What's up Y'all,

Well, in I decided replace my stock HH tarp with that Sportsman's Guide tarp that Neo is always extolling the virtues of. Link (http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=97247)

Here is my mini review:
Perfect size.
Camo pattern is perfect for stealth camping
Not too much $$

Overall its a great tarp. Thanks Neo!! :)

Pick of the tarp in action:
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/8/6/0/3/IMG_0313.JPG

After hearing Neo rave about this tarp, I put it on my birthday list and got one from my Mama!

So far, it hasn't made it onto a trail, but it is over my Pawley's Island hammock in my yard, for practice. Keeps the rain and sun off me as I lay out and read hiking books! LOL

Rain:sunMan

.

I've also got that tarp. It rocks!

its an awesome tarp,i highly recommend it over anything else i have used:cool: neo

i ordered one for my youngest son today

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=97247

I have one also and have used it on the trail, it rocks. Everyone who has seen it wants to know where I got it. When I tell them how much I paid for it they cannot believe it.

I literally: opened this post, went to let the cat out, found my tarp at the door. WOW, as usuall from SG, it's much better than advertised. BTW, the ad copy says 10 tie outs, it's 12; one each corner & 2 each side. Plus, each corner has a small grommet. AND included with the tarp is: A stuff sack large enough to hold ALL of my hammocking stuff. 4 (about) 15' accessory cords, that seem fairly sturdy, with attached sliders.
I havn't set it up yet, but all in all I am way impressed. I really love the camo pattern.

I'm even thinking of carrying it even if I don't stay with the hammock, as unlikely as that is :eek:



Doctari.

:) awesome tarp:cool: neo

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/3/4/6/2/2006_0331Image0081.JPG (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=10579&original=1&c=member&imageuser=3462)



http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/3/4/6/2/2006_0714canoetrip0017.JPG (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=11598&original=1&c=member&imageuser=3462)

has anyone just used it as a shelter and not as a cover for a hammock

has anyone just used it as a shelter and not as a cover for a hammock

Mine is set up in the back yard, yes over my hammock, but, as a former tarp user, I can honestly say that I think it would make an EXCELLENT "regular" tarp, especially in the "flying wedge" configuration. In addition to the 12 tie outs on the edges, there are 5 on the body of the tarp: one in the center, & 2 each on an axis with the corners. It would probably require some modification to work as a “A-frame” as the tie points aren’t in the center. I have never used the A frame set up except in practice (don't like it myself), so don’t see this as a problem. YMMV.

Bear in mind that SG has a wonderful "no questions asked" return policy, so if you don’t like the tarp, send it back. Or, even better, send it to me :D



Doctari.

How far off-center are the tie-outs? At that size, I'm guessing you could make a modified A-frame with what's there. Call it caligraphy.

Or just use a ridgeline to make either an A-frame or modified A-frame. Plus you have something to hang wet clothes on.

How far off-center are the tie-outs? At that size, I'm guessing you could make a modified A-frame with what's there. Call it caligraphy.

40" from center, the corners are 85" from center. The tie outs in the body are in an X pattern, with the ends of the X being the corners & a tie being in the middle/center of the tarp.

I just came in from practicing, an "A frame" is hard to do without the tarp sliding to the center, BUT, a "lean to" type set up is very easy & can be made quite taut. The small overhang is only about 3.25' so it must be to the lee side of the tarp or you will get wet :rolleyes: My hammock is 7' 3" long, so the 9' 9" (117" Corner to corner & 98" [or 8' 2"} along the center line) Cat cut tarp covers me well that way, BUT allows no margin for error with regards wind (rain) direction.

FYI: just for fun, I set up without the hammock, as "just" a tarp, It is fantastic as a flying wedge.



Doctari.

I set mine up for the night while camping near Spivey Gap. Used it setup flat just to keep the dew off. Slept 2 quite comfortably.

...

FYI: just for fun, I set up without the hammock, as "just" a tarp, It is fantastic as a flying wedge.

Doctari.Square ones are pretty decent like that.

