I am looking for a lightweight backpacking tarp, waterproof. Shelter. Any thoughts?

I have and have used the Mountainsmith Mountain Shelter LT, I like it for what it is, if I could change it I would like the center post to not be there and have an A-frame hold the front up. Even at the little weight gain.

I use the Rab Siltarp 2 as an emergency tarp/shelter. Works well and can fit 2 adults in a pinch.

I have a few tarps. The first ones I bought were Kelty "Noah's tarp"s in different sizes. They are too heavy for backpacking IMHO but are ok for camping from car, boat, or pack stock. I have a Seek Outside DST which is pretty cool but being silnylon, a little heavier than it has to be. For backpacking, I like cuben fiber / dyneema. My favorite is the M-L-D grace tarp, duo size. I have not tried the one person. I have their monk tarp and IMHO it is just a little too small to be really useful for sleeping under but it makes a great awning for a regular tent. I carry it sometimes for a sit-under shelter, not a sleeping shelter. The last one I have, which I haven't used much, is from ZPACKS, a hex cut flat tarp meant for hammock campers but it seems to work from the ground as well. Nice thing is the length is enough that you don't have to worry much about your head or feet getting wet if you scoot a bit lengthwise at night.

Tom

The Mountain Smith LT has been fine for us. Also have a 10x10 Kifaru tarp with plenty of tie outs. Have not used it a lot but it certainly could be made to work too.

a couple points on tarps- make sure you it's adequate sized; I've used poncho tarps (5x7') and while many trips it was fine, a few it wasn't and gave up on them; for flat tarps I wouldn't go any smaller than 9x9' if you expect any kind of weather

I've used both Mountain Laurel Designs Grace tarp and their Patrol tarp, the Patrol tarp is a little heavier, but definitely has the edge in bad weather- both available in silnylon and dcf

I use a lightweight bivy with all my tarps- forego the need for a ground cloth, adds warmth to a sleep system and is water resistant enough to help with rain and spindrift that might blow in

What bivy do you like mtwarden?

I've got two, the one I use with tarps is MLD's Superlight- waterproof bottom, the top is water resistant (and breathable)- also has a bug netting that can be used around the head

my other is their eVent bivy- it's fully waterproof, I'll use it as a standalone shelter if conditions are very (very) good; I use it more during the winter though with snow shelters

Thanks. Thinking of switching things up a bit and need to update my bivy. Will probably end up with one of their event ones, as the option to skip the tarp entirely is occasionally tempting.

Borah makes a great bivy also.