View Full Version : Rectangular tarp experience?
I am hoping to hear from guys that have first hand experience.
I am looking at getting an 8x10 silnylon tarp for general use, tarp camping and emergency shelter (no more hammock hanging anymore).
Do the cat cuts on the rectangular tarps make much of a difference? I see Brian makes both regular and cat cut versions.
How do his rectangular tarps compare to other rectangular tarps...specifically the Etowah tarps.
Thanks for any help.
I had an Etowah 8x10 and liked it, very simple. What I did'nt like was that the real size was more like 7x9. A full tree to tree ridge line was needed because the seam was across the 8' length and the tarp worked much better over the ridge line. I did add some tie outs and was able to close the ends up in bad weather. The stock tie outs are very simple but held for me. Had an OES trap too. Beefier tie outs, seam ran full length and tie outs are very strong. The OES tarps will be more true to size. Hope this helped.
I find I can get a taut pitch on my cat cut tarps with fewer tie outs than on my rectangular 8x10 silnylon (not OES) tarp.
I don't think Brian is selling rectangular tarps right now, they are listed but there is no buy button. He was only producing most of the maccat and the 4 season. Also see his post about oes being closed till further notice.
Thanks mattyg. I did see he is closed, though his projected 2 weeks has passed.
KMACK, that is the exact kind of info I wanted to hear.
Bubba, I had a feeling the cat cuts would be prefered.
I did send Brian an email, so I hope we can work something out.
Also, if I am unable to get the tarp from Brian, is there another maker than will do a rectangle tarp with cat cuts?
Dblcorona
10-24-2012, 05:35
Paul at Underground quilts is making tarps now. I would contact him to see what he can do for you.
http://www.undergroundquilts.com/TARPS2.htm
Cranky Bear
10-24-2012, 08:05
I have been using 8x10 tarps for years, at the moment I have two, a speer and a z-packs.
The speer has cat cut's, they are approx 1 - 1 1/2" deep you could contact Darby for more info as he is producing these now at http://stores.tttrailgear.com/StoreFront.bok I have used this tarp for 4 years now and will never get rid of it. I have used it over my hammock and on the ground (when I was forced there) and I have weathered some horrendous storms under that thing and have always stayed dry. I think the cat cuts on a sil tarp are much needed as they help to acquire a taut pitch and help to alleviate that floppy edge when properly pitched.
My cuben 8x10 I have had for almost two years now and used on many trips. There is no cat cuts on this tarp and my personal feeling is if the tarp was made correctly they are not needed, as cuben doesn't stretch (like sil does).
I will say though that I think you are asking a great question but it would do you a much better service and get more direct replies if you were to ask it on a forum that deals with ground sleeping, this is after all hammock forums and asking those whom sleep in the air to guide you on sleeping on the ground is something better suited for another place.
Either way I hope my answer helped you in some fashion, good luck.
Thank you both for the links.
verysimple
11-26-2014, 09:02
Looking to purchase 1-x12 rectangular cat cut tarp.
What additional tie outs would you guys/gals recommend?
2 on each side is pretty much given.
Should I get 1-3 pull-outs on top of the ridge-line?
any required on the shorter (10 feet) side?
http://shop.bivysack.com/ is Oware tarps. A long time maker. Has both cat cut and straight cut in a variety of sizes. Worth checking out