:) awesome tarp:cool: neo

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/3/4/6/2/2006_0331Image0081.JPG (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=10579&original=1&c=member&imageuser=3462)



http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/3/4/6/2/2006_0714canoetrip0017.JPG (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=11598&original=1&c=member&imageuser=3462)

Neo, is yours (shown in the photos) the 9x9 or the 12 x 12?

I set mine up as a windblock in front of my tent I was testing the last time I went out.
Sort of a strange teepee style with a awning...it worked out so well
I cooked and ate inside of it. While the wind and rain was blasting away.
I will post a picture of it.

Now don't laugh...well yeah you will anyways.:D
But I would add more loops if I was to ever try and use it in a tent configuration again.

I bought the 9x9 tarp after Neo's 42nd (or was it 43rd?) posting on how much he loved it (which is only exceeded by his number of postings on his pad), and I love this tarp so much I am now rethinking my pad options <grin>!

Honestly, though- you almost cannot go wrong with this tarp for a hammock user. 9x9 is actually (for me) a little big, as the diagonal is more than I am used to with my el-cheap-o poly tarps that are heavier and MUCH noisier that this one. I really like the material, it is very quiet in a breeze.

Also, the little cordlocks that come on the 4 cords for the corners are quite useful to my surprise. They are a 3-hole design, I am used to 2-hole aluminum ones and these work very well.

The only modification I made was to cut nearly 5' off each side cord, since I use stakes and that was WAY too much cord to mess with. The ridge end cords are nice being that long.

Thanks again Neo for being vocal about your "finds"!

J

I set mine up as a windblock in front of my tent I was testing the last time I went out.
Sort of a strange teepee style with a awning...it worked out so well
I cooked and ate inside of it. While the wind and rain was blasting away.
I will post a picture of it.

Now don't laugh...well yeah you will anyways.:D
But I would add more loops if I was to ever try and use it in a tent configuration again.

waiting on picture :banana

waiting on picture :bananahttp://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=11744&catid=member&imageuser=7222

I've been looking and looking (and looking) at these photos, and something about them really appealed to me. I just ordered the 9x9 camo tarp. At least stealth will be an option with it even in the back yard, avoiding the notice of the neighbors. Planning to put it over my HH Explorer Dlx.

Thanks for all of the reviews, photos and info. :o

I just got my tarp today. It's REALLY nice.

I did have a couple of questions. The Sportsman Gudie lists the tarp as being made of "4-point Tarp with waterproof, taped and coated polyester taffeta". I have a tag on my tarp that says its 100% Nylon. Is taffeta nylon? What would one use to seal the seams if it's not coated with silicone (I know it has taped seams. Just want the info for future reference.)?

I'm not an expert, but I think taffeta only refers to the construction process and can be made from many materials - silk, nylon, polyester, etc.

Surprising that it would say polyester on one and nylon on the other, though. I thought those were two completely different materials. But just like denim is 100% cotton, maybe polyester is made from nylon? Anyone know?

I'm no expert either, but I think you were right the first time, Jeff...I'm pretty sure they're two different things. I seem to remember having some piece of gear (who knows what) that was poly-nylon blend...which would indicate two different materials, I guess.

Neo - I looked around, but maybe not hard enough - is yours the 9x9 or 12x12? What's the weight on that monster?

From Wikipedia:

Jump to: navigation (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taffeta#column-one), search (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taffeta#searchInput)
Taffeta (sometimes spelled taffety) is a crisp, smooth woven fabric made from silk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silk) or synthetic fibers. The word is Persian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_language) in origin, and means "twisted woven". It is considered to be a "high end" fabric, suitable for use in ball gowns (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_gown), wedding dresses and in interiors for curtains or wallcovering. There are two distinct types of silk taffeta: yarn-dyed and piece-dyed. Piece-dyed taffeta is often used in linings and is quite soft. Yarn-dyed taffeta is much stiffer and is often used in evening dresses. Whilst Silk Taffeta has been classically woven in Italy and France and until the 1950s in Japan, today most Silk Taffeta is produced in India. Originally this was produced on handlooms, but since the 1990s has been produced on the most modern looms in the Bangalore area. From the 1970s until the 1990s the Jiangsu province of China produced some fine Silk Taffetas. Unfortunately they were less flexible than the Indian mills who now dominate production. Other countries in South East Asia and the Middle East are weaving Silk Taffeta but not yet either at the quality or competiveness of India. The most deluxe Taffetas are still woven in France, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Hey blackbishop351,

