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  1. #1
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    Rectangular Tarp

    What are the pros and cons of a 8x10 flat tarp for hammocking? I have one and I'd like to know how it would perform. Thanks

  2. #2
    Senior Member hutzelbein's Avatar
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    Pros and cons compared to what? To a cat-cut tarp?

    Cat-cuts save you weight by eliminating fabric that does little for hammock coverage. They are supposedly easier to keep taut (I can't compare because I only have cat-cut tarps). Rectangular tarps can offer more versatility, if they come with enough tie-outs. You can improvise doors, which doesn't work so well with a cat-cut tarp. They are heavier, though. I prefer to use cat-cut tarps made with a specific season in mind to save weight.

  3. #3
    SilvrSurfr's Avatar
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    An 8 x 10 is kinda small for hammock camping - you'll want to stay away from 11 ft. hammocks. Stick with 10 ft. or smaller hammocks if you want to stay dry.
    "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." Ralph Waldo Emerson

  4. #4
    dakotaross's Avatar
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    You can really tighten up a cat cut tarp and while it will still lose some tension, it will remain drum-like longer than a rectangle tarp. You don't have to have your tarp strung up like a drum, and if you don't care about that, then a rectangle tarp is fine. Almost impossible to get them to remain taut, though, and that can lead to flapping noise during the night.

    Note that this is the primary benefit of cat cut tarps. Given the same stake out point dimensions, yes, you save weight, too.
    "I wonder if anyone else has an ear so tuned and sharpened as I have, to detect the music, not of the spheres, but of earth, subtleties of major and minor chord that the wind strikes upon the tree branches. Have you ever heard the earth breathe... ?"
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  5. #5
    Senior Member pgibson's Avatar
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    A rectangular tarp will work. The size though that you listed is on the smallish size for a hammock of much length. Hanging it on the diamond angle rather than strait will give you more length to work with over a hammock. As mentioned the Hex shape that many tarps are will cut weight, pitch tighter and provide more potential length for the ridge line run of the hammock.

    Take a look at this graphic on tarp styles:



    A rectangle pitched off angle will give you something kinda between the asym and the diamond for coverage.
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  6. #6
    Senior Member Oms's Avatar
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    I've had and used one for years. They work just fine. No problem closing off the doors. Believe I have a couple of pics in my info.

  7. #7
    New Member
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    im in the process of purchasing a cuben fiber 9 x 7 tarp to tie diagonally and was wondering if that would be sufficient coverage for a HH ultralight backpacker, and also will it be able to get taut ok? i think it will just about do and also be a massive amount better than the hankerchief tarp that comes with the hennessy which is basically an asym 8 x 5 tarp, any thoughts would be great thanks in advance

  8. #8
    Member Mic's Avatar
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    Here's a link to find the diagonal of a rectangle. I use an 8x10 heavy duty tarp in my back yard as a semi permanent setup with my 11' hammock. Obviously not for backpacking. Plenty of coverage as it's 12.8 feet diagonal length.

    http://www.mathopenref.com/common/ap...wid=600&ht=300
    There's no excuse for laziness...

    but, if you find one, let me know.

  9. #9
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    @Mic thanks for that yes my 9x7 tarp will give me just over 11 foot coverage for my HH which should be fine for nearly all weather here in the UK (i do hope so anyway)

  10. #10
    Senior Member Monkeyboy42's Avatar
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    As said it is totally functional. If you have a 10' hammock you can set it up as an Aframe. If your hammock is longer you're probably stuck in the asym/diamond config. Either way you can get it tight enough. In the diamond rig it may bunch and wrinkle on the ridgeline a bit.

    I use an 11x10 silpoly rectangle, and I don't miss the cat cuts. It pitches nice and taut.

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