Tarp size query

[beermaker]

I was given a hammock for Christmas the other year and whilst it's very comfy, it's never been used overnight, mostly because my tarp (an army basha) is too short for the hammock! So, my question is, what size tarp should I get? I've seen folk using 3x3 tarps, often pitched diagonally across their hammock, but I've also been looking at the 4x4 tarps thinking more covered area is good and more overhang is good in the pouring rain. What do others think?

Cheers in advance
Phil

[Ehecatl]

Hi Phil.

I love my DD 4 x 3.5 tarp. Last time out I pitched it tent style and it was cosy. Previously I've pitched it tent style but folded the ends in - very cosy. 4 x 3.5 should be fine for you.

M@

Tent style
http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?8931-Prepper-bushcraft-meet-ardeley-farm-Stevenage-summer-time&p=129399&viewfull=1#post129399

Ends folded in
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[jus_young]

Have always used a 3x3 pitched square without issues. I can also close the ends off in poor weather, but rarely do, and often have one side pitched high as a porch for a more open viewpoint.

[Silkhi]

3x3 is fine

[Dazza190]

I use 3x3 and 3x4.5, both are fine but it depends mainly if weight is a factor for me on which I take, the length of hammock you have also might have a bearing for you.
D

[OakAshandThorn]

A 3x3, 4.5x3, or a 4x4 will do the job well.


http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah141/DuirOnnCrataegus/Ceardaiocht%20agus%20dulra/IMGP6708_zpsjnhj5gvr.jpg

http://i1379.photobucket.com/albums/ah141/DuirOnnCrataegus/Ceardaiocht%20agus%20dulra/IMGP6715_zpsbhqulbeq.jpg


All it really comes down to is weight, and to a degree, the particular setups you want to construct. A square tarp like a standard DD 3x3 offers great flexibility with the range of different setups that can be made...I can create 7 different structures with a 3x3, and the tarp itself weighs only 794 g/28 oz. A 4.5x3 weighs just over 1 kg (1021 g/36 oz), and the 4x4 is 1276 g/45 oz. The above pics show my two fav configurations...a Laavu design, and what I call the "Summit" (similar to a Holden, only fully enclosed).
Here's a link to the 7 shelter configuratons :) - https://newenglandbushcraft.wordpress.com/2015/05/18/7-tarp-shelters/

However, a larger tarp is a good investment for large camps or camping with a group. The extra space can also be very luxurious. That said, I've been through snow, sleet, freezing rain, and lots of rain with my 3x3, and nothing got soaked, buries, or frozen ;). One thing I will mention about hammocking, however, is that a diamond configuration (3x3 pitched on a diagonal) can be awfully difficult to get taught enough along the ridge, and there will almost always be some slack up on top. Not much of a problem, but that saggy spot will catch precipitation and pool somewhat, unless you can find someway of propping up that area from the inside. Perhaps sewing the middle attachment point closer to the tarp itself will also work.

Hope this helps :)

[Ehecatl]

A 3x3, 4.5x3, or a 4x4 will do the job well.

Perhaps sewing the middle attachment point closer to the tarp itself will also work.

Hope this helps :)


Yup - done that and it does :happy-clapping:

[bopdude]

Yeah, as the rest say, a 3 X 3 will be fine, it's what I use when hanging, BUT, I have had tarp envy when I've seen M@'s in the flesh, handy for if and when the weather turns nasty :)

[beermaker]

Thanks for the input chaps! Certainly a lot of food for thought. Will get my hammock out and measure it up and take it from there. Maybe if I ask Santa nicely I might get two tarps (doubtful though!)

[bopdude]

If you do go for the 3 X 3 you might want to look at the ultralight, bit pricey but huge saving on space :)

[jus_young]

My last few trips out have been with a 3x3 DD ultralight and I really like it. Time will tell how durable it is but for now my old DD tarp has been semi retired

[bopdude]

Yeah, my next tarp purchase is going to be the ultralight, thanks for the positive report :)

[OakAshandThorn]

+3 for the DD Superlight...on me wishlist :)

[jus_young]

I bought mine after seeing Scotts at a little meet. You really do question the durability when setting eyes on it but DD are not known for developing goods that are not up to the job.

[bopdude]

I bought mine after seeing Scotts at a little meet. You really do question the durability when setting eyes on it but DD are not known for developing goods that are not up to the job.

That was one of my concerns, and I have got DD stuff, so how would you rate it against the normal 3 x 3 tarp, on a par ?

[jus_young]

I am really taken by it. I can't fault the weight and packed size which is what I was after, and as a compromise the material is not likely to be as durable I suppose. That said I have not owned it or used it enough to make a valid viewpoint and only time will tell.

I always look at my kit as what it is - outdoor gear that will get used in some reasonably harsh environments. My other DD tarp has had a bit of abuse which includes being used over a fire and has the scars to prove it, which is something I shall not be doing with the new lightweight one. It will get used in the same manner in every other way though and I am interested to see just how it fairs.

[bopdude]

Thanks for the info :)

[FishyFolk]

After this trip, that DD 4,5x3 is always going to have special place in my heart. I lsept right trough a polar depression inside it in my hammock, while 2-3 feet of snow fell, and I woke up to gale force winds out on the lake...while I was relatively sheltered 20-30 mters into the treeline.

I was completely ignorant of what was going on around me. An what happened was that the when the snow fell, it lsided off the sides, creating snow walls on each side, that helped shelter me from the strong winds that followed.

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[bopdude]

Great shot, lucky you had the ends down / enclosed :)