What size tarp do you prefer and why?

[OrangePeel]

Many, many thanks for all of the replies, guys. The Superfly is currently at the top of my list. It seems to be the best bang for the buck for sure. I think I'll probably start there and go smaller after experience proves my desires. I'm not a gram counter, so I don't mind a few extra ounces. Owl, much like you, I believe it would be well worth it when that storm starts brewing to have those doors.

Brandon

[kayak karl]

11-9 cuben. had it made by z-pack designed after the 11-10 from JRB a few years back.

[Redoleary]

I like an 11x10. Its a very versatile tarp.

[swa0210]

I can only afford to have one tarp so I like a larger tarp and have a 10x10. It gives me more coverage in the summer from the sun and I just used in a 32 degree night with winds and I was able to pitch it closer to the ground and fold in the corners to create a barrier that kept the wind off of me.

Maybe when I get more experience and money, I might look at getting different sizes. But since I'm not looking to be an ultralight backpacker, the extra weight of the large tarp is negligible to me for the versatility it allows

[awilder]

Superfly is a great choice and gets a lot of praise here. I have the Maccat deluxe and it has always provided enough coverage, even in heavy downpours.

[HamMike]

Hey Brandon, Ya can't go wrong with a superfly. My favorite configuration is porch mode with the doors pulled to the inside and secured. If it gets windy I just get up pull my poles in and snug up the lines from underneath the tarp. I have pussics larksheaded on the tieouts. As for the doors I have prussics on those tieouts too and SS Sbiners on the end of the line to clip onto the opposite corner. That's all if I anticipate rain or if it's unpredictable. Otherwise I have really been enjoyin my HammockGear Hex Cuban. Sooooo light! If I had the dough I'd have a HammockGear winter palace too. You might want to check out Campmor.com for the Equinox PU coated tarp 12X10. It was my first tarp and was great coverage except for the weight. I still have it. It was only around $40. Here are some pics. The green one is the Equinox, brown the Superfly, and the sexy Cuban Hex speaks for itself!

[Catavarie]

My current favorite is my 11 x 8 hex DIY tarp. A good pitch keeps me out of the wind and it gives plenty of space, especially in porch mode. If a storm blows up in the night and I have to drop to A Frame pitch I can reach both of my poles without having to fully wake up or even get out of the hammock. Self tensioning guy lines means I don't have to restake when dropping the poles either.

Of course with Winter starting to setting in, I'll probably end up using my 12 x 12 tarp quite a bit more till it begins to warm up since having doors when the wind is bitter cold is a wonderful thing.

[Borday]

I picked up a superfly cause down here in Ga. when it rains it usually comes down in buckets, BIG buckets.

[OrangePeel]

Thanks again for the replies, everyone. I'm probably going to go with a Superfly, I think. I really like the idea of maybe taking a smaller one and just pitching it tightly down in storms and what not, but I love the idea of having all of the extra room the Superfly would offer, especially since some trips will be with ground dwellers and I'm fairly positive they'd rather be under a tarp than in a tent.

Brandon

[SilvrSurfr]

I may have my priorities misplaced, but this is where I spend my money. I want the most coverage for the least amount of weight, and only one tarp fits that description: the HG Cuben Fiber Winter Palace. It's got a 10 ft. 10" ridgeline, and it's 10 ft., 7 inches wide. It's the last tarp you'll ever buy.

At 8.5 ounces, the only tarps that are lighter are Cuben Fiber with less coverage. While I own an HG 4S CF tarp, I've had my eyes on the increased coverage of the Winter Palace for some time. The additional 2 ounces don't bother me 'cause I know that I have a true 4-season tarp, that can take me through any weather I choose.

At $395, it's expensive, but you won't ever need another tarp.