I just finished thru hiking the AT and can say going with a cuben tarp was absolutely worth it. It didn't sag, get heavier when soaked, and was far lighter. The fact that you don't have to worry at all about rain (such as watching it sag on you overnight as the rain continues to fall...) is worth it. my only regret is not going bigger! I wouldn't have minded doors, but I wish i'd gotten the Hammockgear winter palace. Not having doors was only an issue once, when some crazy winds came out of nowhere during a bad storm when I was set up in an inopportune spot. If i could do it again i'd use all the same gear but I'd go with a bigger tarp just for the peace of mind, which can't be overstated. Can you ever really have too much tarp?
I was in the US Army Infantry a while back, and I actually started using a hammock while I was in the 101st Airborne. My first was a ENO with my Army poncho as a tarp (tricky to keep the hood from filling up with rain), but I later got a Clarke Jungle Hammock and used that. I now own a HG Cuban Fiber (with doors), and I adore it. Love both your channels!
As always, wonderful having you and Trail Slippa back together.I went with the mesh snake skins, they really help dry out my tarp in between camps. I bought the doorless version after watching videos from you and Shug. You guys are Hammock Gear ambassadors.Oh, and Dutch bling makes set up a breeze. Thanks for all the research hours your videos have saved me.
ThankYou for sharing this video. I'm not looking for a tarp, I made my own. I've not weighed it but the material costs were about $15 (made from polyester and coated) and it has all the features I want (doors, tie backs, etc.) I'm sure yours are lighter but I seldom hike more than 25 miles. The fact I made it plus the difference in cost is something that makes it special to me.
I pulled the trigger on it. I went with the Dutchware spider Web 2.0, 7' straps W/Whoopie sling and the 12' X 8' 6" HG Cuben Fiber tarp with doors in Cammo. I did get the snake skin for the tarp so let Mike know my life is now Amazing. It's hard to believe you all have been running the Cuben tarps for 2 years now. That's a good run and shows they will hold up. You're correct, by my math I'm cutting my weight by just a hair over a pound from the ENO Housefly, which is still a great tarp. I just hope I'm able to find trees far enough apart to support the setup. fingers crossed!!!
I sleep in a Grand Trunk Nano, a 7 foot hammock and I love my 12 HG Cuben Tarp with doors. I like the doors for when it rains or to block wind in colder weather. Plus it dries with one wipe of the chammie!
Great to see you and the slipper interacting. Love the chemistry you guys have together. Enjoy the different perspectives. You need to come out and do the Sierras.
12ft HG cuben with doors without question. The extra protection is well worth the additional weight and bulk. I highly recommend using a ridge line from Dutch ( wasp and hook). Definitely 11ft hammock also from Dutch. Under and over quilts from HG. All this is a little slice of heaven. I have tried a lot of other combinations, and nothing else compares.
I have had both the HG 12' standard CF with doors, and the HG 12' palace with doors. I much prefer the palace because of the coverage for my Warbonnet Ridge Runner. As you mentioned, I value the space when stuck in the rain. The standard is probably fine for gathered end hammocks, but the bridge has girth that needs covered. The extra weight is worth it to me, especially compared to my former sil-nylon tarp that was double the weight. I really like the doors for privacy and battening down the hatches.
I had like 3 conversations with Harry at HG on this and even went back and commented on your Cranberry Wilderness video about your thoughts since you had it for awhile at that point(thanks for answering by the way) and really was leaning for the 12 footer but Harry talked me into the 11 footer and I went with doors and love it. I have two 11 foot hammocks and have plenty of room and can close those doors off if needed. I don't feel as I have to be as selective on trees but have found I like about 15 feet between either way. Good conversation. I like hearing Trail Slippa's take as well. Thanks.
I have xlc hammock with a 10 foot Hammock gear Cuban tarp with doors. It works great. The problem with 11 and 12 foot tarps is you can't hang them low enough do to you suspension straps on your hammoch. Cuben fiber tarps are normally 8.5 feet wide , so being able to hang it as low as possible helps keep everything dry. The photos in this video show this perfectly. Do not buy a 12 foot tarp. I used to think the same as these guys. The bigger the better. The fact is i started with a 12 the went to an 11 and landed on a 10 foot Cuban fiber. Just my opinion, I hope this helps
With my setup I went with no doors, but I splurged when I bought my Blackbird XLC and got the winter top. That winter tarp is great by the way. I'm sure it would save weight to just have gotten doors on my Cuben Fiber Tarp but I think the winter top probably keeps the wind out better.
More of these discussions with the both of you!! Appreciate the weight conscious thinking of Sean but find myself with the mindset and tendencies to purchase gear like Mike. The both of you together is ideal. #SintaxSlippa
I got the 11' HG CF Tarp /w Doors (woodland camo print!) in 2013. I've never felt that I needed a longer tarp for my 11' hammocks - I have about 6" coverage on each end when deployed. Perhaps I hang it too high, but I feel like the walls of the tarp should be lower to the ground when deployed - so if anything, I'd want it bigger. To pack it, I take the Stingerz w/ line and wrap it then slip it inside the end of the skin (while leaving the Stingerz itself still attached to the tarp). Then I start rolling the tarp from the big end and I'm left with a ball. Packing that away hasn't been a problem. By and large I'm very much in agreement with your analysis, though I suspect these relatively new Xenon tarps from Dutch would be a good alternative. I wonder if he'll make them with doors?
