Hammock Tarps and Tarp Tents

[FreshMud]

Hello!
I am a new member to Whiteblaze. I would like to ask what some of the Hammockers on the forum use for tarps and or tarp tents. I currently use a Hennessy Expedition with the standard tarp. I will not complain about it but, I would like more coverage and privacy. I found a great Tarp tent set up 'Youngblood' helped design through Speer - (the 10X11 winter tarp looks like exactly what I am looking for!)
http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/Tarps.htm
I was hoping to get some reviews on the pros and cons of this or any tarping being used with Hammock camping. I saw some set ups with the MacCat ultra also -
http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com/maccattarps.htm
Any real time experience with these tarps would defenitly be helpful in making a decision on purchasing a new tarp.
I typically use my Hammock late into the season - I am also looking at adding the Super Shelter offered by Hennessy in an attempt to keep hiking later into the off season. (I have read some of the threads on insulating hammocks). Any opinions on the use of the shelter system would be very helpful also.
Thank you all in advance!!

[HikerRanky]

Hello!
I am a new member to Whiteblaze. I would like to ask what some of the Hammockers on the forum use for tarps and or tarp tents. I currently use a Hennessy Expedition with the standard tarp. I will not complain about it but, I would like more coverage and privacy. I found a great Tarp tent set up 'Youngblood' helped design through Speer - (the 10X11 winter tarp looks like exactly what I am looking for!)
http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/Tarps.htm
I was hoping to get some reviews on the pros and cons of this or any tarping being used with Hammock camping. I saw some set ups with the MacCat ultra also -
http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com/maccattarps.htm
Any real time experience with these tarps would defenitly be helpful in making a decision on purchasing a new tarp.
I typically use my Hammock late into the season - I am also looking at adding the Super Shelter offered by Hennessy in an attempt to keep hiking later into the off season. (I have read some of the threads on insulating hammocks). Any opinions on the use of the shelter system would be very helpful also.
Thank you all in advance!!

First of all, Welcome to WhiteBlaze!:welcome
I am a recent convert to hammocking... I have a HH Deluxe Expedition ( 6'6"), but I have the larger tarp for mine.... It helps keep the gear outside dry....

I also use the SuperShelter, but I must say in all honesty that I believe in the quilt system more.... the SS is a great idea, but the setup and takedown is a bit more tedious than the down underquilts... That being said, the SS is working for me, so YMMV.

The MacCat tarps are excellent tarps... If I had to buy a tarp, I would opt for one of them....

Hope this helps.

Randy

[JaxHiker]

Another vote for the MacCat. I have the Deluxe for my Explorer Ultralight. Very well made and much better coverage than the stock tarp. I'll be doing a larger DIY tarp once I pick my fabric but the MacCat is sweet.

[take-a-knee]

Another vote for the MacCat. I have the Deluxe for my Explorer Ultralight. Very well made and much better coverage than the stock tarp. I'll be doing a larger DIY tarp once I pick my fabric but the MacCat is sweet.

Ditto, MaCat deluxe is the ticket.

[peter_pan]

Another 11x10 Cat Tarp that forms near full tent like coverage is here... http://www.jacksrbetter.com/index_files/11%20x%2010%20Tarp.htm ... Currently it is on sale.

If you want a true tent the JRB Hammock Hut is the only true hammock tent commercially available.... Find it here... http://www.jacksrbetter.com/index_files/Hammock%20Hut.htm.... It is also currently on sale.

Pan

[Quoddy]

I have a MacCat DeLuxe and have been very happy with it. Since I purchased it, MLD came out with some lightweight Hex Hammock Tarps. Had they been out when I made my purchase I might have gone with Ron's ultralight version.

[Footslogger]

I have a Hennessey and use the JRB 8' x 8' tarp as a fly. Nice thing about the JRB is that the seam in on the diagonal so you don't get much sag. I generally attach it separately to the two trees well above the hammock to give me room for standing and packing up in the morning if it happens to be raining. The 8 x 8 gives you a little over 11' of coverage along the center line of the hammock which I have found works quite well.