From Sportsman Guide:

Guide Gear Tarp, Woodland Camo
9 x 9'. 5 x 23" stuff sack. Weighs 1 1/2 lbs.
12 x 12'. 5 x 23" stuff sack. Weighs 1 lb., 15 ozs

headchange - thanks for the info...probly shouldve found that myself lol

Wow...thats pretty heavy...hmmm...

Originally Posted by Ewker
has anyone just used it as a shelter and not as a cover for a hammock

Mine is set up in the back yard, yes over my hammock, but, as a former tarp user, I can honestly say that I think it would make an EXCELLENT "regular" tarp, especially in the "flying wedge" configuration. In addition to the 12 tie outs on the edges, there are 5 on the body of the tarp: one in the center, & 2 each on an axis with the corners. It would probably require some modification to work as a “A-frame” as the tie points aren’t in the center. I have never used the A frame set up except in practice (don't like it myself), so don’t see this as a problem. YMMV.

Bear in mind that SG has a wonderful "no questions asked" return policy, so if you don’t like the tarp, send it back. Or, even better, send it to me :D


:D or you can send it to me:cool: neo

Originally Posted by Ewker
has anyone just used it as a shelter and not as a cover for a hammock

Mine is set up in the back yard, yes over my hammock, but, as a former tarp user, I can honestly say that I think it would make an EXCELLENT "regular" tarp, especially in the "flying wedge" configuration. In addition to the 12 tie outs on the edges, there are 5 on the body of the tarp: one in the center, & 2 each on an axis with the corners. It would probably require some modification to work as a “A-frame” as the tie points aren’t in the center. I have never used the A frame set up except in practice (don't like it myself), so don’t see this as a problem. YMMV.

Bear in mind that SG has a wonderful "no questions asked" return policy, so if you don’t like the tarp, send it back. Or, even better, send it to me :D


:D or you can send it to me:cool: neo

Neo you've been sandbaggin' us. :D You really can spell if you want to! You sly dog.

I know I've seen it posted in a thread before, but I can't seem to find it now...Does anybody have a list or actual weight on the HH ULB stock fly?

Just under 7 oz, IIRC.

Originally Posted by Ewker
has anyone just used it as a shelter and not as a cover for a hammock

Mine is set up in the back yard, yes over my hammock, but, as a former tarp user, I can honestly say that I think it would make an EXCELLENT "regular" tarp, especially in the "flying wedge" configuration. In addition to the 12 tie outs on the edges, there are 5 on the body of the tarp: one in the center, & 2 each on an axis with the corners. It would probably require some modification to work as a “A-frame” as the tie points aren’t in the center. I have never used the A frame set up except in practice (don't like it myself), so don’t see this as a problem. YMMV.

Bear in mind that SG has a wonderful "no questions asked" return policy, so if you don’t like the tarp, send it back. Or, even better, send it to me :D


:D or you can send it to me:cool: neo

Mine has been set up in the "flying wedge" configuration, It's wonderful as "just a tarp". SO, if you don't like it, send it to ME! Not NEO! :p


Doctari.

ok,ok looks like I will have to buy one :D

Wow...thats pretty heavy...hmmm...
You'll probably find it easy to lighten. When I first got my hammock*, I took 6.1 ounces of caribiners and compression strappage off the hammock and stuff sack. What was once a 19.2 ounce lightweight hamock is now a 13.1 ounce ridiculously lightweight hammock.

I don't think they used 24 ounces of cloth and grommets. I'll see soon. I just ordered one rather than mess with making a tarp just now.