+Adam Skinner Nice, sounds like you've developed a pretty slick system. The Xenon is intriguing. I've been daydreaming recently of making a tarp out of that for our double hammock system. ...not that I necessarily possess the skills to actually do that, haha.
One mostly unmentioned concern with Cuben is that it melts pretty easily. If you like campfires, burning ashes will melt right through cuben if they land on it. This is another good reason to use snakeskins. I'd rather have the snakeskin with burn holes than the actual tarp itself...
Rick H: most any modern tent/tarp material will burn through in a millisecond. The greatest tarp of all-human skin- will also burn quickly. But they also come with repair kits. Human skin is pretty much self repair.
Hope and Crosby, Martin and Lewis, Abbot and Costello, Clooney and Pitt, AND Trailkilla and Sintax77! Ultimate video would be Trailkilla and Sintax77 meet the Hickery Brothers! I have been buying my gear spread out so the wife won't kill me. Rank these in the order you would buy: Cuben Fiber Tarp Down Under Quilt Down Top Quilt Hammock Backpack Thanks for the videos.
Nice info! Could you give your opinion and what hammock you like the best and why, and since I am a side sleeper, what would you recommend? I'm 6 ft tall and 215 lbs. Only when you get a chance to vlog or respond. Thank you!!
This was a really helpful video...even though I still haven't decided whether to go doors or no doors. I've been putting off buying the cuben for a while, and I just don't know if I want to spend the extra for the doors. Still assessing, but thanks for talking about it in depth!
The 12' versus 11' debate ... with the sag produced by the 30 degree hang angle reducing the effective length of the hammock, is that extra foot of weight and expense really justifiable?
Another great video! Have you by any chance tried your hex tarp or mike's with doors with your dual chameleon setup for you and your wife?? It works fine with my 11ft superfly tarp but REALLY want to cut the weight with cuben but unsure if the lesser width of the hammock gear tarp would interfere with the spreader bar. Also, any thoughts on the camo cuben tarp?? i know its a few ounces more weight, but is it worth it? Any stronger being .6 vs .5? not sure if ya'll have any experience with them or not
I have the tadpole tarp from outdoor wilderness logics ( purchased from Dutch). It seems to be more compact than either of the Cuban fiber tarps you are holding n the video. Great video! You guys should do more like this.
while i haven't taken the plunge on Cuben yet, I did decide not to add doors to my WB Mamajamba and instead opt for the winter sock from Dutchware. Cheaper, lighter option and i liked the added bonus of being able to block some ground water splash up that could occur under my tarp. Don't want my HG quilts getting wet. Will prob go with the 12' Cuben no doors, hopefully soon. Should fit nicely over my 11' Dutchware netless hammock.
+eric fiorello I've seen those door add-ons before, they look pretty cool. Love the netless Dutchware hammocks. Great for no-insect hikes and snow trips with the Dutch winter sock.
Great video, I watch it periodically when I’m having the dyneema tarp debate with myself. Hey a different question on this, have you ever considered a video on your ‘studio’ set up? For example, I’d love to know what that mic you have sitting on the table is. The sound quality is great. Thanks!
i purchased the HG standard cuben tarp w doors and love it. there isnt enough weight savings to me to justify the no doors. i do wish i had went 12ft though even though my 11 has kept me dry every time
Thank you for the info and different perspectives. I'm hammock camping in Alaska year round. Any thoughts on additional wear and tear on the Cuben Fiber due to cold?
I've had several situations when camping with a group (Boy Scouts) where tarp length was a limiting factor and made me move away from the group. Outside that, tarp length has not been an issue. I still tend to go with shorter tarps however just because of packability.
omg, I cannot believe I watched that and will be possibly adding the CF tarp to my xmas list...lol...my current tarps are a superfly with dutch fleas on a CRL from dutch, and a DIY I made same as the other, but in dutch xenon sil 0.9 (black) and all the same except using tarp worms (which I now prefer)....need another tarp for family as 4 now are all camping (my wife and 2 kids along with me)...what is hard for me that you all covered a bit, is comparing the volume of my (for example) xenon sil winter tarp or even the superfly with that CF tarp with doors....pretty big difference...my xenon sil tarp (with snakeskin of tthat same material) goes down to like a grapefruit size.....so weight vs. volume....when I am pack muling for family stuff volume is more of an annoyance....good news is I will still have those tarps and I think for solo backpacking the volume wont be an issue (I use a circuit from ULA)...enjoyed yalls' discussion syntax...ima have to check out your friends YT channel as well.
Any thoughts on the width of the standard vs the winter palace? I live in Europe, so I'll likely end up paying around 30-40% extra when you include shipping, vat, customs and fees , so it'll be horribly expensive anyway but I think I'm set on saving up for one. Am definitely considering the palace, as my girlfriends Superfly has a very nice coverage.