'Slogger

[FreshMud]

I am leaning towards the MacCat Ultra, and I really like the Hammock hut from JRB, but it is a little pricey to me. I was reviewing the Just Jeff's Hiking Page -(http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCampingDry.html#StorageCaps)
I really like the set up YoungBlood has.. The pic posted in the Just Jeff's Hiking webpage shows, kinda what I am thinking I would like to get close to - privacy, as well as protection from wind and rain.

Just Jeff's Hiking Page - listed tarps made for Hammocks. And of course I saw the - "30D "HEX"-SHAPED SILNYLON RIPSTOP RAIN FLY Size: 144" x 132" hexagonal shape Weight: 19 oz."

Has anyone had the chance to use this (hennessy Hex Tarp - 144" x 132") that could offer some reviews, possibly compared to the MacCat or the Winter Tarp from Speer? The Hennessy Double Hex, The MacCat and the Speer Winter Tarp all appear to be right around the same $$, but the Hennessy has the big dimensions. I wonder if the HHex tarp (listed above) offers more or less protection compared to the MacCat and the Speer Winter Tarp.

Thank you for the responses so far regard Hammock Tarps. All opinions are very welcome!! Thank You!

Hennessy -
http://hennessyhammock.com/catalogue.html#Anchor-ACCESSORIES-49575
MacCat Ultra -
http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com/maccattarps.htm (http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com/maccattarps.htm)
Speer Winter Tarp -
http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/Tarps.htm

[Rifleman]

If you don't know it already, a reminder: Catenary tarps can only be pitched one way. Whereas 8X10's, 10X10's, and 10X12's can be pitched a multitude of ways, cats are one-trick ponies. If you're okay with that, then have at it.

I have an 8X10 and a 8X8 (not counting several stock tarps for a HH). I bounce between them--summer the 8X8, winter the 8X10.

From your posts it sounds as if you may benefit from learning more about what the positives and negatives are of a tarp shelter. Scroogle away!
R.

[FreshMud]

If you don't know it already, a reminder: Catenary tarps can only be pitched one way. Whereas 8X10's, 10X10's, and 10X12's can be pitched a multitude of ways, cats are one-trick ponies. If you're okay with that, then have at it.

I have an 8X10 and a 8X8 (not counting several stock tarps for a HH). I bounce between them--summer the 8X8, winter the 8X10.

From your posts it sounds as if you may benefit from learning more about what the positives and negatives are of a tarp shelter. Scroogle away!
R.

You are absolutly right! I have very limited experience with Tarp tents and there use with a Hammock setup. This is why I posted. I am interested in adding a tarp tent style rain fly to my hammock. Since I have little experience with Tarp Tents and there use with the Hennessy Hamock, I was attempting to explore what some 'hammockers' use when attempting a tarp tent and hammock setup. Is there any websites or other references you suggest I review to help with my understanding of the 'pros and cons' of tarp tents? Am I missing something important with tarp tent and hammocks that my inexperience with tarp tents has lead me to over look? I can go on websites and read the reviews posted on the tarps or tarp tents but I don't always believe the sales pitch. I am not interested in buying 3 or 4 different tarps/tarp tents and testing them all out. I was hoping to avoid that, and I don't work for any 'outdoor' magazines so I do not have access to all the cool tarps and tarp tents. I currently carry two tarps and the standard rainfly for the HH. I can make it work but I feel like I have to much time in set up and tear down.
Thank You for your response.

[Hooch]

I own a Speen Winter Tarp and love it. It's great for year round use and worth every penny. As far as big tarps go, the JRB 10x10 is very well made, as is the MacCat Deluxe. All excellent choices.

