Standard Tarp vs. Palace Tarp

**wvumountaineer52** · 01-21-2019, 08:10

In debating between hammockgear standard tarp with doors or palace tarp. Anyone have any feedback on either of the two. The weight difference is so minuscule but I don’t want the tarp to be “too much”. This would be my tarp for all four seasons from rain, sun, snow and wind.

**cmoulder** · 01-21-2019, 08:33

I have both and I suppose it depends on how often you get out in really nasty weather. It goes without saying that the Palace offers more coverage in such conditions, and in warmer weather the Palace still works like a big hex if you tie the doors back and/or prop up the corners in porch mode.

A couple of nights ago I experienced 23°F temp and a pretty good breeze (est 15mph ?) for a few hours and am sure that the Palace kept things warmer than the lesser tarp, although there was still some air circulating inside, which is going to happen with anything that isn't absolutely and completely pinned down tight to the ground and buttoned up.

**cmoulder** · 01-21-2019, 09:47

Here's a photo of the Standard with doors... coverage ain't too shabby, either.

Just depends on how much coverage you personally prefer, and/or how thrifty/spendy you want to get with your grams! I'm a shameless, unrepentant gram weenie and take every opportunity to reduce pack weight and volume, so there's that.

**wvumountaineer52** · 01-21-2019, 09:54

I’m digging that palace tarp! I recently bought a 12 ft standard tarp with doors and added a continuous ridge line, tadpole timeouts, and pole mods... buuuut I think I wanna sell it and get a palace tarp. I’ve only used my current tarp a few nights. IMG_0696.jpg

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**gbolt** · 01-21-2019, 10:44

If it’s a four season tarp that you need, then the Palace is the way to go. It work for my entire Thru Hike, through all seasons.

**wvumountaineer52** · 01-21-2019, 11:00

What’s everyone’s thoughts on a 12 vs 11 ft ridge-line for an 11 ft Chameleon hammock? Is the extra length worth the weight & cost? Is an 11 ft tarp easier / more convenient to set up. Any weather related issues with either length?

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**TrailSlug** · 01-21-2019, 11:21

Originally Posted by wvumountaineer52

What’s everyone’s thoughts on a 12 vs 11 ft ridge-line for an 11 ft Chameleon hammock? Is the extra length worth the weight & cost? Is an 11 ft tarp easier / more convenient to set up. Any weather related issues with either length?

An 11 ft tarp should work fine so really it's up to you on if you want a bit more coverage for a few more grams. I always buy 12 ft tarps but I'm using them with my Warbonnet Ridgerunner which needs the extra foot to close the doors.

**SilvrSurfr** · 01-21-2019, 15:56

Originally Posted by wvumountaineer52

What’s everyone’s thoughts on a 12 vs 11 ft ridge-line for an 11 ft Chameleon hammock? Is the extra length worth the weight & cost?

I just don't understand why 12 ft. tarps have become popular for 11 ft. hammocks. It's just more weight to me, and totally unnecessary.

**wvumountaineer52** · 01-21-2019, 15:58

Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr

I just don't understand why 12 ft. tarps have become popular for 11 ft. hammocks. It's just more weight to me, and totally unnecessary.

So you had a standard 11 foot tarp with doors and an 11 foot hammock but you upgraded to an 11 foot winter palace?

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**SilvrSurfr** · 01-21-2019, 16:01

Originally Posted by wvumountaineer52

So you had a standard 11 foot tarp with doors and an 11 foot hammock but you upgraded to an 11 foot winter palace?

Yes - I see no reason to get a 12 ft. tarp for an 11 ft. hammock when an 11 ft. tarp provides good coverage. The tarp vendors have only started offering 12 ft. tarps in the last two or three years.