I do not have a hammock , I am thinking of backpacking with a tarp instead of a tent. What are your thoughts and what size? I also live in Arizona... so it would be a free standing tarp most of the time. thank you
I'm going back and forth right now on either getting a cuben tarp or a new arcteryx cerium jacket. Both are just upgrades at this point, as I have a tarp and jackets already, just looking for weight upgrades. I think this sold me on the tarp. And I agree, these videos with just you two going over gear is awesome. I feel a 2018 gear list video together coming... love the videos and info guys.
i'm a doors girl because i am typically out for two weeks at a time which increases the chances of sideways rain. in winter doors get you more heat (i sleep cold) and in summer doors get you more rain protection, even in porch mode. yes more weight, but i mostly go by paddle instead of on foot so not so critical.
I don't go hiking enough to justify a cuban fiber tarp. That said, the most expensive of my 3 other sil nylon tarps was $45. They're each under 1lb (except the one with doors which is 17oz) and work for my setups. Look around at end of season clearance sales at various retailers and you can find some decent hammock tarps for as low as $20. If I were hiking with my hammock setup more than twice a year, I might look into it, but right now, $100 has gotten me more tarps than I need.
I have a warbonnet superfly and deploy the doors during the night nearly every time. Reason being that I try to camp at a lakeside whenever I can and you tend to catch more shifting winds there. With nightly temperatures around the 40s even in summer and bad odds of rain every day, you really want that protection to stop wind from robbing your underquilt of it's warmth and slowly soaking it. Sometimes I close off one end and put one edge at the footend in prochmode, but those nights are noticeably colder. Maybe I should just get a weathershield for my greylock3 though, even mild winds seem to scare that thing into releasing enough warmth for me to notice it. Unless I sleep with my dryclime jacket on.
My only concern about cuben fiber tarps or tarpents (tarp-tents) is the. Pose at night. I don't want to wear earplugs and the slightest breeze has my buddies cuben tent making enough noise to keep me awake. Thoughts on noise?
Dudes! Great video, great info. Personally, I think I'll go with the doors when I invest in a Cuben tarp. I'm in CA, and focus my time in high altitude mountains, so having those doors seem worth it to me. Definitely doing 12ft too. I wasn't sure, but hearing you guys, it seems worth it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
sintax77 for sure I will love it! I just received my chameleon hammock, and I have a 20* top quilt on its way that'll match my 20* underquilt. So I gotta save up again for the tarp. But it will be happening sometime in 2018.
That's a Grade A setup. as you know, all that gear is a serious investment, but there's no reason you can't hike happily for the next 20 years with that kit, if you treat it right.
sintax77 that's exactly the game plan. I definitely have spent a lot on my hammock gear, but it's worth the investment knowing that it's quality gear that will last. Also, it's fun. I'm totally a gear junky with G.A.S.
I just got my HG Cuban Fiber without doors. I have not had a chance to use it. I got dutch wasp for the ridge line. What does everyone use for the tie-outs. I thought it was wierd that they do not come with any. I ordered a 200ft of zing it. Should I just precut enough for each tie out? What is the dutch ware Sintax77 had on the tie-outs? They showed it quickly in the video. Many thanks.
i have 10ft of rooe on each tie out and i just tap sticks into the ground for stakes and ties em off to those and works absolutly great every time. use a thick stick or a rock if you and find one to tap the sticks in
I just bought a hammock gear cuben hex tarp. My question is, is there any particular way to store it? Right now it's just stuffed into its stuff sack, other than making it wrinkly, does that have any adverse affect on it?
Not in my experience, no. I keep mine in snakeskins, within the regular stuff sack at home whenever it's not in use. The only time I leave it open at home is after returning from a damp trip. Once dry, I pack it back up.
Tarp length for me is less important than the tarp width. I have had to get creative a couple of times to stay dry from wind blowing rain/sleet in from the sides. So, for me either a length of 10 foot or 11 foot is fine, but I want it to be at least 9 to 10 feet wide. Doors are nice and are insurance. I have 2, 11 foot cuben tarps (zpacks); one is a hex tarp and the other is with doors. They are approx 8.5 feet wide. If I were to buy another cuben tarp, I would go with the Hammockgear winter tarp in 11 foot; best of all worlds for me. As far as durability, I have had the tarp with doors since 2011 and the hex tarp since 2012. Both have been used a moderate amount in all kinds of weather (think remnants of hurricane Irene in Dolly Sods). They are still in use.
Nice vid guys. HG 11' with doors in camo ordered yesterday. Along with some dutchwear stuff, shock cord, ridge line etc. Went with camo hoping it gives me more shade over the green. Anyone have experience with both colors?
The HG mesh snakeskin is actually lighter than the DCF and you get the added assurance that when you pack up your tarp after rain, your not trapping extra water in with the tarp. Oh, and of course the mesh snakeskin is also cheaper around $20. No brainer.
also, related, ive added continuous loops on my gathered ends even though my whoopies are used direct to the whipped ends...those continuous loops can be used with straps with beckett hitch to get closer to trees.....
