Tarp side panel pull outs; yes or no?

**Gideon** · 10-12-2015, 10:22

I use an HG cuben fiber tarp that has side panel pull outs. I'm looking to make a trade or I may end up buying and selling in order to get a shorter tarp. If I do, I'm toying with the idea of foregoing the side panel pullouts. I suspect they add miniscule weight but frankly, I think I've used mine only one time to actually pull out the side of the tarp to give me more room inside and even then, it really wasn't necessary. I do use them to tie back my doors but I can easily manage that in other ways.

So for those of you looking to save every gram, what's your experience been? Do you like them and have them in case you ever need them or did you get your tarp without them to really optimize the weight savings?

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts.

Thanks
Gideon

**SilvrSurfr** · 10-12-2015, 10:41

I rarely use mine. Seems like they're there more for the pole mod crowd. If it's really windy, I will rig something up to keep the tarp off me using the side panel pull-outs, but that is once in a blue moon.

I don't think I'd eliminate them, but because it's a miniscule amount of weight.

**pnyberg** · 10-12-2015, 14:54

I have the same tarp. I only use the side pull-outs in windy conditions. I'd say there's enough wind to warrant using them somewhere between 10% and 20% of the nights I spend on the trail. So it's certainly not an every night thing, but it's more than once in a blue moon. To me they're worth whatever the weight is.

--Peter

**Singingcrowsings** · 10-12-2015, 15:11

I have them and didn't use them at all last year, didn't think to use them, and quite frankly, didn't bring anything to rig it up if I did.

This year though, was the windiest year I've ever been out, and I happened to have some extra cordage. I rarely set-up out in the open so there were plenty of trees willing to help me out (no pole mod necessary), and that's when it happened.... I discovered the side-pullouts! So much room! Ha ha! But yes, with high winds they certainly do come in handy, even with a small tarp like mine.

The only thing I didn't like about it is, having them pulled out, resulted in a very loud flapping noise that isn't there when not used. Keep in mind these are extremely high winds I'm talking about. It wasn't so bad when the wind was much calmer.

Anyway, because I discovered there usefulness, I bought a couple extra fleaz from Dutch for easy deployment.

I vote 'Yes'.

**Traverson** · 10-12-2015, 19:36

Gathered end, no. Bridge, yes.

**mrjaw14** · 10-12-2015, 20:16

Yes. Have them, and use them on both my tarps, but only if its windy

**Gideon** · 10-12-2015, 21:00

Good insight; I appreciate the input folks. I've never used them in high winds but frankly I've never needed to. I'm always set up in the woods (eastern Missouri) and almost always have some cover blocking the wind. I used them once when I wanted to pitch low and tight but still wanted room on the side that I got in and out of. I wonder how much 4 of those weight?

Thanks for the input!!
Gideon

**Zombieforce** · 10-12-2015, 21:37

Can't weigh that much its cuben fiber. Would have loved some side pullouts the other night when i was pitched right up against a tree, could have given myself a bit more room had my tarp had them.

**Gideon** · 10-12-2015, 21:42

Nice vehicle Zombieforce; thanks for the thought. I'm leaning towards getting them if I end up ordering a newone. Just doesn't seem to be enough of a weight difference to deny yourself of the flexability.
Gideon

**jdr724** · 10-13-2015, 08:35

I use them fairly regularly with the winter palace but mainly on the side my head is at. This gives me enough room to sit in my hammock like a chair so my feet have enough room, in winter when dressing and undressing bulky clothing is needed.......

Both sides for heavy winds. Last night I had 30 with gusts of 45 without much cover. The tarp was wiggling and the tree movement was making the hammock sway!