First Tarp

[NHWhites]

New to the hammock scene but I've been reading/learning a lot from this forum. I'm looking for my first tarp and would like suggestions. It will be for an 11' hammock and I usually don't camp in the rain and won't be camping in winter. Should I try a DIY for a first tarp, go with a WB Edge (or similar), or go full out and get what I really want which would be a CF tarp. Weight is a consideration as I would ultimately like to reduce or at least not exceed my current tent weight of 2.5 lbs. I know a reasonable thing to do would be to dip my toes in to see what I like before diving head first, but I know that I really want a CF tarp and will ultimately get there so should I just skip the middle part and jump into the deep end?

[Monkeyboy42]

Well if you don't plan on camping in the rain much you could get by with an asym tarp. Hammock gear makes a cuben fiber for something like $165 or so. It only weighs 4.3oz reviews are positive.

Why carry a big tarp if you don't have to? Why get two tarps? Get what you want straight off if you. An afford it?

http://www.hammockgear.com/cuben-fib...metrical-tarp/

[barbermike]

If it's really what you want then go ahead and buy it. I find when I compromise I usually end up buying what I really wanted at a later point. Personally just purchased an OES MacCat Deluxe(in stock) and had it delivered in 3 days. Weight is about 12oz before suspension of your choice. Personally for me here in Tennessee a tarp is a must. Even though I avoid camping in storms I know are coming. You can never ever really rule out the potential pop up in the afternoon or middle of the night. I've been stuck in plenty of those pop ups and been very happy to have a tarp. Tarps are also good for holding in a little extra heat or blocking wind on those chilly nights.

[NHWhites]

I hear you on buying what you want the first time around. I've also learned to buy quality the first time. Storms definitely pop up in the mountains of NH. Every time I think of leaving the rainfly off/at home, a storm always comes through at night

[NHWhites]

Well that was quick lol. I just bought a HG CF Hex tarp. I knew I would keep 'upgrading' until I eventually got to this point. I might add the CF sleeve at a later point

[barbermike]

Well that was quick lol. I just bought a HG CF Hex tarp. I knew I would keep 'upgrading' until I eventually got to this point. I might add the CF sleeve at a later point

haha well done sir! you shall not regret it. just don't let those little floating embers get to it.

[Monkeyboy42]

Good choice!

[NHWhites]

haha well done sir! you shall not regret it. just don't let those little floating embers get to it.

I learned that lesson with my tent. My @sshole friend decided to throw branches full of pine needles on the fire after I repeatedly told him not to since th embers were all flying towards my tent. Luckily the holes were small and I was able to seal them up...but it was also my first night in my new tent.