Does anyone use a hex tarp in colder temps? Say down to 20? I have one I made with doors but I just got a diy pre cut kit from RSBTR and it is so light and less bulky.
Steve
Does anyone use a hex tarp in colder temps? Say down to 20? I have one I made with doors but I just got a diy pre cut kit from RSBTR and it is so light and less bulky.
Steve
I have used one down into the upper 20's. There was no wind on the trip though.
SureOriginally Posted by Koolranch
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Most of us who've been doing this any length of time have used a hex or diamond in cold weather. Keep in mind that while the blocking of wind helps, a winter tarp really doesn't do much other than that to keep you warm. That said, any little bit helps, and its why we've seen winter tarps become more the norm.
"I wonder if anyone else has an ear so tuned and sharpened as I have, to detect the music, not of the spheres, but of earth, subtleties of major and minor chord that the wind strikes upon the tree branches. Have you ever heard the earth breathe... ?"
- Kate Chopin
I have and use both a hex tarp and a HG winter palace tarp which has doors on it. I do not think that there is much of a difference in temperature between the two. I've used both in heavy precipitation as well, and find that if pitched correctly, they both keep me dry.
I prefer a 4-season tarp with doors to a hex. Blowing precipitation happens, and you'll get wet with a hex.
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." Ralph Waldo Emerson
I don't do much colder weather stuff now but when I do I use a pair of grizz beaks with the hex, works fine.
Trees! the main cause of forest fires....
Grizz beaks were developed as the answer to doors on a Hex. Often one would be enough so there is a possibility of some weight saving that way.
YMMV
HYOH
Free advice worth what you paid for it. ;-)
Thanks for the input everyone. I have both styles however didn't want to get out in Gods country only to regret not using/bringing the hex with doors. Capybara's comment #5 is intriguing. Looks like the biggest benefit is better weather protection. To his point though a properly pitched tarp can keep you dry. My first night in a hammock and very foul weather i only had a HH postage stamp diamond and stayed dry.
Being retired, meaning I can always go winter camping in the best weather(between storms) I don't deploy my winter tarp 95% of the time.
I prefer to use a breathable hammock top cover and UQP for added wind protection.
Only if I think it will snow do I put the tarp up. YMMV
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