Better of the bad?

[ditchbanker]

Working on a hammock setup, largely using gift cards since my purposed hammock budget has recently been cut due to work expenses. I've got cards at Cabelas and Sierra Trading Post. Looking at pickup up a Grand Trunk Single (today, at least).

Cabelas carries the Kelty Noah 9x9, which I've been considering. Talked to a guy at Sierra who said they should be getting some ENO tarps in soon (unknown which model).

I know neither of these are great tarps, but they're what's in the cards now. Of the two makers, who would you go with?

[RedBeardHanger]

Having never used either… I’d go with the GTS. Only cause I know the name better.

[Catavarie]

Grand Trunk Single and Eno Single Nest are practically identical hammocks, just a difference in colors. Pro Tip, don't bother getting the Eno Slap Straps. Instead pick up polyester/polypro (Not Nylon) tie down straps from your local big box store for $10 and use those for tree huggers. The Kelty 9 would likely have to be pitched as a diamond to fully cover your hammock. (I can't remember if they size along the edge or across the diagonal.) It's really up to you on if you want to wait or not, both are decent tarps and will get you started. My first tarp was a walmart blue 10x8 tarp I got for $6. Was heavy, but it got me hanging and I carried a couple of times in my pack until I found my current tarp for sale at a great price here.

Good luck with your purchases, it feels good to get off the ground.

[Beast 71]

The con on the eno tarp is that they're too small. I'd go with the Kelty tarp.

[adkphoto]

The Kelty 9 is measured on the side. It's designed to be pitched as a diamond and is actually a nice tarp for the money. I have the ENO single and the GT ultralight. In my personal opinion, the GT UL is more comfortable. It's also cheaper and lighter.

Peace,
David

[im22sniper]

The con on the eno tarp is that they're too small. I'd go with the Kelty tarp.

I wouldnt call it too small. I have the protarp by Enos and it worked just fine all winter. Yes it may be a little heavier than some of the other brands but to answer his question I would definitely pick the Enos Protarp. It is a very good tarp in my opinion and has plenty of coverage to protect the hammock, even in porch mode.
Now if I had to do it all over again and knew what I know now...I would have spent another $25 and bought a larger Mamajamba or Big Daddy just to have more living area under it for rainy days and be able to hang it higher for more room. However the Protarp is definitely a good pick.
ps...Like the other guy said, dont buy the slap straps, get poly straps!

[Cali]

I like the Kelty tarps, and the 9 should cover you well. If you want a bigger one, consider the Kelty 12, it is about $10 more. Depends on if you are looking for a camping setup or a hiking setup. Kelty makes good tarps and they come with the Tarp line, figure 9's, and the stakes. Just my $.02.

[Cannibal]

Nothing wrong with the Kelty 9x9 other than the weight. It provides plenty of coverage and is easy on the wallet when compared to other choices. I lost my SG camo 9x9 (neo tarp) years ago and there aren't many days that I don't miss it. Those two tarps are near identical.

My opinion of Grand Trunk is extremely low, given their recent attempt at deceiving HF members. ENOs are usually available at box stores, as too are Byers of Maine.

[ditchbanker]

Hey, guys, thanks for the input.

Bajahanger, I haven't seen any other info about the Kelty coming with all that stuff. Is that standard or just a special through some sellers? That'd save me a few bucks on setup.

[ditchbanker]

Cannibal, you must have responded while I was still reading, or I'd have put these both on the same reply...

Can you clarify on GT's attempt to deceive? They looked like a handy price and product, but I'm not a fan of supporting companies I don't like.