I got the mesh skins. If the tarp gets wet the cuban fiber skins will get smelly and need turned inside out to dry. I also use the stuff sack for something else to save weight and also don't have to buy a pricey cuban fiber stuff sack when I get one for free (sorta free). lol
How loud is Cuben Fiber when its getting rained on and being blown around in the wind? I used a blue plastic tarp for a while because I am on a tight budget and it is super loud.
We failed to bring it up on the video, but cuben is quite loud, compared to silnylon at least. It doesn't bother me as much as it seems to some other users, but it's something to keep in mind. Probably similar noise to the blue tarp, but that just a guess (I haven't used that style of tarp in a while).
Very good video subject. I liked it so much I just subscribed to your channel and gave you A like. This entire analysis help me decide upon choosing the right kind of Cuban fiber tarp for me. The Weight savings it’s incredible. Like you said, if you’re into Back Packing a lot you should take Cuban fiber into consideration. At least that’s my interpretation of your message. Are you not into tent or tarp backpacking? Thank you so much for sharing this video. God bless you.
The Cuben fiber tarp is on my list. In the RRG we picked a tough place to hang hammocks just before it got dark. This was the tightest hang between two trees ever. The hammock barely worked and I did make my tarp work. This is a video clip of my hammock and tarp from the trip that you must watch. It did work! ruclips.net/video/RkXM_hBd53M/видео.html
Cheap Shot to get us to watch your video! I watched the entire video and it was 99% about you and your little hike. I looked at it ONLY to see the Tarp issue. I will NOT be watching anymore of your videos and encouraging my friends to stay away also!
I certainly wish I bought into less Silnylon Ultralight Tents and bought into Cuben maybe next year. For now I cannot justify spending $600-$700 on a Zpacks Duplex, saving on 13 oz of weight. Great vid.
I'm looking into doing the same, finally investing in a cuben tarp for my hammock. But my only problem is I want at least a 12' long/ridgeline length tarp, and also I want it to be no shorter then 9' wide, but I would really prefer 10' wide.... And it's a struggle to find this. I wouldn't mind paying for the extra cost, or speciality made lengths.. But so far I have not been able to find what I want.... LAME!!
I have a tarp with doors and I would recommend it for another reason...It provides more privacy for changing clothes. I camp with my Daughter and she really wants the doors when changing. BTW as I'm watching this I am also suffering from chiggers!!
I find that I can't get the 12 ft low enough in bad weather without it rubbing against my whoopies. ....especially w doors closed. think the 11ft would be more flexible.
So I watched one of your older videos with the cuben fiber tarp in your pack. It's the most useful piece of equipment that I've purchased and I won't go back.
Are those still a thing? Seems like I haven't seen one in over 10 years and they were the most noisy damn bags ever... I buried one once and found it two years later when I was digging a trench for plumbing and it faded some but didn't degrade.
I say no to snake skins... I just roll my cuben fiber tarp up in less than 30seconds, bind it, and roll it into it's stuff sack. I do use the snake skins on my hex fly; although I do still roll it was well. ruclips.net/video/xCgIuMQK664/видео.htmlm26s
This is what I did to my Hammock Gear Cuben w/ doors: imgur.com/gallery/85HZz - I bought the tiebacks with the tarp, I wish I didn't because I don't use them.
Notice the word, "investing." That's code for, "This thing is insanely expensive." These tarps are hundreds of dollars. Cray Cray! On the other hand, these guys are paying the novelty price. Once this type of material is more common, the price should come down, at least a little...
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The two of you just chilling and talking gear is awesome. I'd like to see more of this.
ktrigg2 I would 2nd that.
I just finished thru hiking the AT and can say going with a cuben tarp was absolutely worth it. It didn't sag, get heavier when soaked, and was far lighter. The fact that you don't have to worry at all about rain (such as watching it sag on you overnight as the rain continues to fall...) is worth it.
my only regret is not going bigger! I wouldn't have minded doors, but I wish i'd gotten the Hammockgear winter palace. Not having doors was only an issue once, when some crazy winds came out of nowhere during a bad storm when I was set up in an inopportune spot.
If i could do it again i'd use all the same gear but I'd go with a bigger tarp just for the peace of mind, which can't be overstated.
Can you ever really have too much tarp?
I was in the US Army Infantry a while back, and I actually started using a hammock while I was in the 101st Airborne. My first was a ENO with my Army poncho as a tarp (tricky to keep the hood from filling up with rain), but I later got a Clarke Jungle Hammock and used that. I now own a HG Cuban Fiber (with doors), and I adore it. Love both your channels!
As always, wonderful having you and Trail Slippa back together.I went with the mesh snake skins, they really help dry out my tarp in between camps. I bought the doorless version after watching videos from you and Shug. You guys are Hammock Gear ambassadors.Oh, and Dutch bling makes set up a breeze. Thanks for all the research hours your videos have saved me.
+Lisa Ray I'll have to check out the mesh skins. Love the Dutch bling. Dutch + HG = awesome in my book.
ThankYou for sharing this video. I'm not looking for a tarp, I made my own. I've not weighed it but the material costs were about $15 (made from polyester and coated) and it has all the features I want (doors, tie backs, etc.) I'm sure yours are lighter but I seldom hike more than 25 miles. The fact I made it plus the difference in cost is something that makes it special to me.
