I've pretty much decided on an HH Explorer UL. What is y'all's experience with the standard tarp? Or do you recommend the Hex?
I've pretty much decided on an HH Explorer UL. What is y'all's experience with the standard tarp? Or do you recommend the Hex?
No brainer - get the Hex.
Hex has more coverage but the standard is lighter.
Both will keep you dry if set up right for the situation you are in.
My DIY Pulk Project
http://www.landofrath.com/?p=573
If you would like a place to sit and hang out in a large downpour while cooking and still be able to look around outside I would get the Hex. If that's not as important to you the stock tarp will work, but if the weather turns bad you will have to close it up (Tighter to the hammock) to stay reliably dry. Both work just fine. I used the stock tarp for quite a while here in the PNW and never got wet.
I have moved onto a even larger tarp most of the time now days.
I prefer being able to have a friend hang out and chat when in storms and my tarp is big enough that if I had to go to ground I could easily fit under it without issues.
My DIY Pulk Project
http://www.landofrath.com/?p=573
I have an expedition with stock tarp, and I do kind of wish I had a larger tarp for a little more room. With that said, I've never had a problem staying dry with the stock tarp... and I do like that I only have to stake two points.
Coverage. Where I live, rain (or any other precipitation) doesn't fall vertically very often. There's this thing called wind that makes precipitation sometimes move horizontally or diagonally. The stock Hennessy tarp, in my experience,
just doesn't provide the coverage for that. Sure, you can ratchet down the stock tarp till it's all in your face, but it still won't keep you dry.
The Hex will provide infinitely more coverage. However, if the rain in Texas (or wherever you're camping) always falls vertically, then ignore my advice.
I have the standard. Never used the Hex, but I think I would like it better. There have been nights I would of like to be tucked-in a lttle better than I was able to be with the standard tarp. That said, I am thankful for what I do have!
My brother and I used the ASym tarp happily for 5 years, including through hurricane Hannah in 2009, with no complaints.
The next year, tropical typhoon Nicole brought 40 mile-per-hour horizontal gusts of rain, and we got wet. Last year we got the hex flys, and feel safer (but of course, you rarely get a hurricane to test it in). To us, it's worth the extra weight, even if no rain is in the forecast.
I just ordered the HH Explorer Deluxe with Hex fly. Now I have to wait.
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