Review: Mil-Tec – Tarp in Phantomleaf

Introduction

I recently had the chance to take a closer look at Mil-Tec’s new tarps in the WASP I Phantomleaf patterns Z2 and Z3a. After experimenting with the camo nets last year, I really hoped for a similar solution in a larger setup. The tarps do actually deliver in that regard, as they are sized 3x3m.

But one step at a time. Let’s quickly jump into the overview and specs, before going into more details.

Overview

The MIL-TEC Tarp PE R/S is a 3x3m size tarp for outdoor use with a 5000mm water column. It comes in a separate pouch and weighs 1500g. According to its description, it can be used as tent replacement, rain cover, sun protection or as ground sheet as well as a rescue/recovery stretcher. It features 19 elastic loops as attachment points and is made of 100% Polyester. The MIL-TEC Tarp PE R/S comes in the Phantomleaf WASP I patterns Z1B, Z2 and Z3A.

Specs

Materials: 100% Polyester (coated), Ripstop
Waterproofness: 5000mm
Weight: 1500g
Dimensions: 3 x 3 m

The Mil-Tec Tarp PE R/S

The tarps are delivered neatly folded in a dedicated pouch of the same material. Said pouch measures roughly 29 cm/30 cm x 29 cm/30 cm and can be closed with a cord and cord lock. This is as tight as you can pack the tarp. This package weighs 1500g aka 1,5kg which one has to consider when packing lightly.

Mil-Tec Tarp -Phantomleaf WASP I Z3a and Z2

In total the tarp provides 19 webbing loops for various attachment options. The ones on the 4 sides are made of elastic webbing (16 in total). Three more run through the middle and are made of regular webbing, thus providing a static property for ridgelines. One thing missing are metal eyelets. This would be ideal for tarp poles or easier tightening.

As it is only possible to print camouflage on fabric with 1,5m width, the tarp is a combination of two 3×1,5m pieces, sewn together. The seam in the middle is taped to provide the necessary waterproofness.

static webbing in the middle with additional layer

Along that middle line, there are the above mentioned static webbing loops which are sewn on an additional square fabric. All of the loops are secured with two zig zag seams for extra strength.

Quality of manufacture

The quality of manufacture is decent and more than ok. The edges are nicely finished with a double fold and strong seams. The corners are reinforced with an additional layer of fabric, and reinforced seams. Attachment points feature zig zag stitches.

Closer loot at the webbing, edges and fabric

The materials used are of good quality and sturdy.

The Mil-Tec tarp in use

One thing that immediately comes to mind is the size and weight of the tarps. The pouch has a larger packing size than other tarps and the weight of 1,5kg is a killjoy at first. That being said, this is a general issue with tarps and if you are in search of a similar product with less weight, you have to pay accordingly.

All that aside, the tarp is a great and useful item to have. In combination with the Phantomleaf patterns, the tarp is a great companion, if there is need or the wish for a low profile campsite.

Given the size of 3x3m and the 19 attachment points, a wide range of setups is possible, ranging from lean-tos to an improvised tent.

The examples here are just quick set-ups to illustrate what is possible. I experimented with the makeshift tent, as well as set up an A-frame to give the best impression of the camouflage pattern in a chosen environment.

The elastic webbing attachment points leave me with mixed feelings. On the one hand these are excellent to ease tension, at the same time it makes it harder to tighten the tarp. The lack of metal eyelets make the use of tarp poles more difficult.

Phantomleaf WASP I Z3a on the left, Z2 on the right.

Waterproofness is above the average of normal tarps and so far nothing went through. Having a decent camouflage print on a tarp really does help in blending in when stealth camping or if there is need of a concealed cover. Needless to say, being 100% Polyester and part of the Civ-Tec line up, the tarp is not NIR treated.

Conclusion

The Mil-Tec tarps are no nonsense tarps with a decent and useful size and the addition of an excellent working camouflage pattern family. While the weight can be seen as a downside, it is among other tarps with similar fabric. Metal eyelets would be useful, but would slightly add on the weight.

If you are having the tarp in the car trunk, that certainly is no issue. For everyone else it is something to keep in mind.

The camouflage performance really makes the tarp a serious consideration for bushcrafters and stealth campers alike. One only has to keep in mind which environment the tarp will be used in.

With that being said, I want to thank Mil-Tec for making this review possible!

Thank you for reading!

Take care!