So Many Tarps!

**DocBurN** · 03-04-2010, 07:27

My blackbird will be here soon and never bought any tarp yet.. and there is so many choices out there,

How can you choose between so many tarps when its basically just a piece of water-proof fabric with different size.. maccat deluxe, winter dream, DIY, claytor diamond.. most are over 100$..

im lost here.. and any suggestion is welcome

what do you base your decision on beside the size? (and i dont build an SUL kit or an UL kit..)

**H. Hastings** · 03-04-2010, 07:51

I base any gear decision on the following criteria: does it match my style of camping, what is the cost, what is the cost/effort in making it myself (and do I want to be bothered!), and most importantly - what is the reputation of the company/individual making the gear?

I think any of the choices you listed would be fine. Pick one, try it out and see what happens. If you're not completely satisfied, sell it off and try another. You may even find that you want different tarps for different situation (winter vs summer, etc.).

**oldgringo** · 03-04-2010, 07:59

What do you want it to do?

**SmokeHouse** · 03-04-2010, 08:12

You can buy one or make one. Over all, I prefer a tarp that has some sort of end closing at least on one end for the blowing rain.

**Quoddy** · 03-04-2010, 08:19

There's a good reason that the MacCat Deluxe is so popular.... quality made and good coverage. If I had to choose just one from those that I have, the Deluxe would be it.

**Hawk-eye** · 03-04-2010, 08:25

Originally Posted by DocBurN

My blackbird will be here soon and never bought any tarp yet.. and there is so many choices out there,

How can you choose between so many tarps when its basically just a piece of water-proof fabric with different size.. maccat deluxe, winter dream, DIY, claytor diamond.. most are over 100$..

im lost here.. and any suggestion is welcome

what do you base your decision on beside the size? (and i dont build an SUL kit or an UL kit..)

Then go to Campmor.com and get you a 10x12 ... or 10x8 Equinox sil nylon tarp ... rectangular but work just fine and both below 100 USD. I have the 12x12 and the 10x8 but the tarp I use is the 10x12 and I can close both ends if I want as it is ... but soon to be equipped with Grizz Beaks

**Shug** · 03-04-2010, 08:36

Coverage .... more or less .... depending on season is one of my reasons.
That gets into weight.
Some folks it is color.
Do you want side pull-outs or not?
doors, flaps or wide open?
Think about ridgeline length for end to end hammock coverage.
How many tie out points.
Silnylon, Spintex, coated nylon?
I got some vidoes on tarps under "General Hammock Talk". It is a series called "Hammock-How-To" ...
Tarp Rap.

Might give you some ideas.
Shug

**Just Jeff** · 03-04-2010, 08:41

Some kind of end covering is nice if you want to really block the wind (i.e. in winter), or if you really like privacy. But it restricts ventilation and views. Which are most important to you?

I almost always take my MacCat Standard for 3 seasons. I have the JRB 11x10 for winter, and find that I can pitch it for a pretty good mix of views and wind protection...but the "doors" don't fully close like some of the other models out there. It's also tons of room for hanging two hammocks under in summertime.

So like the others said...there are so many options b/c there are so many camping styles. It's all personal preference.

**cavscout** · 03-04-2010, 09:19

Here's a thread with a my comparison chart. The square footages shown don't account for cat cut dimensions but are close enough for me to compare general sizes.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...highlight=tarp

**Kerflop** · 03-04-2010, 09:55

I have a 10x10 and a 10x12 tarp from Gear Guide. They are diamond style, but I have had them in a number of different configs, including closed ends to block wind. And they are only around the $30 range. Now, they are a bit heavier than some of the others above. I plan on replacing them with on of Scott Littlefields designs, which look great.