Poncho Tarp

**Captn** · 09-17-2009, 09:40

I have no doubt that this has been brought up more times than many of you can count, but I couldn't get a good hit on the forum search feature.

My HH Exped's stock tarp is the same size as my Poncho Tarp ....

What are the pros and cons of using your poncho as a Hammock fly?

**UncleMJM** · 09-17-2009, 10:36

Originally Posted by Captn

I have no doubt that this has been brought up more times than many of you can count, but I couldn't get a good hit on the forum search feature.

My HH Exped's stock tarp is the same size as my Poncho Tarp ....

What are the pros and cons of using your poncho as a Hammock fly?

If the size is sufficient to give you the coverage you need, give it a try.

Pros - less items to carry = less weight, less bulk

Con - limited flexibility - either wearing it or hanging it - for me there are times when I want my hammock set up and protected from the elements, but may also want/need to be out and about. If it is raining and I only have the poncho as a tarp, I have to choose to stay put, pack up, or get wet. That's just me.

Again, give it a try and if you like it - whatever works for you is what matters.

**BaloO** · 09-17-2009, 12:01

If had the same thoughts... My tarp is alot bigger than my poncho but it should work, the poncho is prepared for being used as a tarp and everything...

I wouldnt do it wintertime, but in the summer it should do..

**Spock** · 09-17-2009, 16:33

A poncho will be heavier than the same sized tarp. All things being equal, the hood will add weight. For example, an 8x5 poncho in silnylon with the hood seam-sealed will weigh 11 or 12 ounces. A tarp the same size and material needs no sealing if you make it from 60" fabric and it will weigh about 8 ounces.

Given that you need wind protection if traveling the high lonesome, you might as well use a UL tarp and a very light, very waterproof and very breathable wind/rain/bug suit such as DryDucks (11 ounces, complete). Since the rainsuit does multiple duty, you can eliminate other clothing items for real weight savings AND leave your hammock when it is raining cats and dogs. This system has worked for me for thru-hikes.

**UncleMJM** · 09-17-2009, 16:46

Great suggestion on the DryDucks and tarp. That is what I do as well a lot of the time and just didn't think to mention in my previous post.

BTW, come to our Fall Texas Hammock Hang Spock if you can.

**Captn** · 09-17-2009, 18:31

I have a Cuben poncho tarp I received as a Birthday present several years ago ... It only weighs in at around 3 oz, but based on some of the comments I've seen on this forum I'm not sure it's a good choice for a tarp. It would be a bit on the Narrow side anyway at only 4 feet wide. Not enough coverage.

However, 3 oz carried along with the regular fly isn't really that big of a deal I guess, and I like the flexibility, especially on longer hikes, of having separate rain gear.

**Dutch** · 09-17-2009, 18:45

For me every situation is different. Maybe it is going to rain all week. Than I want both tarp and poncho. But what if I am just going out for an overnighter and there is warm and 10% chance of rain. Your idea sounds perfect b/c it is light and give you minimal protection just in case.... To me gear is like wepon and i like to have just a big enough gun to get the job done.

**ringtail-THFKAfood** · 09-22-2009, 11:37

The hood of the poncho tends to hang lower and form a funnel. I guy it overhead to avoid that problem.

I use a poncho with the HH, but the Warbonnet is wider and will leave more exposed.

I also carry a DriDucks jacket and windshirt to wear around camp when I use the poncho for a fly. The Driducks jacket is secured over the foot end of the ridgeline with a binderclip for extra rain protection. The windshirt protects the DriDucks jacket, is great for hiking on cold mornings and is layered over a fleece hoodie for sleeping.