Tarp Theories

I've been reading through Water Monkey's blog and some other sites and the general theme seems to be the newb's using very large tarps and as you gain experience/comfort the tarp size seems to decrease. I wanted to throw this out to the group as more of a "discussion".

My thoughts with a tarp are that #1 it is the main shield from the elements and #2 it should provide sufficient protection.

There are a lot of hangers that use the smallest tarps they can get away with, seeing as they are lighter. For fair weather this would be OK, but what about the occasions when you are set up through storms? In a straight rain you will probably be OK, but any wind blown rain is bound to get in somewhere - not to mention the ground below the tarp.

How are you supposed to get any sort of cover over yourself and your gear in the rain, say to dry off and put fresh clothes on, when the only thing that fits under the tarp is the hammock?

My big mamajamba tarp is probably the biggest, or one of, and for space its great. We've even camped under it cooking dinner waiting out thunderstorms. I know weight is a viable concern, but when you need the protection I don't think you can beat having a nice big tarp.

Its all a matter of personal preference.

The notion that you NEED a large tarp is a matter of preference in my opinion. But the necessity to have a large tarp to provide the same amount of protection is also up for debate.

I started with a superfly and then moved to a smaller tarp... the OES Deluxe. To me this tarp size is perfect for me. It's much lighter (cuben version now) and it protects in various types of rain.

I've dealt with drizzle, heavy straight rain, and the nasty blowing rain (see 9:20 of the following video)



I've been thoroughly surprised at how well this particular sized tarp maintains your ability to stay dry.

With the blowing rain it is important to set up with the wind blowing at the tarp so the rain doesnt blow in from the head or foot area. In the above video it had rained a few times during the day and the wind was blowing a certain direction before it came down. I noticed this and changed the position of my hammock and tarp before it came down. I was in the shelter cooking when it actually came in and when it passed I went to my tarp expecting a soaked hammock and came to everything bone dry... even underneath.

You can probably go smaller with the WB Edge but for me I'm happy with the OES Deluxe size.

To be noted I feel the Zpacks 11' x 8.5' cuben tarp to provide much more coverage than the OES Deluxe but for some reason I keep my faith with the Deluxe. Thats me... personal preference.

I have two tarps. One for trips when the weather forecast says "no rain." The other for all other times. The fair weather tarp barely covers my hammock but I can keep rain out by setting it up like a coffin lid on the hammock. As for dressing, I do that in the hammock anyway. The larger tarp is more comfortable and is my tarp of choice for questionable to down right wet weather.

This way I don't carry anymore weight in my pack than necessary.

9'x7' is fine for me. I've done bigger and smaller, and have found this works in all four seasons for me. I think it is just preference. I like a smaller tarp so I can have a tighter camp in cubbyholes. I could only speculate that when people first start hammock camping they figure they want all the protection they can get. I also notice a trend towards extra "bells and whistles" on the hammock too. I've trended down to the simplest hammock I can get by with.

I recently made a 11'x8'10" for a friend, it felt like I could park a car under it, I wouldn't know what to do with all that room.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MAD777

I have two tarps. One for trips when the weather forecast says "no rain." The other for all other times. The fair weather tarp barely covers my hammock but I can keep rain out by setting it up like a coffin lid on the hammock. As for dressing, I do that in the hammock anyway. The larger tarp is more comfortable and is my tarp of choice for questionable to down right wet weather.

This way I don't carry anymore weight in my pack than necessary.

---

I think this is the reason for the move from the large to small. When your getting started, atleast for me, I could only afford one tarp. So I went with a larger tarp, more coverage. As time goes on and more hanging experience is gained (and money) you can get the smaller tarp for good weather, and still have the large for the bad.

And when you do get caught out in the rain with the smaller tarp, and find that you still have the protection needed, the switch full time is made.

My "go to" tarp is a Kelty 9, hung in a diamond. When I first used it in the rain, (and it poured at times) I was worried that I would end up wet. I pulled the sides down and could still see my hammock, I just knew that I would end up wet. Woke up the next morning high and dry. Many scouts on that campout (in tents) could not say the same.

