Thru hike tarp question

[Nevermind]

Question: while a larger tarp provides better protection from the elements, has anyone found it to be a pain on the AT? I'm wondering if sometimes you couldn't hang at a spot because trees or brush were open enough for a hammock but not open enough for a bigger tarp. In that case, a smaller diamond tarp would maybe give you more options, but provide less protection.

So, is a big tarp a problem for hanging on the AT? Hammock hikers, thru or section. What size/type tarp have you used and found right for the weather and terrain?

[Roughin' It]

I haven't thru-hiked yet (I start in 2 weeks), but I use an 8x10 CatTarp, with the 2 ridgeline loops and 6 side tieouts. 8x10 seems like a good medium size to me, instead of the large winter 12x10 tarps, but with the 6 tieouts, you can pitch it in more ways to block off wind and stuff pretty well. I'm not sure if there are places where it would be too thick in the woods to hang a 12x10, but even if you did use a 12x10, you might want to trade it later in the warmer months for a smaller tarp.

[grayfox]

Having a large tarp can be a good thing if you want to protect a number of people, but can be a bit tricky to downsize. Search this site and you will find lots of info on different set up configurations. A tarp larger than 8X10 is probably overkill.

If you find that you must tie off your tarp in a tight space where the normal tie loop or grommit is not in the right place, then carfully fold the material around a small round stone and tie a cord around it. In this way you can tie off to any point on your tarp. I have seen small plastic clips for this purpose but I think the stone method is easier on the fabric.

[Deadeye]

I've had a few campsites where a diamond tarp would definitely be easier to hang than my big Speer Winter Tarp , but never in a situation where I couldn't manage. I have considered using a diamond tarp (or switching mid-hike) for the ease and reduced tie-outs.

[shelterbuilder]

I have a MONSTER of a home-made tarp (about 7' x 13') that was specifically sized for other things in addition to using with my hammock. (The design allows me to go to ground using a multitude of different-shaped pitches, and is an idea from the early 80's, when I was designing LOTS of stuff for myself. There are still sometimes when I go to ground, even though I pay for it in the mornings with a stiff back!:o)

Yes, there have been times when I've had trouble because the trees were too close together, but I've always been able to gather one end of the fabric (loosely) over my ridgeline and guy off the first tie-out in from that end to get a reasonable pitch. It's a little "flappy" if the wind kicks up, but it still works. I like a larger tarp because it gives you more space to work with...but that's just me!:D

[singing wind]

Nevermind,

I had a similiar question last year when using my HH hammock for the first time. It unexpectedly came with a 10x12 tarp that I ended up cutting down to 10' on the ridgeline and it worked out fine. I really like the extra protection and space it provides when it rained or was windy - and especially during hard storms. I could also stake the ends down close to the hammock body to provide more wind protection and some relief from cold drafts. The extra weight is definately worth it.

As for finding trees the right distance apart to accommodate the tarp, that was seldom an issue on the AT.

The next project is to add more tie-ons to the end and sides to provide more pitching options - maybe even as a stand alone tarp for ground use.

Say, good luck with your hike and enjoy!

[Jim Adams]

You can always PITCH your tarp smaller but you can't MAKE the tarp bigger. The weight difference is minor. Go with bigger until you decide.
I used a 12'x16' tarp on my first thru and have since settled on 10'x10' as the perfect size for ME. Experiment some and you will find your perfect size....and learn good set-up...that is far more important than tarp size.

geek

[mtnkngxt]

I'm a big fan of the OES Deluxe, but will admit that in blowing snow it makes things interesting. There are a few small companies offering conversions to add removeable doors and beaks to many of the popular tarps now. My suggestion would be an OES Deluxe with 2Q doors. For the winter you could carry the doors, and then mail them home when the weather warms up.