Tarp for Hammock backpacking

Outdoor Equipment Suppliers MacCat series of tarps are my favorite. If you can afford a spinnaker version, to save a few more ounces, that would be the ticket.

Claytor Diamond tarps are about $50 shipped, and still lighter than the ENO, and don't have all the gaudy ENO logos on them.

I'm headed out to canoe, and I'll be using my old Sportsman Guide Guide Gear 9×9 tarp that cost $30. It's a little heavy for lightweighting at 24 oz, but I like the simplicity of a diamond tarp for warm weather.

ok, i forgot to include that my hammock is about 10 ft long laying down on the floor, so im guessing that its about 9 ft when its hanging

I have a couple of OES/MacCat tarps, and for lightweight backpacking like the Spinntex best. The slightly longer Deluxe length combined with the Standard width, seam sealed, weighs only 8.6oz without lines. I've used the cat-cut OES tarps in winds above 40 mph, combined with heavy rain, over my Warbonnet BlackBird without any issues. If you plan on a lot of winter use, Brian is introducing a winter version of the Deluxe when he returns from a short vacation. Photos below of the Spinntex custom and also one of the silnylon in full Deluxe size on the trail.

OES/MacCat is the standard for most hammockers and are considerably well made by a 21 year old Eagle Scout in Grad School. But if you want to go lighter, Oware and Mountain Laurel Designs offer cuben options…for a price. Check out the MLD Hex if you want a standard tarp cut for a hammock. For greater coverage, and something you could take to the ground, consider a modified MLD Grace Duo (each extra foot is $25) for a full coverage cuben tarp that you could use with a hammock and take to the ground. Jacks R Better and Warbonnet Outdoors also offer good options.

x3 MacCat.
most of the dozen or so hangers that i personally "hang" out with use OES tarps. Deluxe is the overall choice, but Brian will make any size you need.

if you are looking at the short-term and need a quick, low-cost but replaceable tarp, the campmor Equinox 8×10 is reliable (enough)

want a tarp that will take you the distance? OES Deluxe.
Best Bang for the Buck as well.

JrB is now making a 10×10 square that is highly versatile and can be pitched many ways including a very large diamond. I especially suggest it for anyone using a Hennessy line hammock who cant stand the minimal stock tarp.

those ENO tarps are heavy and have a goofy shape.

Right now im looking at either the micro or the standard, and i think im leaning towards the standard because of the width, but the micro is really tempting because of the price. Anyone have experiance with either or both?

DO NOT purchase the micro. it is like the name, micro.
i would use it only on a hammock less than 7' long.
One of the things i suggested to Brian was that he label it wisely, and market it as a tarp for a child size hammock, because that is what it really is.
this pic shows coverage is super minimal over a Claytor Mosquito hammock, which is just under 8' stretched out tight

you get the idea of coverage tho. its really only good for shade. not suitable for weather.

I have the Jacks R Better 10×11 tarp and I really like this. It a few ounces more but gives great coverage with lots of setup options, including go to the ground options if you had to. I love being able to hang the tarp high and have plenty of room to get in and out, sit up, cook, etc while at the same time having lots of weather protection.

There's a really good review of this tarp on BGT if you want more details and pics.

I also have the JRB 8×8 tarp. I think the ridgeline is too short for my ENO Doublenest hammock, but it works really well with the Speer Hammock that my kids use. Very lightweight and super easy to setup as it only needs 2 stakes. If you have a smaller hammock (up to 9 feet long) I think this is a great option. There's a really good review of this tarp on BPL, dated around 2007 if I remember correctly.

Lastly I have the Speer 10×8 tarp. I like the coverage and weight of this tarp a lot. Personally I like the JRB tarps better as they have the seam running on the ridgeline which seems to provide better strength.

The quality of both Ed Speer and the Jacks are first class and both are super helpful with any questions you might have. One last thing – JRB has their stuff in stock and ships almost immediately which I really like.

Here's a pic of the JRB 10×11 setup for a double hang with my son:

Are there any places that have tarps in stock and ready to ship? I noticed on th OES that he is taking a break for a few weeks and I really dont want to spend more than $100 for a tarp at this moment

Warren, JRB stocks all of their stuff. Every time I've ordered from them I've received my goods within 3 days. It helps that I live in NC and they are located in VA. Still in talking with the Jacks they try to keep everything in stock and ship USPS priority mail.

Good luck!

Would a 8×8 tarp fit a 9 ft hammock? I know it says it will, but i have my doubts

I am also looking at getting this
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___20069
until i can make my own tarp

All I can say is that I was not happy with the coverage of the JRB 8×8 with my ENO hammock (10' long) but it works really well with my Speer hammock (9' long).

Here's a pic of the 8×8 on my Speer:

I've used this in a fairly steady rain with no issues. If you were expecting any amount of side blown rain the key would be to hang it fairly low and close to the hammock.

My advice would be to call the Jacks and tell them what kind of hammock you have and ask whether it would work for you. They are super helpful and won't try to sell you something that will not work for your setup.

I think at this moment im looking at the 8×10 equinox, at this time. Although im worried that my hammock is to big, my hammock is 10 ft all spread out on the ground, but hanging its about 9 ft.

x4 on the MacCat Deluxe.

I ordered one in SpinnUL, and I can report that it's super well made and weighs in about 10 oz. I'm VERY happy with its coverage for my Warbonnet Blackbird.