Hammocks w/Spreader bar - what Tarp?

**Apollo** · 12-10-2018, 15:54

I've been backpacking with my kids more lately and using Dutch's spreader bar/beetle buckles to hang them from a single tree. I've used my Superfly in the past with it, but I don't get great closure on the ends. I'm considering selling that off and buying a longer tarp - any suggestions from those of you that have used the spreader bar and a huge tarp?

Thanks!

**Armadillo Hanger** · 12-10-2018, 16:41

There is some good info and a video showing the Winter Haven in use in this thread

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...amping-for-Two

**Apollo** · 12-10-2018, 16:52

Thanks! The winter haven is absolutely massive

**PlusOne** · 12-10-2018, 17:35

I just got Dutch's 12' Winter Hex and used it for the first time this weekend. Though I didn't need to close the doors, the tarp was plenty big for the Double Dutch system. I just have to figure out some way to protect the tarp from the end of the spreader bar as it tends to rub the tarp as you get in and out.

**Apollo** · 12-10-2018, 18:18

Thanks PlusOne - I was thinking of getting a 13ft long tarp - do you think the extra foot would have made a difference at all?

**PlusOne** · 12-11-2018, 07:53

Yes.... and no. There would definitely be more width at the bar with a longer tarp. I have read a few posts that say it's just the nature of the beast. Some Forums members have put small balls at the ends of the bar, and others have rigged ingenious suspensions to keep the bar from swinging too much into the tarp. I can say I had a ton of room at the ends with my 12', but that bar just doesn't conform to the shape of the tarp.
Pondering this as I type, the better solution might be a pole mod at the head end.

**morgan1840** · 12-12-2018, 08:59

I have a winter haven with all 3 internal pole mods for this purpose. I really like it and it works great. The shortcoming for me is the headend can’t close completely due to the spreader bar

**Apollo** · 12-12-2018, 10:49

Originally Posted by morgan1840

I have a winter haven with all 3 internal pole mods for this purpose. I really like it and it works great. The shortcoming for me is the headend can’t close completely due to the spreader bar

Thanks! It seems the common thread here is that with a spreader bar - getting tarp with doors that close on the head end probably just won't happen