View Full Version : Gossamer Gear
GeneralLee10
09-16-2009, 16:01
I would like your opinions on this http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/Spinn-Twinn.html
I have a bug net, so I'm looking for a tarp. I don't find many other tarps this light at it's size. Now, I am using the 9x10 tarp that comes with the HH. it's weight is close to 1.5lbs. The tarp seams to be durable but I want one lighter in weight and close in size. The one I linked seems to fit my likings. I was wondering how durable this material is:-?. Have any of you used one of these? if so how did you like it? Thank you
sclittlefield
09-16-2009, 16:15
I was wondering how durable this material is:-?. Have any of you used one of these? if so how did you like it? Thank you
I've not used one, but I do know that Spinn is a sturdier fabric than the more standard silnylon. It's also much louder if it flaps in the wind at all, but if you get it pitched tight it should be fine (and it should stay tight if done right - Spinn doesn't stretch like the nylon tarps do). Expensive, but awefully nice.
You might want to check out OES as well - it's not on the site, but toss Brian an email - they do all their tarps in Spinn as well as sil.
GeneralLee10
09-16-2009, 16:26
Ahh ok, I will send him an email then. I did not see any Spinn tarps on his site Thank you for the help.:)
Gossamer Gear makes great stuff. I have their Mariposa Plus Pack and s SpinnShelter shaped tarp made out of the Spinnaker fabric. If you are using a hammock though, a MacCat style tarp might be better, but for the ground GG rocks! They have great customer service as well.
ChinMusic
09-16-2009, 17:47
Gossamer Gear makes great stuff. I have their Mariposa Plus Pack and s SpinnShelter shaped tarp made out of the Spinnaker fabric. If you are using a hammock though, a MacCat style tarp might be better, but for the ground GG rocks! They have great customer service as well.
I will vouch for Mocs knowing his stuff. He's def a go-to guy with great info/opinions.
High Altitude
09-17-2009, 04:03
I've not used one, but I do know that Spinn is a sturdier fabric than the more standard silnylon. It's also much louder if it flaps in the wind at all, but if you get it pitched tight it should be fine (and it should stay tight if done right - Spinn doesn't stretch like the nylon tarps do). Expensive, but awefully nice.
You might want to check out OES as well - it's not on the site, but toss Brian an email - they do all their tarps in Spinn as well as sil.
Spinnaker is not sturdier than silnylon. Spinnaker has less tear strength and is not as abrasion resistant.
The benefits over silnylon is that it is lighter and does not stretch from getting wet.
I also have not experienced any "misting" with Spinnaker like I have had with Silnylon. I can't tell you why that is though. If it helps understand the differences between fabrics, Spinnaker is really silicone impregnated polyester or "silpolyester" instead of silnylon which is silicone impregnated nylon.
I prefer Spinnaker to silnylon for shelters because it doesn't sag after you set it up. It sets up tight and stays that way.
ChinMusic
09-17-2009, 22:11
I prefer Spinnaker to silnylon for shelters because it doesn't sag after you set it up. It sets up tight and stays that way.
That is the downside of my Lunar Solo. If I forget to tighten it just before calling it a day, and it rains, it may pool on the side of the tent instead of running off. No rain water has gotten inside but it sure looks like hell in the morning.
Not having to remember to tighten would be a plus.
another big benefit for spinnaker is that if you bump into it on the underside of your tarp, it won't rain on you. i huge benefit for me bumbling around in the dark
I got a hammock tarp here:
http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com/silnylon_tarps.htm
made from spinnaker cloth. The workmanship is excellent. You can email him and ask him to make any of his standard flat tarps in spinnaker cloth.
skinewmexico
09-18-2009, 13:24
That is the downside of my Lunar Solo. If I forget to tighten it just before calling it a day, and it rains, it may pool on the side of the tent instead of running off. No rain water has gotten inside but it sure looks like hell in the morning.
Not having to remember to tighten would be a plus.
You need to build/buy some of these - http://www.jacksrbetter.com/STLs.htm. Easy to make, problem solved.
ChinMusic
09-19-2009, 12:07
You need to build/buy some of these - http://www.jacksrbetter.com/STLs.htm. Easy to make, problem solved.
Dang, that's one of the best ideas I have seen in a long time.
Thanks.
Wise Old Owl
09-19-2009, 12:51
After reading the GG write up, on the cut and changes, I kind of wish it was peaked at the enterance, by 5-8 inches. I would want it in green as well. I hate downpours. Can they do custom?
You need to build/buy some of these - http://www.jacksrbetter.com/STLs.htm. Easy to make, problem solved.
Very easy to make and you can buy everything at The Home Depot.
I got a hammock tarp here:
http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com/silnylon_tarps.htm
made from spinnaker cloth. The workmanship is excellent. You can email him and ask him to make any of his standard flat tarps in spinnaker cloth.
I have one of these tarps in spinnaker cloth too and I love it.
GeneralLee10
09-19-2009, 13:40
After reading the GG write up, on the cut and changes, I kind of wish it was peaked at the enterance, by 5-8 inches. I would want it in green as well. I hate downpours. Can they do custom?
I asked once about custom work and was they do not do custom work. As far as the color I am not sure.
Reguarding self tensoning lines....go to a motorcycle shop and ask for blown inner tubes. Slice them as thin or as wide as you want. Then place them between your pegs and guy lines.
They are great for rolling up clothes.
Blown bicycle tubes will work too.
daryl
GG's SpinnTwin is a sweet tarp. I don't have one but have seen plenty providing complete protection in heavy downpours. Very roomy for one, as the website says, and very light. I think GG is now producing them in Spinnaker EXP which makes the tarp even stronger. The flapping noise is often due to an improperly pitched tarp. I've experienced this with silnylon tarps too. The spinnaker fabric quiets with extended use and taut pitching where the forces are spread out evenly over the guy outs.
Lots of very light self tensioning line devices on the market or you could just learn to tie simple adjustable fast holding slip knots with bowlines to attach to stakes/rocks/ etc. This tarp has linelocs which make set up easier if you don't know knots.
I just tied a 12 inch piece of heavy duty shock cord, tied in a loop, on the end of my tie outs ..... works great.
GeneralLee10
09-22-2009, 10:06
I guess I am going to order the tarp from GG. I was eyeball-n the G4 pack at just over a pound and 4000cu in total. Plus it is on sale now for 80 bucks.
I know to not sag a tarp has to be catenary cut, as well.
The Gossamer Gear tarp has that.
GeneralLee10
09-27-2009, 00:14
Okay, so I got the tarp in the mail today! No pack can't seem to come off the cash as I have a Z65 now. The tarp is very light and sets up nice. It seems to be a little bit trickier to setup than my other tarp. Though it could be due to the lighter material. Anyhow I will be heading out to the trail this next week. Going to hike from Springer to Dick Creek Gap and use the tarp just one more shake down:banana.