Six Moon Designs Deschutes Tarp
The Deschutes is an ultralight pyramid-style tarp that won’t break your back or budget, with an impressive versatility for setup.
Deschutes Tarp Specs
MSRP: $190
Weight: 13 ounces
Fabric: 20D silicone coated nylon
Capacity: One person
About the Deschutes Tarp
The Deschutes weighs 13 ounces and packs incredibly small and light inside my pack. The hexagonal shape provides good space inside and solid weather protection on the outside. The stripped-down, ultralight design means there’s no floor, no stash pocket, no inside peak hook for a headlamp. But if you’re looking for more of a tent-like shelter, options are available.
Deschutes Tarp Features
Space: The Deschutes has 44 square feet of living space when supported by a trekking pole 49 inches tall. The space inside is large enough to fit my backpack, water bottles, and shoes. Setting the trekking pole at a lower height provides more inside space and brings the tarp closer to the ground for increased rain protection. A lower pole also gives the tarp less headroom.
Ease of Setup: Six stakes are needed for the basic setup. Two additional stakes using your own guylines can pull out the tarp sides to expand the headroom. Stakes are not included in the Deschutes base price.
Ventilation: A roof vent provides ventilation, and I find that setting the doors several inches above the ground helps keep the tarp dry inside on cool, damp nights.
Doors: The side-entry two-flap door setup allows one or both flaps to be open at night. The flaps roll up and a cord holds them in place.
Fit: Six Moon Designs says the Deschutes may not be a good fit for someone taller than 6 feet, and at almost 5 feet, 10 inches I’d say that’s a fair statement.
The Base Shelter: I tested the stripped down Deschutes, which comes with a tarp bag and attached door guyline. Seam-sealing and stakes are not included in the base price. I asked for my test sample to be seam sealed.
Other Options: A 3-ounce bug skirt (the Plus option) and the 11-ounce Serenity Net Tent (the Bundle) that fits inside the tarp and creates a double-walled shelter are available. I used one of my trekking poles to support the Deschutes, but a tarp pole can be ordered through Six Moon Designs.
About Six Moon Designs: Ron “Fallingwater” Moak started making his own gear to save money as a college student in the 1970s, and since its inception in the early 2000s Six Moon Designs has offered ultralight gear at an affordable price.
Warranty: Six Moon Designs will repair or replace at its discretion gear that is defective due to materials and workmanship. The company does not cover damage caused by accidents, improper care, negligence, and normal wear and tear. More information here.
Deschutes Tarp Pros
Setup: The Deschutes tarp is easy to set up with six stakes and a trekking pole. Experimenting with different pole heights changes the inside dimensions and can pull the tarp closer to the ground for rain protection. Orient the back side of the tarp to the oncoming wind.
Weight: 13 ounces, good for hiking ultralight,
Room Inside: 44 square feet inside with room for a backpack, shoes, and water bottles.
Deschutes Tarp Cons
Inside Space Cap: The Deschutes is not a good fit for anyone 6 feet tall or taller.
Bug Protection: As with any tarp, bugs can get inside. The Deschutes has optional mesh inserts for bug protection.
Overall Value
The Deschutes provides ultralight, solid weather protection for $190, although that price can rise if you pay for the additional seam sealing, bug skirt, or mesh insert. Compared with other pyramid-style tarps, the Deschutes is a good price.
Similar Pyramid-Style Tarps
Mountain Laurel Designs Solomid XL
MSRP: $275
Weight: 16 ounces, silpoly; 14 ounces, Dyneema
MSRP: $349
Weight: 6.1 ounces, Dyneema
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2
MSRP: $825
Weight: 19.1 ounces; Dyneema
This product was donated for purpose of review.