Best Budget Tarp for Beginner?

[Hammynewb]

Hello,

Just getting started with my hammock gear. I purchased a GT skeeterbeeter pro. I'm looking at tarps and have done a good bit of reading on here. I think they Kelty Noah might be a good option. Two questions--

-Do I go for the 9 or 12 Kelty? I'll be doing short pack trips (2-3 days) and car camping.
-Any options that would be better than the Kelty in a similar price point?

So excited to get out there and hang! Thanks in advance for your help.

[Burg54]

I think the Noah is the way to go. Get the Noah 12. The 12 is nice and big and provides perfect coverage. Its not a light tarp but its built like a tank.

I loved mine until I decided to go lighter and got my Warbonnet Superfly.

[thebackupninja]

I picked up the Noah 12 a month or so ago and just got back from hanging under it for a week with some pretty wild storms. Kept me dry to the bone and is extremely versatile. I give it

As for your questions:

-Personally I would go 12 over 9

-I don't know of another with a similar price point other than a ridgeline with a plastic tarp from wally world. (which works great for some folks too)

[SilvrSurfr]

I'd take the Kelty 12 over the 9. I've never seen the Kelty 12 pitched tautly; it always seems to be a bit loose, and a user was recently complaining about getting wet. However, I haven't heard much of that.

Another option is the HH Hex - not as much coverage but plenty big.

[Boston]

I've always been an advocate for cheaper gear that works, while saving for the more expensive stuff. If you think a Kelty tarp is what you will use for a long time, it may be worth it. But if you are just exploring the world of hammock camping, and looking for a cheap option before committing more money, I think you're better off looking at cheaper, somewhat disposable alternatives.

A blue poly tarp will work perfect for you, and save you about $40-$50 over the Kelty tarps. If you decide you want to pursue this hobby further, then save for the more expensive, lighter weight tarps.

[rallywagon]

I really like my Chinook tarp for the price. I have used mine about 10 nights with no problems, and I think it is a little lighter weight (~24 oz) than the Noah.

http://www.amazon.com/Chinook-Green-...GS0NP3VW1XXGW8

http://www.amazon.com/Chinook-Tarp-S...s=chinook+tarp

[old creek]

I've always been an advocate for cheaper gear that works, while saving for the more expensive stuff. If you think a Kelty tarp is what you will use for a long time, it may be worth it. But if you are just exploring the world of hammock camping, and looking for a cheap option before committing more money, I think you're better off looking at cheaper, somewhat disposable alternatives.

A blue poly tarp will work perfect for you, and save you about $40-$50 over the Kelty tarps. If you decide you want to pursue this hobby further, then save for the more expensive, lighter weight tarps.

will you be hiking with it?? if so I would take the above advice and spend as little as possible to get something to stay protected or if money isn't an issue go ahead and make weight one of your criteria now.

I have a SBP as my everyday hammock in the house and I love it and take it down for trips but I got a Yukon that is similar in size and weighs only ten ounces and I really like the way it lays as well and would recommend it to anyone looking for a hiking rig.

[HillbillyHanger]

I started with a Hennessy Hex as it was an free upgrade when I bought my explorer. It's bombproof. My son (12 at the time) wanted to get a hammock so I moved him into the Hennessy Hex and I bought a smaller tarp. It's a very forgiving tarp and it does provide lot of coverage.

[brianb]

If you go with a blue poly tarp, a few folks on the forum have modified them. Search the threads for "blue poly hex tarp" and you should find some ideas.

Here's one I found:
DIY Blue Poly Hex Cat Cut Tarp https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...d.php?t=100301

[Kamper Kurt]

Consider what the weather will be like. For nice weather, which is most of the time, I take a smaller tarp (9x9 , but could be smaller). For rain I take a larger tarp (12x12). I don't do much in the snow, but I hear that side pullouts and doors are handy at that point.