
Simply Light Designs · Tarps
Trail Bird Backpacking Tarp
Description
The Trail Bird is a tapered backpacking tarp designed to maximize coverage at the head end, where you typically want it most, while reducing unnecessary material toward the foot.
Choose the head and foot widths that best fit your setup, along with your preferred length, tie-out hardware, and optional attachment points.
Features
- Customizable head-to-foot taper
- Available in 9' or 10' lengths
- Catenary curves along the ridgeline, head end, and sides
- Eight perimeter tie-outs standard
- Seam sealing included
- Stuff sack included
Specifications
| Length | 9' or 10' |
| Width | Selected head and foot widths |
| Standard Tie-Outs | 8 perimeter tie-outs |
| Ridgeline | Catenary cut and seam sealed |
| Included | Tarp and stuff sack |
Tie-Out Configuration
The tarp comes standard with eight perimeter tie-outs: one at each corner, one centered on both the head and foot ends, and one centered along each side.
The two center side tie-outs are not required for the basic tarp setup but provide additional stabilization when desired.
Perimeter tie-outs can be configured with:
- Loops Only — Simple, lightweight attachment points
- Line Loc 3 — Works best with approximately 2–2.5 mm line
- Line Lock V — V-groove design capable of holding line as small as approximately 1 mm
- Line Lock Lite 10 mm — Works well with approximately 1.5 mm line
- Line Lock Lite 15 mm — Lightweight option for approximately 2–3 mm line
- 1/2" D-Rings
Optional Attachment Points
Bivy Attachment Points — Positioned approximately 12" from each end of the tarp for attaching lightweight bivy components. These attachment points are not intended for hanging heavier items such as water bottles or lanterns.
Ridgeline Tie-Outs — Small loops can be bar tacked along the top of the ridgeline seam to provide additional attachment points. Choose from:
- One centered tie-out
- Two tie-outs positioned at approximately 1/3 and 2/3 of the tarp length
- Three tie-outs positioned at approximately 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 of the tarp length
Optional Accessories
Reflective Guyline — 2 mm Orange Reflective Guyline is available in several lengths. This line is not compatible with Line Lock V or 10 mm Line Lock Lite hardware.
Stakes — A set of six Aluminum Y-Stakes or Ultralight Titanium Hook Stakes can be added to complete your tarp setup.
Custom Fabrics
Solid colors not normally stocked may be ordered as needed from the applicable fabric supplier. Xenon Sil fabrics are sourced from Dutchware, while Silpoly fabrics are sourced from Ripstop by the Roll. Please verify current color availability with the appropriate supplier before ordering.
Notes
Finished dimensions and weight will vary depending on the selected taper, length, fabric, tie-out configuration, and additional options.