Ray Mears Tracker Tarp

  1 of 6

  Perfection. An upgrade from my DD tarps the difference in quality and functionality is stark. I've used it in the woods and in the mountains above the trees using the optional pole which worked excellent in high winds.  

  Josh

  2 of 6

  The tarp will be properly tested on a canoe trip in Ontario in July but the stitching is poor in comparison to many outdoor products I own including a hoochie tarp. There are lots of unfinished ends, loose loops of thread. The tarp has been back to the manufacturer for finishing off properly but has been returned with a half job done. Still multiple loose loops of thread. It must be a rustic look or something but I prefer the finish on my hoochie tarp with is very neat with no loose ends of thread.  

  Cc

  3 of 6

  This is a great tarp. The more you use it, the more you notice the little details which show that it's been designed by someone who has used many different tarps and has designed one with the best features of all of them. All of the attachment points are reinforced and strong. The material itself is quite silky and slippery making it perfect for shedding water, and it's a great combination of lightness and robustness. The seams are double stitched. The guylines are amply long and the tarp corners are fitted with webbing loops together with steel reinforced holes for pegging to the ground, once again, great attention to detail. I was slightly surprised to find that the main ridgeline is not the usual Woodlore thick, beefy cord but I've noticed in use that the slimmer cord supplied has more than sufficient strength and the smooth finish is less likely to abrade the webbing suspension loops. So far I've only used the tracker tarp in the 'flying V' configuration but I can confirm that there's ample room underneath for a one man tent, bergen, daysack and folding chair with some living space to spare. It's great to return to your camp knowing that, even in persistent rain, all your kit is dry and you don't have to think about packing away a wet tent. Unfortunately the Vango fibreglass pole for the mountain configuration was out of stock at the time of purchase but I'm really keen to try this setup. The carrying pouch is also really well thought out with drainage holes for squeezing out excess water if the tarp is wet, and sufficient room for some tent pegs. I have no hesitation in recommending this tarp for serious journeys, in fact it lives permanently in the outside pocket of my leaf cutter and has become the tarp I automatically reach for. Highly recommended.  

  Barry Cheadle

  4 of 6

  In short this is the nicest tarp I've ever owned. The tie out points are in the perfect locations for any configuration you can think of. It's so light but you can tell how strong it is the first time you hang it. I completed the fundamental course in 2018 where Ray was testing and refining them then. We had our choice between these or the old Australian hoochies. I chose the Aussie for sentimental reasons but some of my teammates chose these and I was constantly eyeing them. Like anything Ray designs or that Woodlore sells you can rest assured its the finest quality. I love that he will test an item for years before putting it out on the website. I'm definitely getting another.  

  Steven Mullinax

  5 of 6

  Excellent build, design and ease of use. For me I could not ask for any better quality stitching. Where most tarps fail, this one stands strong. Very light weight design too. I picked up the additional cordage set to make it easier to use by leaving all my guy lines attached.  

  Ralph Fig

  6 of 6

  I first tried this tarp as a prototype on a Woodlore course. This is the most versatile tarp I’ve ever used and the quartered attachment points add many configurations over a standard tarp. The size is exceptional but this trade off means it’s a little heavier than some of the more lightweight options out there. The bag it comes with make it a neat package for that front pocket on your pack so it’s available to get up as quickly as you need it. It’s worth getting a fibreglass pole for free standing configurations like a mountain bivvy or hide above the tree line.  

  Darrel Singh