I pulled the trigger on it. I went with the Dutchware spider Web 2.0, 7' straps W/Whoopie sling and the 12' X 8' 6" HG Cuben Fiber tarp with doors in Cammo. I did get the snake skin for the tarp so let Mike know my life is now Amazing. It's hard to believe you all have been running the Cuben tarps for 2 years now. That's a good run and shows they will hold up. You're correct, by my math I'm cutting my weight by just a hair over a pound from the ENO Housefly, which is still a great tarp. I just hope I'm able to find trees far enough apart to support the setup. fingers crossed!!!
I sleep in a Grand Trunk Nano, a 7 foot hammock and I love my 12 HG Cuben Tarp with doors. I like the doors for when it rains or to block wind in colder weather. Plus it dries with one wipe of the chammie!
Great to see you and the slipper interacting. Love the chemistry you guys have together. Enjoy the different perspectives. You need to come out and do the Sierras.
I got the HG tarp w/doors. I love it. I went with that model so If need be I can go to ground and basically have a tent.
Great point, we failed to touch on ground applications, but that's a whole other capability to add to the doored version's list of pro's.
12ft HG cuben with doors without question. The extra protection is well worth the additional weight and bulk. I highly recommend using a ridge line from Dutch ( wasp and hook). Definitely 11ft hammock also from Dutch. Under and over quilts from HG. All this is a little slice of heaven. I have tried a lot of other combinations, and nothing else compares.
I have had both the HG 12' standard CF with doors, and the HG 12' palace with doors. I much prefer the palace because of the coverage for my Warbonnet Ridge Runner. As you mentioned, I value the space when stuck in the rain. The standard is probably fine for gathered end hammocks, but the bridge has girth that needs covered. The extra weight is worth it to me, especially compared to my former sil-nylon tarp that was double the weight. I really like the doors for privacy and battening down the hatches.
I had like 3 conversations with Harry at HG on this and even went back and commented on your Cranberry Wilderness video about your thoughts since you had it for awhile at that point(thanks for answering by the way) and really was leaning for the 12 footer but Harry talked me into the 11 footer and I went with doors and love it. I have two 11 foot hammocks and have plenty of room and can close those doors off if needed. I don't feel as I have to be as selective on trees but have found I like about 15 feet between either way. Good conversation. I like hearing Trail Slippa's take as well. Thanks.
Agreed, this new type of format is good and I did like the different take from Mike.
Just had this debate during a hike this past weekend. Great information and persuasive. Cuban it is!
I have xlc hammock with a 10 foot Hammock gear Cuban tarp with doors. It works great. The problem with 11 and 12 foot tarps is you can't hang them low enough do to you suspension straps on your hammoch. Cuben fiber tarps are normally 8.5 feet wide , so being able to hang it as low as possible helps keep everything dry. The photos in this video show this perfectly. Do not buy a 12 foot tarp. I used to think the same as these guys. The bigger the better. The fact is i started with a 12 the went to an 11 and landed on a 10 foot Cuban fiber. Just my opinion, I hope this helps
With my setup I went with no doors, but I splurged when I bought my Blackbird XLC and got the winter top. That winter tarp is great by the way. I'm sure it would save weight to just have gotten doors on my Cuben Fiber Tarp but I think the winter top probably keeps the wind out better.
More of these discussions with the both of you!! Appreciate the weight conscious thinking of Sean but find myself with the mindset and tendencies to purchase gear like Mike. The both of you together is ideal. #SintaxSlippa
Good point Sean if you take care of your stuff it lasts definitely love Cuban Fibre tarps to
I got the 11' HG CF Tarp /w Doors (woodland camo print!) in 2013. I've never felt that I needed a longer tarp for my 11' hammocks - I have about 6" coverage on each end when deployed.
Perhaps I hang it too high, but I feel like the walls of the tarp should be lower to the ground when deployed - so if anything, I'd want it bigger.
To pack it, I take the Stingerz w/ line and wrap it then slip it inside the end of the skin (while leaving the Stingerz itself still attached to the tarp). Then I start rolling the tarp from the big end and I'm left with a ball. Packing that away hasn't been a problem.
By and large I'm very much in agreement with your analysis, though I suspect these relatively new Xenon tarps from Dutch would be a good alternative. I wonder if he'll make them with doors?
+Adam Skinner Nice, sounds like you've developed a pretty slick system. The Xenon is intriguing. I've been daydreaming recently of making a tarp out of that for our double hammock system. ...not that I necessarily possess the skills to actually do that, haha.
One mostly unmentioned concern with Cuben is that it melts pretty easily. If you like campfires, burning ashes will melt right through cuben if they land on it. This is another good reason to use snakeskins. I'd rather have the snakeskin with burn holes than the actual tarp itself...
Rick H: most any modern tent/tarp material will burn through in a millisecond. The greatest tarp of all-human skin- will also burn quickly. But they also come with repair kits. Human skin is pretty much self repair.
Hope and Crosby, Martin and Lewis, Abbot and Costello, Clooney and Pitt, AND Trailkilla and Sintax77! Ultimate video would be Trailkilla and Sintax77 meet the Hickery Brothers!
