Big Agnes String Ridge VST 1.5 vs Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp
Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.
2026 single-wall shelter in HyperBead fabric for 1-1.5 persons, from Big Agnes' new VST collection. Trail weight starts at 539g.
Check price Full details →Minimalist DCF tarp shelter at 139g. Provides 7x9 ft coverage with 8 tie-out loops. Best for experienced tarpers in fair weather.
Check price Full details →Big Agnes String Ridge VST 1.5 vs Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp: which should you buy?
If saving weight is your priority, the Zpacks 7x9 Flat Tarp wins — at 139 g it is 400 g (74%) lighter than the Big Agnes String Ridge VST 1.5 (539 g). That said, the heavier option may justify the extra grams with more capacity, durability or comfort, so weigh the trade-off against how you'll use it.
See where both rank against everything else in this category on the lightest shelter page, or browse the full gear weight database.