I have to say that this thread gives me hope. I have a smaller tarp, and have been seriously considering adding to it. I think that I still will, but not to the extent that I would have if I had not seen this. Thank you! for the perspective.

What role can a massive (think superfly) tarp play in regards to shielding the sides and bottom of your hammock from wind? Would that provide a measurable improvement in warmth for a pad user like myself?

You can stay dry with a fairly small tarp. However, I use a Spinn Big Mamajamba when hiking with a group and a Mountain Laurel Designs UL tarp (now discontinued) when solo.

The small tarp used correctly will keep you dry, but you have no room to cook and move around.

On the Colorado summer hang it rained everyday. I stayed dry, but the folks with the big tarps were making tea and visiting.

Where I hike, cooking in your hammock means getting eaten by a bear.
So, I guess different people use their tarp differently depending on their different environments. Therefore, there is not one tarp that is "best."

Tarp theories, along with other theoretical concepts can be based on cultural, geographical, or economic basis just to name a few. What one may need for their camping development can differ greatly. This said it is not linear either so it may differ at various points in time. (just wondered if I could translate my class work to tarps). I need to get to the piney woods..lol

With a Hennessy it was a question of starting small and going bigger. Strikes me its the difference between staying dry in the hammock and camping dry with a hammock. ;-)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by nothermark

With a Hennessy it was a question of starting small and going bigger. Strikes me its the difference between staying dry in the hammock and camping dry with a hammock. ;-)

---

This is my thought too. I carry a larger tarp (HH Hex) because I don't just sleep under that tarp in inclement weather. Our last trip out, it looked BAD and we were expected to get HAMMERED with thunderstorms for a few hours early evening.

I not only had my hammock under the tarp, but firewood for the night, my chair and gear, etc...

I camp with a larger tarp to keep dry throughout the day, not just in my hammock.

Environment, experience, weather, cost. All those things play a factor. I could see being out in the big piney's and having a tarp too big to pitch successfully do to clutter. Here on the Kansas/Missouri boarder the trees are far and few between. More experience you'll be able to get by with less when you know what you're doing. All the space/weight saved from that can go to another item. However, I liked the rain videos but just got to wonder, where's the wind? I lived in Wichita for a decade one year. Two days the wind was under 25 mph. People were falling over all across town because they didn't know how to stand without leaning.

I had my WBBB hung on a hammock stand at Oshkosh. This left me close to the ground. My Superfly was therefore all the way down and I had to crawl into the shelter. When I got back after the thunderstorm that shut down the Saturday airshow and saw all the damaged tents, tarps and RC Sunshades I was happy to see my Superfly was un-affected. My buddies cot tent was still standing as well which I kinda attribute to my Superfly breaking the wind for him. But if I wasn't prepping a place for the obvious thunderstorm that always rolls through Oshkosh during the airshow, I would have only needed enough tarp to break the dew. A couple of the warmer nights that would have been handy.

When you only have enough money for one you buy for the worst case and make do the rest of the time. Shugs videos shows his summer and winter tarps. If he can have a cabin, so can I.

If you can line up right, relative to the wind, small tarps will often do the job. Have been out in a number of rains with just my Hennessy asym tarp and stayed dry. On a hike last spring, there were limited hang options, since we had a group, and when heavy rain and wind shifted to the open end of my large DIY hex tarp, things started to get wet. Others in the group got wet as well. Had I been using the minimal Hennessy asym, I'm quite sure my hammock and quilts would have gotten soaked.

On the trail I usually don't have access to weather forecasts to know which direction the wind and rain will come from so my only option is to pitch the tarp low over the hammock and pull the sides down tight. Grizz beaks, tarp doors or rectangular tarps that allow you to close the ends are good options.

In my experience a tarp does more then keep you dry during the rain while in your hammock, it keeps you out of the elements in all weather conditions when you are not in your hammock. If I just wanted rain protection the stock hennesy diamond fly + grizz beak would be good enough.

I will always use the biggest tarp I can afford when camping.

