Rectangular Tarp vs. MacCat

**regultr** · 08-25-2009, 15:02

I couldn't find if this had already been discussed, so I apologize in advance if it has...

Am I gaining anything with the shape of a MacCat versus a rectangular tarp?

Basically, MacCat Deluxe UL Spinn or MLD Grace Duo in Cuben? The difference is 2.4 oz and $86.

I just don't understand if the shape of the tarp matters much for hammocking and it would be nice to use the tarp by itself on the ground if desired which favors a rectangular shape.

Thanks for your help.

**pineapplenewton** · 08-25-2009, 15:10

It is easier to get a tight pitch with a cat cut tarp and it is lighter

**regultr** · 08-25-2009, 15:12

Well, not lighter in this case. The cuben is lighter than the spinn fabric.

Is the tightness of the pitch the only factor? If it is, that means otherwise the rectangular tarp (in this case) is lighter and able to be used on the ground, but is more expensive and more difficult to maintain a tight pitch. Does that about sum it up?

**beep** · 08-25-2009, 15:26

If I'm not mistaken (and I may be mistaken!), the Grace Duo is not a perfect rectangle. It has a "high" or "wide" end and a "short" or "low" end. The long axis/ridgeline of the Grace Duo is 9.75 feet with a 9'3" front and a 7'9" rear, while the ridgeline of the MacCat Deluxe is longer at 10' 10" and 8'8" width.

For my money, the MacCat Deluxe is better suited to hammock coverage, though perhaps less suited to ground-oriented use. I sold my Grace Duo (spinntex) and replaced it with the MacCat Deluxe in SpinnUL.

**BillyBob58** · 08-25-2009, 16:12

It depends on how strict you are in your def of "rectangular". For ex., I think the JRB 11x10 is considered a "rectangle" tarp, but it has small cat cuts. Still, it is obviously more rectangular than the Hex cut Mac Cats or other Hex or diamond cuts.

I find that for a given length tarp, the coverage is significantly better with a rectangular tarp as opposed to hex cut. But of course, because there is more material, there will also be more weight. Trade offs.

I had a MacCat Deluxe(11 foot ridge line), and loved it. I may yet get another MacCat one day. But my JRB 11 foot RL definitely gives me more coverage as well as pitching options. And it's Cat cuts are enough to make it very quiet(stable) in the wind.

**pineapplenewton** · 08-25-2009, 17:27

My post was refuring to cat cut hex tarps vs rectangles w/ similar measurements.

**Oms** · 08-25-2009, 18:01

I have both a OES MacCat Deluxe and 8x10 in silnylon. I just used both in windy, rainy conditions. Even though I stayed dry in the MD, with the 8x10 I was able to close off the end when the wind shifted. The extra coverage is really noticed when the temps drop. If I could only have one tarp I would choose the 8x10 for year round use. The rectangular without the cat cut has four tie-outs which are used to close the ends off. It also covers better when sitting out in the rain. When I get a chance I'll show the pictures of the different set-ups. Also, go for Spinn over silnylon.

**thinkpol** · 08-25-2009, 18:03

The MLD Spectralite Hex Hammock tarp is 6.4oz ^_~
Just a tad bit smaller than the MacCat Deluxe.

**Oms** · 08-26-2009, 05:52

Here are a few different shots of the tarps in action during our rainy trip. The 8x10 is set up in a few different ways. It would have been a miserable trip if spent in a tent. The tarps afforded us cooking, packing and recreation space. This was my first time the tarps helped that much. http://picasaweb.google.com/GeorgeG6...MqWrtrd4eT3MQ#

**gargoyle** · 08-26-2009, 06:18

Oms, nice shots and good looking setup. Looks like the kids enjoyed it.

I too am a fan of the rectangle. Cat looks cooler with those sweeping curves, but limits the different ways it can be pitched.