*Eagle's Nest Outfitters - Single Nest (400 lbs. capacity)

I honestly don't think that the tarp is really that heavy. If you have a HH ULBA which weighs 1lb 15oz and then subtract the weight of the stock fly out (7oz as stated earlier). You can then figure the weight of the GG tarp with the weight of just the hammock ( 1lb 8oz for the tarp and lb 1lb 8oz for the hammock) and that gives you a shelter that weighs 3lbs and has a huge area of cover from the tarp and the comfort of sleeping in the hammock.:)

I don't guess you could consider it ULTRA light but 3lbs for a shelter is nothing to sneeze at.

And a 9x9 would be much easier to rig as an emergency ground shelter than the HH fly, too. And an emergency stretcher, or an emergency sail for kite-surfing, or an emergency body condom, or...nevermind.

You know those little carts they sell in Home Depot? The kind that are made from four 2x4s and just sit flat on 4 wheels, and only the front two wheels spin around...like a shoppping cart? In Colorado, we used to sit on those and hold up a bed sheet in the wind and go flying across the pavement. Fast - like 30 mph (that's fast when you're only 6" off the ground). Sometimes the wheels would break b/c they weren't meant to go that fast. One time a guy fell off and cracked his teeth on the terrazzo. But we were invincible and it was fun.

So anyway, you could make a helluva cart surfin machine with a 9x9 tarp! Since ultralight is about multifunction and all....

Well...all "interesting" alternative uses aside...lol

I just bit the bullet and ordered a GG. Man, I hope that extra pound isn't as heavy as it sounds!

But the way I'm looking at it, it's saving me a lot of $$ right now....and if I like the design, I can make my own silnylon version later and use the GG as a pattern :D

Well...all "interesting" alternative uses aside...lol

I just bit the bullet and ordered a GG. Man, I hope that extra pound isn't as heavy as it sounds!

But the way I'm looking at it, it's saving me a lot of $$ right now....and if I like the design, I can make my own silnylon version later and use the GG as a pattern :D


i like this tarp so much i sold my lighter and smaller jacksrbetter tarp months ago:cool: neo

FWIW / FYI: its not "GG" it's SG, for "Sportsman's Guide" ;)


Doctari.

Oh yeah...oops :D Don't know what I was thinking....oh wait....maybe its because I spend all my time looking at different gear sites??? lol

FWIW / FYI: its not "GG" it's SG, for "Sportsman's Guide" ;)


Doctari.


The tarp comes from Sportsmans Guide but the tarp "brand name" is Gear Guide, or at least that's what the plastic bag it came in said. That is why some, including myself:), are using GG.

I am also assuming that the weight listed on the SG site includes the guy lines and the stuff sack. You may be able to save a little extra weight there because the stuff sack is about twice the size it needs to be to hold the tarp. I am able to cram the tarp, my double length tree huggers, and the hammock in the stock HH stuff sack.

The tarp comes from Sportsmans Guide but the tarp "brand name" is Gear Guide, or at least that's what the plastic bag it came in said. That is why some, including myself:), are using GG.



DUH!
Egg on my face, I actually knew that :rolleyes:
My bad, sorry :o
I even have one, says "Gear Guide" right on it. :eek:

Uh huh...see? I'm never wrong. I THOUGHT I was wrong once, but I was mistaken! :D

but it would make a helluva camo rig for the BOB...and as mentioned the price is right.

My tarp came today....it's GREAT!! I've already been playing with it for about an hour....incidentally, that's how long it's been since I found it at my front door....:D

They don't even mention the 5 extra tie-outs on the website!! Geez...I can't really imagine a configuration this thing wouldn't handle....

One concern I had was routing the side ties on my HH....I usually run those through the ends of my stock fly, to help keep the sides of my hammock high enough. The offset side ties on the GG are perfect for this!!

Do you guys use the cords that came with it? If not, what? I have to admit, I like these a lot better than the stock HH 'strings', just for size. That little tiny stuff is really hard to work with...

One final question. Is this thing seam sealed? If not, what do you guys recommend for a sealer?

Neo, I've revised my opinion....you ROCK!! I'm not sure if this thing's worth an extra pound yet, but the design itself is AWESOME!!

Have fun blackbishop.

