First time outside in a Claytor

[BillyBob58]

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There are tradeoffs with all this and you do give up some things with a diamond shaped tarp that only needs two stakes.

Yep, no doubt about it. Which is probably why, even though I know I can get by with either the Claytor tarp or even the smaller HH tarp attached to the suspension and RL right up against the tarp, I tend to always choose a larger tarp with 4 or more stakes. It just seems more stable in wind, and gives more living space, and closes off better to block wind. And with a rectangular tarp like the JRB ( or SWT or others), being close to the RL does not seem to be needed near as much. So I can pitch high enough to stand up, but have my hammock still fairly low to the ground, which I prefer. On a recent trip, in a blowing storm, I was sitting in my hammock under my JRB tarp, while two friends were sitting on the ground, while we discussed our predicament. And all were bone dry. And I think I once had 4 of us under my MacCat Deluxe, pitched with a big awning, but with only mild rain. But of course all of this luxury and increased security costs more and weighs more and takes more room in the pack and needs more stakes. But that is the route I usually choose these days.

So, pros and cons and personal pref.

[neo]

I put the hammock outside for the first time. Everything was good but then a giant storm hit with massive windblown rain. After a couple of hours the bottom right side of the hammock was soaked. The stock tarp was just overwhelmed.


I am leaving it up to see what happens by morning. I doubt it will be in one piece

i have hung in claytor in brutal storms many times and never got wet,i choose my site carefully in wind driven rain,i never camp in the open,i camp were i am out of the wind,plus it also depends how you hang your tarp,i never use my net spreaders and i hang my tarp lower aand more spread out.neo

[neo]

Is it a Jungle hammock? I thought they had waterproof bottoms? Neo has been through many severe storms with his jungle and diamond tarp and has always stayed dry, I beieve. Is that right, Neo?

i love hanging in stormy weather in my claytor jungle,it rocks,the outer layer on the claytor jungle is water proofneo

[BillyBob58]

i love hanging in stormy weather in my claytor jungle,it rocks,the outer layer on the claytor jungle is water proofneo

That is with the Claytor camo DIAMOND shape tarp, right?

[BillyBob58]

Is it a Jungle hammock? I thought they had waterproof bottoms? ................

I just put this to the test. I turned mine upside down so that the "waterproof" bottom was on top, with the net side down. I poured i/2 large glass of water in there, and left it for about 15 minutes. It soaked right through. So, NO, mine does not have a bottom that even approaches waterproof.

[canoebie]

I just put this to the test. I turned mine upside down so that the "waterproof" bottom was on top, with the net side down. I poured i/2 large glass of water in there, and left it for about 15 minutes. It soaked right through. So, NO, mine does not have a bottom that even approaches waterproof.

I am with you on this, my claytor is not waterproof and frankly I would prefer that because any condensate can escape underneath. I am using an underquilt now and the breathability is key to staying warm and dry.

My stock tarp has always worked even through some pretty nasty stuff. I am also with Neo on site selection. There are lots of protected areas in our north woods area.

[neo]

That is with the Claytor camo DIAMOND shape tarp, right?

yep the claytor diamond tarpneo

[hacktorious]

one point relative to the Claytor bug nets.... You do not have to use a spreader bar....Not using them in stormy weather will allow the tarp sides to be drawn in more protectively.... Doopy bug nets still work fine.

Pan

Yes, in bad weather, it is much better without them. Otherwise, they rub against the tarp, and cause it to be more opened.

[dually]

"IF" no bugs, the claytor can be flipped 180 (net on bottom out of the way) with no change in hang/sleep comfort.