Let’s Dive into Coghlans Tarp Clips
The Coghlans Tarp Clips are a simple yet seemingly essential piece of kit for anyone who spends time outdoors. Manufactured by Coghlans, these unassuming black clips promise to provide a secure grip on tarps, tents, and other materials, supporting up to 240 lbs. of resistance. They are constructed from durable nylon resin, and the price is certainly right at $4.79.
My journey to discovering the Coghlans Tarp Clips stemmed from a persistent struggle with inadequate tarp securing methods during my annual backcountry camping trips. Tent stakes often pull out in soft soil, and tying knots can be time-consuming and unreliable. I was looking for a quick, strong, and reusable solution to batten down the hatches when unexpected storms rolled in.
Upon receiving the Coghlans Tarp Clips, my first impression was that they were surprisingly lightweight but felt sturdy. The nylon resin appeared durable, and the clamping mechanism seemed intuitive enough. The simplicity of the design was refreshing, although I did wonder how well they’d truly hold up under stress.
I considered several similar products, including heavier-duty metal tarp clips and more complex cam-locking systems. Ultimately, the Coghlans Tarp Clips won out because of their compact size, lightweight design, and attractive price point. I was cautiously optimistic but eager to put them to the test in the field. I hoped the simplicity would translate to reliability.
Initially, I was neither overly excited nor disappointed. They looked like they could do the job, but true excitement (or disappointment) would come with real-world testing. The promise of a stronger grip with increased weight gave me a glimmer of hope that these clips could be a game-changer.
Real-World Testing: Putting Coghlans Tarp Clips to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Coghlans Tarp Clips during a weekend survival skills workshop deep in the Appalachian Mountains. We constructed a basic shelter using a large tarp, and the Coghlans Tarp Clips were used to secure the tarp to surrounding trees. This environment provided a good mix of sun, wind, and damp conditions.
The clips performed reasonably well initially, gripping the tarp effectively in relatively calm weather. However, as the wind picked up later in the afternoon, a couple of the clips started to slip. The “grips harder with more weight” concept didn’t seem to fully materialize.
The ease of use was definitely a plus. Clipping them onto the tarp was a simple and quick process, much faster than tying knots. They were also easy to adjust as needed.
The biggest surprise came when one clip snapped under moderate wind stress. The nylon resin, while seemingly durable, clearly had its limits. This was a significant disappointment.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of intermittent use during various outdoor activities, including a fishing trip and a range day where they were used to secure equipment covers, the Coghlans Tarp Clips showed some concerning trends. Several clips began showing signs of cracking around the hinge points. The clips were also exposed to sunlight and temperatures up to 100°F.
Durability remained a significant concern. The nylon resin seemed to become more brittle over time, making the clips more prone to breakage. The UV resistance did not seem to be very effective.
Maintenance was simple; a quick rinse with water was usually sufficient to clean off dirt and debris. However, the cracks forming in the resin made me hesitant to apply any cleaning agents. I did not want the cracks to increase.
Compared to previous methods like rope and tent stakes, the Coghlans Tarp Clips offered convenience but lacked long-term reliability. While they were faster to deploy than knots, their fragility made them a less dependable option overall. I have had better experiences with heavy-duty metal tarp clips.
Breaking Down the Features of Coghlans Tarp Clips
Specifications
The Coghlans Tarp Clips are constructed from durable nylon resin. Their primary function is to secure tarps and tents, with a stated capacity to support up to 240 lbs. of resistance. The clips are black in color and manufactured by Coghlans.
The nylon resin material is intended to provide both strength and weather resistance. The 240 lbs. resistance is a key selling point, suggesting the clips can withstand significant force. The black color is functional and allows the clips to blend into the environment.
Performance & Functionality
The Coghlans Tarp Clips perform adequately in light-duty applications, offering a quick and easy way to attach tarps to various anchor points. Their clamping mechanism is relatively simple to use, making them suitable for users of all experience levels. However, their performance deteriorates noticeably under higher stress conditions.
Their strength is their ease of use and initial gripping power, making setup quick. The weakness lies in their durability and reliability; they are prone to slipping and breaking under moderate to high wind loads or when subjected to significant tension. The advertised 240 lbs. of resistance feels misleading.
In many scenarios, the Coghlans Tarp Clips fell short of expectations. While they were convenient, their lack of durability and inconsistent grip made them a less reliable option compared to traditional methods. I would use traditional methods over these.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Coghlans Tarp Clips is simple and functional. They are lightweight and compact, making them easy to store and carry in a pack. The contoured jaws are designed to grip tarps securely without causing excessive damage.
The build quality is adequate for light-duty use, but the materials used don’t inspire confidence. The nylon resin feels somewhat brittle, and the hinge points appear to be a weak spot. The clips are user-friendly, with no learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the Coghlans Tarp Clips is questionable. After only a few uses, signs of wear and tear, such as cracking and chipping, became apparent. The lifespan of these clips appears to be limited, especially under challenging conditions.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning. However, the fragile nature of the nylon resin makes extensive cleaning inadvisable. Harsh chemicals could degrade the plastic.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Coghlans Tarp Clips do not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available for these clips. The clips are designed as a standalone product with limited versatility.
Due to their basic design and construction, the Coghlans Tarp Clips are not easily compatible with accessories from other brands. Their functionality is limited to their intended purpose of securing tarps and tents. They work as is or they don’t.
Pros and Cons of Coghlans Tarp Clips
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Easy and quick to use compared to knots.
- Lightweight and compact design.
- Adequate grip for light-duty applications.
- Simple and intuitive clamping mechanism.
Cons
- Prone to slipping under moderate wind stress.
- Durability concerns with nylon resin construction.
- Limited lifespan, especially under challenging conditions.
Who Should Buy Coghlans Tarp Clips?
The Coghlans Tarp Clips are perfect for casual campers or anyone who needs a quick and inexpensive solution for securing tarps in light-duty situations. They are also suitable for emergency preparedness kits where space and weight are primary concerns. These are a very simple and affordable option.
Those who need a more reliable and durable solution for securing tarps in harsh weather conditions or for heavy-duty applications should skip this product. Professional outdoorsmen, survivalists, and anyone who relies on their gear in critical situations should opt for higher-quality tarp clips made from more robust materials. These users should seek heavy-duty metal clips.
Must-have accessories or modifications are limited, but reinforcing the stress points with tape or adding a lanyard for extra security might be beneficial. However, these modifications will only marginally improve their performance.
Conclusion on Coghlans Tarp Clips
The Coghlans Tarp Clips offer a convenient and affordable solution for securing tarps in light-duty applications. However, their limited durability and susceptibility to slipping under stress make them a less reliable option for serious outdoor enthusiasts or those who require dependable gear in challenging conditions. Their convenience comes at a cost.
The low price point might justify the purchase for occasional use or as part of an emergency kit. However, for frequent and demanding applications, investing in higher-quality tarp clips is highly recommended.
Personally, I would not recommend the Coghlans Tarp Clips for anyone who needs a truly reliable tarp securing solution. Their limitations outweigh their convenience.
In conclusion, the Coghlans Tarp Clips serve a purpose, but their performance and durability issues make them a less-than-ideal choice for serious outdoor use. If you’re seeking a durable, reliable tarp securing solution, look elsewhere.