Speer Winter Tarp or Macat Deluxe?

**Just Jeff** · 01-20-2009, 11:27

Brian used to list his tarps as width from the ridgeline. This page lists the ultra as 104" wide at the widest point...just over 8-1/2 ft.
http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com/products.html

Edit - Ah, you meant between side tie-outs. Nevermind.

**Cannibal** · 01-20-2009, 11:39

Originally Posted by willswim

I looked at the ULtra and liked it until i noticed it was only 4 feet on the sides. I like the option of pulling down the ends in bad storm/wind, which is why i am looking at the bigger, SWT. Does the craftmanship and design of the MacCat warrant buying it over the more versatile Speer?

You can set-up in a manner (hang low) where you can get coverage good enough to deal with a storm in the MacCats, just have to be a bit more anal during set-up. The winter tarps just make it easy.

The craftsmanship on the Speer WT is no ugly sister/brother. Both are going to be good quality and design and it would be hard to fault you with either decision. If you want to save a few ounces, go with the MacCats; if you want easy storm set-up go with the SWT. Either way you get a great tarp.

**animalcontrol** · 01-20-2009, 11:45

Originally Posted by willswim

I looked at the ULtra and liked it until i noticed it was only 4 feet on the sides. I like the option of pulling down the ends in bad storm/wind, which is why i am looking at the bigger, SWT. Does the craftmanship and design of the MacCat warrant buying it over the more versatile Speer?

I have the MacCat Ultra (used with a BB) and if I had one complaint, it would be the side coverage.
OES uses a deep catcut and that also reduces side coverage. I'm considering making a tarp change...but I will continue to fiddle with it and see if I can improve it.

**GrizzlyAdams** · 01-20-2009, 11:57

with grip-clips and a bit of extra cord you can bring the sides of the MacCat down for 2-sided storm protection

Grizz

**willswim** · 01-20-2009, 13:29

Thanks for the great information. I understand many of you want to have multiple tarps, and makes sense to have more than one if you camp regualarly. but i want one tarp to cover all needs. so i have more questions. What about easy of use for a first time tarp owner? is one going to be better in that area than others? is the learning curve a small enough that it wouldn't matter?

**Cannibal** · 01-20-2009, 13:45

Nah, basic tarp set-up is basic tarp set-up. Attach to trees, stake to ground; simple. When you start pitching it for use as a ground tarp it can get more complicated, but for hammock use you only need a couple of practice set-ups in the back yard to get the feel for it.

Originally Posted by willswim

but i want one tarp to cover all needs.

Then go with a winter tarp. You can use it year round with a weight penalty. A winter tarp is a great thing to have in the winter and can be set-up perfectly well for a summer tarp. Seasonal tarps just display a hiker's sensitivity to pack weights. I like options, so the more tarps/hammocks/quilts, the more better.

**Ashman** · 01-20-2009, 13:58

I am not a gram weenie so this may sound like apostasy but the difference between the MCat Delux (13.8 ozz) and the Speer Winter tarp (16 oz) is not that much 1.2 if I am reading the websites right

**Cannibal** · 01-20-2009, 14:08

Not much, but also factor in extra stakes. Once you hit the point of weight obsession, it's the grams that matter not the ounces. I'm a recovering gramaholic, but a couple thousand miles of carrying stuff on your back will make you pay attention. Less tarp = more cookies in the pack.

2.2oz is at least a couple of Oreos.

**Cannibal** · 01-20-2009, 14:20

If you really want to notice the difference in a summer tarp vs. a winter tarp, compare the SWT to OES' Spinntex Standard (8oz). This is what I have for summertime and the difference is very noticeable in the pack. They aren't 'cheap', but well worth the investment in my opinion. I wouldn't carry it in late fall or winter, but I adore it the rest of the time.

**animalcontrol** · 01-20-2009, 14:32

Originally Posted by Ashman

I am not a gram weenie so this may sound like apostasy but the difference between the MCat Delux (13.8 ozz) and the Speer Winter tarp (16 oz) is not that much 1.2 if I am reading the websites right

I can't get on OES website right now (different issue) but I think comparing the MacCat Ultra is more "apples to apples"
Under that comparision, the weight difference is nearly the same. The major differences seem to be OES bomb-proof design vs more coverage for the SWT.
I'm looking forward to seeing a SWT up close at Mt Rogers...