Help me upgrade my stock HH Tarp :)

**Simon** · 06-17-2011, 06:38

So I bought a HH expedition but like others, have found the tarp to be too small. Here in the UK we don't have the range of sexy tarps you can get in the US but I think a hex tarp would be good, I am really only going to need it for 2/3 seasons so it doesn't really need to be huge, with doors etc. I wondered if anyone could comment on these two which are candidates:

HH Hex Rain Fly http://hennessyhammock.com/catalog/p...70d_polyester/
I can get this in the UK for a pretty good price. It's not cat cut but is a generous 12' on the ridge line.

JRB Hex Tarp
http://www.jacksrbetter.com/HexTarps.htm
On offer at the moment and a good price. I've only heard good things about JRB but there's only one small image on the website so I can't really get a feel for it.

Any other candidates in this price range I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance,

Simon

**weaver2469** · 06-17-2011, 08:58

Both are good choices. Another great cottage industry guy is Brian at OES. The MacCat line of tarps are pretty popular. I love my deluxe.

http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier....ccat_tarps.php

**Dutch** · 06-17-2011, 09:05

I have a JRB Spinn that is just great. Put a lot of smaller but heavier sil tarps into storage. Now it is just me and my JRB spinn tarp and my Speer winter tarp.

**PDA** · 06-17-2011, 11:51

I have the 70D Hennessy Hex. It is well big enough to protect even against Welsh driving rain, which we all know is the worst kind. If the wind is directly at the ends, then you will be exposed, but your poncho or bin bag will probably suffice as a rain block. The hex tarp sets well and easily, even though straight cut. The photos show it in use at the Mass hang. 1 down, and 1 in porch mode. We had rain but no wind that weekend, and I was dry.
I can recommend this tarp, though it is a bit heavy for backpacking IMO.
I have no experience of the JRB tarp, but JRB are certainly highly regarded by members of this forum.

**shumway** · 06-17-2011, 12:07

I second what PDA said. I have the same tarp and find it a bit big and heavy, though it sure feels tough. If you are backpacking, you might be wise to try for something in silnylon. My WB Superfly packs to under half the size and is much lighter.

**PDA** · 06-17-2011, 12:19

Hennessy also make a 30D silnylon version which is lighter and packs smaller. Costs twice as much though. Should also look at the Hennessy Typhoon and Monsoon types. Not sure if they are available yet in the UK.

**shumway** · 06-17-2011, 12:58

Cost is the reason I went with the heavy hex. Sil was pretty new to me too so I didn't want to spend double and get something I'd never seen.

**Simon** · 06-17-2011, 13:19

Thanks chaps.

Thanks PDA for posting those pics, that's exactly what I needed to see to get an idea of the relationship between the hammock and the tarp. I wanted to get a tarp that could, weather permitting be pitched a little higher than the minimal tarp that ships with the Expedition. I found that a bit claustrophobic the other night when I tried it out for the first time.

**NewtonGT** · 06-17-2011, 14:18

i know im late on the subject but I also like the hennessy hex

**Doody** · 06-17-2011, 14:41

I have the big Hennessy Hex and its a nice tarp. I just had it out last weekend. I backpack with it but I'm not at UL guy. Still my pack was 22 pounds with 2L of water and a days food and raingear.