Aqua Quest Defender Camo Tarp vs DD 3X3 Multicam Tarp
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- Опубликовано: 22 авг 2024
- This is a thorough comparison of two personal shelter sized tarps designed for outdoorsmen of all sorts: The Aqua Quest Defender Camo Tarp and the DD 3X3 Multicam Tarp. I contrast and compare their materials and features, show some possible tarp pitches, and offer my thoughts on the usefulness and quality of these items.
Article on waterproof materials from REI: www.rei.com/lea...
DD 3X3 Multicam Tarp: www.ddhammocks....
DD 3X3 Multicam on Amazon amzn.to/2AmDidn
DD 3X3 in olive green on Amazon amzn.to/39WlHw9
Aqua Quest Defender Camo Tarp: amzn.to/2bA4mMW
And the brand new 10'X10' (3mX3m) version of the Defender Camo Tarp amzn.to/2bE2huU
You need to do more gear reviews. I've seen hundreds of videos on tarps and this is by far the most detail and helpful to the consumer.
Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad this was useful information for you!
Very thorough review! Glad you liked the Defender! You mentioned that you thought the Aqua Quest Defender tarp may be produced by the same manufacturer as the DD Multi Cam. Just to confirm, they are not manufactured in the same facility. We manufacture all of our own products in our own manufacturing facility at Aqua Quest. DD tarps are produced in China, and all of our products are produced at our family owned manufacturing facility in Taiwan. We appreciate all of the points you brought up and feedback you provided.
+Aqua Quest Maybe I wasn't really clear in that part of the video. I believe your tie-out webbing is manufactured in the same place as DD's: just that particular material that the tie outs are made of. Your narrower webbing on the ridge line tie outs appears the same in thickness, color, construction, and density as the tie out material on the DD.
I like both tarps quite a lot. Thank you for producing such a high-quality product! I appreciate it and I'm very pleased.
You guys should offer some different camo types for your stuff. The classic woodland pattern works okay in some situations, but not so well in others.
Phenomenal breakdown and comparison. I’m working on a complete 72 hour ultralight backpacking/go bag/get home bag system under 20 pounds total, including the pack, food, and carried water. Needless to say it has been challenging!
I don’t need the top of the line, Uber expensive ultralight gear that can cost an arm and a leg as I will primarily use this gear only in an emergency situation.
I was trying to decide between the Aquaquest Guide, the Aquaquest Defender, or the DD tarp in multicam. My primary summer sleep system is comprised of a Thermarest Neoair pad, a US Military issued Gore-Tex Bivy Cover (in ACU Digital because I found a new and unissued one still in the plastic for $69 shipped), and a US Military issued “woobie”.
For winter and late fall/early spring, I substitute the woobie for a premium ultralight down quilt. Due to the intended purpose of this system, I won’t be making any fires unless it’s a life or death emergency and will rely on my ultralight backpacking stove and titanium cook pot for boiling water for Mountain House meals, Ramen Noodles, Instant Mashed Potatoes, etc..
After watching your video, I went with the DD Tarp in their version of Multicam. I found it on Amazon for $80 in brand new condition.
One thing that has been challenging for me is coming up with a solution for insects. I live in Southern Middle Tennessee, and the bugs are definitely a concern. GruntProof did an excellent video where he pointed out that you can use a hammock with attached bug net, but set up on the ground bivy style. I like that idea as you can also use it as a sleep system when set up as an actual hammock.
I’ve had several back injuries and surgeries, so I don’t know if I can sleep in a traditional hammock secured between two trees and off the ground. I’m going to try it out this summer. Either way, the hammock with bug net offers versatility for very little packed weight.
Thanks again for the great video and your attention to detail! Liked and subscribed!
The DD is a great choice for a lighter get home/emergency bag. Or for backpacking/hammock camping. I have the multicam 3x3 and the 4.5x3 and they have both been great lightweight tarps. They have survived national forest backpacking trips so far, no problem.
@@matrixlockdown2975 yep, the quality and attention to detail blew me away. The camo pattern they came up with is absolutely useful in almost almost all outdoor environments. Right now I know two things regarding building an ultralight get home/emergency bag:
1. Your pack is one of THE MOST IMPORTANT items in your kit setup. You could find yourself having to walk/hike for several days to get back home or to get to your safe location. This means your pack has to be comfortable, lightweight, large enough to carry your gear and distribute the weight to your hips, and rugged enough to survive several days in the woods or in an urban environment.
2. You must be able to sleep comfortably if you expect your body to take you on a three day jaunt in stressful conditions! This means a quality air mattress, something to keep you dry and protected from the heat, cold, and insects, and something to sleep in or under that will keep you comfortably warm in the cold months and comfortably cool in the summer months.
Snugpack jungle bag has a built in bug net over the face area of the bag, its comfortable down to 30 with a bivvy.
