A loaded question about tarps?

Hi it's me again, I would like to thank every one who has posted on recent threads to answer my newb questions. I have noticed from reading other threads that when people ask questions "what would be the best...?" it really lights a powder keg of good info, and friendly disagrement. So here goes a fuse;
What would be the best tarp for summer camping? The perameters;
1. must be as light as possible (of course).
2. must be as durable as possible (of course).
3. (now the kicker) Because I've already spent too much already on stuff* It needs to be as cost effective as possible.

* I first bought a Skeeter Beater Pro. I liked it for sleeping in but it's hard to get out of and it has ripped twice. But it told me some stuff I needed to know like, I can comfortalby sleep in a hammock, I don't like chasing a thermarest around my hammock all night long and I need a stronger hammock. So I ordered a WBBB and a JRB UQ (hence, now I needed to count my pennies).

The tarp I need now would be for warm summer time trips were I could stand to get a little damp with no great concern so I'm willing to trade more coverage for less weight. I'm planning on buying a larger tarp later on for colder weather camping anyways. Would this be a good tarp for now? http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=550935

I'm not sure if this thread should be here or in the gear section so forgive me. After all I'm a junior member:confused:

I think campmor has kelty noah 10 x 10 for around 50 bucks. But , there is always the walmart blue tarp. 8 x 10 gives me plenty of coverage, and costs about 10 bucks. as far as the sportsmanguide tarp, I think neo uses one.

7 x 9 is kind of small, but it will work. Nice camo for stealthing it. CAUTION> Grommets fail. Add webbing loops as soon as possible... grommets seem to fail at 3::oo, during the storm..Re-inforce tarp fabric at tie out points. Pitch it close to your hammock for a better seal if your expecting rain, and if its wind driven rain wrap your poncho around you, or rig poncho to guy lines. The poncho trick should cover any thing that might get wet. Again, nice camo. I LOVE CAMO.

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Originally Posted by Beast 71

'm willing to trade more coverage for less weight. [...snip...] Would this be a good tarp for now? http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=550935

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At 1 pound 5 ounces for a 7X9 foot tarp I would say you are making an extremely bad trade. Chack around the forums and see if someone has an HH Stock tarp they want to unload. You may get it cheaper but it will certainly be lighter. IMO if you are looking for the best cost effectiveness you would be better off springing the cash for a larger tarp now that comes in under the weight of that beastie. Unfortunately the equation can be rendered lighter weight = more money. How you balance that out is of course up to you. But if weight is your primary concern ... I think that's too heavy of the coverage it supplies.

Ask around for a used JRB 8x8......should go for $50-70..... Great coverage.... 9 oz.

Pan

Check these out http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet...helter%3ATarps. A little on the heavier side, but not too bad. Webbibg instead of grommets. Price is reasonable.

Ramblinrev hit it on the head with a used HH hex tarp. Light, enough coverage (for some), will weather a storm, and cheap. I think I sold mine for $30. Can't go wrong at that price.

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Originally Posted by Oms

Ramblinrev hit it on the head with a used HH hex tarp. Light, enough coverage (for some), will weather a storm, and cheap. I think I sold mine for $30. Can't go wrong at that price.

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Hex or stock? For weight savings I would go with the stock plus that's what lots of HH folks want to get rid of...

How about a Diamond Rain Fly from Claytor? 1.2 lbs, CAMO, and $50 shipped

If anyone comes by a JRB 8x8, let me know. I'm using the HH Hex right now but would like a nice "summer" tarp to use for warmer weather.

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Originally Posted by Peter_pan

Ask around for a used JRB 8x8......should go for $50-70..... Great coverage.... 9 oz.

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Originally Posted by sbmcghee

If anyone comes by a JRB 8x8, let me know. I'm using the HH Hex right now but would like a nice "summer" tarp to use for warmer weather.

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That is actually a really good size for a summer tarp. I got to hang under one with my BlackBird at Trail Days during a night of rain and it was the perfect amount of coverage.

I don't know if you guys have a supplier over there but the new DD tarps are excellent value;

3m x 3m 650 gms is $68 shipped to the US

3m x 4.5m 980 gms is $82 shipped to the US

Heres a link to their website, and heres a link to a recent review on BCUK, not connected, in fact I'm not to enamoured with the newest hammock, I like my older design better, but the new tarps, are very good.

Cheers

Stephen

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Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

Hex or stock? For weight savings I would go with the stock plus that's what lots of HH folks want to get rid of...

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I thought the hex was the stock tarp. Your right, the stock tarp is the one everyone sells. There is always one popping up for sale. Post in the "buying forum".

I'm looking at yhe MacCat Micro the size is 120"X60", the weight is 7.4 oz and the price is $65. Is this large enough to cover a WBBB for most situations or, for $30 more would I be better off with a MacCat Standard at 125"X84" and 10.2 oz?

The deluxe is perfect for the BB, good coverage on each end. The Micro is too small. The regular will be just big enough.

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Originally Posted by Beast 71

I'm looking at yhe MacCat Micro the size is 120"X60", the weight is 7.4 oz and the price is $65. Is this large enough to cover a WBBB for most situations or, for $30 more would I be better off with a MacCat Standard at 125"X84" and 10.2 oz?

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Hey Beast .... I would get the MacCat Deluxe ..... you don't want to scrimp on tarps as they are your shelter. Rule of survival ...shelter first! Not much more weight over the Standard and more cover ... ie ... shade, cooking space, rain/wind protection. Ya' never know in those Minnesota woods.
You do not want rain to run into your BB for the sake of saving a few ounces ...no my man, no!
That is my humble and true opinion.
Have fun and get on into the piney woods!!!
Shug

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Originally Posted by Beast 71

I'm looking at yhe MacCat Micro the size is 120"X60", the weight is 7.4 oz and the price is $65. Is this large enough to cover a WBBB for most situations or, for $30 more would I be better off with a MacCat Standard at 125"X84" and 10.2 oz?

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Well, that depends.;)

The Micro is really tiny; really tiny. However, it can be made to work with the massive Blackbird if your gear mix allows it. I recently discovered that I can use one with my Blackbird. I'll be the first to admit I was amazed.

First of all, I use a torso length UQ. If I used a full length, I wouldn't do it. The Micro has a hair longer ridgeline than the BB ridgeline...a hair! But, by making use of my BishopBag on the foot-end of the hammock and using my Packa at the head-end of the hammock as rain blocks, I'm well covered. I've tried this in one storm just for fun (a friend out here has a Micro, I do not) and stayed perfectly dry. I didn't sleep real well because I was worried all night, but the next time I think I'll sleep just fine.

The standard is a pretty easy fit, but again, the BishopBag at the foot-end gives me great comfort and peace of mind. The Deluxe is stupid simple and almost foolproof. I usually suggest the Deluxe when folks ask, but if you're looking strictly at weight savings go with the Standard. If you're delusional and counting every gram, you could go with the Micro. Not that I've considered one in Spinn or anything. :rolleyes::D

Again, if I was using a full-length UQ I would not be comfortable using the Standard and no way I would use a Micro. Using a BishopBag is certainly helpful and comforting with the Standard and the carrying of a poncho of some kind in addition to the BishopBag is about the only way a Micro would work with a BB. It's all about how well your gear plays with others. :D

Just another idea here...