Which Tarp?

[jbennett]

Hey guys I'm new here. I'm looking at getting the blackbird double 1.1 and I was wondering which tarp to company it with. I live in south Louisiana and usually pack in Arkansas in fall, winter, and spring (to hot to pack in summer). I was looking at the diamond and edge tarp. My main concern with the diamond tarp would be not enough cover during a strong downpour. I feel I would have more options with the edge, but if you guys think I would be fine with the diamond I would like to save a few ounces.

Thanks Jbennett

[Scottybdiving]

I have had my WBBB in a torrential downpour for hours with a 10 x 10 rectangular tarp. It was raining straight down with very little wind and I stayed perfectly dry. If windy, it might not have been as dry. With a diamond, you are going to be more vulnerable to anything horizontal.

[Bubba]

I would say go with the Edge tarp. More horizontal coverage and more stable in wind. The Edge is 2.5 ounces heavier so if you go with it you can save 3 ounces elsewhere and go with the single layer 1.7 instead of the double layer 1.1 if you are in the weight range. Just a thought.

[The Weezer's Dad]

For me, bigger is better. I have the Superfly. It has doors if I need them, I can set it up in porch mode to hang out () in the rain while cooking, reading, or what not. No way am I getting wet when properly pitched!

Yes it is heavier, but I'll save that weight elsewhere (maybe even on dry vs. wet gear for the hike out.)

[BlazeAway]

Go with the Edge. It is a wonderful tarp.
Blaze

[Boomer]

For me, bigger is better. I have the Superfly. It has doors if I need them, I can set it up in porch mode to hang out () in the rain while cooking, reading, or what not. No way am I getting wet when properly pitched!

Yes it is heavier, but I'll save that weight elsewhere (maybe even on dry vs. wet gear for the hike out.)

2nd the SF. I had a JRB 10'x11', but now I have 2 SFs. Nice to close off the ends in the wind/rain/cold.

[SamyK]

I have the WB big mamajamba (Same size as the superfly) love it. My first ever hang it poured. I stayed nice and dry and I had no clue what I was doing.

[MAD777]

The obvious answer is you need both a small and a large tarp

I made a tarp very similar to the edge for my blackbird and it covers just beyond the hammock all around. That means, in a rainstorm, I need to button that tarp down just off the top of the hammock. This is the tarp I take on trips when it's not supposed to rain. It protects me from dew, bird droppings and it will keep me dry in a storm although I would be confined to laying in the hammock.

I have a very large tarp that I take on trips when the weather is variable or I know it's going to rain. No matter how badly I set it up, it will keep me dry. I can hang out under it in porch mode. But it's heavier and takes up more space.

I made a diamond tarp once and I never use it. I just don't like the long, unsupported edges that shape creates. Many do fine with a diamond though.

The obvious choice for your 1st tarp would be the larger, more versatile one. But, don't think that it will stop there!