[Rifleman]

You are absolutly right! I have very limited experience with Tarp tents and there use with a Hammock setup. This is why I posted. I am interested in adding a tarp tent style rain fly to my hammock. Since I have little experience with Tarp Tents and there use with the Hennessy Hamock, I was attempting to explore what some 'hammockers' use when attempting a tarp tent and hammock setup. Is there any websites or other references you suggest I review to help with my understanding of the 'pros and cons' of tarp tents? Am I missing something important with tarp tent and hammocks that my inexperience with tarp tents has lead me to over look? I can go on websites and read the reviews posted on the tarps or tarp tents but I don't always believe the sales pitch. I am not interested in buying 3 or 4 different tarps/tarp tents and testing them all out. I was hoping to avoid that, and I don't work for any 'outdoor' magazines so I do not have access to all the cool tarps and tarp tents. I currently carry two tarps and the standard rainfly for the HH. I can make it work but I feel like I have to much time in set up and tear down.
Thank You for your response.

I haven't found a better page on tarps (yet):
http://www.equipped.org/tarp-shelters.htm

A short, but fascinating history of tents:
http://www.insteadofapes.com/tents/index.html

Unfortunately, because of the flammable materials we make tarps and hammocks out of these days, a reflector fire (sparks) is a no-no. But what if a reasonably light weight non-flammable material could be utilized for the tarp and the hammock? Perhaps one of these days I'll be motivated to do some experimentation on the subject.
R.

[Just Jeff]

Tarps with catenary ridgelines have an optimal pitch angle. But MacCats and other tarps with catenary edges can be pitched in a multitude of ways. Here's blackbishop's page showing his BlackCat pitched in several different ground configurations. A BlackCat is shaped almost exactly like a MacCat. (Seems his account has been suspended, but it's on whiteblaze hosting so I'll see if attroll can get the pics for us.)

I've pitched my MacCat nearly flat at times, and also pitched it very steeply when the weather turned south. It's very flexible.

MacCats are probably the most respected aftermarket tarp out there. There's a reason for that...

[Deadeye]

I've got a Speer winter tarp for my Hennessy Ultralight A-sym. Like hanging your hammock in a house!

[kayak karl]

http://www.jacksrbetter.com/index_files/DSC00306%20-%2011x10%20Cat%20Tarp%20-%20Tent%20-%20%20web%20large.JPG
Another 11x10 Cat Tarp that forms near full tent like coverage is here... http://www.jacksrbetter.com/index_files/11%20x%2010%20Tarp.htm ... Currently it is on sale.

If you want a true tent the JRB Hammock Hut is the only true hammock tent commercially available.... Find it here... http://www.jacksrbetter.com/index_files/Hammock%20Hut.htm.... It is also currently on sale.

Pan
i use the jrb 11-10. i can stake the sides to the ground and still hang under it in a storm. had it up to 40 mph gusts.

[Just Jeff]

The Speer Winter Tarp (http://www.speerhammocks.com/Products/Tarps.htm) and JRB 11x10 (http://www.jacksrbetter.com/index_files/11%20x%2010%20Tarp.htm) are good examples of tarps with catenary edges that can be pitched multiple ways. Several pics of each in different configurations are on their websites, linked above.

[Just Jeff]

Oops - looks like I was beaten to the links!

[Phreak]

MacCat Standard for me

[sasquatch2014]

I keep things simple i seem to get dumber the longer I hike so its in my best interest to keep it real simple I have a 8x10 Silnylon trap from Campmor. Gives me plenty of space to do camp chores under it if need be in the rain more than the standard of even the XL fly option that came with my rig. I use a Clark North American hammock.

[Just Jeff]

Attroll is working on getting the account unsuspended but he's having problems. Here's the link for when it comes back up.
http://www.jhatkhat.com/Khat/camping

[Just Jeff]

Keith's website is back up, thanks to Attroll. Here's the direct link to the BlackCat being used on the ground in different configurations.
http://www.jhatkhat.com/Khat/camping/bcdir/bcpix.html#ground

[JaxHiker]

Just wanted to throw a pic in from this past weekend's hike. This is my MacCat Deluxe over my HH Explorer Ultralight. It's a little hard to tell from this pic but I had plenty of room to hang out under the tarp if necessary.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v386/fotomonkey/hiking/ocala/juniper_prairie/1187_60525.jpg