Gossamer Gear Twinn Tarp Review: Ultimate 9oz 2-Person Shelter

I used this tarp on the New Mexico section of the Continental Divide Trail during the months of September and October. My Gossamer Gear Twinn Tarp review will break down some specifics. After thousands of miles in my Zpacks Solplex (which I adore), it was a refreshing mix-up. The changing environment allowed me a bit more comfortable flexibility, and I’m glad I embraced this tarp. It was a wonderfully light, adjustable, and modular – depending on your setup.

Specs

Weight: (Tarp, including cord): 9.7 oz, Stuff Sack 0.2 oz

Packed Size: 3.5″ x 8.5″

Material: 10D SIL/PU

Price: $175.00

Ultralight 2-Person Backpacking Tarp

What caught my eye at the time for this tarp was the combination of the price, weight, and versatility. I knew I wanted something basic yet large enough to hunker down if needed. I also wanted something I could comfortably setup a bivy inside of, for the popular bivy + tarp combo. Ultimately, I ended up using just the tarp. I decided I didn’t really enjoy being inside a bivy (so my custom bug bivy sits practically unused), but the tarp proved plenty comfortable on its own.

This tarp served me so well on my SOBO trek through the Enchantment State, that I wish I had used it sooner. For my purposes, I had it on hand for when there were impending storms, or when I needed a bit of wind protection. It got me through many nights of drizzles, and a few nights of more aggressive gusts. It also sets up relatively quick. Site selection is of utmost importance, as with any tarp setup. With less protection, you have to keep your surroundings more in mind. Set up somewhere with natural barriers like trees or shrubs, and keep yourself out of basins so you don’t wake up in a pool of water.

Setup & Modular Options

If you’re new to tarp camping, I’d recommend getting familiar with it before a trip. Using a tarp has a bit of a learning curve, and you’re bound to have at least a few rough nights. Thankfully, the Twinn Tarp is fairly forgiving, and it sets up quick. I also like the option to hook a bivy sack to it, making it almost like a tent. This allows a modular setup, so that you can pick and choose your shelter for the night.

I used a Borah bivy with it briefly, but I decided I felt a bit claustrophobic. You may find that you love it. And I am in no way discounting the obvious benefits to a modular setup. I wish I enjoyed it more. I found that setting up the tarp, and having to get in and out of a bivy under it was more frustrating than anything. But truth be told, If I have a tarp, it’s probably fair enough weather expected to either cowboy camp or use the tarp.

I think in the future, I’d enjoy having a simple bug net setup inside the tarp. Something just to keep some of the mosquitoes off. I think that would be plenty comfortable, and not as cumbersome to get in and out of as a bivy sack under the tarp.

Materials

The custom 10D Silpoly is what the current generation of Twinn Tarps uses. The generation I used (as pictured), used a 7D Nylon SIL/PU. Gossamer Gear decided to update the fabric to 10D in order to increase tear resistance and durability. I can’t speak to the current iteration of fabric, but the 7D Nylon that mine is made with is incredibly thin. This was my main concern with the tarp. Indeed, I ended up snagging on something and had to patch it.

That being said, if you want an ultralight shelter such as this, a degree of fragility is expected. Furthermore, this makes site selection all the more important. Avoid setting up too close to tear hazards such as branches or pokey plants, especially on a windy night.

Another brief mention – the fabric holds up really well under rainy conditions. Previous shelters I’ve used that were Silnylon tended to sag a lot more, and I’d have to wake up in the rain to add tension to the guy lines. Not so here. The Twinn Tarp does a great job of holding its pitch. It also sports a catenary-cut design, which slightly curves the edges of the tarp. This adds additional support to keep the tarp taught.

Weather Performance

Dealing with inclement weather can be a sticking point for some when it comes to tarps. With the Twinn Tarp however, I felt a bit more comfortable since it’s technically a 2-person shelter. Having the extra space helps when dealing with any sort of storm, and there is ample here to take advantage of. I never felt like my feet were going to get wet. And I never felt water closing in on the sides. Of course, you need to select an appropriate site to mitigate water intrusion from the ground.

In particularly humid environments like on the Appalachian Trail, I’d try to pitch it somewhat high to get some airflow. Waking up with condensation dripping all over gear is a bummer. Anything you can do to get a breeze through it would help.

I love how packable the tarp is as well, because after a storm I can simply shove it in my mesh pocket and keep away from my dry items. It also helps it dry out a bit during the day. Take it out during lunch and let it get some sun, and stuff it back in!

Conclusion

If you have an ultralight setup, the Twinn Tarp is an excellent addition to your arsenal. It has a quick set up time, and supplies options to add modular additions like a bivy. The storm performance is great, and the tarp is extremely packable. All these factors mix in together to make a great ultralight tarp option.

You can read about a pack I used on the CDT here, which was the perfect accomplice to the Twinn Tarp.