I have a superfly and maccat standard. I've used the superfly once. The standard everytime. I've found the standard is perfect for my typical needs, including a 7' width that gives me plenty of room to cook and cover my gear. I prefer the ease of set up with only 4 tie outs but, though I've never needed them, doors or rectangle tarps that can fold into doors seem to be worth their weight. And it may not make sense but if I could only have one, I'd take the superfly,simply so I'm guarenteed in all weather.

I think the benefit of a small tarp comes more so just as a challenge. Something fun you can work at to push the envelope a bit. A tarp being your main source of coverage should do its job and cover you completely. Even at the heavier end of tarp fabrics, a huge silnylon tarp with doors will only weigh around 10oz more than a small risky tarp. If 10oz extra is going to break your back you have more to worry about.

My opinion is bigger is usually better (to an extent) but smaller gives you more of a challenge and minimalist feel which is what I love about backpacking. Getting by comfortably with minimal items. My ideal tarp would be 10.5' x 7' rectangle with cat cuts. Kinda like a smaller speer winter tarp.

Sgt Rock, 9' ridge line seems short. I know you use a nano7 or diy shorter hammock, how long is the ridge line?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by snarlbuckle

What role can a massive (think superfly) tarp play in regards to shielding the sides and bottom of your hammock from wind? Would that provide a measurable improvement in warmth for a pad user like myself?

---

I now use the superfly and on our last hang the wind did blow up during the night. Being in Australia, I only run summer quilts and whilst not cold the other night, I got up and closed the doors on the superfly. I noticed it to be much warmer with the wind reduced to almost nothing as I had it rigged close to the ground.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SGT Rock

I've trended down to the simplest hammock I can get by with.

---

+1

I've come to the same place. I love the simple approach. Less trinkets to lose or tie you down. It is all personal preference.

I started with a DIY 8x10 from JRB, then to a humongous DIY 12.5x10, and now have settled on a 11x10, also DIY.
I started small because that was what I could afford, then went big because of how
particular the small tarp was. I am glad I started with the small tarp because it taught me all sorts of tricks and principles to staying dry with a small tarp that I may not have learned with a bigger tarp. The second tarp was just over compensating for having had to put up with such a small tarp for so long, but I've found that being so long actually restricts the places I can hang, and how low I can string the tarp. I just had the 11' one out on it's inaugural trip, and stayed nice and dry in some heavy rain. I think that's the perfect size, unless I can find some 70" sil.

PF

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KC8QVO

My big mamajamba tarp is probably the biggest, or one of, and for space its great. We've even camped under it cooking dinner waiting out thunderstorms. I know weight is a viable concern, but when you need the protection I don't think you can beat having a nice big tarp.

---

Quote:

---

("food")You can stay dry with a fairly small tarp. However, I use a Spinn Big Mamajamba when hiking with a group and a Mountain Laurel Designs UL tarp (now discontinued) when solo.

The small tarp used correctly will keep you dry, but you have no room to cook and move around.

On the Colorado summer hang it rained everyday. I stayed dry, but the folks with the big tarps were making tea and visiting

---

I agree with both of you. Go large and be comfortable. Make your stay enjoyable. I think even solo, a large one will give comfort. My preference.

I've been following this thread and finally decided to chime in. I'm probably the typical noob when it comes to tarps. Here's my progression, reasoning, and uses for each...

First: Blue wal-mart 8'x10' tarp; the nicer model with reflective layer & reinforced plastic gromments. Used for car camping when I was tent bond. Provided nice cooking/eating, gathering place from light to moderate rain. Still use for this purpose today, the tarp has held up well.

Second: Equinox (from campmor) 12'x16' PU coated ripstop. Intended use: hammock camping; I felt like I needed the biggest tarp possible for the most protection. Hard the hardest time getting it pitched in any configuration. Never could get a taught enough pitch. Was finally delegated to the title of truck cover.

Third: A DIY I bought from a member here (scrupier, I think) IIRC, it's 10' 8"x 7' 4". I've used it several times for overnights and a 3 day trip since I got it a few months ago. While it is only heavy DWR nylon, it seems to be the perfect size. Currently in use with my WB Traveler spare rig.

