9' or 12' Noahs Tarp?

**Jackalope** · 06-23-2011, 23:32

Hey everyone,

I'm putting together my hammock rig and someone just gave me a gift certificate for REI. I thought I'd use it to get a Noahs Tarp - but I am undecided whether to get the 9' square or the 12'.

I have been leaning toward the 12' since I plan on purchasing a Switchback within a month or so, and they recommend a tarp with a 12' ridge line. However, after scouring the forums, I see a couple of people have commented that their 12' actually has a 16' ridge line. That is huge, and some say it is more of a challenge to find trees that far apart.

Thought I'd throw it out to the hammock-meisters on the forum -- would the 9' square Noahs Tarp be large enough for the Switchback, or should I get the 12' square?

Thanks,

Jackalope

**phatpacker** · 06-24-2011, 00:20

most hammock specific tarps for three season use are 10-11 ft long
I got a oes tarp 10'6 and it covers my eno double nest fine make sure you check the weight of those noahs tarps before you take the plunge on it. I to thought about those tarps but decided the catenary cut would give me better protection from side driving rain and the wieght savings were signifigant over a pund less for only 25-30 dollars difference. I am alwayse looking for ways when purchasing new gear to get the biggest weight cut per dollar. This is a huge savings. for example take a sleeping bag 3lbs 15* and try to get the same bag at 2lbs or less that is huge bucks for the weight saved. This could be a great way to save weight in your pack for 30 bucks difference

**chorpie** · 06-24-2011, 01:49

The Kelty Noah tarps are cat cut also. The 12 is huge. I think it has a 17' ridgeline IF you are pitching it as a diamond. The 12 is 2 lb. 1 oz.

**Jackalope** · 06-24-2011, 07:12

Thanks for the answers, and for the pic chorpie - that tarp has a lot of tie outs!

I'm not worried about the weight as this will be for car camping only. The reason I'm considering the 12' is that the Switchback is a 10' hammock, and they recommend a tarp with a 12' ridgeline. But if the 12' has a 17' ridgeline when pitched as a diamond, maybe I could go with the 9'. Anyone know what the ridgeline measures on the 9' when pitched as a diamond?

Also, my somewhat finite mind can't comprehend how a tarp that is 12' square has a 17' ridgeline in a diamond configuration. Shoudn't it measure 12' when pitched as a diamond?

**Jerry** · 06-24-2011, 07:21

I have an ENO single, and it fits perfect under my Noah's tarp 12....

THere are many different ways to hang the tarp....weight is a concern but all that goes away in the rain.....gotta love the Noah's tarp....

Jerry

**millarky** · 06-24-2011, 11:13

I also am math challenged. I use this...
Fill in side length on right and click calculate...

http://ncalculators.com/area-volume/...calculator.htm

The 9' should be, and mine is, perfect on the diagonal.

**Jackalope** · 06-24-2011, 11:24

Originally Posted by millarky

I also am math challenged. I use this...
Fill in side length on right and click calculate...

http://ncalculators.com/area-volume/...calculator.htm

The 9' should be, and mine is, perfect on the diagonal.

Awesome Millarky! That calculator is just what I needed - I'll go for the 9' and send pics when I get it set up.

Thanks again

**chorpie** · 06-24-2011, 11:29

Originally Posted by Jackalope

Thanks for the answers, and for the pic chorpie - that tarp has a lot of tie outs!

I'm not worried about the weight as this will be for car camping only. The reason I'm considering the 12' is that the Switchback is a 10' hammock, and they recommend a tarp with a 12' ridgeline. But if the 12' has a 17' ridgeline when pitched as a diamond, maybe I could go with the 9'. Anyone know what the ridgeline measures on the 9' when pitched as a diamond?

Also, my somewhat finite mind can't comprehend how a tarp that is 12' square has a 17' ridgeline in a diamond configuration. Shoudn't it measure 12' when pitched as a diamond?

no worries

since each of the sides are 12 ft., the diagonal will be longer between the two opposing corners. if you take the Pythagorean Theorem and do the:

a^2 + b^2 = c^2

you'll get 144 + 144 = c^2, c = 16.97 ft.= ~17ft.

So for the 9ft tarp,

81 + 81 = c^2 , c = 12.73 = ~12.5ft.

**PDA** · 06-24-2011, 12:40

The 12 as shown in the above picture has a ridgeline of almost 12 feet, and will give you good coverage in Summer or Winter. The 9, pitched diagonally (diamond) will have a ridgeline of 12 1/2 feet, Easy to pitch but less flexibility. If weight is not an issue, go with the 12 for the extra flexibility it gives. I have one, it is a good tarp.

**Redoleary** · 06-24-2011, 12:48

Originally Posted by Jackalope

Thanks for the answers, and for the pic chorpie - that tarp has a lot of tie outs!

I'm not worried about the weight as this will be for car camping only. The reason I'm considering the 12' is that the Switchback is a 10' hammock,

A 10' hammock is only around 8' when you factor in the sag. I agree that there are times when finding trees far enough apart is tough, but I would still prolly get the 12 and pitch as shown in the photo above, lets you do "porch mode" etc. More options in my opinion.

PS where in the world is Davisburgh MI