SpinnTwinn users… tarp too big for solo + gear use?

I'm not a user of one, but in my opinion, it looks the right size for one person. It's not really all that big. I've got something kind of similar to the Contrail or the Squall, kind of a cross between the two, and it seems to me to take up the same amount of space as a SpinnTwinn.

Hey Adam, I have a GG Spinntwinn-a excellent tarp. A 8×10 tarp coming in under 10oz WOW!! But you are right– It has a large footprint and that will cut down your campsite options…In the West(Sierras) there is not that much ground vegetation. So a 8×10 tarp actually is almost like a 11×16 tarp if you count ridge lines and corner lines….You might want to look a smaller size..
I recently got a Equinox 6×8 tarp because of the smaller footprint… Soon enough you will own 6 shelter systems like I do. The season, elevation and duration of hike all have there own specialty needs.

My wife and I use a Spinn Twinn and love it. For solo use, it's more than you need. I would be able to use a narrower tarp for solo use, but the length would be the same. That said, you can always pitch the Spinn Twinn with a taller/narrower width and get the same results for a smaller site.

I've not used the SpinnTwinn but have used tarps of that size. One downside of a larger tarp is a reduction in wind stability; it's easier to get a smaller tarp really taut in wind.

That totally depends on where you're going though. I'm often above the treeline and I like my smaller tarp for this work- easier to get it low to the ground and the smaller walls make guying out a good wind pitch easier.

My 2 cents.

Spinnaker is also weaker than either silnylon or cuben. It won't stretch and sag like silnylon and it's cheaper than cuben, but silnylon or cuben will be better if the tarp is really pushed.

I have used a 8'x10' silnylon tarp for many years. I have never had a problem eventually finding a nice site to set it up but I have definitely passed up really good locations that would of worked with a smaller tarp.

I am most likely going to get a MLD solo plus silnylon tarp to replace it for solo trips.

Thanks so much for the replies. This is exactly what I was looking for. All too often I don't have a whole lot to work with, space wise, when it comes time to stop for the night, and I don't want to create additional headaches with a move to a tarp.
The SpinnTwinn looks amazing, and, based on what I've read around here, it is a champ. However, I'm now thinking a harder look at some solo sized tarps would make a a better option for me.
Thanks again to all who chimed in. It's very helpful.

Adam

hey Adam,
I am in the northeast as well so I understand what you mean about tight camping spots. I bought the spinntwinn as I norm hike with my wife and our dog. For the three of us it is the perfect shelter. That said if I went solo more often I would go with something alitle lighter, cheaper and smaller for the excat reason's you state. That said be carful not to go too small. I bought an MLD Monk at one point and it was not large enough.