my most intense kayak storm hang

**Bender** · 07-16-2008, 20:52

Originally Posted by 4D's

I keep thinking about the make up of a resister.

Then i visualize a hammock between two trees....

The things that make you go Bzzzzzztttttt?

Glad your ok Neo.

Sure enough.

**Shadowmoss** · 07-16-2008, 21:04

Originally Posted by BillyBob58

Hey Shadow,
What piece of equipment are you describing? Is this something that someone manufactures? Or is this something home made?

It sounds like it is about the same weight as a Speer type hammock. So this is a ground cloth, plus bath tub floor plus bug net, at 18 oz?

Disclaimer: This is a ground-dwelling setup

I'm talking about a Gatewood Cape from Six Moons Designs. I'm probably going to get it to use as my top rain layer since it will keep the shoulder straps and waist belt dry too. It is used by ultra-lite folks cause it can be pitched as a shaped tarp tent using your hiking pole to hold it up. They, SMD, have now come out with a bugnet/floor setup to pitch under it which makes it a double walled tent for one person for 18 oz. It is also your rain cape. For me, I would only consider it emergency shelter in treeless situations, but with the bug net/floor only weighing in at an extra 7 oz it might be worth it... I'm definitely not ultra-lite, and I've not done any distance hiking, but I like the idea of a cape as rain gear.

http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=45
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/s...sp?id=55&bc=no

To get back on topic, neo, I'm glad you came out ok, and that you enjoyed the storm.

edited to add: Doh! you used GC to mean ground cloth, and to me GC is Gatewood Cape. That might explain why we weren't understanding each other. I thought you meant using a Gatewood Cape as a floorless tarp shelter, which is what it is by itself. sigh.

**BillyBob58** · 07-16-2008, 22:26

Originally Posted by Shadowmoss

edited to add: Doh! you used GC to mean ground cloth, and to me GC is Gatewood Cape. That might explain why we weren't understanding each other. I thought you meant using a Gatewood Cape as a floorless tarp shelter, which is what it is by itself. sigh.

Doh! on this end for sure! Thanks for the info and clarifying, SM! I may look into this GC ( as in CAPE, not the ground cloth!

)

**wnnapddl** · 07-17-2008, 00:58

That is what I am debating now, as I get ready for the 10 day BWCAW trip with boy scouts. I was thinking the new and untried rain sheet 3x4 meters would be the safe bet if we have some prolonged rain. Heck, the whole crew could probably play cards under it in a storm.....but after your experience, I wonder if the stock tarp might be enough.....and the smaller size/weight the greater benefit......what sayest thou neo, and any others with both rigs and more experience than I?

**Lone Wolf** · 07-17-2008, 07:35

I will suggest you take the bigger tarp since you will be in a canoe and the difference in weight and size is not going to have a big impact. If you were only going for a weekend, I would stick with a stock tarp. 10 days in the BW.....you never know what weather may come your way.

**Ramblinrev** · 07-17-2008, 07:42

you never know what weather may come your way.

The general rule of thumb is "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute, it will change."

**animalcontrol** · 07-17-2008, 10:25

Originally Posted by wnnapddl

That is what I am debating now, as I get ready for the 10 day BWCAW trip with boy scouts. I was thinking the new and untried rain sheet 3x4 meters would be the safe bet if we have some prolonged rain. Heck, the whole crew could probably play cards under it in a storm.....but after your experience, I wonder if the stock tarp might be enough.....and the smaller size/weight the greater benefit......what sayest thou neo, and any others with both rigs and more experience than I?

Since you are in a canoe and not backpacking, take the best coverage you can...4X3 m (I have one for sale

)
The coverage would be welcome when the rain hits for cooking, leisure or sleeping

**neo** · 07-17-2008, 10:29

Originally Posted by animalcontrol

Since you are in a canoe and not backpacking, take the best coverage you can...4X3 m (I have one for sale

)
The coverage would be welcome when the rain hits for cooking, leisure or sleeping

the 3x4 meter tarp is 13 x 10 ft.its what i call my super tarp

neo

**wnnapddl** · 07-17-2008, 16:06

We will be backpacking in a way...as we will make 25-35 portages over land during the 10 days. I did set up and sleep under the 3x4 meter tarp last night, and slept in embarrassingly late....it's quite dark under there in the woods!

**animalcontrol** · 07-18-2008, 12:17

Originally Posted by wnnapddl

We will be backpacking in a way...as we will make 25-35 portages over land during the 10 days. I did set up and sleep under the 3x4 meter tarp last night, and slept in embarrassingly late....it's quite dark under there in the woods!

Been there, done that...both the tarps and in the BWCA. IMHO, in the BWCA, 35 portages or not, it would be worth the extra 1.5 lbs for the 4x3 tarp. If you were thru hiking the AT, no. But canoeing the BWCA, yes.
Again, IMO, one of the limitations of hammocks is the lack of face to face space. In a downpour situation, and you will have these in the BWCA (unless you bribe God

), the boys will need the opportunity to do more than canoe/portage, huddle under a tarp to cook/eat and then retire to their hammocks for an extended evening. These larger tarps offer opportunities to interact (play) while enduring the weather.
Again, just my .02. I'm jealous of you getting to go while I work!