This review dives deep into the Simply Light Designs Winter Haven tarp, a customizable shelter designed for discerning campers. We explore the quality of the Silnylon 1.1 oz material, the impressive build quality evident in the neat stitching and robust hardware, and the speed and efficiency of the shipping process. Beyond the standard features, the extensive customization options offered by Simply Light Designs are highlighted, allowing users to tailor their tarp to their exact needs, from snap closures to reflective guidelines and side pullouts. This review covers the various customization options chosen by the reviewer and assesses their value.The Winter Haven tarp is more than just a rain fly; it's a personalized piece of camping equipment built for durability and performance. This review delves into the cost-benefit analysis, comparing the price point to the quality of materials, customization options, and the overall user experience. We also assess the suitability of the tarp for different uses, particularly its compatibility with longer hammocks. Ultimately, the review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of whether the Simply Light Designs Winter Haven tarp lives up to the hype and is worth the investment.
Pros And Cons
- Customizable options (guidelines, tie-outs, ridgeline)
- Snaps on doors (also available with velcro or no closure)
- Line locks installed (optional)
- Seam-sealed, weatherproof out of the box
- Includes eight titanium stakes
- 25ft reflective guideline accessory kit included
- Fast shipping
- Lightweight (a little over a pound with stakes)
- Comes with stuff sack made of same material as tarp
- Side pullouts are optional and require an upgrade charge
Read more: 5 Best PVC Camping Tarps for Your Next Adventure
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Simply Light Designs Winter Haven tarp arrived quickly, exceeding my expectations for a custom-made product. The packaging was neat, and the tarp itself felt exceptionally well-made from the moment I unfurled it. The quality of the materials—Silnylon 1.1 oz—was immediately apparent, hinting at durability and weather resistance.
I opted for several customizations, including snaps on the doors (which can also be velcro or omitted), line locks instead of D-rings for easier setup, and a 25ft reflective guideline accessory kit. The tarp also came with eight lightweight yet strong titanium stakes (shepherd's hook style).
The included stuff sack matched the tarp material and felt robust. One notable detail was that Jared, the maker, pre-seam sealed everything, saving me the hassle and ensuring it's waterproof straight out of the box.
Customization Options and Features
Simply Light Designs sets itself apart with its extensive customization options. Their website allows you to select various guidelines, tie-outs, ridge lines, and door closures to create a tarp perfectly tailored to your needs. This level of personalization is a significant advantage over mass-produced tarps.
Beyond the basic specs, I added the optional side pullouts, crucial for my preferred tent pole mod using hiking poles to raise the tarp's height. Jared also offers a convenient pole mod kit including poles and stuff sack if you need it.
While the side pullouts were an upgrade cost, the ability to easily adjust the tarp's pitch and create more headroom is definitely a worthwhile investment for me.
Quality, Performance, and Value
While I haven't yet field-tested the Winter Haven extensively, the craftsmanship is impressive. The stitching is neat and strong, and the hardware feels robust. Jared's reputation for high-quality products is well-deserved, based on my experience so far.
For the level of customization and the materials used, the price of $228 (including shipping) seems reasonable. While other tarps exist, the tailored nature of the Winter Haven, especially its length accommodating a longer hammock, justifies the cost for me.
Considering the fast shipping (ordered June 11th, received June 14th!), exceptional customer service, and the ability to have a tarp perfectly built for my needs, I’m very satisfied.
Conclusion: Is it the Best?
The Simply Light Designs Winter Haven tarp isn't just a tarp; it's a highly customizable piece of outdoor gear built to your exact specifications. While subjective, its quality is undeniable, and the fast shipping and excellent customer service are huge pluses.
It's perfect for those seeking something between off-the-shelf convenience and the full DIY approach. If you need a tarp long enough for a larger hammock or desire specific features, the Winter Haven is an outstanding choice.
Considering the quality of materials, customizable options, and the fast shipping, I wholeheartedly recommend Simply Light Designs and the Winter Haven tarp for those who value quality and custom-tailored outdoor gear.