Best Tarp presentation i ever see
Thank you for sharing your knowledge of both the DD tarps and the aquaquest tarps. I agree with you on the issue of price, but quality and and durability is the biggest selling point for me. So, I am learning towards the aquaquest line.
Hey Montana,
Thanks for another very thorough review on both tarps!
I also spent some time reading the articles that you posted about the history, evolution, and modern day use of the Waterproof/Breathable (WP/BR) fabrics, including the construction of the most popular systems, their performance characteristics, as well as the methods of testing their effectiveness, etc.
Very interesting to know that there are numerous test methods used by different manufacturers, so as to make their particular product look better.
If you noticed in the article, Marmot has developed the Membrain Strata, as one of the the Waterproof/Breathable (WP/BR) fabric systems.
This system is used in the Marmot Oracle jacket that I own, as well as "some" other jackets manufactured by Marmot,
As I have stated before, the rating is 20,000 MM of waterproofing, and breathability, so it is probably tested in the same manner as the Aqua Quest tarp.
I also own a Lowe Alpine eVent material jacket, which has performed well.
One thing to note is that it is true that you must clean the jackets, and reapply the DWR, or else they will start wetting out within a short period of time.
While working in Alaska, I noticed that my NPS Gore Tex jacket was wetting out just several months after I started using it, so it may be a good idea to quickly spray treat when a jacket is out of the box new and clean...not sure.
I believe that Marmot has some good videos on the cleaning and DWR application process online.
The simplest and safest method is to use the delicate cycle to clean the garment, and to add the DWR product at the appropriate time during the washing process. Spray on products also work after the washing.
It seems that any materials that can withstand 3 PSI or greater, will provide excellent long term waterproofing. Wind driven rain is 2 PSI as stated in the article.
Anyway, it seems that both tarps are excellent, however the DD Tarp probably edges out the Aqua Quest as it is a full pound lighter, the quality of stitching, and material reinforcements of the tie outs are a bit more sturdy, and the DD Tarp is a little less pricey. I believe that the DD Tarp has more tie outs to take advantage of too.
Perhaps the Aqua Quest has a little more abrasion resistance, and is a quieter material, but the DD Tarp can be stretched tight like a drum.
All that being stated, both tarps will perform excellently.
My buddy Luke at The Outdoor Gear Review recently posted a video about how to "easily" fold a tarp, which might prove useful to you and to others, especially if using a larger tarp.
Check out: ruclips.net/video/fuKri9B_ywM/видео.html
Thanks again!
+Msilverhammer That article on REI was the best one I came across that seemed to cover the widest variety of information. DWR/Urethane/Etc is not my area of expertise. When I want to figure out if something is waterproof enough for what I need, I make a pocket in whatever material it is and pour a cup of water in it. If the other side is still dry in 5 minutes, I guess it's good enough... My method is not scientific, for sure ;) Even though my method doesn't require engineers and specialized equipment, it does occasionally prove useful. For instance, my UST BASE Tube Tarp 1.0 failed my test. I know for sure that one has to be pitched at very steep angles to keep me dry and it needs to be treated like canvas when it is wet (don't touch the inside of the tarp when it's wet or it will leak)... In fact, what I learned from my test on that one is that I won't trust it to keep me dry in wet weather at all and I really wish I hadn't bought it. I'm going to treat it with a DWR spray and throw it in the trunk of one of the cars as a "better than nothing" shelter.
I'm very fond of both the AQ Defender and the DD Multicam. I am very impressed with the ridge line construction on the Aqua Quest. My favorite feature of the DD is the ridge line reinforcements that make it really easy to pitch in a tent configuration. With a little practice, the DD can be pitched to a tent in under 5 minutes, and with a little pre-planning (having guy lines pre-sized and a few toggles ready for the tent stakes) in under 3 minutes.
Thanks for taking the time to watch! I appreciate it. I know this was another really long video.
Just picked up a 3m x3m/10ft X 10ft Defender based on mostly this, and other reviews to replace a rip stop and a sylnylon that had got damaged beyond reasonable repair. The quietness was a welcome surprise! You had mentioned the quietness but the difference is surprising! Thanks for the depth of research and thoroughness of showing the features!
I also got the 10X10 version of this. The near silence even when not deployed in really tight configurations is still something that crosses my mind every time I use one of the Defender Camo tarps. It hardly ever makes more than a whisper even when the wind is blowing pretty hard. .. Thanks for watching!
My Dad and I have this tarp and we absolutely love them. Dad says it is just as tough as the rain fly on our The North Face ECWT tent. - Gabriel
+Roberts Bushcraft I saw some pictures of you using them as hammock cover on worldwidesurvival. The aquaquest defender is a great tarp, and really well suited for that exact use. It will serve you well for years. ... I just started watching some of your videos a few days ago. I look forward to seeing your next adventure!
