Hammock Tarp Coverage Comparison

Not all tarps are created equal. Indeed, what appears to be one of the simplest pieces of gear, next to a basic gathered-end hammock, tarps end up being one of the most complex. On one end of the spectrum you have the very simple asymmetric or diamond tarp that boasts only two guy lines and two anchor points. I’m not even sure there is a limit on the other extreme end of the spectrum where tarps become walled tents with doors, multiple guy lines, side walls, and even chimneys for stoves.

To cover a hammock, a tarp should extend at least 6 in (15 cm) past each end of the hammock. For most hammocks, a ridge line of 12 ft (3.6 m) is more than enough for maximum coverage. Tarps with shorter ridge lines should be hung closer to the hammock for the best coverage. Hennessy perfected the asym tarp to cover a hammock when you lay on the diagonal. It’s the least amount of tarp for the most protection, but for some it’s bikini coverage. In some ways, the popular hex-style tarp is just an evolution of the simple diamond tarp where the side panels are cut off to reduce weight on the unused fabric. Personal preference and weather conditions are prime factors on how wide, angular, or fancy the sides of a tarp should be cut.

Out of curiosity sake, I took out a sample of my tarp collection to do a side-by-side visual comparison. This comparison was not meant to be exhaustive, but representative of the types of tarps available to hammocks. I drew the outlines from the photographs, so there is some skewing because I used a wide-angle lens to get all the tarps in the frame. The measurements are accurate.

All the tarps were centered within my 12 ft (366 cm) pipe stand. You can see that outside of the enormous Grand Trunk Funky Forest Tarp (2012 model), the other tarps all provide nearly the same coverage along the ridge line.

TARPS SHOWN

Brand	Product	Ridge line Length
ENO	Dry Fly	130 in (330 cm)
GoLite	Poncho Tarp 2012	124 in (315 cm)
Grand Trunk	Funky Forest Tarp (Pitched off the diamond axis)	123.5 in (314 cm)
Grand Trunk	Funky Forest Tarp (Pitched as a diamond tarp)	178 in (452 cm)
Hammock Gear	Cuben Fiber Hex w/doors	130 in (330 cm)
Hennessy Hammock	Expedition Rainfly 70D Polyester	132 in (335 cm)
Hennessy Hammock	Hex Rainfly 70D Polyester	141 in (358 cm)
OES	MacCat Standard Hex	122 in (310 cm)
OES	MacCat Deluxe Hex	131 in (333 cm)
Ticket to the Moon	Diamond Tarp	138 in (350 cm)

Categories: Illustration, Instruction, Rig A Tarp, Staying Dry, Workshop

coverage, ENO Tarp, GoLite Poncho, Grand Trunk, Hennessy Hammock, OES Tarp, tarp, ticket to the moon

33 responses to “Hammock Tarp Coverage Comparison”

Heather Darnell

March 23, 2013

Seeing the GoLite Poncho tarp on your list was unexpectedly cool ! It led me to wonder – what is the likelihood a Six Moons Designs Gatewood Cape might be … adapted similarly. What do you think?

Reply
1. Derek
  
  March 23, 2013
  
  Very likely. Just get the dimensions and measure the hypotenuse. If it is long enough to cover the hammock, you’re good. I use hammocks of 10 feet (3 m) or less with the GoLite poncho.
  
  Reply
  1. BK
    
    November 19, 2022
    
    The Gatewood Cape will not work as it is a Mid-style shaped tarp. It has a built in peak and set perimeter.
    
    Reply
Bryce

May 30, 2013

I currently have a 9 x 7 (11.4 ft hypotenuse) cuben tarp in .51 weight. I used to sleep on the ground, but now have a GT Nano 7 that I’d like to use the tarp with. Would you comfortable on a 5 day hike on the AT with a tarp that size to keep you dry even in adverse (rain/wind) conditions? I feel like a lot of the tarps on your list have roughly the same or smaller hypotenuses, but I still feel open to the elements. Is it me being a newb to hammocks or you wouldn’t feel comfy in a nasty storm under it either? Thanks!

Reply
1. Derek
  
  May 30, 2013
  
  That’s not a bad size for a tarp. I would call it generous. I frequently use my GoLite Poncho Tarp with my hammocks, and that is small for some: 4.8 x 8.6 ft with about a 10 ft ridge line. Asym tarps take some skill to use, yet they are the standard style used on Hennessy Hammocks and with good reason: they work. In order for a diagonal pitch to work, you must lay in the same diagonal direction as the tarp and pitch the tarp as close to the hammock as possible for maximum coverage in a storm.
  
  For more info, check out my post on picking and choosing a tarp.
  
  Other Tips
  
  * Just like tent or tarp camping on the ground, site selection is a key factor in staying dry in a storm with a hammock. While you can’t pick how the storm will fall, you can often pick how and where you’ll set up camp. If possible, hang your hammock on the lee side of a hill (something not often possible in a tent/tarp) to protect from sideways gusts. Sometimes the terrain will provide rock outcroppings, foliage, or dirt mounds that can also help shield the wind and rain. Hammocks provide the ability to pitch over terrain that might not be suitable for a ground sleeper, but will offer the best protection.
  
