Smaller / Lighter Tarps VS Wind & Rain

[WesArnold]

So, I'm using a SuperFly now - but wanting something lighter for trips where the weather isn't so bad...

However, I'm guessing since the weather isn't predictable - I'm at least going to get this wrong some of the time...

So - You guys that use hex tarps and diamond tarps...does your quilt ever get soaked because of the wind blowing the rain up under the tarp?

I haven't seen many solutions for "undercovers" or "rain protectors" for underquilts, although I have seen some folks with them - I dunno where to get them.

What say you?

[kessler556]

I think 2qzq. Makes a wind /rain protecter. Saw it on one of shugs videos.

[Oms]

I have been through a couple of good storms with wind and rain using a MacCat Deluxe. Believe it or not I have closed off one of the ends. It is very close and the hammock was hung high under the tarp. Stayed warm and dry. Since I use this tarp in warmer weather it is not as critical if the under quilt gets damp. Push come to shove, a rain coat can be buttoned or zipped onto the prevailing end. If the wind is from the side it is not an issue. Some folks are very skilled at using small tarps. I am not that confidant. I would say that most times things are fine. It's the once in a blue moon there is the storm of the century. Take the risk.

[Briguy114]

2qzq makes under quilt protectors

[CamoDeafie82]

I use a DWR outer shell for my Open Cell Foam under pad; this allows the moisture to get out of the pad material and does a decent job of blocking wind, when used under a small tarp (9x7 or 9' camo Ogee). The DWR shell is basically an under-pad protector, and is useful.... granted it's not as compact to pack as a down filled underquilt, but it works for me, and was a cheap project. Hanging the pad on the OUTSIDE of the hammock helps a lot, and it is effectively a Garlington Insulator.

[Brancher]

I'd like to know as well. I have an 8X11 rectangular tarp I made and a Hex Cuben tarp (8.5X11). Getting ready to do a thru on the AT and canot decide which to take (or, do I breat down and make one before I go?)....

I have used a hex, but not in any challenging weather (and used my old 10X11 in cold). So, I would be curious to find out experiencs with Hex tarps on a long trip.

Thanks.

[pgibson]

A few years ago a tarp with doors was the exception not the rule. Most of us used a small hex tarp for almost all of the year..."4 season" tarps were not that common and only a few options were on the market. The mindset was on site selection not batten down the hatches. There were many here that found fun and challenge in using a small tarp to weather even some of the worst weather....Just Jeff hung in a tropical storm with the Hennessy napkin tarp and was high and dry through 70mph wind and rain.

Setting up your gear to protect you from the storm takes a little more time and planning with a tarp without doors but those tarps would not be on the market if they were not adequate shelter options.

I have hung hundreds of nights with our Shangri La, one of the smaller and lighter tarps out, and never had a drop of rain on my gear.

[hutzelbein]

I love my WB Edge (11' x 7'10"), but I have never hung in any serious rain storms. I recently got a 2QZQ Argon 90 underquilt protector, and it's light enough to be a part of my standard set-up. It doesn't just protect my underquilt from splashes and blown rain, but it also noticeably increases warmth.

[WesArnold]

So, several have mentioned that it takes skill to properly do a hex and not get wet in a storm... Can someone comment on that or share a link?

[WesArnold]

I think I'm sold that I want to try a hex tarp as an alternative to my SuperFly for warmer trips. I think I will always want the doors when it's cold to block wind...