the perfect size?

**exup** · 05-29-2011, 04:51

+1 on what Wags said. Hex starps save you weight in fabrics and tie out lines and cover you in most situations. Rectangle/squares usually need 3-4 lines per side for a nice taut pitch, diamonds lack year round coverage, but your price range doesn't account for any hex's really. A rectangle or square tarp will take care of you in everything I believe. I'd say atleast 10' x 8' and I actually prefer a 10.5' - 11' ridge line length.

Options could be the pu coated equinox's, guide gear 12' x 12', chinook 12' x 14', hennessy pu coated hex, claytor 10' x 7'(I believe) or save up more because you'll probably end up buying another one soon anyway. In the mean time there's no shame in a wally worl blue tarp. Only shame is not getting out because you don't have a tarp.

**oldgringo** · 05-29-2011, 05:13

Look at this thread:
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...t=chinook+tarp

If you are limited to only one tarp, want all weather protection, and can live with the weight, this size tarp is a good solution. Sticks, hiking poles, etc under two corners will turn it into a lean-to.

**krugd** · 05-29-2011, 08:15

A 10x10 is a good size, offering enough protection to be used in all weather and still able to be vented by changing the pitch - as mentioned above.

I have used an 8 x 10 in all but the nastiest weather and found that it works well to protect me from the elements. It leaves me a little room at the ends to sit and prepare dinner in a storm. A 10 x 10 would offer a little bit more wind protection - extending an extra foot to the ground and blocking the side winds.

**Ramblinrev** · 05-29-2011, 08:25

Ok.. this is going to sound silly... but there is a good deal of seriousness in it. Go to a big box store and buy a super cheap, sleazy nasty thin plastic paint drop cloth in the size you think you might want, or a little bigger. On a nice calm wind day, or inside, pitch that drop cloth as you would the tarp. Just don't expect to get much use out of it. Then check the issues that you want to make sure work. It won't exactly match the way a tarp would fit but it should get you pretty close. and you can cut it up fwith no great loss if you want to try a different look. That way, for a couple of bucks you can have a pretty good idea what you will be getting when you get your campmor tarp. BTW... those are heavy, but I know folks who use them very successfully if weight is not your primary concern.

**Soupy** · 05-29-2011, 08:31

I use a 9X9 Tatonka polycotton that weighs almost 3lbs... so nobody here wants to know about that.

But.. it's fire resistant and doesn't crinkle.... and it weighs about a quarter of my combined sleeping bags weight.

**convertee** · 05-29-2011, 08:45

Thanks everybody! thats the kinda of help i needed. so it sounds like the rectangle setup is the way to go. turns out on the campmor site that the finish size of the 10x10 is actually 9'8" x 9'4" and the 10x12 is 9'8" x 11'10"... what would you all recommed here? or should i just go with a 9x9 diamond?

**flatline** · 05-29-2011, 08:59

Originally Posted by Catavarie

Well if your not worried about weight, and want maximum coverage for bad weather go for the 12x10 setup as a rectangle. Will allow you to pull the corners in on the ends as "storm doors" for those summer time thunderstorms that seem to appear from no where. And you can always pitch it leanto style with it folded over on itself for views in clear conditions.

The reason for so many options is that there isn't one perfect answer for everyone everytime, just a what will work best for each situation. One person might want a small cat cut Hex tarp in conditions someone else wants a BMJ.

imho,your answer can only be found through experimentation. purchase an inexpensive 10x12 poly tarp and hang it, in the backyard, as many ways as possible and see what you think. then when you have made your chose you can use your poly tarp for household needs and look into making or buying a sil nylon or what ever material.
or
just but a big, purpose built, sil tarp like a superfly or similar size/shape and rest easy that you have a very functional, multi-configuration sky shield.
i'm just sayin'

**oldgringo** · 05-29-2011, 09:00

Originally Posted by convertee

Thanks everybody! thats the kinda of help i needed. so it sounds like the rectangle setup is the way to go. turns out on the campmor site that the finish size of the 10x10 is actually 9'8" x 9'4" and the 10x12 is 9'8" x 11'10"... what would you all recommed here? or should i just go with a 9x9 diamond?

Again, if you can only own one tarp, and you want 4 season, all-weather utility from it, I recommend the 10x12. It will be too much tarp much of the time, but there will also be times when you'll be glad you have it.

**convertee** · 05-29-2011, 09:36

ive noticed nobody has said much about the diamond configuration of a 9x9 or 8x8 tarp.. is this just not a favorite of anyone? not enough protection? this is going to be a 3 season tarp i would say, but mostly for summer use up here in maine.

**Wags** · 05-29-2011, 09:41

the diamond is fine for summer, but i'd hate to be out in a 40 degree night with a sideways blowing wind and heavy rain. again, i think your best bet is a hex cut tarp. you may get an offer if you post a "WTB warbonnet big mambajamba or similar" thread in the gear swap...