HH w/poncho tarp: modifications?

[jaiden]

I have a HH and a golite poncho tarp, but have been carrying the stock tarp. I'd like to carry only the poncho tarp when heavy rain isn't forecast.

The trouble is, the tarp is 4'10 (58) by 8'8" (104), which is smaller than even the stock tarp (61" by 97, asym)

The ridgeline is 100" so the 104" could theoretically be enough. Last time I was out I didn't have much time to play with it. (I really need a hammock stand) It's 119" on the diagonal, and the stock tarp is 130", but if I pitch it diagonally, the short side is REALLY short. I guess if I didn't stake out the sides much it would help but I'd feel pretty exposed.

How could this keep me dry? I was thinking of whether it would be possible to make a rain cover for one or both ends.

Ideally, I'd like a super light large cat cut poncho tarp. Perhaps with some built in way of making it not drag the ground. But apparently no such thing exists, and I have what I have.

Any ideas?

[jaiden]

hrmm, I guess someone had this idea already and called it "end caps"... how well does it work?

http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...r&imageuser=25

[headchange4u]

I have the Golite poncho tarp also and it really too short to use on my hammocks. It would be fine for keeping the dew off my setup but I know that it would fail in windy, rainy conditions.


You could add end caps like you linked to or add beaks to the poncho tarp.

[jaiden]

I have the Golite poncho tarp also and it really too short to use on my hammocks. It would be fine for keeping the dew off my setup but I know that it would fail in windy, rainy conditions.


You could add end caps like you linked to or add beaks to the poncho tarp.

Thanks for the reply.

Did you use it diagonally or not?
Do you think the ends would be the only part at risk?

[Dutch]

Just a thought that maybe you could use your pack cover as an end cap. I didn't atually work out the details, but it seems like it would be feasable.

[jaiden]

Good idea, my pack cover is my gear hammock, which is waterproof, but it would mean putting a hole in it, which I'm not sure I'd want to do. Hung this way, I might not lose its functionality, so it might be something to think about. I wonder if the designer has any opinions on it?

[slowhike]

the end covers really do help & you could design a set to fit your HH fairly easily.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...5/P2110139.JPG
but i've always wondered about the complications of using my only rain wear (poncho) as a tarp

[Peter_pan]

The extended length Poncho, like campmor has are almost identical to the early HH size tarps.... Limited, but fine, if well pitched in a sheltered site.

Pan

[ringtail-THFKAfood]

The GoLite and Campmor Ultralight Extension Poncho are the same size.

They do provide enough coverage to keep you dry, if you choose sheltered sites. In blowing rain the DWR coating on the underquilt will keep the down dry, but there will be some spray on the fabric.

I use the end cap system because sometimes I like to to choose exposed, but scenic locations. The head end cap is a SpinnSheet that is also used to stage gear for packing/unpacking. The foot end cap is a waterproof jacket. They are both secured to the RidgeLine with office binder clips.

[jaiden]

The GoLite and Campmor Ultralight Extension Poncho are the same size.

They do provide enough coverage to keep you dry, if you choose sheltered sites. In blowing rain the DWR coating on the underquilt will keep the down dry, but there will be some spray on the fabric.

I use the end cap system because sometimes I like to to choose exposed, but scenic locations. The head end cap is a SpinnSheet that is also used to stage gear for packing/unpacking. The foot end cap is a waterproof jacket. They are both secured to the RidgeLine with office binder clips.

Thanks for the reply... Do you pitch it diagonally or parallel to the ridgeline?