On Sat, 22 Feb 2014 09:23:51 -0800 (PST), wrote:

I'm installing a stabilized (mixed-in) DG path, and need to compact it. I'm sure that a powered compactor is going to be easier and better, to a degree. My question is: to what degree? I can rent a powered one but the problem is strictly logistical. It weighs 150 lbs, and I have no helper. So I either hire someone for the day to help me, or go with a hand tamper. On a small (200 sq. ft) job, would a hand damper be good enough? This sort of thing: http://tinyurl.com/handtamper.

A powered plate compacter is best IMHO.

Aside, if you use the hand tamper, do the DG compacting in layers of ~
2 inches or less and mist the area on each layer. The hand tamper can
be used with reasonable results. Do not try to compact 4 inches DG at
a time without using a plate compactor. HTH / YMMV