Forth: Chinook 12'x9.5' (sand) this is a recent aqusition for my WBBB. I've set it up a few times to gauge some pitch styles and modifications I'm working on completing. It seems a little oversized, but not without it's luxury. Once my mods are done will be an awesome tarp; stay tuned.

At some point in the not to distant future I'll probably pick-up a cuben fiber tarp in the 11'x8.5' size w/ doors. Wish I could say this would be my last tarp I ever buy, but it won't be. That size is perfect for a 10' hammock, with plenty of protection and room inside; from my experience at least.

Maybe one day I'll decide to work backwards and try the smallest tarp I can. (Already getting an HH scout tarp for the boy's B-day)

I always prefer the most tarp space possible/feasible given weight and cost.

It makes a three straight days of rain bearable. It keeps wood, seating and camp kitchens dry.

Overall it increases my comfort, and I like comfort when I camp. For a one or two night stay it really doesn't matter, but when its barely above freezing and you're going to be away from civilization for a week or more, being SURE you're going to stay dry and comfortable isn't a luxury, its your life.

Bigger is better.

Heading out to camp this weekend, forecast is rain and 1C (34F).

Then there is the two tarp approach. Minimal over the hammock plus a second 5x7 or 8x10 to pitch for a dining, cooking, hangout space.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rapt

I always prefer the most tarp space possible/feasible given weight and cost.

It makes a three straight days of rain bearable. It keeps wood, seating and camp kitchens dry.

Overall it increases my comfort, and I like comfort when I camp. For a one or two night stay it really doesn't matter, but when its barely above freezing and you're going to be away from civilization for a week or more, being SURE you're going to stay dry and comfortable isn't a luxury, its your life.

Bigger is better.

Heading out to camp this weekend, forecast is rain and 1C (34F).

---

Man, that is winter time her in MS! :D

I have a roughly(its a little less on both) 10X12 DIY sil tarp. I originally went that large because we were going to be hanging two hammocks under it (and we do), but I love having that large tarp even when I am camping without my wife! Gives me room to cook and hangout if raining! I think a smaller tarp would definitely work fine for me, but i will carry a few more ounces of tarp for that extra convienence!!

I like the 2 tarp approach as well. I've yet to use it. But on rainy days where a lot of camping is done, or for hangs, its nice to have communal area for cooking and conversing. Of course this isn't that logical for most scenarios. Might as well bring a large tarp.

I'm pretty "experienced" & My tarp is by most standards: HUGE at 13.5' X 10' I like it & even though I have 2 smaller ones, neither has been out in 5 years.
MAYBE it's because I camp year round, or just because I like the coverage* & the room. But I'll be staying with this tarp till it wears out, & then get a similar sized one to replace it. :D

How is that for muddying the waters? :lol:




*I can close either or both ends for a tent like feel & weather protection, if need be. And still walk around in my shelter, upright.

My first tarp is going to be a superfly, but I've already started thinking about a diy for sometime in the future, to be 11'x12', maybe 13'. 11' ridge line, and the 12 or 13' for extra headroom. A seam at the ridge line, and a seam on either side, with felled seams pointing down to help avoid water seeping into the seams. Extra tieouts along the edges to give more pitching options. I've always loved winter camping, and think bigger would be more protection from snow.

If my noob thinking is flawed, I'd appreciate hearing it, well, I don't WANT to hear that my thinking is flawed, but better to find out here than camping during a snowstorm. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Doctari

How is that for muddying the waters? :lol:

---

Maverick :lol:

My current tarp is the Guide Gear 12x12 and it is cavernous under it. Mostly I tie the corners up and pitch it as a hex in porch mode, but in nastier weather I can pitch as a rectangular A-frame with ends opened or closed depending on the direction of wind and rain. Its a great tarp and IMO the best possible size. The only thing I don't like is the nearly 2lb weight of it. Gets to feeling heavy after a few miles down the trail.

One day will likely replace with a tarp of lighter material and same size and shape, but I'm also looking at downsizing to a smaller hex tarp to save additional weight for fairer weather seasons.

