Introduction
I bought the Nordisk Voss Diamond PU tarp to use standalone, without a tent. At the time, I wasn’t aware that Nordisk made a another diamond-shaped tarp to be used specifically as a standalone tarp; the Voss Diamond SI tarp. However, not one to be distraught easily, I went out and tried the Diamond PU on a overnighter in Zeewolde, together with my eight-year-old son. After that, I used the tarp again, a week later on another overnighter. Read the review below.
Specifications for the Nordisk Voss Diamond PU Tarp
The Voss Diamond PU tarp is a diamond-shaped tarp that can be used as extra tarp for a tent or as a standalone tarp when you go out. The total weight of the package is 750 grams (the tarp, guy-lines and package sack).
The tarp is made from 100% polyester and has a hydrostatic head of 3000mm. Which basically means, it will keep you dry while camping in wet conditions.
When packed, the pack dimensions are 35x22cm. A A4-sized sheet of adhesive polyester is also included. This material can be used to fix holes or tears in the tarp. For this review, I haven’t tested this.
Please note: pegs and poles are not included. Guy-lines (6x) are included and come pre-attached to the tarp. They are 2.5mm polyester lines with Nordisk aluminium peanut sliders.
First setup
Setting up the Voss Diamond PU is easy enough. Spread it out, peg down the back and sides and attach the front to a pole, stick or ridgeline. Peg down the front guy-lines and you’r done. That’s what I did anyway. See the video below:
It’s also quite possible to string up the entire tarp between trees (or poles). The package doesn’t include poles (or pegs), so I didn’t try that. Also, I bought this tarp to sleep under, so the lower to the ground, the better, as far as I’m concerned.
Firs impression of the Nordisk Voss Diamond PU tarp
At first glance, the tarp looks quite sturdy. I haven’t tested it in heavy rain or windy conditions, but the overall quality is great. The seams have been nicely done, the toggles are decently attached, and the guy-lines are thick enough to withstand stress. The tarp itself holds up well with a hydrostatic head of 3000mm, ensuring you stay dry. All in all, it seems like a great tarp.
Standalone usage
Does this mean that the tarp cannot be used as a standalone tarp, since Nordisk states it is intended for use with a tent or other tarp?Well, no. It can. But it’s not ideal. Or, at least, not the way I set it up (see the video above).
The problem is that the tarp tapers to the ground quite steep, which means that you’ll most certainly touch the inside when turning around in your sleep. That shouldn’t pose as much of a problem, but it could mean that condensation will get onto your sleeping bag in wet or moist conditions. As I used a waterproof cover for my sleeping bag, the condensation didn’t prove to be a problem.
One way to counter this issue is to attach the front toggle about 30-40cm lower on a pole or stick, let up the sides about 10-15cm (use a short stick for that and use the guy lines for tension) and put a second pole (or (walking) stick) about 50cm inwards against the tarp. For this, I strongly recommend that you put a cloth or sock on top of the pole or stick so that you won’t damage that tarp, as it has no reinforcement for this setup. This gives you a little more height to sleep under, while at the same time, lowering the front to protect you from the rain and wind. I’ve tried this specific setup on the second overnighter, but unfortunately, I forgot to make pictures 😒 It worked like a charm.
Conclusion
I’ve tried this tarp on two different occasions under two very different weather conditions and I’m really pleased with it. Even though it’s not advertised as a standalone tarp, it holds up really well. Would I use this tarp for let’s say, a multiday hike through the Highlands of Scotland? Probably not, but that’s because, for longer hikes, I prefer something completely closed at night.
However, the overall quality of the tarp is really, really good and for a price that won’t break the bank. It’s a minor disadvantage that poles and pegs aren’t included, but I don’t believe that to be dealbreaker. Avid bushcrafters will have those to spare anyway. The material is sturdy enough for normal use, but I would recommend buying the Diamond Voss SI for more rigourous conditions, as that one’s made from 100% nylon ripstop.