What is your "Go To Tarp" for backpacking?

[Wisp]

I am debating a new tarp. I apologize if these questions have been asked before, but I wanted to make the best use of my dollars while also being volume and weight conscious. I'd like to put together a versatile and weather adaptable system. Most of my packing now is done in the Southwest and occasionally up in to the Rockies in the summer. My current hammock is a 10' gathered end. I will carry my GG Gorilla, so weight and volume are important to me.

1) I wondered which tarp members prefer as a favorite tarp in their backpack throughout the year?

2) Why choose a particular cut? Would it be for ease of set up? coverage? or both?

3) Which tarp material is preferred in your pack? I am tempted by cuben fiber. Is it worth the extra expense?

4) Is it best to get a smaller, lightweight tarp and purchase add on doors or a Grizzbeak? How often do you use the additional tarp closure type accessories like doors or beaks?

5) Finally, if I were to purchase a WBBB and a sock, would a small tarp be sufficient in occasional driving rain or wind? Does the sock and small tarp save on weight and volume, or take up more room in my pack?

[dangerous]

Tadpole all the way, I absolutely love this tarp! They are under $100, pack really small and provide great coverage over my 10 foot DIY and my Blackbird. I also have a HG cuben that is an awesome tarp the the Tadpole is so simple that I usally leave the cuben at home. I'm planning on picking up a grizz beak or something simlar just for a little more peace of mind in a strong storm. I have sat out in a few normal rain storms with the Tadpole in porch and it worked perfectly.

[Cannibal]

1) I wondered which tarp members prefer as a favorite tarp in their backpack throughout the year?

2) Why choose a particular cut? Would it be for ease of set up? coverage? or both?

3) Which tarp material is preferred in your pack? I am tempted by cuben fiber. Is it worth the extra expense?

4) Is it best to get a smaller, lightweight tarp and purchase add on doors or a Grizzbeak? How often do you use the additional tarp closure type accessories like doors or beaks?

5) Finally, if I were to purchase a WBBB and a sock, would a small tarp be sufficient in occasional driving rain or wind? Does the sock and small tarp save on weight and volume, or take up more room in my pack?

1. If only one, then it would be the Superfly; without hesitation. Easily my favorite all-around design.

2. I'm partial to a cat-cut hex design. Everything just sets up so tight without anything flapping; I like that! Another score for the Superfly with it's heavily reinforced ridge seam. A close second would be an aysm-diamond, but I miss the ridge-seam.

3. Cuben is worth it if you travel long distances on foot, not so much for a weekend warrior. There are some advantages beyond weight, but they are fairly minor. If you've got the funds for it, go for it. Otherwise, sil is still a top performer and can be had at a fraction of the price. I sure do miss Spinn.

4. I don't like add-on stuff with my tarps, so I'll let someone else answer this one.

5. I've been through massive storms (in Florida) with just an old Hennessy Hammock rain napkin (fly) and my quilts stayed dry. Big tarps are nice, but don't let folks convince you that they won't work. It simply isn't true. Large tarps are still relatively new in the hammock world and we still camped before them with our little tarps. They do require more effort on your part, but they work just fine at keeping the sleeper dry. Larger tarps are needed only if you don't want to spend all of your time in camp sleeping, which is the case for the majority of us.

[Jrprince]

My WB Edge is my default option as it is my onl tarp. I love it though as it gives me plenty of coverage for only 10oz. I use my poncho to make a third wall/grizz beak if it seems overly windy.

[Caveman]

I carry my tadpole on almost every backpacking trip I take. It's awesome.

[Wisp]

Great information so far! Thanks for the pics. I've got the Edge and Superfly on my list, but had forgotten about the tadpole! Its now added to my short list....price and size seem right.

[Mountnman]

In my opinion on Cuben being worth the expense, Absolutely! I use the HammockGear Winter Palace year around. It has full coverage, doors and mine comes in at 10.2 ounces. If you do not want the coverage simple tie back the doors and throw it out in porch mode. It is a perfect size tarp and weighs next to nothing. Very durable and strong.

[Wisp]

Do Cuben Fiber and Silnylon pack down to about the same size?

[dangerous]

Cuben is a little "stiffer" so they both will pack to about the same size but cuben is much lighter. I've often thought have a cuben tadpole made.

[SilvrSurfr]

I like my HG Winter Palace. Same basic dimensions as a Superfly, but 8.5 ounces. I want doors; I need doors. Why deal with wind and blowing precipitation if you don't have to?

If I didn't own the Winter Palace, I'd buy the Superfly. Because I like doors.