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  1. #1
    New Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Hammock
    Dutchware Chameleon Wide
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    Painter's Plastic
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    Question I need help deciding on a tarp :)

    I have limited funds for backpacking, like many of you I'm sure I have decided to use my funds this summer mostly on tarps (me and 1-2 kids). I've been using ones I made out of painter's plastic for a couple years but I'm ready for something more durable, more compact, and hopefully lighter.

    I really like the value (price/quality) of the Warbonnet offerings. The Superfly is lighter than what I have now. But I could get even more weight savings with the Mamajamba. At least 90% of my backpacking is three-season, but I have started expanding into winter, and I think that could grow. I'm in central Texas so winters are somewhat mild, but it can get cold and windy sometimes. The one time it was really cold (15-20 deg F) I ended up bringing a 2-man tent for myself and a friend. But in the future I like the idea of using my hammock in those conditions. Occasionally I have used my painter's plastic tarp as a tent and slept on my Z-Lite on the ground (Big Bend said no hammocks), so I liked that flexibility.

    Current Tarp
    2 mil Painter's plastic, 9' x 11', 23 oz, $3
    Little bulky.
    Little heavy.
    Not sure how it will hold up in high winds (lucky so far to have avoided).
    Left out in sun and tie-outs with duct tape slid off (can be managed but a bit of a pain).
    Loud inside with even a light rain (not sure how that compares to silicone impregnated fabrics).
    Has doors so I can close it in.
    Can fit two hammocks under it with spreader bar (good for kids).

    New Tarp Options (without tax or shipping)
    Option 1: Superfly, 18 oz, $135.
    Saves ~1/3 pound over current.
    Could use year-round in any condition.
    Could pitch on the ground if desired.
    Lowest total cost.
    Have to carry extra weight in 3-season conditions.
    Could fit two hammocks with spreader bar.

    Option 2: Mamajamba, 13 oz, $115 (with panel pullouts). Tarp Door Kit, 7 oz, $75
    Save another 1/3 pound for 3-season conditions.
    Will cost extra $40 to use in 4th season.
    Not sure if I could pitch on ground if desired.
    Should fit two hammocks with spreader bar?

    I thought some of you might enjoy helping me think this through
    Last edited by tplusfive; 05-02-2019 at 12:20.

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Location
    Brooklyn, NYC
    Hammock
    Chameleon
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    HG Dyneema
    Insulation
    HG UQ, Custom TQ
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    Yes
    Posts
    582
    Two other companies to think about that may save you some money:

    Hammock Gear: Quest and Journey are great options similar to what you have listed above. Link to that area, but they have others as well https://www.hammockgear.com/new-website-sil-poly/
    UGQ Outdoors: This is a link to their Penny Pincher tarps, but they have other options also https://ugqoutdoor.com/tarps/penny-pincher-tarps/

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Location
    Brooklyn, NYC
    Hammock
    Chameleon
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    HG Dyneema
    Insulation
    HG UQ, Custom TQ
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    Yes
    Posts
    582
    and I would be remiss in not mentioning Simply Light Designs https://simplylightdesigns.com

  4. #4
    cougarmeat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Bend, OR
    Hammock
    WBBB, WBRR, WL LiteOwl
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    Remember, with the SuperFly you have to seam seal the panel pullouts - not a big deal but if you don't, and you're in a real rain, not just a sprinkle, you'll be ... reminded.
    In order to see what few have seen, you must go where few have gone. And DO what few have done.

  5. #5
    all secure in sector 7 Shug's Avatar
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    Oct 2007
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    Minnesota
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    I have many so....
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    Blackcrow DIY Tarp
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    Superfly.

    Shug

    Whooooo Buddy)))) All Secure in Sector Seven

  6. #6
    Senior Member MikekiM's Avatar
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    Sep 2015
    Location
    East of Montauk, NY
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    I had both the Mamajamba (with GrizzBeaks) and the Superfly.. in that order. I much preferred having the option to deploy doors. Both great tarps but I found the Superfly to be more versatile.
    Yes, my pack weighs 70lbs, but it's all light weight gear....
    Bob's brother-in-law

  7. #7
    Herder of Cats OutandBack's Avatar
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    Denver, CO
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    I'm a big fan of all our made in the USA vendors but only because you said your funds were tight I will suggest you look into the Kelty Noah 12x12 that's a lot of tarp for about 60 bucks.
    It is big enough for all 3 of you and you can even configure it to have doors.
    It is not even close to being in the class of tarps suggested above but it is better than your painters tarp. hth
    Last edited by OutandBack; 05-03-2019 at 21:40.

  8. #8
    Senior Member MikekiM's Avatar
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    Sep 2015
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    Take a look at the Precut tarp kits from one of the vendors.. RBTR & Dutch come to mind. Nothing beats making it yourself and it could be a fun project to share with your boys.
    Yes, my pack weighs 70lbs, but it's all light weight gear....
    Bob's brother-in-law

  9. #9
    New Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Hammock
    Dutchware Chameleon Wide
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    Painter's Plastic
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    Thank you for all the great inputs. I looked at the other tarp vendors that were mentioned - really helpful to see more options. Even with limited funds I want to buy from one of the cottage vendors making their stuff here in the US. I did consider the kits but my time has been so limited these days that I just can't make that work right now. It's my girls that actually go with me but they are not much into the prep work for a trip . I'm okay with that for the most part because I just want the time with them away from all the distractions. Oh man, just writing that makes me wish I was out there now with one of them

    I was planning to buy two tarps so my wife has given me a good idea. Buy one of each Don't know why I didn't think of that. If I do go in colder conditions, it might just be me or me and another adult who has their own gear. So I could use the Superfly then. If one of my kids were to go on a trip like that then I would need to buy the door kit for the MJ. When we go in 3-season conditions we could take one or both tarps depending on the circumstances.

    Shug - your video was really helpful in giving me a good feel for the size of the Superfly - super helpful really - no pun intended

  10. #10
    New Member
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    Jul 2014
    Location
    Austin, TX
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    Quote Originally Posted by MikekiM View Post
    I had both the Mamajamba (with GrizzBeaks) and the Superfly.. in that order. I much preferred having the option to deploy doors. Both great tarps but I found the Superfly to be more versatile.
    Thank you. The GrizzBeaks door kit looks like a good option to consider and it is a little cheaper than the door kit from Warbonnet.
    Last edited by tplusfive; 05-04-2019 at 10:25.

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