I am looking at upgrading my tarp and before I drop over $300.00 for a new one, I would like to get some advice on the tarps I am considering purchasing.
First of all, let me say that I am a lightweight backpacker (4-season, 16 pounds+ base weight for 7-day trip) and am looking to get my TPW below 15 pounds (even lighter if possible). I also like to do as much stealth camping as possible and I abide by the Leave No Trace principals which includes not being a blaring eye-sore to other wilderness campers. For instance my under quilt protector and my pack covers are both camo in color.
I currently have a OMS MacCat Standard tarp that weights 10.3 ounces. It is 125" x 84" made of 1.4 oz SilNylon. The issues I have with the current tarp is it is it gets heavy when wet, it sags---especially when wet, coverage from blowing wind/rain is minimal, gives very little privacy when changing clothes. Other than those issues, I have been very happy with this tarp.
I recently purchased a UGQ WinterDream 13' tarp for my wife for Christmas last year and I really like the coverage and the doors. What I don't like about her tarp is the weight of the tarp. It is way to heavy to take backpacking with me.
I have researched several tarps and have narrowed it down to the following two tarps (the cost is identical for these tarps, $315.00 dollars, so I am looking at the physical differences between the two):
1. Hammock Gear - Dyneema Fiber Standard Tarp with Doors 11' Green (7.28 oz)
2. ZPacks - Dyneema Composite Fabric Hammock Tarp with Doors 11' Olive Drab (8.73 oz) no door tie-backs
It would appear from a weight standpoint that the ZPacks tarp is a bit heavier by an ounce and a half. I am assuming this is because the HG tarp has Catenary Cuts at the bottom and the ZPacks tarp is straight across at the bottom. It could also be due to what they use for tie-outs.
Can anyone that has the ZPacks tarp confirm the weight of the tarp?
The Hammock Gear also has a Camo color option for an additional $45.00 that brings the weight up to 8.33 ounces. Can anyone with the ZPacks tarp in Olive Drab give me their impressions on how well it blends in with the natural environment? Can someone with a HG tarp in Camo give me their thoughts on this color choice; would you choose it again?
I would also really appreciate seeing a closeup of the ridge line tie-outs and the corner tie-outs of each of these tarps.
Besides weight savings, is there any reason to go with catenary cuts on a DCF tarp?
Is there anything else I may be missing or not taking into consideration when choosing between these two tarps?
Has anyone had both of these tarps? What did you think of them and which do you prefer?
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