Tarp upgrade time. Taking suggestions.

[Rob3E]

My poor, original Asym tarp took some damage last trip. My own fault. It and the bag I had wrapped it around to keep dry fell off of my bike trailer and were dragged a few feet. Now it's got a lovely, duct tape makeover, and I'm thinking it's time to finally switch to something with a little more coverage.

Easy answer is the Hex fly, and that may be the way I go. It seems that since the last time I checked a Monsoon and Typhoon tarp have also appeared. I might consider them as well, but they look a little confined. I imagine they offer much better weather protection, but the Hex fly seems like it would have far better coverage than my stock tarp and would also be more versatile. I'm also open to other vendors.

I also have one of those giant, Gear Guide tarps. It's great for full weather protection, but it's also bulky and heavy, and, if memory serves, it's actually a little longer than my minimum hang distance in the Expedition, so I have a little more limited site selection with the Gear Guide monster.

What's your tarp of choice to balance weather protection and general utility against portability?

[MyD0j0]

If you can swing the cost, Hammock Gear makes some really great tarps. I personally own the standard tarp with doors. *Super* light weight @ about 6.5 oz and packs impossibly small. The 12'ridge line offers excellent coverage. I like it so much I've even begun using it with my Bear Paw minimalist bivy when i go with my girlfriend.

http://www.hammockgear.com/tarps/

[Rob3E]

Nice. Probably out of my budget, but it sounds like it's worth the cost. That may not be my next tarp purchase, but it will go on my wish list for sure.

[Surfdog]

If I were in need of a tarp the Warbonnet Superfly would be my choice. I like the idea of being able to close the ends if needed, however I guess it would be considered heavy to anyone counting ounces.

If I were trying to stay lightweight but still affordable this would be my choice
http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/edge/
plus you can still add the door kit if desired.

[Rob3E]

That Superfly is certainly heavier than my stock tarp (well, before the duct tape patches anyway), but it seems comparable, weight wise, to the Hex Fly that I was considering. That seems like it might be worthwhile. I like the doors, too. With my stock tarp, I know there are many who use it without any issues, but I find that a good wind can easily slip under the tarp and spray some rain into the hammock. I do try to keep the weight down, but I'm usually biking, not hiking, so an extra few ounces to insure a dry night seems like a good trade off.

[WaffleBox]

I'm going to be listing a Wilderness Logics Tad Pole for sale within a couple of days. If that seems like it fits your criteria, keep an eye out for it

[Alpine Dad]

I have a Hex Fly with my Hennessy Hammock and the SuperFly with my Warbonnet Blackbird. I noticed this past weekend that the coverage of the Superfly is larger than the Hex fly, weighs less, and packs smaller. During a huge thunderstorm that lasted three-hours, the Superfly's closed doors were greatly appreciated (by my daughter!). As I had to carry two hammock systems and all the gear associated with hanging and sleeping, I now wish I had two SuperFly tarps.

Cheers

[Bubba]

WB Superfly is a good way to go for good all around coverage.

[canoebie]

Can't go wrong with the SF. Wife has one and she loves it. Weight to benefit ratio is superb.

[DRobertson]

superfly!!!