Beginner question: Best tarp for the money?

**jloden** · 09-20-2011, 08:49

Originally Posted by spamburglar

I'm looking into the Hennessy Hex myself as a first tarp. Are they cat cut or no? it doesnt specify and I'd really like to know before I buy

I don't believe they are cat cut. If you look at the pic on the website it's just a plain hex shape, straight across at the bottoms & corners.

**FLRider** · 09-20-2011, 08:58

Originally Posted by spamburglar

I'm looking into the Hennessy Hex myself as a first tarp. Are they cat cut or no? it doesnt specify and I'd really like to know before I buy

It's not. There is a very slight curve along the edges, but not enough to call it a cat cut. I've not had problems with it being hard to tension, but I use aluminum y stakes and self-tensioning lines on the tie-outs. Your mileage may vary.

**huauqui** · 09-21-2011, 15:47

I don't believe it is cat cut, I have a couple on HH and they function very well and haven't left me wet yet.

**flashbang009** · 09-21-2011, 22:36

So i'm thinking/leaning towards a tyvek tarp, getting the tyvek from a fellow member. I'm just going to penny larkshead the corners for my tie downs but I have no clue how to do the ridgeline/suspension. I found a video for the knots to adjust but I don't know how to attach the line to the tarp. Suggestions?

**photohiker** · 09-21-2011, 22:45

Tyvek Tape some D-Rings at the ridgeline.

Check this post from the Tyvek Diamond Tarp thread, there are some good photos there (and lots of good info in the thread)

**FLRider** · 09-21-2011, 22:49

Originally Posted by flashbang009

So i'm thinking/leaning towards a tyvek tarp, getting the tyvek from a fellow member. I'm just going to penny larkshead the corners for my tie downs but I have no clue how to do the ridgeline/suspension. I found a video for the knots to adjust but I don't know how to attach the line to the tarp. Suggestions?

Probably the easiest way will be to make your line for your loop a little longer than you think you need, double fisherman's knot the ends together, Prusik or Klemheist to the CRL, and then penny-larkshead to the tarp corners.

Leastwise, that's how I'd try it for the first time out. As with all DIY stuff, test it in your back yard before depending on it out on the trail.

**flashbang009** · 09-21-2011, 23:00

Originally Posted by photohiker

Tyvek Tape some D-Rings at the ridgeline.

Check this post from the Tyvek Diamond Tarp thread, there are some good photos there (and lots of good info in the thread)

Trying to avoid using/buying tape. Gotta love the college budget! Would make it much easier though.

**Towellie** · 09-21-2011, 23:12

Jeez a lot of ppl jumped on this post!

Hands down go with a DD HAMMOCKS Tarp. All i've got to say is you can get a light, durable, enormous tarp (10x14) for less and better than a DIY. $80

**spamburglar** · 09-21-2011, 23:55

After doing a bit more research I decided to just pull the trigger and order a maccat deluxe since I already know I would order one eventually anyway. Thanks to everyone for the advice and information. I think the cat will serve me well.

**Walking Dead** · 09-22-2011, 06:51

I recently started using the Chinook 12x9.6 tarp that I got from Manventure Outpost and have proven it in some really severe rain while backpacking in the Shining Rock Wilderness. Not the lightest thing but definitely tolerable. Here's a shot with it setup in what I call porch mode.