You do terrific expositions of the gear. The AQ 10x 10 products are now my exemplars for tarps as I shop. I want it for less than $130 USD $160 Canadian though. DD is also high priced for me.
I have the aquaquest 10 by 13 in 10 by 10 Defender tarps, I keep my with the Ridgeline attached inside Snake Skins so if it's windy I can let one side out at a time and keep it better under control.
All my tarps are from Aqua Quest, very well made and worth every penny. I recently bought the Defender 7' x 10' as a replacement for my Hennessy hammock tarp (way too small). I also have the "King Camo" 10' x 13' for my entire camp site. Make no mistake, these tarps are beasts, torrential downpours and heavy winds are no match for these 100% waterproof tarps. I highly recommend this Canadian made product.
I fully agree. Every single product I have purchased from Aqua Quest has been top-notch. Still on my list of videos to do of Aqua Quest gear, I have a dry bag and a backpack (also top-notch)... and Aqua Quest has agreed to give me a heads up when the new tarp sizes are available (they have a couple of new 10'X10' tarps coming soon, one should be the same sort of construction as the king camo and defender camo, and the other should be a light-weight version of some sort they didn't share any further details with me about) They are proud of their work and it shows. They put out very high quality gear. Noteworthy: Just an FYI, Aqua Quest products are manufactured in Taiwan, but indeed, they are a Pacific Northwest company. ... As to the other tarp in this video, DD Hammocks is a UK company (specifically Scotland, I'm led to understand), and the DD 3X3 is manufactured in China. Country of manufacture is important to some consumers, so I probably should include that information in more of my videos when I am aware of it. In the case of these two products, both are equally well made and both impressed me very much for some for the same reasons. Thanks for watching! I appreciate your time very much.
This last generation of DD Hammocks tarps are a bit different than mine, mainly that center reinforcement. Mine does not have quit so generous of a tie out and it is not reinforced with fabric.
I still love it and it hasn't ever failed on me.
Oh, the only other tarp I've ever seen with webbing reinforcement is the British Basha.
+TurtleWolf Pack Some folks don't like how big the tie outs are on the center seam. I watched a few videos before I bought mine, and that was actually a negative for a few reviewers. A couple of them tied a loop in each one to half the size, and a couple of others ran a stitch mid-way in the loop to create two loops, one closer to the tarp than the other, but both half-sized. Personally, I've already found a couple of ways to make use of the big loops. I pitched that tarp on an overhanging split rail leaning against a fence to get out of a snow storm a couple of weeks ago. It was nice to have one less thing to tie off and it made pitching shelter that day take about 30 seconds. My truck was only a couple of hundred yards away and I could have just gone to the truck, but I really wanted coffee and the cab of the truck is no good for fire ;) ... The reinforcements on the center seam tie outs is my favorite thing about this tarp. There's a lot to like, but that is my absolute favorite feature. I don't use trekking poles, but I do often have a walking stick I find along the way. Those reinforcement points really save the seam from stress when using a pole or a stick to prop up the tarp.
betweenfiveandseven I just pulled my tarp out of my pack and double checked, I was wrong! The reinforcement in the center is identical to this one. I usually use a tennis ball on top of my stick.
Aquaquest defender = lifetime guarantee.
Most youtubers wanna sell themselves. You are different. Thanks for this great review.
The DD weighs much less and is more for backpackers/hammock campers that are concerned about weight. Sure, the heavier one is more robust. The DD tarps have worked great for me so far.
I got two of these coming today. still looking for thr army tarp that I once had
The DD cammo is much better. The Aqua Quest pattern repeats very noticeably and it’s disturbing. I am a huge fan of Aqua Quest so durable. Thank you for you great review.
Recently went camping with a hammock and the aquaquest 3x4 safari. The 3m side which is the length that has the ridgeline was not long enough to cover the hammock to around 40cm out from the carabiner where the dripline was. I rotated the tarp length wise and it worked fine. The DD has the tie outs in the longest length which shows me that they did think of hammocks. I think the aquaquest with ridgeline used is perfect for an A frame.
I read that now and then. I'm not a hammock camper, so that aspect of it is usually an after thought for me, but I often see people discussing that longer hammocks benefit from rectangular tarps. Thanks for the insight!
Looks as if it's the AquaQuest 10x10 for me. Besides, I personally like Taiwan better than China.
What an awesome review of these tarps... I like your style!
I'm glad this was useful for you! And thank you for the words of encouragement!
You should have compared the DD to the Aquaquest Guide or Safafari series. My opinion only.
The guide series didn't exist yet at the time of shooting this video.
Do you like the Tarp?
Any downfalls after using it a couple of times?
