Skin or stuff??

**tanker0707** · 09-06-2011, 13:34

I am trying to figure out the best way to store my tarp. So...who uses skins and who uses a stuff and why?

**Shug** · 09-06-2011, 13:41

Skins....love them. Tarp can be pre-hung but not deployed.
Easier to handle in high winds. Quick to pack.
Shug

**taylo** · 09-06-2011, 13:45

I use 3 velcro straps on my cuben tarp. Roll it up first, then strap in the middle and halfway from each end. Then I can fold it into a shape that can easily fit inside a stuff sack.
Cuben holds it shape unlike silnylon which would just fall out of my velcro straps. Skins are nice but I like my straps better.

**Joey** · 09-06-2011, 14:32

I pre-hang my tarp everytime. I only deploy it if necessary. I like the view from my hammock. Skins allow me to quickly and easily deploy my tarp if situations change. Also, much easier to stow away when packing on a windy day.

So, ditto what Shug and Two Tents said.

PS - mountaingoat makes some pretty awesome mesh skins for a fair price!

**Knotty** · 09-06-2011, 17:46

Originally Posted by Shug

Skins....love them. Tarp can be pre-hung but not deployed.
Easier to handle in high winds. Quick to pack.
Shug

What Shug said.

**McSpartan** · 10-02-2011, 10:47

Originally Posted by Knotty

What Shug said.

+2, what Shug and Ron said. Love these. Especially the sewn in pocket to store the RL and extra panel pull lines.

**wolf track** · 09-06-2011, 13:46

I never put much stock in the skins till I attended a group hang and got to check em out in person. Now I have a set for both of my tarps.

I stuffed mine into the built in pocket on my hammock for over a year and it worked fine, but the skins made setup and takedown easier if there is any wind blowing and keeps my guylines from tangling up.

Another advantage for me is stringing the tarp over head and leaving it in the skins. I get to watch the sky but if it starts raining its pretty quick to slide the skins back and set the guylines on the stakes.

**Two Tents** · 09-06-2011, 13:49

Skins, cause like Shug said you can have it ready to deploy, but still put away ( if that makes sense ).

**Oskar** · 09-06-2011, 14:42

I got a stuff sack, but skins are handy (got a skin for the hammock). Maybe I'll get a tarp skin. Or a new tarp with skins.

**Cannibal** · 09-06-2011, 14:42

I use stuff sacks for storage, but in the field; neither.
I just store my tarp in the outer back pocket of my pack. Not only is it ready to deploy without getting into my pack, it doesn't have to be taken out or skinned either.