Doors and beaks are coming!!!

ZQ and I will be constructing a prototype for Grizz to bless with the goal of having them available early next year.

We will also be working on patterns for offering sewn-on doors with overlapping flaps for OES MacCat Deluxe's and Ultra's. Lot's to do but we're excited about the projects. Stay tuned.

Gotta love progress. Looking forward to seeing the new ideas, 2Q.

I bet this will be a popular offering.

The Grizz Beak will be a separate add-on, not sewn to the tarp, correct?

The Grizz Beak will be a separate add-on, not sewn to the tarp, correct?

That's correct. The Grizz Beak SoB is not permanently attached but is able to be removed.

cool beans......

Cool, looking forward to seeing your mod offerings for the Deluxe tarps.

Today was our 29th wedding aniversary so guess what ZQ and I did ??? We went out for lunch with our girls and spent the afternoon working on the "Grizz Beak" removable beak concept. It was a great day for an outside project.

As a result of our efforts, it occurred to us that there may an interest in two different models of the Grizz Beak.

The first is a beak with overlapping doors that minimizes material (read: weighs less) in which the doors when overlapped stay within a single plane or overlap straight across from side to side of the tarp.

The other model is a beak that has more material and will weigh a tad more but the door overlaps forming a "V" providing a sizable vestibule. This model is very similar to what I have with my zippered doors.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/files/1/3/6/img_6244_thumb.jpg (http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=4021&c=member&orderby=title&direction=ASC&imageuser=136&cutoffdate=-1)

I would like to offer both models believing there would be interest in both. Those interested in removable protection but concerned with total weight of their tarp system..."the Beak Lite" model. Those who desire a little more storage space when hunkered down and maybe using a smaller tarp...the "Beak vestibule" model.

So, give me some feedback. Which model would you choose?

We will making the vestibule model prototype this week and getting some weights and pictures. Stay tuned.
2Q

Beak Vestibule...

Can't I have a pair of tarps, each with a different style beak? Jeez, to think I'd only want one style... But, if I had to choose, the vestibule style seems like it might shed end wind better and give a bit extra space which would be nice if hunkered down.

But then, less volume might make it a bit "cozier" and make for less windage in a side wind. Let's see what others have to say.

Oh, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you and Zipper Queen !!!!!!!

I'd want to be different, and have one of each on a single tarp.

Overlap on one end (for entry/exit) and vestibule on the other (for storage)...best of both worlds. Small stuff sack that attaches to suspension for keeping beaks handy, but out of the way when weather is nice. When the weather turns, it would be simple to deploy quickly.

Happy Anniversary 2Q-ZQ. Hope you had a great day.!!!

Oh, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you and Zipper Queen !!!!!!!


Happy Anniversary 2Q-ZQ. Hope you had a great day.!!!

I Third that!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY 2Q-ZQ ! :thumbup:


Overlap on one end (for entry/exit) and vestibule on the other (for storage)...best of both worlds. Small stuff sack that attaches to suspension for keeping beaks handy, but out of the way when weather is nice. When the weather turns, it would be simple to deploy quickly.


I liked this idea.
But if have to choose one, it would be vestibule.

Happy Anniverary! Look forward to seeing the new mods, now if I can just stop hanging indoors long enough to send in my HH for a zip mod. Really should have did it before I built the indoor stand....

Today was our 29th wedding aniversary so guess what ZQ and I did ??? We went out for lunch with our girls and spent the afternoon working on the "Grizz Beak" removable beak concept. It was a great day for an outside project.

As a result of our efforts, it occurred to us that there may an interest in two different models of the Grizz Beak.

The first is a beak with overlapping doors that minimizes material (read: weighs less) in which the doors when overlapped stay within a single plane or overlap straight across from side to side of the tarp.

The other model is a beak that has more material and will weigh a tad more but the door overlaps form a "V" providing a sizable vestibule. This model is very similar to what I have with my zippered doors.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/files/1/3/6/img_6244_thumb.jpg (http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=4021&c=member&orderby=title&direction=ASC&imageuser=136&cutoffdate=-1)

I would like to offer both models believing there would be interest in both. Those interested in removable protection but concerned with total weight of their tarp system..."the Beak Lite" model. Those who desire a little more storage space when hunkered down and maybe using a smaller tarp...the "Beak vestibule" model.

So, give me some feedback. Which model would you choose?

We will making the vestibule model prototype this week and getting some weights and pictures. Stay tuned.
2Q

I thnk both would be popular.

