Does anyone own or know about the Gear Guide Emergency Tarp?

**DivaB** · 03-16-2012, 08:12

Hi all. I was wondering if anyone has seen or own the Gear Guide Emergency Tarp http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=954704

It looks like a hex tarp and I was wondering what the coverage was like over your hammock and if you like it?

I've already purchased 2 of the 12 x 12 gear guide tarps, but could use a 3rd and didn't know if I should stick with the 12 x 12 or go with one of these tarps.

Any feedback on the emergency tarp would be great.

**theflb** · 03-16-2012, 08:53

I saw that when ordering a 12x12 and was very interested. I believe it is a new product, so there may not be anyone out there that has one yet. The 14 ft ridgeline is a bit longer than most would prefer. I think the 4 lb weight listed might scare some people off, but if the poles are ~1 lb each, that puts it in the same 30-32 oz range as the 12x12. This one is definitely less versatile, pretty much just 1 way to pitch it, but simple has its benefits too. The reason I did not order one was the price difference. $18 for the 12x12 and double that for this one. I'm still curious about it and would love to see a real world comparison of the two.

**jbrianb** · 03-16-2012, 10:01

The Guide Gear 12x12 has 144 feet of coverage. This one has 123 feet. The fabric is exactly the same according to the spec sheets, so it appears it's just a shape/size/cut difference. That said, those catenary cuts look nice. If anyone gets one, I'd love to hear about it. I got the 12x12 because of price and coverage.

**theflb** · 03-16-2012, 11:36

If the 12x12 was really 144 sq ft @ 30 oz that would be .208 oz per sq ft x 123= 25.625 oz. for this one, but judging from the diagram below, the 12x12 is not actually 144 sq ft, due to the cat cuts.

I have no idea how to figure the actual area of the 12x12 to do a true comparison though. Maybe a math guru can step in here and calculate.

**Pipsissewa** · 03-16-2012, 12:57

Originally Posted by jbrianb

...The fabric is exactly the same according to the spec sheets, so it appears it's just a shape/size/cut difference.

Not quite: The emergency shelter is 190T polyester with 1000 mm polyurethane coating. The 12 x 12 is 190T nylon with 1000 mm polyurethane coating. Just sayin'...

**chewbacca** · 03-16-2012, 13:08

Originally Posted by theflb

If the 12x12 was really 144 sq ft @ 30 oz that would be .208 oz per sq ft x 123= 25.625 oz. for this one, but judging from the diagram below, the 12x12 is not actually 144 sq ft, due to the cat cuts.

I have no idea how to figure the actual area of the 12x12 to do a true comparison though. Maybe a math guru can step in here and calculate.

I entered the dimensions in to AutoCAD drafting program and came up with a coverage of 118 sf for the 12 x 12 with the cat cuts. This should be close if the diagram dimensions are correct. So the 12 x 12 seems to be less then emergency tarp, at 123 sf.

**theflb** · 03-16-2012, 15:07

Originally Posted by Pipsissewa

Not quite: The emergency shelter is 190T polyester with 1000 mm polyurethane coating. The 12 x 12 is 190T nylon with 1000 mm polyurethane coating. Just sayin'...

Nice catch I did not see that. I wonder what the difference in weight and packability are for polyester vs nylon.

Originally Posted by chewbacca

I entered the dimensions in to AutoCAD drafting program and came up with a coverage of 118 sf for the 12 x 12 with the cat cuts. This should be close if the diagram dimensions are correct. So the 12 x 12 seems to be less then emergency tarp, at 123 sf.

Awesome! Thanks for the info. I never would have been able to figure that out on my own.

I guess it all depends on the difference in the fabric, now. I'd love to get one to compare, but I've got 4 tarps already. Then again, I've got some $10 cards coming with my new sportsman's guide membership... hmm....

**jbrianb** · 03-16-2012, 18:18

Originally Posted by Pipsissewa

Not quite: The emergency shelter is 190T polyester with 1000 mm polyurethane coating. The 12 x 12 is 190T nylon with 1000 mm polyurethane coating. Just sayin'...

You are correct. I saw that 190T and 1000 poly coating and stopped reading. Thanks for the clarification.

**jbrianb** · 03-16-2012, 18:19

Originally Posted by chewbacca

I entered the dimensions in to AutoCAD drafting program and came up with a coverage of 118 sf for the 12 x 12 with the cat cuts. This should be close if the diagram dimensions are correct. So the 12 x 12 seems to be less then emergency tarp, at 123 sf.

Nice skills. I didn't realize the 12x12 had the cat cuts.

**jrussell72** · 04-11-2012, 21:16

I purchased one and it should be here any day now. I'm just getting into hammock camping so this will be my first tarp so with no experience on the subject I have nothing to compare it to. Like mentioned before 4lbs could include the weight of the poles. At least that is what I am hoping. For the price I think it will be good and if the material is a little heavier I'm hoping that will make it durable. In the long run I would rather carry something a little bit heavier and have it last then to carry something ultra light and pricey and worry about it the whole time. Just my newby 2%.