going to ground in a Maccat

[stevebo]

If you need to go to ground, are there different ways to set up a Maccat, or do you just set it up like you would if you were using a hammock?

[Nest]

The two ways i did it was either pitch it like you would over a hammock. Tie it about mid thigh high to two trees, then pull out the sides and stake it down. My favorite way was to get a stick about 3 feet high and use it to prop up one end in the middle. Then I staked down all four corners. So it was open in the front, and the back end went all the way to the ground. A lot better in bad weather because you can put the back end to the wind and not get wet.

[JayS]

Don't know the MacCat well but have another tarp similar to it. You usually set the tarp lower to the ground so the side gives a good wind break if cool. You can pitch it higher for warm temps so you do get a breeze but are protected from rain. Often hiking poles are used at each end instead of running the ridgeline to trees - either use the poles at the tarp itself, which turns the ridgeline cord into stake out line, or set the poles a foot or two out from the tarp apex and run the line to the pole and then down to a stake. Basically, you're making an A Frame type shelter.

A MacCat would probably work pitched to the ground on one side but straight out, porch style, on the other. You would need to use your poles plus sticks or trees to pitch it like this.

[lori]

You can pitch it in a wedge or flying diamond as well. On the bottom of the blackcat DIY instructions there are a variety of ground pitches that work well with the MacCat cat tarps.