Two tarps is a choice always... but I prefer to have more weight in one bigger tarp than two smaller ones....

And yes it snowed Saturday past, no accumulation, just pretty flakes... :)

Currently have a 12x10 sil tarp, looking at maybe going 13x12 for the next one. DIY style. I have a bunch of Spinn fabric, and clear sail mylar, (Kite making supplies!!!) plus some other choices (Camo!!) I can do DIY sil coating on....

To me even a 2 lb tarp is UL. :) I still marvel at how light the hammock and tarp combo is compared to my 10lb tent...

Bulk bothers me more than weight generally since its space in the pack thats at a premium.

Shoot...I routinely used one of those Golite silnylon poncho's as a tarp for ground camping just to save weight in my backpack. They are quite nice and flexible.

HOWEVER, since switching to hammock hanging, I decided to with the Wilderness Logics "Big Daddy"- 130" (10'10") x 115" (9'7") so to me that is massive. It only weighs around 13oz before adding lines but I really enjoy the extra width.

I found myself just enjoying the size of the Daddy..as many have said, personal preference.

It's usually about counting ounces for me but I am happy thus far with a total of 35 ounces for my Hammock/Tarp/suspension/lines weight.

I have an 8 x 10 built according to the Ed Speer Hammock Camping book. the book is rather old now, but he talks about using an 8 x 10 because the 'large' tarp will give you plenty of protection form the rain and a place to cook. Its a matter of perspective and need. I have the materials and have been thinking about making a larger tarp for a year now, but honestly haven't found the need for it.

I suppose that if I spent my days hanging around camp I might want something larger. But so far I find that this tarp is enough in windy storms - especially if I bring along a Griz beak.

My first tarp was the Hennessy napkin tarp. Talk about intimidating to someone that hadn't messed with tarps in more than a few years! I was absolutely positive that I was going to get wet using it; zero doubt in my mind. Luckily, I lived in Florida at the time, so all I had to do was wait a few hours for the next rainstorm. Every time I heard the rain, I was running outside with my stuff to practice. Within a couple of months, I was totally comfortable under that tiny thing.

My second tarp was an early SuperFly. It felt like a condo by comparison and I developed a bit of a crush on the big tarps. My time learning real tarp skills was priceless, but that SuperFly made things soooooo easy. Still, I learned this very thing while dragging my SuperFly along the AT:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SGT Rock

I like a smaller tarp so I can have a tighter camp in cubbyholes.

---

There are so many more spots to hang when you have a small tarp, that it makes them very attractive. I had a OES Standard sent to me on the trail and instantly realized that I had no need for a large tarp unless I was dealing with cold temps. At least, as a thru-hiker on the AT. If it was raining and I wanted to cook under my tarp, I just took one end of the hammock down and I had plenty of room.

Since those days, my tarp purchases have been fairly balanced. I've got big tarps to use for blocking cold wind and entertaining camping friends and neighbors. Then I've got my 'hiking tarps', which are minimalist in size. They work just fine and if I had to, would work in winter too. I just wouldn't be quite as comfortable as easily.

So yeah, preference is the name of the game. In the summer, when I'm solo, I don't generally take more than my OES Micro. It covers every hammock I own and other than a couple of stupid-moments on my part, my quilts haven't gotten wet. My opinion, is to start small and learn by trial and punishment. Once you can use a small tarp effectively, making the transition to the big boys is nothing but pleasurable. Going the other direction might not be quite as enjoyable because you will probably feel like you're missing something. :D

I might have missed it in a previous reply but don't forget about a hammock cover. A small piece of silnylon wrapped around the bottom of your underquilt (underquilt cover). One should keep in mind their "System". You can get by with a very small tarp if you are covering the underside of your hammock.
Planning ahead is key. If rain is in the forecast then you are packing more/bigger tarp.
Snow isn't a problem so much as rain when dealing with hammock moisture. When it's that cold though, you need to think wind protection.
You should also try to see what you can get by with inside. I'm not so claustrophobic so I can pitch the tarp low and hammock high so I get my butt out of direct wind.

Why bring this thread back up three years later?