A Tale of Tarps - A Water Monkey Progression

**Raul Perez** · 10-01-2011, 16:54

So I've been through a lot of tarps the past 3 years trying to zero in on the tarp for me. Some can get away with smaller tarps others still need them big. Here is my progression and my experiences with each one:

http://watermonkey.net/2011/10/01/a-...y-progression/

Hope you like it!

Raul
(Water Monkey)

**angrysparrow** · 10-01-2011, 17:07

Interesting article.

You should make a note and update the article in another year. Perhaps use your OES (without doors) in some winter conditions along with the HG. It's amazing how that a relatively small tarp can work well in those conditions if it's pitched properly.

Also, you note the D-rings on the OES tarp in the article. I just cut mine off the Cuben version with some wire pliers. I now secure the tie-outs directly to the tarp's webbing loop at the corner, and find the d-rings aren't needed. You might consider that too, considering the overall weight of the tarp vs the rings.

**Callahan** · 10-01-2011, 18:29

Great article Raul! Am thinking of upgrading to a cuben tarp...love my Superfly, but it is a bit heavy...hmmm, its like the Hammock Gear cuben keeps calling out to me!

Cheers

**bloomgorge** · 10-01-2011, 18:38

i really like how the site if coming and the depth of information. i also down size if tarps from HH sil to OES maccat deluxe and loosing the material only benefited in weight savings and i've been dry since. i was nervous at first but 6oz lighter is really nice.

good stuff raul

**beep** · 10-01-2011, 20:11

Nice "rolling" review of tarps. I notice that all of them "worked" as designed, and that you were very clear about positives and negatives. 'Nother good job, Raul!

**Roadtorque** · 10-01-2011, 20:39

I agree, that was nice to see a "rolling" review of tarps. I have a huge tarp 14X10, it was my first tarp and has a ton of coverage. I do want a smaller lighter tarp but dont want to go too small. For some reason I've never considered having a winter and summer tarp. I'll have to look into that!

**nothermark** · 10-01-2011, 20:45

Nice writeup. Thanks.

Seems to me there is no "perfect" tarp like there is no perfect canoe or perfect ski or perfect any other piece of gear that has a wide range of conditions to operate under. What folks can do is acquire the knowledge of how to use what they have to the best of it's capability while developing the knowledge of what to choose for the expected conditions of a given trip. Part of the fun is using different gear to see what happens and learn how the tradeoffs fit individual style.

**Roadtorque** · 10-01-2011, 20:54

Now I'm curious what the smallest tarp one could get away with for the blackbird hammock for 3 seasons? I was just one the OES site and the macCat micro seems pretty small but doable (10'x5' (120"x60")). If it were available in Cuban fiber it would almost weight nothing!

**Catavarie** · 10-01-2011, 20:56

Another great write up WM.

Roadtorque: I'd personally be afraid to try a 5' wide tarp, but I'm likely just paranoid,I'msure someone on here has successfully used one to keep themselves and all their gear completely dry in a rain storm. But for me I think 7' would be the narrowest I'd be willing to go.

**Bigbaby** · 10-01-2011, 22:01

Originally Posted by Callahan

Great article Raul! Am thinking of upgrading to a cuben tarp...love my Superfly, but it is a bit heavy...hmmm, its like the Hammock Gear cuben keeps calling out to me!

Cheers

Too bad we can't get a superfly made out of cuben fiber.