Hex Tarp vs. Straight edge tarp

**ljcsov** · 10-10-2011, 11:58

I am looking to make a big big tarp that comes in at 12x10. Is it a bad idea to just go with a rectangle shape as opposed to a hex? Or cat cut? I know a cat cut keeps a tighter pitch. Does the straight edge allow for some door action?

It is going to be to hold two hammocks side by side hanging from the same tree. So I don't want to sacrifice much coverage.

Thanks!

**BillyBob58** · 10-10-2011, 12:58

For a given length, you will have more coverage with the rectangle- and I guess a little bit more weight. Plus, you might have a wider variety of pitch styles available to you, and door action might be more doable. But taking off a little for some cat cuts is probably worthwhile. My JRB 11x10 rectangle tarp only has small cat cuts, but they are enough to give it a very tight pitch.

The only advantage I can think of to a hex is to save a little weight while maintain long enough coverage over the ridge line. Seems like most folks choose the Hex cut though.

**Redoleary** · 10-10-2011, 18:22

I gave the hex a try and didn't care for it, then went back to rectangle. I'd even go so far as to respectfully disagree with billybob and say that the benefit of a cat cut wouldn't out weigh the effort of making it. Just my 2¢. YMMV.

**BillyBob58** · 10-10-2011, 18:35

Originally Posted by Redoleary

I gave the hex a try and didn't care for it, then went back to rectangle. I'd even go so far as to respectfully disagree with billybob and say that the benefit of a cat cut wouldn't out weigh the effort of making it. Just my 2¢. YMMV.

Oh, I wouldn't know anything about the effort of making it. When I said the taking the small amount of material off for cat cuts might be worthwhile, I just mean worthwhile in terms of coverage lost, as with the minimal cat cuts that come on the "rectangular" JRB. But when it comes to making one, I know nothing.

**Redoleary** · 10-10-2011, 18:43

You're right in terms of coverage... the amount of coverage lost to the cat cuts would be negligible. I'd vote for a few more tie out points over a cat cut. That does two things, 1. gives you pitching options & 2. gives you more places to tie off and keep a tight pitch with lines vs. the cat cut, which with a tarp that size would also spread the load out a bit more between tie outs in a big wind.

**BearChaser** · 10-10-2011, 18:44

Rectangle will also allow you better full coverage in cold windy conditions. It allows you to get the entire side of the tarp down to the ground or snow. I have both cat & rectangle, my cat cut I use in warmer weather, the rectangle with doors is my cool weather rig.

**ljcsov** · 10-10-2011, 19:01

Rectangle it is. Much easier for me to make as well. Thanks guys.

**MAD777** · 10-10-2011, 20:03

You can have it both ways. Make a rectangular tarp with 4 tie-out point along each edge. Then, make a cat cut on all edges between each of the tie-outs.

I have found cat cuts in silnylon to make a huge difference in high winds. No flapping.

**galroth** · 10-12-2011, 12:34

I have an 8'x10' Walmart tarp that I have hung in an A-Frame style: 10' at the ridgeline and 4' on the sides. Would hanging it in an a-sym method offer more protection? I've been a little hesitant to try the diamond method because it seems like my feet/head would be more exposed.

**the_gr8t_waldo** · 10-12-2011, 13:42

if youre going with a rectangle, why not just buy a 12square kelly. if youre car camping the little bit of extra weight is unimportant. and if youre just experimenting with the 2hammoch,1tarp- it would be ideal with all the tie outs already sewn on..cheap too! i have seen pics on here that others have formed it into doors.