I have been buying my gear spread out so the wife won't kill me. Rank these in the order you would buy:
Cuben Fiber Tarp
Down Under Quilt
Down Top Quilt
Hammock
Backpack
Thanks for the videos.
Chuck Carter I've said that before!!
Definitely check the end of season clearance sales. I've picked up packs, hammocks, and tarps (non cuben fiber) for dirt cheap.
Nice info! Could you give your opinion and what hammock you like the best and why, and since I am a side sleeper, what would you recommend? I'm 6 ft tall and 215 lbs. Only when you get a chance to vlog or respond. Thank you!!
This is great you two, you MUST do this more often
Great and interesting, also so good to see Mike again. He is cool dude. , Dave.
This was a really helpful video...even though I still haven't decided whether to go doors or no doors. I've been putting off buying the cuben for a while, and I just don't know if I want to spend the extra for the doors. Still assessing, but thanks for talking about it in depth!
The 12' versus 11' debate ... with the sag produced by the 30 degree hang angle reducing the effective length of the hammock, is that extra foot of weight and expense really justifiable?
Another great video! Have you by any chance tried your hex tarp or mike's with doors with your dual chameleon setup for you and your wife?? It works fine with my 11ft superfly tarp but REALLY want to cut the weight with cuben but unsure if the lesser width of the hammock gear tarp would interfere with the spreader bar.
Also, any thoughts on the camo cuben tarp?? i know its a few ounces more weight, but is it worth it? Any stronger being .6 vs .5? not sure if ya'll have any experience with them or not
You guys are awesome ... keep up the great videos ... enjoyed the gear review. Gotta start saving the bucks.
I have the tadpole tarp from outdoor wilderness logics ( purchased from Dutch). It seems to be more compact than either of the Cuban fiber tarps you are holding n the video. Great video! You guys should do more like this.
while i haven't taken the plunge on Cuben yet, I did decide not to add doors to my WB Mamajamba and instead opt for the winter sock from Dutchware. Cheaper, lighter option and i liked the added bonus of being able to block some ground water splash up that could occur under my tarp. Don't want my HG quilts getting wet. Will prob go with the 12' Cuben no doors, hopefully soon. Should fit nicely over my 11' Dutchware netless hammock.
+eric fiorello I've seen those door add-ons before, they look pretty cool. Love the netless Dutchware hammocks. Great for no-insect hikes and snow trips with the Dutch winter sock.
Cool discussion! More please 😊
I'm sold great video as always brother
Great video, I watch it periodically when I’m having the dyneema tarp debate with myself. Hey a different question on this, have you ever considered a video on your ‘studio’ set up? For example, I’d love to know what that mic you have sitting on the table is. The sound quality is great. Thanks!
i purchased the HG standard cuben tarp w doors and love it. there isnt enough weight savings to me to justify the no doors. i do wish i had went 12ft though even though my 11 has kept me dry every time
When I someday upgrade to cuben fiber I was already planning a tarp with doors, extra protection while still saving weight from my current gear.
It gets amazing when he says amazing... Amazing
Amazing
Thank you for the info and different perspectives. I'm hammock camping in Alaska year round. Any thoughts on additional wear and tear on the Cuben Fiber due to cold?
The tarp co. is probably your best resource for an answer. Sounds like fun.
I've had several situations when camping with a group (Boy Scouts) where tarp length was a limiting factor and made me move away from the group. Outside that, tarp length has not been an issue. I still tend to go with shorter tarps however just because of packability.
What about color green white or camouflage?? Thank you for the videos. 💕
omg, I cannot believe I watched that and will be possibly adding the CF tarp to my xmas list...lol...my current tarps are a superfly with dutch fleas on a CRL from dutch, and a DIY I made same as the other, but in dutch xenon sil 0.9 (black) and all the same except using tarp worms (which I now prefer)....need another tarp for family as 4 now are all camping (my wife and 2 kids along with me)...what is hard for me that you all covered a bit, is comparing the volume of my (for example) xenon sil winter tarp or even the superfly with that CF tarp with doors....pretty big difference...my xenon sil tarp (with snakeskin of tthat same material) goes down to like a grapefruit size.....so weight vs. volume....when I am pack muling for family stuff volume is more of an annoyance....good news is I will still have those tarps and I think for solo backpacking the volume wont be an issue (I use a circuit from ULA)...enjoyed yalls' discussion syntax...ima have to check out your friends YT channel as well.
Any thoughts on the width of the standard vs the winter palace?
I live in Europe, so I'll likely end up paying around 30-40% extra when you include shipping, vat, customs and fees , so it'll be horribly expensive anyway but I think I'm set on saving up for one. Am definitely considering the palace, as my girlfriends Superfly has a very nice coverage.
I do not have a hammock , I am thinking of backpacking with a tarp instead of a tent. What are your thoughts and what size? I also live in Arizona... so it would be a free standing tarp most of the time. thank you
I'm going back and forth right now on either getting a cuben tarp or a new arcteryx cerium jacket. Both are just upgrades at this point, as I have a tarp and jackets already, just looking for weight upgrades. I think this sold me on the tarp. And I agree, these videos with just you two going over gear is awesome. I feel a 2018 gear list video together coming... love the videos and info guys.
i'm a doors girl because i am typically out for two weeks at a time which increases the chances of sideways rain. in winter doors get you more heat (i sleep cold) and in summer doors get you more rain protection, even in porch mode. yes more weight, but i mostly go by paddle instead of on foot so not so critical.
