Tarp for Two

[kc_joe]

My wife and I both use gathered end UL setups for our hammocks. We are going to be trying out a setup using a 36" spreader bar that inserts into the continuous loops at the head end so that we can share the same 2 trees (and tarp). I can give more detail about this setup once my spreader bar arrives from dutch and I rig it up if anyone is interested BUT with a 36" spreader bar between us and going 2 wide what size tarp would be ideal to safely/effectively contain us both?

[DannyII]

Here's my setup: https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ghlight=tandem

Here are some more ideas I got by searching the word "tandem" here. https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ghlight=tandem

[sqidmark]

Car camping or backpacking?

For backpacking we use a superfly size (12x10) DIY winter tarp with external pole mods Our spreader bar is 30.5", but we're small. Best to use dog bones or what ever to keep the bar just outside the doors. If you MUST have the bar inside, I suggest you make up bar end tarp protectors from 1/2" foam pipe insulation. Your tarp will thank you.

For really cold weather, and definitely not backpacking, we have an SLD 12 x 14 winter haven I modded with 3 internal poles. I can stake it right to the ground to cut virtually all wind.

In this vid the bar is farther away from the tarp than need be. Also keep in mind that the farther away the bar is from the hammocks, the closer the hammocks will converge.
https://youtu.be/BKSINO4qRYg

[kc_joe]

Car camping or backpacking?

For backpacking we use a superfly size (12x10) DIY winter tarp with external pole mods Our spreader bar is 30.5", but we're small. Best to use dog bones or what ever to keep the bar just outside the doors. If you MUST have the bar inside, I suggest you make up bar end tarp protectors from 1/2" foam pipe insulation. Your tarp will thank you.

For really cold weather, and definitely not backpacking, we have an SLD 12 x 14 winter haven I modded with 3 internal poles. I can stake it right to the ground to cut virtually all wind.

In this vid the bar is farther away from the tarp than need be. Also keep in mind that the farther away the bar is from the hammocks, the closer the hammocks will converge.
https://youtu.be/BKSINO4qRYg

This would be for backpacking. I actually think I might have a superfly at the house. You think that extra 5.5" of spreader bar will haunt me on this tarp?

[sqidmark]

I've never tried a 36 under the tarp, but I'd imagine you'll have to raise the tarp higher. Of course the longer the bar is the more swing.

[DannyII]

My DIY spreader bar is 32" and that's plenty far enough apart. 28" would probably be enough, really.

[jabraso]

We've used 30" with success. I found that the clip on tieouts are perfect to keep your spreader bar from damaging your tarp since you can position them right where you need them. My 10'x12' rectangular tarp has good amount of coverage and I can partially close doors on the foot end.

[Tikker]

Car camping or backpacking?

For backpacking we use a superfly size (12x10) DIY winter tarp with external pole mods Our spreader bar is 30.5", but we're small. Best to use dog bones or what ever to keep the bar just outside the doors. If you MUST have the bar inside, I suggest you make up bar end tarp protectors from 1/2" foam pipe insulation. Your tarp will thank you.

For really cold weather, and definitely not backpacking, we have an SLD 12 x 14 winter haven I modded with 3 internal poles.

magnificent