  * Pitch your tarp low and tight to the hammock. This makes it less convenient to get in a hammock, but it’s more protective.
  
  * Use a weather shield to protect the under side of the hammock.
  
  When I first transitioned from tent camping to hammock camping, I also felt “exposed.” I had never tarp camped before and I had to get used to the “wide open” feeling that the tarp provided. My first hammock was a Hennessy and with its integrated bug netting I felt more secure. Over time, I began to appreciate the views offered within a hammock and soon I was using hammocks without bug nets. If you’re not comfortable with feeling exposed, I would recommend phasing in with a hammock that has an integrated bug net. It feels more “tent-like” and protected.
  
  Reply
Doug Lynch

September 3, 2014

Tarps.

Couldn’t agree more.

Have you ever seen the Mountain Laurel Designs trailstar?

I know there is a chap on Hammock Forums that has managed to make his work over his hammock.

Ground dweller DJZOW is a big fan and summitandvalley loves his.

It’s strikes me that the five triangular panels with 2.14 metres against the ground is just one panel short of a very grand hexagonal tarp.

Imagine a symmetrical Hex tarp as 6 identical panels…..

I have a Hammock Gear cuben fibre with doors, a Z-Packs Asym and a Hennessy Asym but i keep going above tree lines and, well, trees are useful for hammocks.

I don’t want to punch a hole in my HammockGear cuben fibre (it is, after all, a work of art).

If a hammock tarp had a point, right in the middle, that could tolerate an inverted trekking pole could you not fold/tie/roll/zip one of the six panels out of the way and have both an exceptional hammock tarp and exceptional minimal shelter for the ground.

A zip might work well to bring two seams (assuming that you would make it from six identical panels) together and give you a five sided shelter. However a zip may not be required with a good point for the trekking pole and just a few lengths of cord to securely ‘put one panel away’. (Gram weenies be calm.)

Even if you went down to 2 metres for each ground touching edge of the panels you would have an enormous five sided “trailstar-ish” shelter (almost exactly the size of the MLD LittleStar) and regardless of the conditions or the situation you would be a very happy camper. And then you would have a huge 4 metre long ridge line to a generous hex tarp. (Still more than 500mm less than the Grand Trunk Funky Forest.)

Just thinking out loud.

I wonder if Rob Bell could make that work?

Do you think it could work?

Reply
1. Derek
  
  September 3, 2014
  
  I’ve thought of similar designs or modifications. I even tried taking a 5-sided “pyramid” tent with the idea of pitching it as a hammock tarp (it didn’t work so well). I think the simplest design is the basic A-frame design, not too dissimilar to a hex tarp. If you are trying to find a tarp that can pull double-duty, that’s what I would recommend.
  
  Reply
Doug Lynch

September 3, 2014

Yes.

I agree a 5 sided single pole tent/tarp would be awkward.

I pitch both my big HammockGear Cuben and the little asyms on the ground.

The big one is a bit of a bother to set up over two trekking poles and I expect I would really struggle in serious wind.

The little asyms are, well, very little.

The dual duty idea using a “trailstar” design is not just about getting a hammock tarp that works on the ground but getting a hammock tarp that’s an almost bomb proof tent that sheds big wind.

Which is something that I rather want.

More DIY it would seem?

Reply
Doug

October 23, 2014

Is the Hennessy Hex 70D really 141″? I keep seeing different measurements (the HH website lists it at 132″ which would make it nearly the same size as the Maccat although in these photos the Maccat looks significantly smaller).

Reply
1. Derek
  
  October 23, 2014
  
  These are my measurements of the tarps you see. There are often differences between listed and actual. Cottage vendors are usually more accurate.
  
  Reply
Expat in Japan

August 11, 2015

Another great article!

Tough to get a good hammock tarp in Japan without dropping a bundle on shipping.

Do you think a diamond with a ridgeline of 132 inches, 106 inch width, and slight cat cuts on ridge and sides would be enough tarp for a GT Nano?

Cheers!

Reply
1. Derek
  
  August 11, 2015
  
  Yes, plenty.
  
  Reply
Mykyta

September 8, 2015

Derek, what is the weight of the TTTM diamond tarp versus the stock HH asym tarp?

Reply
1. Derek
  
  September 8, 2015
  
  Not much. Maybe 6 oz difference if you compare the poly hex tarp. 1.375 vs 1.75 for the Hex.
  
  Reply
Mykyta

September 24, 2015

Which tarp would you take if you had the choice, the Hex or a MacCat deluxe?

Reply
1. Derek
  
  September 24, 2015
  
  Very similar tarps. The MacCat has more defined cat cut edges which shed wind shear better.
  
  Reply
Ryan Wingate

October 3, 2015

What about a Kelty Noah’s 9 x 9? I have an ENO Double Nest and was wondering if I should upgrade to a Hennesey Hex, the Noah’s 12 x 12, or ENO ProFly? I feel a little exposed in the Noah’s 9 and worry sometimes about sideways gusts pushing rain under.

