Let's face it, Jacks-r-Better has dominion over the world of underquilts.
It's a toss up between users as to who has the better hammock-Hennessey, Clark, or Speer. In the tarp/fly cosmos there is one ruler of the world and that is McCat.
I just spent 2 weeks in Ontario and all but one night in the hammock. Each night the HH was hung as was the JRB underquilt (the new lighter model which by the way served well at 37F). Also a new tarp was deployed, the McCat Deluxe. Go to the Hammock Gear Gallery here at WB to see the improvements in construction. Brian has again brought artistry to the fly and I would rank him with Aaron of Brasslite for not only production something that is strong in construction, functional for the lightweight backpacker, but something that exudes craftsmanship.
I bought the deluxe thinking my Generation One McCat was lost---of course you find something when you replace it..this allowed a good closeup side by side comparison. The wonder called the catenery cut is obviously still present in the Deluxe model, but compared to my Gen One McCat, the stitching and reinforcement have traveled a light year.
I wish I could tell you that in Ontario I sufferered torential rain and equally bad wind but for 2 weeks nairy a drop of rain fell and the only wind we felt was briefly at Killarney Provincial Park and that was not enough to ripple a normal tarp much less a McCat.
There is a weight penalty..look to the McCat website for the difference, methinks its 2 oz. But this is what I was trying to do with a GoLite Cave2 several years ago, and that is gain real estate under my sleeping platform without owning the whole block. Now I can do it with advanced engineering and production second to no manufacturer.
Though we've never met I only wish I could set up my oldest daughter with Brian!

Hi Medicineman,
So you liked the new underquilt too? I've just ordered the new one on behalf of my partner. I think it should be fine for her coupled with my weathershield.
Could I ask what you were wearing to take the underquilt so low? (temperature wise, no judgement on your ethical standing)

I'm with you Medicine Man! I just tried out my McCat Deluxe with my HH this past weekend for the first time and I was blown away by the quality and workmanship that Brian's products exhibit.

This baby is a work of art. It sets up taut and smooth without a single wrinkle. I'm looking forward to working with it in a good, heavy storm with plenty of wind and rain. For me, the extra coverage is worth the additional ounces.

I just want to post a note about the pictures: The original tarp that MedicineMan recieved was the predicesor to todays "MacCat Standard", while the newer tarp he recieved was the "MacCat Deluxe", hence the slight weight difference (currently ~2.5oz). Thanks again MM and Ratbert!

Brian
OES

i am sticking with my jacksrbetter 8x8 tarp,it rules:cool: neo


http://www.whiteblaze.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/7105/sort/1/cat/500/page/2

I've never seen the generation one, just the MacCat Deluxe that I recently bought. I too was blown away by the quality of the construction. It really is the thing that strikes you when you first get a look at it up close.


I haven't had the chance to use it in the field yet but I can't wait

One thing I've never understood about McCat tarps (and the stock HH tarp) is the need for binding tape around the perimeter. Why? Why not just roll over the silnylon edge twice and run a single light of stiching down it?

I admit it does "look cool", but there dozens of other tarps on the market that don't do it. So, I doubt strength is the issue.

Here are some email snips from Brian when I asked the same question. I think it probably helps spread the force, which in turn increases the advantage of the catenary cuts, resulting in a tighter tarp with less pressure on the stakes. A rolled hem would work, but maybe not as well...I guess the only way to tell for sure would be to have Brian make you a custom one without the GGR and compare.

It sure does look cool, though. I wonder if the harmonics of the different materials help the tarp remain a hummer instead of a flapper. Kinda like the Tacoma Narrows bridge. Ok, maybe that's a stretch.

==============

...It prevents the ends of the tarp from fraying, as well as hiding the ends of the
tieouts (in essence, a very finished look). It also spreads out forces acting
on the tarp (in my opinion).

...The reason I do a simple rolled layer of sil first is to prevent the GGR from ripping out of the fabric in high winds (when the tarp is not tied down). When it snaps in the wind, that puts an incredible amount of force on the tarp, and rolling over the fabric (and sewing the GGR *onto* that fold, it prevents the GGR from unraveling the fabric, and makes it much more durable and permanent.

As for the weight of the ribbon, the 1" ribbon that I use (I fold it over, so it is effectively a 1\2" border) weighs .197oz per yard (.06566oz per foot). So for an entire MacCat Standard, that ends up being about 1.5oz worth of webbing for the entire perimeter of the tarp.

It adds stiffness to the tarp edges (making for an easier setup), articulates the catenary curves on the edges, and makes for a nice finished look.

=============

well Temps are subjective to say the least... i was thinking you must live in Florida! to me 37F is wonderful especially after the heat of this past summer...and i was wearing skin! did have a balaclava in the hammock but didnt use it. but remember that was 37 without any breeze at all, and that would make a difference..for those just not studying hammocks and thinking about them never forget the wind, even a slight breeze makes a difference, look at the lay of the land and use it to your advantage, if not the wind will use you to your disadvantage....this is another plus for the enhanced real estate the deluxe gives you, those added ounces --i think little for this point-- give you more tarp material to 'tarp it to the ground' on the windward side at least,,,and on that side you bring all the way to the ground add some leaves....and if nec. tarp it to the ground on both sides for even more protection...

Here are some email snips from Brian when I asked the same question. I think it probably helps spread the force, which in turn increases the advantage of the catenary cuts, resulting in a tighter tarp with less pressure on the stakes.

It adds stiffness to the tarp edges (making for an easier setup), articulates the catenary curves on the edges, and makes for a nice finished look.
It helps smooth wrinkles or looseness because the reinforced perimeter stretches the interior fabric in a self-equalizing fashion. (It's "self-leveling" the same way a suspention bridge is.) Tension is equally spread around the tarp, making it smoother and stronger.

Doug Frost

where do you purchase a McCat Deluxe?

where do you purchase a McCat Deluxe?

http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com/

Let's face it, Jacks-r-Better has dominion over the world of underquilts. If you can afford them, but lots of us use homemade ones...
It's a toss up between users as to who has the better hammock-Hennessey, Clark, or Speer. Actually more folks over at Hammockforums agree that the Warbonnet Blackbird is hands down the best! In the tarp/fly cosmos there is one ruler of the world and that is McCat. Okay, I'll agree there.... I love my BB with my homemade underquilt and my MacCat Standard Lite.