the weather. But in places like the White Mountains where the trails are rougher and the weather gets meaner, Hammock Gear’s DCF Hex tarp is my go-to. its a little heavier but gives AMAZING storm protection without adding a lot of weight. That all-up hammock house kit weighs 12.5oz

https://www.hammockgear.com/dyneema-fiber-hex-tarp/

Im still hanging on to aZpacks DCF “hammock tarp with doors” (my first DCF tarp) but since riding out some storms in the HG Hex, im less sure that the extra material of the tarp with doors actually adds any real benefit. Ive pitched it close to the ground with the doors closed in winter to theoretically hold in more warmth but i didnt feel any warmer. ive battened down the hatches in some heavy weather to protect from splash and spray but the HG hex has managed similar storms just as well so im questioning the actual benefit of tarps with doors now...

http://www.zpacks.com/shelter/hammock_tarps.shtml

Anyway, as with all things, your mileage may vary

Happy Trails!

S2S Nano Poncho Tarps are down to $55 on amazon atm. Usually $100. I believe this is the cheapest they have ever been. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HUL26AE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1