I don't go hiking enough to justify a cuban fiber tarp. That said, the most expensive of my 3 other sil nylon tarps was $45. They're each under 1lb (except the one with doors which is 17oz) and work for my setups. Look around at end of season clearance sales at various retailers and you can find some decent hammock tarps for as low as $20. If I were hiking with my hammock setup more than twice a year, I might look into it, but right now, $100 has gotten me more tarps than I need.
I have a warbonnet superfly and deploy the doors during the night nearly every time. Reason being that I try to camp at a lakeside whenever I can and you tend to catch more shifting winds there. With nightly temperatures around the 40s even in summer and bad odds of rain every day, you really want that protection to stop wind from robbing your underquilt of it's warmth and slowly soaking it. Sometimes I close off one end and put one edge at the footend in prochmode, but those nights are noticeably colder.
Maybe I should just get a weathershield for my greylock3 though, even mild winds seem to scare that thing into releasing enough warmth for me to notice it. Unless I sleep with my dryclime jacket on.
My only concern about cuben fiber tarps or tarpents (tarp-tents) is the. Pose at night. I don't want to wear earplugs and the slightest breeze has my buddies cuben tent making enough noise to keep me awake. Thoughts on noise?
Devin Hedge if you're a light sleeper the noise could bother you on windy nights but I never had any noise problems with my cuben fiber tent.
Dudes! Great video, great info. Personally, I think I'll go with the doors when I invest in a Cuben tarp. I'm in CA, and focus my time in high altitude mountains, so having those doors seem worth it to me. Definitely doing 12ft too. I wasn't sure, but hearing you guys, it seems worth it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks, Daniel. I bet you'll be happy with the 12' door version. One of my fave pieces of gear.
sintax77 for sure I will love it! I just received my chameleon hammock, and I have a 20* top quilt on its way that'll match my 20* underquilt. So I gotta save up again for the tarp. But it will be happening sometime in 2018.
That's a Grade A setup. as you know, all that gear is a serious investment, but there's no reason you can't hike happily for the next 20 years with that kit, if you treat it right.
sintax77 that's exactly the game plan. I definitely have spent a lot on my hammock gear, but it's worth the investment knowing that it's quality gear that will last. Also, it's fun. I'm totally a gear junky with G.A.S.
I just got my HG Cuban Fiber without doors. I have not had a chance to use it. I got dutch wasp for the ridge line. What does everyone use for the tie-outs. I thought it was wierd that they do not come with any. I ordered a 200ft of zing it. Should I just precut enough for each tie out? What is the dutch ware Sintax77 had on the tie-outs? They showed it quickly in the video. Many thanks.
i have 10ft of rooe on each tie out and i just tap sticks into the ground for stakes and ties em off to those and works absolutly great every time. use a thick stick or a rock if you and find one to tap the sticks in
I just bought a hammock gear cuben hex tarp. My question is, is there any particular way to store it? Right now it's just stuffed into its stuff sack, other than making it wrinkly, does that have any adverse affect on it?
Not in my experience, no. I keep mine in snakeskins, within the regular stuff sack at home whenever it's not in use. The only time I leave it open at home is after returning from a damp trip. Once dry, I pack it back up.
Tarp length for me is less important than the tarp width. I have had to get creative a couple of times to stay dry from wind blowing rain/sleet in from the sides. So, for me either a length of 10 foot or 11 foot is fine, but I want it to be at least 9 to 10 feet wide. Doors are nice and are insurance. I have 2, 11 foot cuben tarps (zpacks); one is a hex tarp and the other is with doors. They are approx 8.5 feet wide. If I were to buy another cuben tarp, I would go with the Hammockgear winter tarp in 11 foot; best of all worlds for me. As far as durability, I have had the tarp with doors since 2011 and the hex tarp since 2012. Both have been used a moderate amount in all kinds of weather (think remnants of hurricane Irene in Dolly Sods). They are still in use.
Good video guys, enjoyed!
Loved it....can't wait for cookin video - Delmarva baby
Nice vid guys. HG 11' with doors in camo ordered yesterday. Along with some dutchwear stuff, shock cord, ridge line etc. Went with camo hoping it gives me more shade over the green. Anyone have experience with both colors?
Muscle up buttercup (maui) save the money, carry the extra weight, get the walmart tarp. Very informative mr77, thanks
The HG mesh snakeskin is actually lighter than the DCF and you get the added assurance that when you pack up your tarp after rain, your not trapping extra water in with the tarp. Oh, and of course the mesh snakeskin is also cheaper around $20. No brainer.
you two make great hiking videos
any thoughts on Dutch's dyneema Asym tarp?
I have the 12 ft with doors, love it but I have to replace it because bugspray eats dcf
also, related, ive added continuous loops on my gathered ends even though my whoopies are used direct to the whipped ends...those continuous loops can be used with straps with beckett hitch to get closer to trees.....
