Catenary Cut Tarp vs Flat Tarp

Generally, a Cat tarp allows for stretching and increases strength slightly by providing some resiliancy. With Silnylon, this was rather important because nylon stretches over time(from use) and when it gets wet(like in a rain storm.) Cuben, not so much. If you pull it hard enough to stretch it will seperate a bit. And, it does not expand as much as nylon with additional moisture, indeed it is noted for not stretching, and the cat cuts become less important. Pre-loading a cuben tarp will allow maximum strength when it is set up, though. So, a light cat cut is still recomended, but only for maximum strength. The difference between a flat tarp in cuben and a cat cut in cuben is minimal. But, cat cut tarps can be difficult to set up on various grounds. I tend to use elastic hair ties on my tarp to help with wind loading (it reduces "wind hammer" on stakes.)

thanks for the reply. and i would guess that a flat tarp would definitely open up options as far as different types of pitches as well? anyone have any experience with a cuben tarp that they really like? just looking for a little help with the selection process.

For cuben tarps you can't go wrong with Mountain Laurel Designs or Zpacks. It seems the trend though is moving away from simple A-frame (flat or cat cut) tarps to shaped tarps or pyramids. Or maybe that's just the cool thing to talk about (like zpacks hexamid and the MLD trailstars or solomids) while many people are still picking up boring old regular tarps ;)

With those two companies you can't go wrong with quality and construction. As for what type of tarp specifically, it's a lot of preference. Some advocating a larger and slightly heavier tarp because it provides enough weather protection to let you keep your bivy at home (a net weight savings) but others still like a tiny tarp and bivy because it offers more versatility at a slight weight penalty. It depends on your situation. Wind and bugs make having a bivy useful, as does cowboy camping. Having a ton of rain makes a larger tarp more convenient. Tailor your choice based on your own environmental conditions and preferences.

I like the plain but beaked looks of the HMG Echo 1. Plus you get the option to add the inner for a full double walled tent that's barely a pound.