Atb
Steve
you can now purchase the aqua quest 3X3 for under 100 dollars and that's the defender
I reviewed it. That's my go-to tarp when I'm carrying heavier gear. You absolutely can't go wrong with the Defender 10X10'/3X3m.
Hey partner thanks for the review and information. I just bought the aqua defender king camp tarp. You did a great job on the video and even better on your channel.
You have my subscription and would love to have your support as well. 👍👏🏻
The King Kamo is awesome! I have the ~7X10 in the video and a 10X10. They're heavy to carry, but incredibly durable. ... I sub'd your channel. I'm on the road for another week and a half, so I won't have time to pay close attention to your vids until maybe the 3rd of April. I'm looking forward to it, though!
You should mention that the Aqua Quest pricing is in Canadian Dollars. Aqua Quest is a Canadian company. 109 bucks Canadian would be somewhere around 70 bucks USD. Aqua Quest also now has a 3x3 square in the defender series. They are the best tarps on the market by far, quality and workmanship is second to none. You get what you pay for, it has always cost a little more for the best. The uglier the weather gets the more these tarps shine, mark my words.
I'm not Canadian. Though, I worked a wheat field that is pretty close to 50/50 Canadian/Montanan for about 30 years... As to the 3X3, I did a video on the Defender Camo 3X3 pretty much the minute it came out. ruclips.net/video/sRvJ9q7k_hE/видео.html
Aquaquest over DD any day ....just my opinion but Aquaquest tarps can take beatings without any sign of failing and they are very confident in there products as they should be .
Enjoyed the video keep up the good work be blessed
best review ever!
Thank you for the kind words! I'm glad this video was useful to you.
oustanding review, i tip my hat to you:)
Thank you for the words of encouragement! And thanks for taking the time to watch!
How does aquequest defender hold up?
Is this woodland camo?
Great review! Keep up the good work.
Thanks! I appreciate the encouragement!
I don't think the AQ tarp is worth the extra money. The HH claims are utterly useless. A DD tarp will never let water in under any circumstances. For the money I would buy a DD tarp again and again and again.
awesome review ...thanks.
Thanks for taking the time to watch!
Great vid.
Thanks for taking the time to watch!
Nice 👍
September 23, 2017. Greeting, I have phoned,emailed Aqua Quest Waterproof and DD Hammocks. They couldn't answer my one question. I have a tent that is 100 inches long(255cm long). 68 inches wide (175 cm). 33 inches (85cm) in height. Can a 4 meter by 4 meter tarp which is suspended by a horizontal rope between two trees and pegged out to the ground. Would it be large enough to cover my tent. Bothe ends of the tarp will be sealed shut. Thanx.
Get a cheap clear plastic drop cloth and some duct tape. Cut the drop cloth to size and make some tie-outs with duct tape. Experiment with this to see if it will work.
maths
If Money Was No Object which one of these two would you go with?
It's a matter of both money and weight. I now also own a DD Superlight 3X3 and an AquaQuest Defender 10X10 (I've done videos on both). I think the AquaQuest Defender tarps are the most heavy-duty well-made waterproof tarps on the market period. However, the AquaQuest Defender tarps are all heavier than I want to carry in a pack these days. They're great if I'm out in the woods on an ATV, a snowmobile, in my 4X4, or with a mule, but if I'm on foot, I'm choosing a lighter tarp. The DD 3X3 has a permanent place in my 2/3-day bag. I hope that helps.
Where did you buy the 3x3 dd tarp and what was the price?
ddhammocks.com and currently the multicam 3X3 is $72 and the olive green version is $62. They also sell 3.5X3.5, 4X4, 5X5, and the XL (~4.5X3) versions.
like your vids, let's see you do some on the "Wilderness Innovations" Tarps against the Aqua Quest and The DD Tarps, "Wilderness Innovations" Tarps have some innovative features the Aqua Test or the DD don't have, plus they are made in the USA and very very well made I have to say. Thanks for your videos Love them !
+Jay bird2963 Thanks for watching!.. I'm not sure if I'll buy one of Wilderness Innovations tarps or not, but there is a possibility I might end up doing a video on one of their ponchos. I've actually been looking at their stuff on and off this winter. My trusty 1960s/70s era milsurp poncho got loaned out to some cold/wet children at a sporting event last year, and I realized a little too late that we never retrieved it. I haven't made a decision on what I'm replacing it with yet, but Wilderness Innovations is pretty high on my list.
+betweenfiveandseven I have the PSTL 10'x10' and recently ordered the PST 7'x7' personal Tarp to keep in my truck they are very well made and yeah the Poncho is on my list of things to get as well. Great gear from the WI folks, and they pay attention to detail when making them. Thanks again for your set up vids, enjoy them all. :o)
if you could only choose one, would you choose dd 3x3 or Aquaquest safari 10x10?