Kelty Noah 9 or 12?

**outdoar1** · 06-02-2013, 18:56

Hello, new to site and hammock camping. I just recently purchased a $25 travel hammock from walmart and swapped out its suspension system for a whoopie sling system. made a bug net out of two sheer curtains for $9 and am surprised at how well that came out for never sewing before. Im now in the market for a tarp. I don't want to spend too much on this setup because I can already tell I will be upgrading hammock soon and would like to have an extra setup for friends. I have a gift card for cabelas that I would like to use and seen they only have the kelty noah. I see its a bit heavy and doesn't look like it has great side coverage for blowing rain. My thought is to get the 12 instead of the 9 for extra cover and modify it a bit. Any info on these tarps would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for any info and look forward to my first hang!

**dieselbaron** · 06-02-2013, 19:24

a fellow west side Michigan hanger I'm from Kalamazoo my self I have been doing some tarp research myself it was between the Noah 12 and a WL tadpole to use that gift card I would go with the better side coverage I've only seen it pitched at my local gear store though

**outdoar1** · 06-02-2013, 19:35

Just searched older posts and found lots of info on the noah 9 and 12. I like the idea of only 2 steaks for the 9, but just worry about enough rain coverage. looks like if you hang high under the tarp there may be enough coverage. The 12 does look very versatile however.

**outdoar1** · 06-02-2013, 19:38

I would consider myself a westside Michigan hanger in training right now dieselbaron. Hopefully be hanging confident soon though!

**namnat** · 06-02-2013, 19:43

I just purchased the Noah 12. I like the idea of better side coverage and the fact that it has make-shift doors if set up in a rectangular fashion.

I'll try to get some photos of it set up because there are very few photos of it actually set up. Or my searching capabilities arent that well.

**Stargaze** · 06-02-2013, 20:35

My wife and I both have the 12. I love it for the price. If you hang it like a square you can fold the corners in to make pretty good doors. ImageUploadedByTapatalk1370223053.842397.jpg
I'm 6' and I can pitch it almost all the way to the ground and still stand up under it. I don't bend as well as I used to so this is a bonus for me. It has side tie outs as well witch helps give a little extra room when in storm mode.
If weight isn't too much of an issue I don't think you will be disappointed in it for the price.

**G...Hawk** · 06-02-2013, 21:30

Heavy for backpacking. I use WB Edge for summer and SuperFly (doors) for winter.

For vanCamping we have 2 Noah9s. 12ft on diagonal. Many tabs for tieouts. Have used in rain many times, tie it down low.

Also, Noah12 that we have used a few times over both hammocks, but not for winter.
Stargaze's setup looks idea for winter.

Look around, sometimes you can get the Noah12 for the price of the 9.

G

**outdoar1** · 06-02-2013, 21:44

thanks G...hawk and stargaze. Only reason I am thinking of purchasing one is because I have a gift card and its the only option the store has. I like the idea of the 12 for bad weather and for hanging 2 hammocks underneath, but if the 9 will give me enough rain protection if I hang it low I may go that route. really just need something to get me hanging in the woods and dry. 9 seems super simple and a bit lighter, just worried about coverage.

**G...Hawk** · 06-02-2013, 22:07

Then the Noah9 is good. For warmer weather Noah12 is very large for one hammock.

If you are camping in the icy seasons, in MI, go Noah12.

But the 9 on the diagonal is 12ft ridgeline.
( Besides it looks like a bird taking to flight in the woods. )

G

**clean** · 06-03-2013, 08:33

Boy and I have spent a couple nights hanging under the 12 together. How much more is a Hennessy hex? We have those now and while not super-light they are lighter and smaller when packed. They are still large enough to pitch over two hammocks hung close to each other and much more reasonable for a single hammock.

The 12 is awesome for a shade/rain structure over a few chairs when car camping with a pair of collapsible poles. Do you car camp at all? You could justify the 12 for now knowing you'd use it like this later...