Reply
1. Derek
  
  October 4, 2015
  
  Are you hanging the 9×9 as a diamond? If so, then the hex style will provide more coverage. A 12×12 hung as a square will be similar in coverage and you can pin down the edges.
  
  Reply
gary

April 28, 2016

I was looking into getting a Roo Kammok and using the Hammock Gear Cuben Fiber Hex w/doors. I was wondering which size would be best to get the 11 ft or the 12 foot for adequate coverage. I have been reading where some discourage the 12 foot

Reply
1. Derek
  
  April 28, 2016
  
  With the Roo, I’d get 12 ft. It also depends on how you hang your hammock and your comfort margins. The Roo is flexible and without a ridgeline can be pulled tighter which will demand better coverage. If you hang it with a good sag the 11 foot tarp will be plenty.
  
  Reply
  1. gary
    
    April 28, 2016
    
    thanks for the quick reply — I initially thought about getting the glider from kammok for the Roo, but haven’t see reviews on how well it provides coverage from end to end. I initially thought the Cuben with the doors from Hammock Gear would provide better coverage if in a down poor.
    
    I am a newbie and still looking at different setups along with hammock recommendations. The Kammok got me looking, but know wondering if that’s
    the best place to start. Any recommendations on first starting out and what to buy?
    I hate to buy items and then upgrade later. Funds are not a real concern.
    
    Reply
    1. Derek
      
      April 28, 2016
      
      The Roo is a great example of the base of a modular set up. You’ll need a bug net and tarp and whatever insulation you have. If your goal is camping and you don’t need as much modularity, going with a dedicated jungle hammock makes things much easier.
      
      Reply
      1. Scott Scaruffi
        
        April 29, 2016
        
        Hi Derek, I just bought a eno junglenest hammock and wanted or opinion of a all around good tarp for car/backpack camping. My son is in the scouts and I will be using this set-up for the next 7 years choose wisely lol. Thanks in advance.
      2. Derek
        
        April 30, 2016
        
        I’d check out the GO! Hammock tarp I recently reviewed.
Derek Baralt

July 4, 2016

How do you feel about the Warbonnet Superfly tarp?

Reply
1. Derek
  
  July 4, 2016
  
  Awesome! You won’t be disappointed.
  
  Reply
Zack

February 8, 2019

I’m 6’5″ and have been looking for a good tarp that doesn’t stretch (or minimal stretch) when wet or under tension. Silpoly. I have come across DD hammock Tarp 3.5 x 3.5. Are there any other options that you can suggest? I feel like most tarps are too small for me and 11+ feet are the only way to go.

Reply
1. Derek Hansen
  
  February 9, 2019
  
  SilPoly is a great fabric for what you’re looking for. Have you checked out UGQ Outdoors quilts or HammockGear.com?
  
  Reply
  1. Zack Koger
    
    February 9, 2019
    
    Yeah. I’ve looked at both and DD seems like a better deal for the price. I don’t really care for cat cuts. But I use the tie outs a lot. I feel like because of my size, the hex tarps are not a good options and asym tarps are good for the same reason. My feet or head are closer to the edges compared to square or rectangle tarps. What do you think?
    
    Reply
    1. Derek Hansen
      
      February 9, 2019
      
      Hard to beat DD on price and the square tarp design is super versatile. Jacks R Better sells a huge 12×12. But I think it is nylon.
      
      Reply
Coy Starnes.

February 25, 2019

Hey Derek, any chance you could do an updated comparison with some of the DCF asym tarps. I’m looking at the MLD Vs the Dutchware inparticular. Want a tarp for dayhikes using my ENO Sub7 that would keep me dry if I had to sit out a storm.

Reply
1. Derek Hansen
  
  March 17, 2019
  
  Hmm. Good idea, but I’d have to get my hands on some more tarps.
  
  Reply
Joseph

July 20, 2020

I would like to build the most comfortable hammock I can hang under a 9’x4.3′ Dyneema tarp (and still remain dry during unexpected summer storms). Given that you have used a hammock with a ridge-line of 10′ using a Go-Lite poncho/tarp with success, and the Go-Lite poncho/tarp is comparable to the dimensions of the tarp I plan to use, would you recommend a hammock with a 10′ ridge-line for a tarp with the dimensions I plan to use? If not, how much would you reduce the ridge-line? At present I am of the opinion that a shorter ridge-line is not always drier, as a shorter ridge-line makes it more difficult to pitch the tarp close to the hammock due to the angle of the hammock suspension. Lastly, you do not indicate the width of your hammock above (but given the year it is written one can surmise that it is less than the wider fabrics now available (76″). My concern is that the extra-width is not necessarily a better choice because the size of the tarp I will be using requires sleeping at a particular angle, therefore the added perpendicular allowances of the wider fabric will not be fully utilized, resulting in weight/bulk/cost inefficiencies. Appreciate any input you can offer.

J.

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Hammock Tarp Coverage Comparison

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33 responses to “Hammock Tarp Coverage Comparison”

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