MacCat Standard

**exup** · 03-09-2011, 08:55

So I recntly received my new al black maccat standard. I currently have a super fly but wanted something a bit lighter for 3 season, which will be most of my camping. I received it very quickly and dealing with Brian was great! Surely some of the best customer service that I've ever received. The tarp is built great.

I must say I believe this tarp is the perfect size for 3 season camping. Just enough, if pitched low enough to completely cover the sides of your hammock for wind protect. I also had him put pannel pullouts on each side, which I though was overly rediculous seeing how the standard is a fairly small tarp, but figured it couldn't hurt to have them. While set up in very windy conditions, these pulls kept the tarp off of me and just gave more wind security. The pictures below were taken with my phone so I apologize if they're of low quality.

One question to you standard owners. Have you ever had issues with rain, or wind blown rain coming in from the steep cat cuts coming from the ridge to the side?

**Syb** · 03-09-2011, 09:16

****, that Brian makes some good stuff! I just know you're going to enjoy that tarp.

**Cannibal** · 03-09-2011, 09:24

Originally Posted by thexuprising

One question to you standard owners. Have you ever had issues with rain, or wind blown rain coming in from the steep cat cuts coming from the ridge to the side?

Not when I knew the weather was coming.

I rode out a couple of large storms in NY on the AT without much issue. I did get a little bit of splash on my UQ on one particularly bad night, but it wasn't more than a light mist that the DWR easily shed away. In all honesty, I could have picked a better site that night too. I was fairly exposed, so I got no assistance from the landscape. It stormed for 4 nights and that was the only night I noticed any kind of moisture where it shouldn't be. I have Deluxe thru Micro sized MacCats and I'm pretty sure the Standard is my favorite. As Goldilocks would say "Just right".

**bear bag hanger** · 03-09-2011, 10:17

I have had issues with rain on my MacCat Deluxe, which is why it's been replaced with a SpinnTex 8X10 rectangular OES tarp. I can now use the two inner tieouts and use the corners of the tarp to shed rain a little better. Full doors would be even better, but heavier.

**exup** · 03-09-2011, 10:49

Thanks guys. I can see where heavy winded rain could be an issue with all hex shaped cat tarps. Ill just have to make sure I pick a decent site when rain is expected or just bring the superfly. I can't wait to give the standard a try in heavy rains.

Bear bag, what kind of hammock are you using under the 10' x 8'? I love the versatility of the rectangle with the amount a pitching options.

Cannibal, glad to hear the standard may be your favorite. I feel like it'll do great in all but the worst weather, which were my intentions. Intially I was going to get the micro but opted for more coverage. Now seeing a friends micro under rain all night being perfectly sufficent I will deffiently get one in the future. I'm still happy with the standard though. Only less than 3 ounces more for some additional coverage.

**myles to go** · 03-09-2011, 10:52

I'v used my standard in some really heavy rain with great success. If the wind direction is steady from one side that makes it easier to decide which way to pitch but when it's pitch tight so you almost need to slide into to hammock you could weather all storms. I made this one door/wing to help out on the nights that the wind might change and come into one of my corners. It will clip onto any of the for corners and is easy to change if the weather changes.

**exup** · 03-09-2011, 14:36

Nice myles! I love the wing. I may just have to attempt to make some of those. I'm sure ill mess it up though

**pig.slayer** · 03-09-2011, 17:29

I've done the same thing with a small wing/door.
I only carry one, it only weigh's about 32 grams in sil with cords etc.
Used it once when the wind was swirly and raining.
I think side coverage is great and for normal weather/rain etc. the standard is the poo.
Only area for concern for me is the where the footbox of my WBBB hangs out the side a little.
Still even before I had the door I'd hadn't ever been wet or damp.
Great little tarp

**myles to go** · 03-09-2011, 17:41

Originally Posted by pig.slayer

I've done the same thing with a small wing/door.
I only carry one, it only weigh's about 32 grams in sil with cords etc.
Used it once when the wind was swirly and raining.
I think side coverage is great and for normal weather/rain etc. the standard is the poo.
Only area for concern for me is the where the footbox of my WBBB hangs out the side a little.
Still even before I had the door I'd hadn't ever been wet or damp.
Great little tarp

Pig.slayer do you have any pics of the wing/door you made?

**Take-a-knee** · 03-09-2011, 18:01

Originally Posted by bear bag hanger

I have had issues with rain on my MacCat Deluxe, which is why it's been replaced with a SpinnTex 8X10 rectangular OES tarp. I can now use the two inner tieouts and use the corners of the tarp to shed rain a little better. Full doors would be even better, but heavier.

I had the wind shift 90 on me one WINDY rainy night, blowing straight in the head end of my Macat DLX. Both me and my JRB UQ stayed dry. IMO, the only reason for doors and or a winter tarp is warmth.