Glad to see this coming about! Good option to have!
And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

If snow camping I would go with the zipped in vestibule!
They both look brilliant!!!!
Happiest of Be-lated Anniversary to both of ye"......
Shug

Today was our 29th wedding anniversary so guess what ZQ and I did ??? We went out for lunch with our girls and spent the afternoon working on the "Grizz Beak" removable beak concept. It was a great day for an outside project.
2Q

Wonderful ! ! !

Both ideas look good. I guess for me I'd just be looking for the ability to block wind blown rain from blowing into the ends so the straight overlapping doors might be better? The thing is, the Deluxe isn't a real wide tarp. I think if I wanted lots of extra room inside I'd just buy a bigger tarp like a WB Superfly or Speer Winter Tarp that have taller sides where I could get more headroom inside. To achieve that with a Deluxe I'd have to pitch the tarp ridge so high that the bottom of the tarp would be 3 feet off the ground and wouldn't block much of the elements out.

I definately am a prospect for the beak model. If it is windy/stormy enough to need to block off the end, I want the aerodynamic properties of the beak rather than the flat panel.
At the risk of heresy (i.e. discussing ground-dwelling applications), a MacCat with fully zippered beaks on each end would make an unbelievably versatile shelter. One could enter/exit at the lee side or end whatever the wind was doing, raise one side (or the corner of one side) for a Baker-type tent, etc etc.
GREAT idea imo.
Timetable yet?

I definately am a prospect for the beak model. If it is windy/stormy enough to need to block off the end, I want the aerodynamic properties of the beak rather than the flat panel.
At the risk of heresy (i.e. discussing ground-dwelling applications), a MacCat with fully zippered beaks on each end would make an unbelievably versatile shelter. One could enter/exit at the lee side or end whatever the wind was doing, raise one side (or the corner of one side) for a Baker-type tent, etc etc.
GREAT idea imo.
Timetable yet?

Just to clarify....we are NOT offering the Beaks, removable or sewn on, with zippers, just overlapping panels. The zippers on my tarp were a prototype. They have held up for the couple of winters in use but a better long term answer is the overlapping panels. Overlapping panels will provide various tarp possibilities, not to mention fiddling with a zipper when your hands are cold is a PITA.

How are the beaks attached to the tarp?

Grizz had his beaks fit over the top and staked down on the sides.

The "prototype" in the pic looks to be sewn or fastened directly to the tarp edge.

I assume your beaks would follow the Grizz method??

Also, why do you have to choose between overlap and vestibule?

If the beaks are sized right, it seems you could set-up either way depending on the conditions or your mood at the time.

Couldn't a vestibule model be set-up overlapping??

Just to share a thought...
I haven't gotten around to doing it yet, but I'm quite convinced (in my mind at least<G>) that this option will be strong & do it's job well.
It's simple, lite weight, adjustable with tarp angle changes, & removable.

On a tarp with a folded & sewn ridgeline, add a grosgrain loop aprox 8" in from each end, were the ridge line loops are.
These loops will point toward the end, just like the ridgeline loops.

The beaks would be two parts for each end. They would both connect (either by ties or mini biners) to the loop 8" from the end of the ridgeline, and to the corner tie outs of the tarp.

It may help to make the beak sections slight "cat cut", at least on the edge that overlays the tarp end.

Small loops of a slightly larger shock cord would keep it taught.

Doors and beaks are coming!!!

ZQ and I will be constructing a prototype for Grizz to bless with the goal of having them available early next year.

We will also be working on patterns for offering sewn-on doors with overlapping flaps for OES MacCat Deluxe's and Ultra's. Lot's to do but we're excited about the projects. Stay tuned.

HOORAY for US!

Today was our 29th wedding aniversary so guess what ZQ and I did ??? We went out for lunch with our girls and spent the afternoon working on the "Grizz Beak" removable beak concept. It was a great day for an outside project.

HOORAY for YOU!

How are the beaks attached to the tarp?

Grizz had his beaks fit over the top and staked down on the sides.

The "prototype" in the pic looks to be sewn or fastened directly to the tarp edge.

I assume your beaks would follow the Grizz method??

Also, why do you have to choose between overlap and vestibule?

If the beaks are sized right, it seems you could set-up either way depending on the conditions or your mood at the time.

Couldn't a vestibule model be set-up overlapping??


TeeDee,
The picture I put up was an old prototype using zippers in which the panels were sewn on. The sewn on doors will look like the ones you see in the picture but without zippers in lieu of overlapping panels.

