Warbonnet superfly VS Kelty noahs 12

**sjjbib** · 08-09-2014, 20:22

Okay guys, I recently picked up my first hammock... A Hammeck Netty witch so far is a awesome product.... So Now I am looking into tarps... My primary use will be 3 season, canoe/fishing trips. I don't really see myself doing any winter camping, But I like the idea of having a large tarp, and weight is not a huge issue(I was lugging around a 12lbs tent before). But I am pretty positive that I want a larger size tarp, the weather in the Adirondacks can be crazy, and I like the opportunity to have a little extra space. So I was initially drawn to the warbonnet superfly(actually there hammock also, But I wanted to give some up and coming guys a chance !) I know everyone loves this tarp, and I have no doubt its excellent quality.... But for some reason I keep looking at the kelty noahs 12. I can pick it up for 69.82 with free 2 day shipping, and it comes with aluminum stakes... I Usually tend to buy the best quality that I can, But the kelty is about 50 percent cheaper and I will only be using this tarp maybe 10-20 days a year.... What's your thoughts ?!?!?!

**lchavez** · 08-09-2014, 20:40

Keep in mind superfly comes with nothing but the tarp. You will need stakes and guylines. With this said, a superfly is in my pack. It's a small reasonably light package for so much coverage. Like the different setup options on the superfly. I also have kelty gear and it is basically heavy mid grade gear. My kelty stuff is mainly for car camping. I have a large two room kelty tent that's over 6 years old. I've had to replace some plastic hooks and some of the stitching tore loose, but it's still weather proof. Also have a kelty carport that's a great (but heavy) shade structure, but comes in handy when I sleep in my SUV.

**evilleotter** · 08-09-2014, 21:05

For what its worth, I really love the 12' ridgeline on the Noah's 12. Not a big fan of the weight and the stuff sack is not user-friendly, but for the price, there are endless possibilities in setup. I've been through torrential downpours with my 12 and it has never leaked a drop.
That being said, I can't wait to reduce my load by going with a tadpole or edge. But for inclement weather or cold outings, the Noah's 12 has served me well.
If I had to do it all over again, I would try to talk Brian into making me a superfly with a 12' ridgeline.
If weight is not an issue, the Noah's 12 is a great entry tarp for the money. Just my $0.02.
Best of luck and hyoh!

**drifter** · 08-09-2014, 21:07

You said you want a large tarp, well I tried a Kelty 16 first before the Superfly and now the Kelty is in the "loner stuff box" and the Superfly is in my pack. But that's just my personal choice.

**GDM** · 08-09-2014, 21:16

Kelty Noah 12 is a good tarp for the money, IMHO. Not the lightest, true, but big, flexible, and it should last awhile. I borrowed a heavily used one for a bit last summer, worked great.. That said, my DIY tarp is basically a Superfly clone.

**hutzelbein** · 08-10-2014, 06:01

Can't say anything about the Kelty as I never had the opportunity to use one, but as a hiker and (push) biker, the savings in weight and volume are worth $60. So much so, that I mostly take an even smaller tarp like the Mamajamba or the Edge.

**dkurfiss** · 08-10-2014, 07:03

If weight and pack size are a non issue, I personally would get the Kelty 12. I have one and like it fine for what I use it for. Mine is primarily used as a cover for my eating area when car camping and is set up for shade. I have used it over my hammock but found it to be a bit large for that purpose. Over my hammock I use a BCUSA 10x10 with Griz Beaks.

**sjjbib** · 08-10-2014, 10:01

Thanks for all the reply's..... Plenty of valid points. I guess I still need to put more thought into it. I think the kelty will do what I need it too, And I feel like by the time I buy everything for the superfly and pay for the shipping, It will be close to a extra 100 bucks !

**NewtonGT** · 08-10-2014, 10:52

On topic but also off, how big dimension wise is the superfly? I didn't think it was 12x12 like the kelty but I could be wrong.

**Passinthru** · 08-10-2014, 13:03

For canoe tripping I would take two tarps. One tarp sized right for your hammock and another for a dining/lounging fly. That's where the Kelty is hard to beat. The square shape gives you endless configuration options.
I canoe trip in the BWCA of Minnesota and often the 'hanging' trees are not very close to the gathering area. A separate tarp makes camp much more comfortable.
If you want to start with just one - I would get the Kelty. Then, if you want to add another you can get a tarp that just covers your hammock.