What is wrong with Clark Tarps?

**Jsaults** · 01-03-2011, 12:11

This has been an interesting thread. When Clark users answer the question "what is wrong with Clark tarps?" the answer seems to be "nothing". At least as long as they are used in "average" conditions. It appears that many of us want more coverage for winter, so we just invest in a bigger & heavier tarp. The right tool for the right job.

Jim

Edtd fer splng.

**Bradley** · 01-03-2011, 12:16

Originally Posted by Jsaults

The right tool for the right jib.
Jim

I often show people a pop-rivit, then hide the rivit gun behind my back . . .

Then say install it . . . Yes with out the gun . . .

The right tool for the right Job

Jim looks you had a sailors silp of the tougne

EDIT: PS. I just ordered a Clark Tropical 2 Jungle Hammock with the standard fly,
for missionary work in Vanuatu and the Samoa Jungles
I like larger coverage, but felt that the set ups would be quick and the jungle dence,
hence the smaller tarp even though we will be there in monson season

**Bradley** · 01-03-2011, 12:37

I think to, we need to work on terminology,
and correct placement or job of each

Clark does not offer a tarp with their Hammock,
but they do offer a "Rain Fly"

I have noticed that over the years,
rain flys tend to give basic coverage over say a tent.
And little else.

A tarp is something you would hang over a camp kitchen or what have you,
so you would have major coverage, for cooking, lounging, or congregating.

Having said that, I know we don't live in a box,
and we do as we please, IE we don't open a dictionary
to correctly hang a hammock or tarp . . . or "Rain Fly"

Also, terminology is a funny thing, ie, if I ask for an apple . . .
I would not expect to be handed a pair . . . yes it is similar,
it is tasty, but it is not an apple

Just a couple of thoughts about it . . . kinda an IMO thing.

**Jsaults** · 01-03-2011, 12:46

Would an apple be as tasty if it were a pair?
Would a woman be as beautiful if she were fare?
Would a car stop as quickly if you applied the breaks?

Would my spelling be better if I were a touch-typer?

I suppose we will never no, err, know.

Jim

**Riverpirate** · 01-03-2011, 13:05

The thin line between tarps and rainflys leads me to believe they are one in the same. But you might be on to something. I have had tarps that would not protect you from the rain so maybe just those that will indeed protect you from the rain should be called rainflys.

**Jsaults** · 01-03-2011, 13:07

If you are old enough you know the next line.

Jim

**Bradley** · 01-03-2011, 13:50

Originally Posted by Jsaults

Would my spelling be better if I were a touch-typer?
Jim

I struggle with it everyday, no mater, opps, ops, matter, what I am doing . . .

Originally Posted by Riverpirate

The thin line between tarps and rainflys .

I think . . . (and I am in no position to speak for Clark),
that with the price of material and labour,
they are offering a Rain Fly that will protect you in a rainy jungle, or forest.
Whilst in the hammock . . .
If you are on the prarries or where conditions are windy or extream in other ways . . .
you will need other equipment.

it is kinda like, so far no hammock is being offered with a TQ,
some don't even have a bug net . . .

I think that, Clark's package is setting the industry standard, so to speak,
and with any hammock you can even order the Vertex Rain Fly
which is a full 44" inches wider and a foot longer than the standard Fly which is only $40 extra

44" is a lot of extra . . .

Not everybody drives a caddy,
Not everybody wears Fir,
Not everybody has a birch bark canoe/or a kevlar

Not everybody flys Lear
Not everybody stays at the Hilton,
and not everybody owns a Clark.

This is the Clark sub forum

. . . so I can say all of that with out rebuttal

Ooooh yea . . . IMO . . . right rev

**keikepono** · 03-06-2011, 23:57

the tarps are a little on the small side...and are very touchy with the bungee cords that break easily... i find it ok and im just using it as it is.

**Lorax** · 03-07-2011, 05:27

I think the coverage of the XL tarp is just fine. never any problems on 10+ day trips and some pretty rough weather.
I did, however have to seam seal mine because there was a leak where the four seams come together at the point where the tarp attaches to the hammock at the foot end. The nylon webbing had soaked it up and was wicking badly. It left a pool of water in the hammock.
I haven't heard of anyone with the same problem and just took care of it myself. Never had a problem again.

**DiscoveryDiver** · 03-07-2011, 05:55

Originally Posted by Bradley

... the Vertex Rain Fly
which is a full 44" inches wider and a foot longer than the standard Fly which is only $40 extra

44" is a lot of extra . . .

...isn't that extra 44 inches of extra width mostly all at one end...the purpose behind that design always seemed puzzling to me...as a novice and all that...