Warbonnet Wlackbird Tarp?

The MacCat Deluxe works just about perfect on the Blackbird for three season – with a trekking pole or two to prop up one side, it gives you an awning to cook under. For really hideous weather the Warbonnet Superfly with doors or the Speer Winter Tarp work really well.

Generally, anything that gives you adequate coverage for side blown wind/rain in a pinch works. In a pinch, I've buttoned down the MacCat with a grip clip on the foot end to keep gusty wind out – not as roomy as I would like but I was able to sleep.

i too use an OES deluxe (and a blackbird). i find it to be just about perfect for my needs. i have a "beak" on order that will give me the opportunity to stretch this into a 4 season setup. there are a few tarps i don't think you'd go wrong with

OES deluxe or ultra
Warbonnet superfly or big mambajamba
Speer winter tarp
Jacks R Better 10×11

just depends on what you want for coverage. honestly, any of those tarps above would be great for your blackbird

Another thing to consider is that OES may be hard to reach. A friend of mine was attempting to contact them this week and hasn't heard back. With Warbonnet, they probably have the tarps in stock.

I usually tie my MacCat Ultra up to trees, and I tie it at all different angles, still getting a taught pitch. But it has three tieouts per side. With the Warbonnet tarps, you are more limited in the ways you can tie, so you nearly have to tie to stakes in the ground, sort of like a pup tent. The Warbonnets do have extra rings added, so that you can add doors on the ends for cold weather or storm coverage, so that's something to consider. I actually think the Warbonnets are built a little tougher, especially the ridgelines, which are far superior to a MacCat ridgeline. I just don't use a Warbonnet, because of the way they almost have to be tied to stakes in the ground, maybe it's just laziness.

I also used an OES MacCat Deluxe, but I had a very difficult time getting in touch with Brian, the owner. He's apparently a full-time student, and it took several weeks longer than expected. But when I received the tarp I was impressed. Just for the hell of it, I also ordered a "Small" Warbonnet Tarp (just a few inches smaller than the MacCat Deluxe). I liked the Warbonnet tarp even more and eventually sold the MacCat. Both tarps were of equal quality, but I like the fact that Brandon (Warbonnet owner) answered my emails and shipped his product when he said he would.

This spring I will order a second BlackBird hammock, and for the tarp I will choose the Warbonnet again.

nothing better IMO

I have the Big Mamajamba from Warbonnet with the doors in Spinn. It is a fantastic tarp.

I use the MLD Hex Hammock tarp in cuben. Exceptionally light, love it.

Don't forget the new kid on the block…Backwoods Daydreamer Tarps:

http://backwoodsdaydreamer.webs.com/

Matt

+1 on backwoods daydreamer gear. i have the four seasons and love it.

With the MLD tarp, you're going to have a multi-month wait to get it, like all their products. Scott at Backwoods Daydreamer is closed for business at the moment, I'm told. Brian at OES is hit-or-miss. If you need a tarp now, go with Speers, Jacks R Better, or Warbonnet.