McCat Standard with SB LightHiker?

**sandykayak** · 01-31-2011, 14:12

I have BWDD lovely 10 x 12 3-seasons sil tarp in navy blue with panel tie outs. It's well made and Scott did a great job.

However, I'm looking for a smaller tarp for the LightHiker. I fancy the McCat Standard (in dark brown). The answer to Mad777's question about it working OK with the BB means it should be really good for the LightHiker that is 8" shorter than the standard Switchback.

Has anyone ordered with the panel tie-outs? Glad you did? Not necessary? I'm thinking that they are good with a large tarp, but not really necessary with the McCat Standard.

What about guy line pockets?

I use the JRB tensioners, but they do add some bulk, so would need large pockets.

I reckon that if I'm going to order a pricey item, I might as well get all the bells and whistles while I'm at it.

Any other ideas? tx

**MrTiles** · 02-02-2011, 16:50

this is weird but I have a light hiker and I have a MC Standard in SPINN on order. Also have asked Brian to add a panel tie out to each side. Brilliant minds must think alike

**KMACK** · 02-02-2011, 17:58

I have the "standard" and have yet to wish I had tie outs on it. Although it would be nice to have.

**MAD777** · 02-02-2011, 18:52

The Standard is 125" long. I wouldn't get a tarp any shorter than this for the SB.

The reason is the way the net sticks up much higher than the end of the hammock.
Therefore, the tarp has to be pitched higher than the net which puts it significantly higher than the hammock end. If rain is blowing from the end, a shorter tarp will let some in.

With hammocks like the Blackbird, the net, ridgeline, and hammock end knot are all the same height, so you can pitch a tarp right down on the net.

**pizza** · 02-02-2011, 19:12

Originally Posted by MAD777

The Standard is 125" long. I wouldn't get a tarp any shorter than this for the SB.

The reason is the way the net sticks up much higher than the end of the hammock.
Therefore, the tarp has to be pitched higher than the net which puts it significantly higher than the hammock end. If rain is blowing from the end, a shorter tarp will let some in.

With hammocks like the Blackbird, the net, ridgeline, and hammock end knot are all the same height, so you can pitch a tarp right down on the net.

Yeah, those are good points. Just my opinion but I'd step up to the MacCat Deluxe size tarp to use with your SB Light Hiker hammock just for the added height on the sides (104" vs. 84"). As mentioned, blowing rain could result in a wet hammock on the bottom if you aren't able to pitch it low enough to give adequate coverage for the bottom of the hammock.

**MrTiles** · 02-02-2011, 19:47

not to make a compromise but if you were in a storm or such, could you not just lower the bugnet ridgeline, even if it's a little closer to your face, so you could hunker the tarp down lower?

**MAD777** · 02-02-2011, 20:32

Good point MrTiles!

I'm planning to do just that. I have a DIY hex tarp that is 116" long and 59" wide.
I have set it up (no rain, it's the dry season in Florida) and I am satisfied that I can keep it sealed by dropping the bug net.

I only take this tarp as an emergency tarp when I'm not expecting rain. If rain is any real possibility, I take my larger tarp; then it's not an issue.