Comparison: Chinook vs. Guide Gear Tarp

**schwieb** · 04-19-2010, 10:01

I have both a Chinook 12' x 9.6' and a Guide Gear 12' x 12' tarp. I had the opportunity to pitch both of them over the weekend on a car camping trip I took with my family.

My personal opinion was that the Chinook tarp was far easier to pitch and use than the Guide Gear. In fairness, I have not yet had the opportunity to add loops to the Guide Gear tarp to make it easier to pitch as a rectangle. Even so, I felt like the Chinook tarp was better made and much easier to get taught then the Guide Gear.

This is all just my opinion, but I thought it might help someone who is trying to decide which one to buy.

**BrianWillan** · 04-19-2010, 10:54

In case you weren't aware, the Chinook tarp is cat cut on each edge. It may not look like it is, but just line up the edges when folding the tarp and you will see it.

If I recall correctly, the long edges are indeed 12' but the center ridgeline length is 11'4". I can't remember what the middle length on the short side is but the ends are definitely 9'6".

Cheers

Brian

**GnomePatrol** · 04-19-2010, 14:23

Just got my 12*9'6 today and set it up. It is mammoth, just rolling the thing up was a chore. Not sure how ill pull it off in the woods but for $20 I figure it's a start.

**BrianWillan** · 04-19-2010, 17:57

Originally Posted by GnomePatrol

Just got my 12*9'6 today and set it up. It is mammoth, just rolling the thing up was a chore. Not sure how ill pull it off in the woods but for $20 I figure it's a start.

According to someone (Randy I think), a set of #4 snake skins will store this tarp more easily. Sort of the problem you get with a urethane coated ripstop polyester. But for $20 as you say, it is hard to go wrong with this tarp.

Cheers

Brian

**Randy** · 04-19-2010, 21:12

Yes size 4 HH skins fit the 12'x 9 1/2' just fine. I realy like mine.

**GnomePatrol** · 04-19-2010, 21:38

What are the specs on a #4, mainly the openings. Can't justify paying for ss that cost the same as the tarp so i think I'll try to diy it.

**tflannery** · 05-24-2010, 18:54

I really appreciate your remarks and photos on the Chinook tarp and custom ridgeline. It is very helpful to know the cat cut dimensions like the actual ridge line 11'4".

I have a double hammock by Grand Trunk and I used a 8 x 9.5 tarp from Campmor for the first time - a bear to pitch.

Chinook also has a 9'6"x9'6" but harder to find. Your thoughts about this model versus your own?

**oldgringo** · 05-24-2010, 19:19

Originally Posted by tflannery

Chinook also has a 9'6"x9'6" but harder to find. Your thoughts about this model versus your own?

I have that tarp. The 9-6 dimension is too short to adequately cover most hammocks, but I knew that going in. I hang it on the diagonal, in a diamond pitch...goes up very quickly, but so far, I've not been able to get a really taut pitch. Fortunately, this doesn't really bother me.

The downside is ridgeline length...~14 feet, which means it takes trees ~16 feet apart. This forces me to hang my hammock pretty high, which in turn, forces the tarp higher than I would like. I will most likely cut the tarp down.

**wwk10** · 03-18-2011, 09:35

Lots of post about the newly arrived Guide Gear tarps. I thought I would revive this threat as I have the Chinook 12 x 9.6 and the GG 12 x 12. I just sewed my loops on the GG and hope to soon compare the two.

What I have noticed immediately is the 12 x 12 weighs slightly less than the 12 x 9.6 and compresses considerably more in the stuff sack. The GG probably packs to half the size of the Chinook.

Does anyone know what material each is made of?

**BrianWillan** · 03-18-2011, 10:31

Originally Posted by wwk10

Does anyone know what material each is made of?

I had a Chinook 12.5' x 9.5' and recall it was made of a polyurethane coated ripstop polyester taffeta. I also found it was much better to fold and roll the tarp to get it to a reasonable size for packing.

Cheers

Brian