Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp vs MLD Grace Tarp
How we did this: we compared what Hyperlite Mountain Gear and Mountain Laurel Designs publish on their own product pages, checked on 29 Sep 2026: size, weight by fabric, cut, tie-outs and price. We have not field-tested these tarps.
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp and the MLD Grace Tarp are two very different answers to the same question. The Hyperlite is a square DCF tarp you can pitch a dozen ways, from $390. The Grace is a catenary-cut A-frame that pitches one shape fast and tight, from $155, in DCF or SilPoly.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp vs MLD Grace: the verdict
Buy the MLD Grace Tarp if you want a quick, taut pitch with few stakes and the choice of a cheaper SilPoly version: the Duo in 0.8 DCF is 7.8 oz. Buy the Hyperlite Flat Tarp if you want one tarp that pitches many shapes: 9.0 oz for 8.5 ft square, with 16 perimeter tie-outs.
| Spec | Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp | MLD Grace Tarp |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Flat, square corners, non-catenary | A-frame, slightly trapezoidal, catenary-cut ridgeline and ends |
| Sizes | 8.5 × 8.5 ft; 8 × 10 ft | Solo 7 × 5 × 9 ft; Duo 8.5 × 7 × 9.25 ft |
| Weight | 9.0 oz (8.5 ft square); 10.9 oz (8 × 10 ft) | Solo: 6.5 oz (0.8 DCF), 9.3 oz (SilPoly). Duo: 7.8 oz (0.8 DCF), 11.5 oz (SilPoly) |
| Fabric | DCF 0.75 only | 0.8 DCF or 20D SilPoly (0.5 DCF out of stock) |
| Tie-outs | 16 perimeter + interior body tie-outs | 8; three side tie-outs pitch it taut |
| Seams | Bonded, stitchless ridgeline | SilPoly needs seam sealing (sealer included); DCF does not |
| In the box | 2.8 mm UHMWPE guylines, stuff sack | 40 ft guyline, stuff sack, seam sealer (SilPoly) |
| Price | $390 (8.5 ft, white); $420 (8 × 10 ft) | From $155 |
Sources: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp page; MLD Grace Tarp page.
Flat tarp vs catenary A-frame: what you are really choosing
A flat, square tarp is a sheet you shape at camp: an A-frame in rain, a lean-to with a view, a low storm pitch. That takes more stakes and more tuning, which is why Hyperlite adds 16 perimeter tie-outs. A catenary tarp is cut with curved edges so the ridgeline pulls tight on its own; it pitches one shape, quickly, with few stakes. MLD puts it simply: only three side tie-outs are needed for a tight pitch.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp
- Pitches many shapes
- 16 perimeter tie-outs plus interior tie-outs
- Bonded ridgeline seam, no sealing
- From $390, more than twice the Grace’s starting price
- DCF only
- Stakes sold separately
Hyperlite lists the 8.5 × 8.5 ft Flat Tarp at 9.0 oz (255 g), 102 × 102 in, packing to 7 × 6 × 4 in; the 8 × 10 ft is 10.9 oz (309 g) and $420. The page header shows 10.6 oz without naming a size, so use the per-size specs. It comes with 2.8 mm UHMWPE guylines and two D-rings under the ridgeline.
Check price →MLD Grace Tarp
- From $155
- Catenary cut pitches tight with three side tie-outs
- Choice of DCF or cheaper SilPoly
- Pitches one shape
- SilPoly version needs seam sealing
- Lightest 0.5 DCF version out of stock
In MLD’s words, the Grace is
“a classic, lightweight ‘A Frame’ tarp that is slightly trapezoidal with a catenary (curved) cut ridgeline, rear, and front ends.”
Mountain Laurel Designs, Grace Tarp page
It comes in Solo (7 × 5 × 9 ft) and Duo (8.5 × 7 × 9.25 ft) sizes. MLD says about 75% of Solo buyers prefer the Duo, especially in heavy rain. It ships with 40 ft of guyline and a stuff sack; the SilPoly version includes seam sealer, or MLD will seal it for $45.
Check price →Which should you buy?
- Fast, taut, few stakes: MLD Grace, Duo in 0.8 DCF at 7.8 oz.
- Many pitch shapes: Hyperlite Flat Tarp, 8.5 ft square at 9.0 oz.
- Budget: MLD Grace in SilPoly, from $155.
- No seam sealing: either in DCF.
FAQ
How much does the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp weigh?
Is the MLD Grace Tarp available in DCF?
Flat tarp or catenary tarp?
Does the Grace Tarp need seam sealing?
Solo or Duo Grace?
The bottom line
The MLD Grace pitches fastest and costs least, from $155. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp pitches the most ways, from $390. The Duo Grace in DCF and the square Hyperlite are only 1.2 oz apart, so choose by how you like to camp.
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