The seams are taped.

I have lightly sprayed mine with a water hose and no leaks in the seams. If I were going to use it as my primary shelter on a long ditance hike I might think about seam sealing it, but it seems to do quite well just the way it is.

I have stayed dry in / under mine in a torrental downpour, that is till the water migrated down my hammock strap :rolleyes: So the tarp is sealed.

The tie-outs: I initally was going to remove them, you know, to "save weight" BUT, after spending the past few months "playing" with it, all the extra loops stay. Even the ones in the body of the tarp, I have used them all at one time or the other.

The supplied strings: I cut one in half, "stole" a slider off another & each are tied to 2 heavy duty bungie cords for the main tie points of the tarp. 2 others are each tied to a heavy duty stretchey cords with slider @ one end, & a hook at the other. the left overs went into my "stuff" box. I also carry 2 4' bungy cords giving me: 2 heavy stretch cords for tying to trees, & 4 "tie outs" that also stretch. Along with that, I have 5 aluminum stakes (round wire ones). With this set up, I can pitch my tarp "anywhere".

My favorite pitch is as pictured in Neo's pictures.

Things I have learned (mostly) in my back yard:

"Perfect" sites can indeed be hard to find. My "perfect site" is; trees 14' apart (15' is OK, not great but OK. Absolute Minimum for tarp & hammock is 13'), with a width across of 12' (6' + each side of center). last trip, many of the places during my last hike with Perfect to good distance between trees, allowed 2' on one side of center & 5' other side. Learn to set up with these restrictions or worse. I also found many sites that allowed "unlimited" side to side room, but the treees were about 1/2 again too far apart. Or wrong way to the wind, or (whatever). I can set up with trees up to about 18' apart, but I'm almost a groundling again, & the supports for the tarp need be atached to the hammock ridgeline (webbing).

As with all gear: Practice, practice, practice is the key. I didn't do this ONE TIME with a stove, never again. I still am slow setting up the tarp / hammock, but I aint to that piont yet, I'm still figuring out the how toos, speed will come. My goal is under 2 minutes, which I can do with the tarp, so I can if I want / need to, linger with the hammock set up :D



Doctari.

Thanks again for the recommendation Neo...it is a great tarp...I just got through mixing the mineral spirits and the GE Silicon II then applied front and back up and down the seams....still cant believe the price.....now I need to get a KickAssQuilt to match it!

Yeah, great GP tarp. I wouldn't lose any tie downs - those dang trees are never exactly where you want them. Being 6'2" and having spent mucho time under a army poncho hooch, a 9x9 tarp is downright luxurious. Plus camo is always in style in the south!

My tarp came today....it's GREAT!! I've already been playing with it for about an hour....incidentally, that's how long it's been since I found it at my front door....:D

They don't even mention the 5 extra tie-outs on the website!! Geez...I can't really imagine a configuration this thing wouldn't handle....

One concern I had was routing the side ties on my HH....I usually run those through the ends of my stock fly, to help keep the sides of my hammock high enough. The offset side ties on the GG are perfect for this!!

Do you guys use the cords that came with it? If not, what? I have to admit, I like these a lot better than the stock HH 'strings', just for size. That little tiny stuff is really hard to work with...

One final question. Is this thing seam sealed? If not, what do you guys recommend for a sealer?

Neo, I've revised my opinion....you ROCK!! I'm not sure if this thing's worth an extra pound yet, but the design itself is AWESOME!!

no seam sealer needed the tarp is factory taped:cool: neo

Yeah, great GP tarp. I wouldn't lose any tie downs - those dang trees are never exactly where you want them. Being 6'2" and having spent mucho time under a army poncho hooch, a 9x9 tarp is downright luxurious. Plus camo is always in style in the south!


:D i love my camo to dude:cool: neo

Thanks again for the recommendation Neo...it is a great tarp...I just got through mixing the mineral spirits and the GE Silicon II then applied front and back up and down the seams....still cant believe the price.....now I need to get a KickAssQuilt to match it!


:D the seams are factory taped,ya just made your tarp heavier lol:cool: neo