Blackbird and Tarp Size

I have already ordered my Blackbird and I am very anxious to use it on an upcoming hike in June. I'm trying to get all my material ready before the Blackbird arrives. One thing that I don't yet have is a tarp to go over the hammock.

I was wondering what size tarp you would recommend to cover the hammock. I have a 5'x8' silnylon pancho that I was thinking of using if it will cover the hammock, but I'm not sure it if is big enough.

If it isn't big enough I am going to try to make one out of some ripstop nylon that I got from Wal-Mart and seal it up with methods mentioned in another thread. I just want to know what some of the people who have been using a Blackbird think.

I don't think I would go smaller than a MacCat Standard (125" x 84"). The deluxe is perfect, by my standards (130"×104") - good coverage over the ends of the hammock and space to prop up the side to provide a "porch" to cook in.

I use the MaCat Delux SpinnUL and find the extra coverage has been worth the few ounces in some pretty major rainstorms.

I'd suggest going no smaller that 125" for ridgeline length. My MacCat Deluxe at 130" gives good coverage and I wouldn't go too much shorter.

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Originally Posted by Kobear

I use the MaCat Delux SpinnUL and find the extra coverage has been worth the few ounces in some pretty major rainstorms.

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Have used the MC DeLux Spinn(MCDS) in some heavy downpours. Pitched properly it has kept me & the BB dry. I don't remember the wt of MCDS (~8oz?). Might be lighter than the std MC in silnylon. But I'm lusting for a slightly customized OES Spinn tarp that's a bit larger. Essentially a MCDS that has an end extended to create "doors". Basically a hex but with 3 tie outs per side with the middle tie placed ~1/3 way to the corner. Would be nice for cooler/windy trips & couple wet tropical trips on the "bucket list".

Bigmambajamba is a great tarp-just ask for the panel pulls added as it is BIG! Your 5x8 may be good for shade over the hammock, but not for rain other than light no wind sprinkle.

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Originally Posted by NorseAmerican

Bigmambajamba is a great tarp-just ask for the panel pulls added as it is BIG! Your 5x8 may be good for shade over the hammock, but not for rain other than light no wind sprinkle.

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I'll second that. If you read my trip report, I took the Mambajamba into two nights of 50+mph gusts (one night was 60+ mph) and 8 minutes of quarter-sized hail. The thing was simply freaking awesome.

You need the panel pulls on a tarp that big, but be warned: you need to seam seal them. I didn't, and while it didn't get the hammock wet (they're too far out to get the hammock), I did have them drip on my back and head when I was standing under the tarp.

Spring, summer, fall; light and fast option is the JRB 8x8 tarp, 123 inch ridge line, 9.4 oz, easily covers and still provides full side wind protection for hammocks with 100-101 inch ridge lines.

Pan

I've used em all! :tongueup::D

Well, I haven't used a poncho. That's mostly because I like to stay dry. The BB is bigger than most hammocks, so the minimalist approach is difficult.

The Big Mambajama does make an awfully nice matched set, especially when it's covering a BB and Yeti. :shades:

I didn't believe the JRB 8x8 would work until I got a chance to try it; works fine.

Run, run, run away from the OES Micro. Otherwise, they all fit. My Spinn model is a Standard and does require attention when setting up; have to set my tarp before I start sipping. ;) The Deluxe and up are basically no-brainers.

yes, the micro is, well.... small. it should be labeled as a child's tarp. BUT: the spinnaker standard is a great tarp, id go with the deluxe if it rained more often 'round here. my spinn standard is 10.5oz with 4 ti skewer stakes, tensioners and guylines on niteize small figure 9's.

also to note that in heavy downpours it helps to stay dry by using drip strips of some fashion, shoelaces tied to the webbing works. Speer also sells a neat felt kit for cheap.

The Speer Winter Tarp (which is really an all season tarp IMO) works quite well with the Blackbird.

BB & the superfly are like CROWN AND 7 OR BEAM AND COKE OR BACON AND EGGS. they just fit one and other.

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Originally Posted by Cannibal

I've used em all! :tongueup::D

Well, I haven't used a poncho. That's mostly because I like to stay dry. The BB is bigger than most hammocks, so the minimalist approach is difficult.

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Ridgeline length:

MacCat Deluxe = 130"

JRB 8X8 = 123"

GoLite poncho = 119" -- one inch shorter than the MacCat Micro.

I own and use all three. I can make a good case that the poncho over an asymmetric hammock with a DriDucks jacket used as a sock on one end is more storm worthy than even the MacCat Deluxe. Match your tool to the job -- match your gear to the trip.

My BB ridgeline is an inch shorter than my Hennessy Expedition. I have never measured the width.

OK, you got me there. That multi-use gear reaches up and strikes again. :D But, I did say it was 'difficult' not impossible. ;)

You have to admit that there is a lot more precision work involved with that type of set-up. It leaves little room for error and requires more time spent 'testing' to get it right and storm-proof. You also loose a piece your VB clothing in the process. Not that I commonly use rain gear in the hammock, but there was one time I was very happy to have my Frogg Toggs on my body; helped with a rough night. Still, good point for the gram counters out there. :shades:

Interested in meeting at a Trailhead and giving me a demo of that set-up?

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Originally Posted by Cannibal

Interested in meeting at a Trailhead and giving me a demo of that set-up?

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Only if you will bring your kit for a demo. Bring your camera.

Done deal!

I've got a meetup "Show & Tell" scheduled for Saturday at the Cub Creek Trailhead if you're not doing anything. You can show off all your veteran hammock skills to the young'uns. We'll be doing a little camp for some Smores eatin about a tenth of a mile up the trail that night.

I am in. Spend the night or adjourn to the Little Bear?http://www.littlebearsaloon.com/index.html

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Originally Posted by food

I am in. Spend the night or adjourn to the Little Bear?http://www.littlebearsaloon.com/index.html

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Cool! I'll get the details to you. I wanna see this poncho/dri-ducks rig. :shades:

Thank to everyone that responded. I started making my own out of ripstop nylon from wal-mart and will try to waterproof it in the next few weeks. It looks like it will come out to about 12'x10'.

Do you just email OES about the spinnaker versions?

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Originally Posted by dbriggs9

Do you just email OES about the spinnaker versions?

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Yes. Perhaps he will add them to his site in the future.

Same deal with the Yeti underquilts from Warbonnet, right?

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Originally Posted by dbriggs9

Same deal with the Yeti underquilts from Warbonnet, right?

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That's correct. A little birdie tells me that a new Warbonnet site is underway, though...

haha, well I appreciate you for the quick response, and your little birdy for getting me excited for a new site.