Better for a beginner: diamond or rectangle setup?

**NewtonGT** · 06-08-2011, 20:32

Originally Posted by jraffini

You can also check out wilderness logics for some great tarps. I've got the big daddy. There's been a growing number of folks here getting them and everybody seems to be very happy so far. You can check out my post here for pics of mine. I find that having a bunch of options, while confusing at times, tends to really make me feel like I've made the right decision when it's all said and done. Good luck!

haha dang you posted right before me

**BillyBob58** · 06-08-2011, 20:36

Originally Posted by Michaelmcgo

Any suggestions for a nice large tarp, maybe Silnylon, for around $100? I would like something that is easy (fast) to set up and packs small. As long as I don't get wet, I'm extremely concerned about having a lot of living space under the tarp..

JRB 11x10 RECTANGULAR! But, when not on sale, it is a bit more than your price, at $130. However, great coverage, without being too long, plus a Baker Hut and tarp tent pitching options.

Look at the picture, top center, with one side pulled out of the way, here:
http://www.jacksrbetter.com/
This is over the JRB Bridge hammock, you can see there is a lot of coverage. It has become my favorite tarp unless I am counting every oz. (it weighs 19 oz)

Also:
http://www.jacksrbetter.com/11%20x%2...Cat%20Tarp.htm

I think an interesting approach is a smaller tarp used with some sort of under cover, breathable but water/wind resistant---- or just plain WP if you know how to use it and avoid condensation.

I think the HH Supershelter is one of the most secure approaches out there. I don't really think that even much larger tarps provide any more water/wind resistance than does the HHSS even with the small DIAMOND tarp. And maybe not even as much. Ground splash up or side ways rain/snow/fog is not much of a concern with that UC, even with the small tarp, in my experience. All of that is assuming the HHSS works for you without too much condensation and is warm enough, which is not thre case for every one.

But I am going off topic, as you don't have a HH! So, I can highly recommend the JRB Rectangular ( not a Hex cut, but Rectangle), as well as several others (MacCat for one, and those with doors like WBs) The rectangle cut maximizes coverage from just an 11 foot RL.

Or, if you have a small tarp and worry about it, you can always add a 2Q GrizzBeak!

**wisenber** · 06-08-2011, 20:45

Originally Posted by BillyBob58

J

But I am going off topic, as you don't have a HH! So, I can highly recommend the JRB Rectangular ( not a Hex cut, but Rectangle), as well as several others (MacCat for one, and those with doors like WBs) The rectangle cut maximizes coverage from just an 11 foot RL.

Or, if you have a small tarp and worry about it, you can always add a 2Q GrizzBeak!

BillyBob, looks like you're the only one not trying to put a "hex" on him.

Oh, and I like my giant JRB as well. One of these days, I shall actually do the famous "baker hut".

**BillyBob58** · 06-08-2011, 20:51

Originally Posted by wisenber

BillyBob, looks like you're the only one not trying to put a "hex" on him.

Oh, and I like my giant JRB as well. One of these days, I shall actually do the famous "baker hut".

I have done it, I think there are even pics in my gallery. It is a sweet set up. But I don't know if I would have the courage to use it if big storms were forecast. Although, if the low side is towards the wind, should be fine. I guess I always worry the wind will switch directions while I am sleeping.

But nothing is more covered than a HHSS type system. You are covered regardless of what the wind does in the middle of the night.

**tight-wad** · 06-08-2011, 21:01

the only time an 8x8 diamond tarp will suffice is when you know it isn't going to storm and you are mostly worried about dew or a rainshower, and you don't plan to do anything else under the tarp while you are waiting out the rain. Otherwise, bigger is better, within limits. All tarps are rectangles, except the cat cuts. You pitch them from the corners to get a diamond, from the sides to get a rectangle. 8x8 is really too short for an A frame pitch. 10x10 can go either way and isn't really that big a difference in weight or space, but it really adds a lot to your flexibility. Pitch a 10x10 as an A frame, but with some knot magic you can create some functional doors. Much more flexibility for a small penalty.

**Knotty** · 06-08-2011, 22:27

Diamonds provide limited coverage.

This might help you visualize the differences.

**Macchina** · 06-08-2011, 22:57

Looks like the MacCat Deluxe and Big Daddy are of similar size, but the MacCat is $35 more (added shipping). What are the differences between the tarps? I see it comes fully sealed and appears to be of a bit more refined design. I have no problem spending the extra $35 if it's worth it. What do you guys think?

**cinnamon** · 06-09-2011, 04:51

Originally Posted by Michaelmcgo

Looks like the MacCat Deluxe and Big Daddy are of similar size, but the MacCat is $35 more (added shipping). What are the differences between the tarps? I see it comes fully sealed and appears to be of a bit more refined design. I have no problem spending the extra $35 if it's worth it. What do you guys think?

can't say that i have any experience with the Big Daddy but recently received a MacCat Deluxe which performed beautifully over this last holiday weekend. IMO the MacCat is well worth what Brian charges.

**jraffini** · 06-09-2011, 07:34

Price was the main reason I went with the big daddy over some of the other options. I haven't used any of the other guy's stuff, but it's amazing. The ridge line isn't seam sealed, so that is one consideration. But, 10 minutes and $5 later that was taken care of. Enjoy choosing!

**Jcavenagh** · 06-09-2011, 16:23

Originally Posted by Navigator

My $0.02 worth: The Guide Gear 12x12 tarp is big, not ridiculously heavy and (with a little modification) can be hung in rectangular or diamond mode. Or A-frame. It's just a versatile piece of gear, assuming you can find one to buy. I got mine for $20 plus shipping.

+1 see my mods here
http://www.bwca.com/index.cfm?fuseac...ID=15&confID=1