Ultralight Tarp - Comparing to Tadpole

**HammockLighter** · 08-03-2015, 09:57

I own the Tadpole but its not long enough for my most recent hammock.

Can you guys suggest a tarp that is as lightweight and easy to pack and as good of quality as the Tadpole tarp - but something a few feet longer? I probably need 2-3 feet on each end beyond the 11ft/132inches.

**WaffleBox** · 08-03-2015, 10:03

The lightest weight tarp you are going to find is cuben fiber. You can get them from Hammock Gear or Zpacks, but it will take probably 6-8 weeks due to a cuben fiber shortage.

That having been said, if your tarp is very much longer than your hammock, your tarp will get in the way of your hammock suspension unless you hang your tarp REALLY high. Even a 12' tarp with an 11' hammock is getting close to causing problems.

**HammockLighter** · 08-03-2015, 10:19

Originally Posted by WaffleBox

The lightest weight tarp you are going to find is cuben fiber. You can get them from Hammock Gear or Zpacks, but it will take probably 6-8 weeks due to a cuben fiber shortage.

That having been said, if your tarp is very much longer than your hammock, your tarp will get in the way of your hammock suspension unless you hang your tarp REALLY high. Even a 12' tarp with an 11' hammock is getting close to causing problems.

I see. Thank you.

I only need an extra 2 feet, I think, on each end. Is it OK that my hammock is poking slightly out on each side? See attached

**WaffleBox** · 08-03-2015, 10:26

Unless you get rain blowing sideways, your setup as pictured will work fine.

**HammockLighter** · 08-03-2015, 10:39

Thank you, sir.

**SilvrSurfr** · 08-03-2015, 10:50

Eleven foot tarps are pretty common, though there is the occasional 12 footer out there. You would have to order a custom-length hammock if you're looking for a tarp with a 14 ft. ridgeline - they're just not sold.

It sure looks like you're using some kind of rope for your hammock suspension, and it appears you have no hammock ridgeline. The hammock ridgeline will shorten your hammock to approx. 83% of the hammock length, and decrease the need for a larger tarp. It will also give you a more consistent hang.

The rope needs a water break for you to stay dry.

**HammockLighter** · 08-03-2015, 11:10

Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr

Eleven foot tarps are pretty common, though there is the occasional 12 footer out there. You would have to order a custom-length hammock if you're looking for a tarp with a 14 ft. ridgeline - they're just not sold.

It sure looks like you're using some kind of rope for your hammock suspension, and it appears you have no hammock ridgeline. The hammock ridgeline will shorten your hammock to approx. 83% of the hammock length, and decrease the need for a larger tarp. It will also give you a more consistent hang.

The rope needs a water break for you to stay dry.

Do you have a photo? I have the Mark2 under the Tadpole.

**OutandBack** · 08-03-2015, 11:23

Originally Posted by HammockLighter

I see. Thank you.

I only need an extra 2 feet, I think, on each end. Is it OK that my hammock is poking slightly out on each side? See attached

Looking at your picture I think you will be fine. Should a storm blow in (every hammockers nightmare)
you would lower your tarps RL closer to the hammock which will give you more coverage at the ends and side.

If you still feel exposed give 1 set of doors a try. 2QZQ offers an item called a Grizz Beak which is a temp door / vestibule. Very handy.

**HammockLighter** · 08-03-2015, 11:28

Originally Posted by OutandBack

Looking at your picture I think you will be fine. Should a storm blow in (every hammockers nightmare)
you would lower your tarps RL closer to the hammock which will give you more coverage and the ends and side.

If you still feel exposed give 1 set of doors a try. 2QZQ offers an item called a Grizz Beak which is a temp door / vestibule. Very handy.

Ahhhh, yes, I get it now. You're saying to lower the tarp so the hammock is less exposed. Will do.

**SilvrSurfr** · 08-03-2015, 11:41

Originally Posted by HammockLighter

Do you have a photo? I have the Mark2 under the Tadpole.

The Clark Mark2? I can't find any info on that hammock like the length, but I'll bet it's not very long. I also don't know of any tutorial on how to add a ridgeline to a Mark2, or to any Clark. Since the Mark2 is designed to go to the ground, and you have those poles to deal with, it is probably not viable to add a ridgeline anyway.