UGQ Outdoors SilPoly Winterdream Tarp
I’ve had the pleasure of testing the Winterdream Tarp from UGQ Outdoors for over a year now. Looking back, it’s crazy to me that I’ve had the tarp this long; it’s become a permanent fixture in my gear closet and a go-to option when I need extra protection and privacy.
Product Description
The Winterdream Tarp is a four-season tarp with six panels, creating doors that can close off the open ends. The tarp uses low stretching 1.1 oz, 20d Silicon-impregnated ripstop polyester, or even an ultralight 0.93 oz, 15d taffeta ripstop polyester. Polyester is more hydrophobic than nylon, absorbing less water and stretching less. Each outer edge is cut with a catenary curve. The gentle curved edges prevent the fabric from flapping in strong winds. The edges are also reinforced and double stitched for added strength.
The ridgeline features a triple-stitched modified French seam with double split ring ridge connection. It is a straight ridgeline but takes on a catenary appearance when hung. Each tie-out uses a unique double metal split ring that reduces stress on the fabric.
The double doors can be snapped closed on both ends, or opened up for more ventilation and views.
Overall Impressions and Updates
Winter or 4-season tarps have the advantage of additional modularity and versatility than any other tarp design. However, the added door panels and extra features like side pull-outs and poles can add more weight. These extra features are very useful when winter camping, and often the extra weight is less of a concern as gear is often pulled in a pulk.
One of the design features I really like on the Winterdream is the reinforced edging and ridgeline. The plastic snaps on the doors are also reinforced and hold very strong. This feature allows me to only stake down one door flap to the ground, keeping the other door flexible to open and snap close when needed.
When my wife went to a girls camp, she asked for a tarp with “privacy.” The Winterdream was my first choice because it had a 12-foot ridgeline and large side panels (and doors) that provided her with all the privacy she needed to change clothes or just hide away from the youth.
The tarp I was sent included side panel pull outs. Panels pulls are available as an add-on at additional cost from UGQ Outdoors. The pull outs add stability to the tarp either through guyline or by using a pole kit. The pull outs also help open up the interior space for even more room.
The SilPoly fabric has really been a popular alternative to standard SilNylon because it stretches less and absorbs less water. It’s a great option when choosing a tarp and I think is a major advantage to other tarp fabrics.
Recommendations and Review
UGQ Outdoors sells the Winterdream with multiple variations in fabric, accessories, and finishing touches.
Overall I am extremely impressed by this tarp. UGQ Outdoors really has a stellar product and offers it with so many options, it’s a fantastic deal.
| Criteria | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Construction and Craftsmanship | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | Excellent craftsmanship; straight, even stitching; reinforced; quality materials. |
| Modularity | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | Panel doors can be pulled back or closed, providing a very modular shelter style. |
| Aesthetics | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | UGQ Outdoors offers multiple fabric weights, styles and finishes, including pattern fabric |
| Price and Value | ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ | Hand-crafted, cottage vendor with high standards and amazing prices to boot. |
- Manufacturer: UGQ Outdoors, Jackson, MI USA.
- MSRP: $130+
Available Features/Specifications
- Ridgeline length: ~144 in (366 cm)
- Width: ~116 in (295 cm)
- Fabric: Super low stretch 1.1 oz 20d Sil/PU coated Ripstop Polyester or an ultralight .93 oz 15d Sil/PU coated Taffeta Polyester
- Weight: 20.6 oz (584 g)
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Disclosure of material connection: The author (Derek Hansen) was provided with a free sample from the manufacturer for testing and evaluation purposes. The comments in this post (written & spoken) are of my own opinion, which I formed after personally handling the gear.
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