The Grizz beak is as you say attached to the tarp ridgeline D ring and staked out at the bottom "behind" the tarp side stake outs.

The vestibule model has a lot more material so that a moderate tarp pitch will have sufficient overlap yet create a vestibule.

The flat model with the same tarp pitch overlaps sufficiently yet does not create a vestibule and uses less material.

To answer your question...they are both overlapping.

Doors on both ends of my MacCat Deluxe for me. If I wanted the vestibule, could I get it permanently attached?

Beak/Door combo on the rectangular tarp, though.

Is there a waiting list yet?

Doors on both ends of my MacCat Deluxe for me. If I wanted the vestibule, could I get it permanently attached?

Beak/Door combo on the rectangular tarp, though.

Is there a waiting list yet?

I am creating a list.

We will most likely offer two models of removable Grizz beaks, a straight across overlap panel beak, and a vestibule overlap panel beak.

We will most likely offer two models of the sewn-on beak, a straight across overlap panel beak, and a vestibule overlap panel beak.

Since we're still designing, building, and testing, I will put your name on a list of interested folks. There is still a bit to do and figure out such as materials and labor costs, and a reasonable market price. Hopefully this will all come together shortly.

I am creating a list.

We will most likely offer two models of removable Grizz beaks, a straight across overlap panel beak, and a vestibule overlap panel beak.

We will most likely offer two models of the sewn-on beak, a straight across overlap panel beak, and a vestibule overlap panel beak.

Since we're still designing, building, and testing, I will put your name on a list of interested folks. There is still a bit to do and figure out such as materials and labor costs, and a reasonable market price. Hopefully this will all come together shortly.
Add me to the list. Also, would you be able add a couple patch reinforced panel pulls onto the tarp as well? I was out this last weekend and it was really windy and I was wishing I had panel pulls. I tried my trekking poles propped up against the inside of the tarp and while it did work I didn't like the idea of having something pushing against the tarp and stretching the material out so I removed them. Didn't do any damage to tarp and the stretched out spots sprung back to normal but long term I'm not comfortable with using the poles as I'm worried about causing permanent damage.

Add me to the list. Also, would you be able add a couple patch reinforced panel pulls onto the tarp as well? I was out this last weekend and it was really windy and I was wishing I had panel pulls. I tried my trekking poles propped up against the inside of the tarp and while it did work I didn't like the idea of having something pushing against the tarp and stretching the material out so I removed them. Didn't do any damage to tarp and the stretched out spots sprung back to normal but long term I'm not comfortable with using the poles as I'm worried about causing permanent damage.

We've not sewn pull out patches on tarps yet. I'll have to see how to properly do it and discuss it with Donna to see if that's something she wants to do. I'll PM you down the road about it.

On another note, have you seen what I did in lieu of pull out patches? I added pole pockets to my tarp and use an aluminum pole to arch the tarp. Works very well and no need for trees for pull outs.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/files/1/3/6/img_5931small_thumb.jpg (http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/showimage.php?i=3503&c=member&orderby=title&direction=ASC&imageuser=136&cutoffdate=-1)

Add me to the list as well :)
For at least The vestibule model , probably one of each.

Incredible looking work. I agree with griz and shugs comments.

I'm interested in an attatched vestibule on one end of my SpinnUL Macat, and a removable beak for the other end.

Update
The Grizz Beak has been sent to Grizz for his evaluation. He will provide some feedback after Thanksgiving.
We will offer two beak models, Basic and Vestibule. I'll work on putting together a video demonstrating the setup, features, and specifications.

Next in the lineup is the sewn-on doors following the same concepts for Basic and Vestibule.

2Q

Update
The Grizz beak made it's debut and several folks have given good reviews of it. We trust they will be a valuable addition to tarps looking to "winterize".

ZQ and I are finalizing the sewn-on door option. Thanks to AngrySparrow for being the guinea pig...or should I say his Ultra MacCat.

Stay tuned for an official announcement coming soon.

Go 2 Questions ... Go ... ! ... can't wait to see before I make a purchase ...

Go 2 Questions ... Go ... ! ... can't wait to see before I make a purchase ...

Are you now interested more in the sewn on doors versus the Grizz beak? If so, pm Angrysparrow, he may have some good pictures to show you of his Ultra.

Grizz beaks are available on our website.

Details of the sewn-on door mod are posted here (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14745). Highly recommended.

Update
Grizz beaks and sewn on doors are now available in BLACK silnylon! We have a limited quantity, so 1st come first served.