Tarp talk: Superfly vs. Winter Dream

**JmBoh** · 12-20-2015, 11:00

I was recently looking for one of these two and found a good deal in here for a superfly. I was looking at both the superfly and the winter dream and was wondering what the difference is? They seem made of the same stuff, although UGQ offers other materials and colors for the winter dream tarp. Is there a difference? Is one better than the other? I still may get a winter dream tarp in silpoly in one of the schnazzy colors they offer. I've just been curious about this for a while.

**hutzelbein** · 12-21-2015, 09:19

I own a Superfly but no Winter Dream, so I can only compare the specs. However, in my experience the specs won't tell you everything you might like to know. For example I own the Warbonnet Edge and the Wilderness Logics Tadpole. On paper these tarps look very similar:

WB Edge
Color: Olive brown/Digital Camo
Weight: 11.25 oz.
Ridgeline length: 132"
Width: 94”
Fabric: 1.1oz/30D 2000mm NeverMist™ Silnylon
Price: $95/$120

WL Tadpole
Color: Various
Weight: 11.5 oz. (RL 132") / 12.5 oz. (144")
Ridgeline length: 132" / 144"
Width: 92"
Fabric: Double Coated Silicone ripstop Nylon
Price: $95/$110 (w/o mods)

However, apart from build-differences (e.g. WB - D-ring tie-outs, WL - webbing tie-outs), the coverage differs more than you would expect. I recently hung both tarps above each other, and the Tadpole tapers quite a bit more than the Edge. I can't say if it makes a difference in everyday use, but seeing that the weight is comparable, I prefer the Edge.

The Superfly and the Winter Dream differ even more on paper:

WB Superfly
Item weight: 19 oz.
Ridgeline Length: 132"
Width: 120"
Fabric: 1.1oz/30D 2000mm NeverMist™ Silnylon
Price: $140

Winter Dream 11
Item weight: 19.1 / 19.7 oz.
Ridgeline Length: 132"
Width: 116"
Fabric: Sil/PU coated 20d Ripstop Nylon / DELUXE version using a super low stretch Sil/PU coated 20d Ripstop Polyester
Price: $149.95 / $164.95

It would be interesting to see both tarps hung above each other, but on paper the SF looks larger and lighter. On the other hand, the Winter Dream can be ordered in different fabrics and way more colors.

If coverage, weight and price are important to you, go with the Superfly.
If fabric, color and custom mods are important to you, go with the Winter Dream.

**Scoutmaster1056** · 12-21-2015, 12:34

I have a Winter Dream and I like the fact that the doors have snaps and can be snapped shut when needed. The snaps are plastic so they do not add much weight but they seem to hold well. I also like the fact that the edges of the tarp are trimmed with grossgrain which you can get in different colors. This seems to give the tarp a tighter edge than I have seen on the Superfly when staked out.

I can ad pictures of my Winter Dream later if needed.

**JmBoh** · 12-21-2015, 12:36

Originally Posted by Scoutmaster1056

I have a Winter Dream and I like the fact that the doors have snaps and can be snapped shut when needed. The snaps are plastic so they do not add much weight but they seem to hold well. I also like the fact that the edges of the tarp are trimmed with grossgrain which you can get in different colors. This seems to give the tarp a tighter edge than I have seen on the Superfly when staked out.

I can ad pictures of my Winter Dream later if needed.

i'd appreciate the pics. i didn't know it had snaps on the doors. that's a plus i think. thanks! i've tried looking it up online, but there isn't a lot out there on the winter dream, but tons of videos on the SF.

**GatorPaddler** · 12-21-2015, 14:50

I too would like to see pics. I actually had this exact question going through my mind today. I was all set to order a Superfly sometime in the next several weeks, then I saw the Winter Dream. I like the option of numerous colors, but I'd like to see some pics in the field.

Also, how do the doors compare? It looks like the SF doors overlap, but the WD has a snap included. Any other pros/cons about the doors? What about leaving them open? Do either have a slick system?

I really like the idea of the silpoly but would like to hear from more people who have used it.

**TominMN** · 12-21-2015, 15:01

I've been wishing for a thread about this and never got around to starting it.

I'm all ears, er, uh, I mean eyes.

**dakotaross** · 12-21-2015, 15:13

Yikes, snaps! They probably hold better in nasty winds which can be a great benefit if needed. Otherwise, sounds like a ripped tarp waiting to happen, IMO. I use just a spot of velcro on my doors and have not had an issue, but really haven't been through anything nasty either.

As hutzelbein described, the Warbonnet tarps tend to be cut less aggressively. This means you have a little more material per the dimensions as compared to another tarp with similar dimension cut more aggressively. This is somewhat surprising given that WB has among the lightest tarps of this design. Thus, and given the price point, its why the Superfly is consistently recommended. You know, the Honda CRV is highly recommended, but I can't stand it. (apologies to those I'm offending) And I don't mean that as a cut to the Superfly at all, but it does mean that there can be value in other designs, dependent upon where you place that value in importance.

The more aggressive the tarp cuts, the easier it is to get a taut pitch. This makes it a little more resistant to gusts, and quieter as well. From what I can see, the Winter Dream falls somewhere between the Superfly and my Toxaway in terms of the cat cuts - my Tox being on the extreme side. I know that Brandon says to crank down his tarps and perhaps that's his method of getting it more taut. IMO that puts a little more pressure on your stakes. What's worth saying as a retort to that comment, is that there are plenty of folks out there loving their Superfly's and using them without issue.

**GatorPaddler** · 12-21-2015, 15:28

Without seeing them up and close, it's hard to tell that the Winter Dream is "more aggressively cut". Other than the width being 4 inches shorter (2" on each side), I'm not sure I see what you mean.

**hangNyak** · 12-21-2015, 16:08

Originally Posted by dakotaross

What's worth saying as a retort to that comment, is that there are plenty of folks out there loving their Superfly's and using them without issue.

Yep and I'd be one of them. I don't have any experience with a Winter Dream, but I have plenty with the Superfly. Snaps-not needed and a gimmick adding cost. Grosgrain edging- not needed and another gimmick adding cost and weight. The cat cuts on the Superfly are fine. If you cut the cats too much, you lose coverage. I'm sure the WD is well made, but I guarantee it won't keep you any dryer and I believe it is more expensive. Brandon has them all beat, cost wise and design with the Superfly IMHO. To me every other tarp with doors was and is being modeled after the Superfly. As they say, though, hang your own hang. I recently did a video of my Superfly, if you want to check it out.

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...setup-amp-tips

**knix04** · 12-21-2015, 16:24

Things that are different aren't necessarily a gimmick. If snaps work for one, they are an innovation. Grosgrain does add weight, but also strength and reinforcement.
Was the move from canvas to "parachute" nylon a gimmick? Or from pads and bags to TQ/UQ? I think dyneema cordage is innovative, but those who like paracord might disagree.

I do love autocorrect!