I got the mesh skins. If the tarp gets wet the cuban fiber skins will get smelly and need turned inside out to dry. I also use the stuff sack for something else to save weight and also don't have to buy a pricey cuban fiber stuff sack when I get one for free (sorta free). lol
How loud is Cuben Fiber when its getting rained on and being blown around in the wind? I used a blue plastic tarp for a while because I am on a tight budget and it is super loud.
We failed to bring it up on the video, but cuben is quite loud, compared to silnylon at least. It doesn't bother me as much as it seems to some other users, but it's something to keep in mind. Probably similar noise to the blue tarp, but that just a guess (I haven't used that style of tarp in a while).
Thank you!!
Very good video subject. I liked it so much I just subscribed to your channel and gave you A like. This entire analysis help me decide upon choosing the right kind of Cuban fiber tarp for me. The Weight savings it’s incredible. Like you said, if you’re into Back Packing a lot you should take Cuban fiber into consideration. At least that’s my interpretation of your message. Are you not into tent or tarp backpacking? Thank you so much for sharing this video. God bless you.
The Cuben fiber tarp is on my list. In the RRG we picked a tough place to hang hammocks just before it got dark. This was the tightest hang between two trees ever. The hammock barely worked and I did make my tarp work. This is a video clip of my hammock and tarp from the trip that you must watch. It did work! ruclips.net/video/RkXM_hBd53M/видео.html
Cheap Shot to get us to watch your video! I watched the entire video and it was 99% about you and your little hike. I looked at it ONLY to see the Tarp issue. I will NOT be watching anymore of your videos and encouraging my friends to stay away also!
Gracias dudes. Did you see the Cuben Tarp that Dave Canterbury did a video on yesterday? If not you should definitely give it a gander.
No, but I'll have to check it out. Must be national cuben fiber week on RUclips, haha. Thanks for the heads up.
sintax77 Actually more like Hammock Gear Cuben tarp week. It worked. I'm sold. Haha
Dewey?! Y’all come to Delaware?!?
I certainly wish I bought into less Silnylon Ultralight Tents and bought into Cuben maybe next year. For now I cannot justify spending $600-$700 on a Zpacks Duplex, saving on 13 oz of weight. Great vid.
Great Team!
I'm looking into doing the same, finally investing in a cuben tarp for my hammock. But my only problem is I want at least a 12' long/ridgeline length tarp, and also I want it to be no shorter then 9' wide, but I would really prefer 10' wide.... And it's a struggle to find this. I wouldn't mind paying for the extra cost, or speciality made lengths.. But so far I have not been able to find what I want.... LAME!!
Have you seen the Hammock Gear Winter Palace? www.hammockgear.com/dyneema-cuben-fiber-palace-tarp/ 12' ridgeline , 10'4" wide with doors as well.
What kind of tower is that in your backyard?
You and Trailkilla should go camping and try out different tarp tent camping methods.
You should make a video how to use cheap tarp. I'll take a few pounds over a few hundred bucks any day on the trail.
Thank you; great job.
I have a tarp with doors and I would recommend it for another reason...It provides more privacy for changing clothes. I camp with my Daughter and she really wants the doors when changing. BTW as I'm watching this I am also suffering from chiggers!!
I have 12 ft camo with doors. I wish the sides were a bit longer though.
Wider I mean on the sides. so they would be closer to the ground. Not 12 x 12 like a Noahs Tarp 12 but maybe another 12 inches?
What about mold with the snake skins?
That lawn could use a good mowin'...
I really want to, but my set designer says it makes the videos look more rustic and outdoorsy.
Ticks and chiggers...
Less mowin'. More hikin'.
LOL!
Thats it? No suggestions or support? Nothing?
I find that I can't get the 12 ft low enough in bad weather without it rubbing against my whoopies. ....especially w doors closed. think the 11ft would be more flexible.
agree, when I have the proper angle on my suspension, the 12' is not low enough to block wind and I get more spray misting on my UQ in a storm.
So I watched one of your older videos with the cuben fiber tarp in your pack. It's the most useful piece of equipment that I've purchased and I won't go back.
Prices?
Absolutely fantastic video guys, well put across but can I just add.......Sean, trim yer shrubs añd cut yer grass man 😂
I still think sil-nylon is a better value for the weight
You guys are hilarious great vid. I’m going to buy one for emergency use, which I will carry on all my hikes
BRO you guys WRECKED that fist bump/highfive/handshake whatever. GET IT TOGETHER.
also no doors
Mesh vs cuben skins? I like mesh myself.
Merci tres intéressant ! Et drôle aussi ! 😜😜😜
+Denis Chassé Merci, je suis content que vous l'ayez apprécié!
9:25 The look of love...
man cuben fiber sounds like the biodegradable sunchips bag....
Are those still a thing? Seems like I haven't seen one in over 10 years and they were the most noisy damn bags ever... I buried one once and found it two years later when I was digging a trench for plumbing and it faded some but didn't degrade.
I have an 11 footer and wish I had a 12....
HG or Dutch?
HG. I believe we both bought our tarps back before Dutch was listing them.
I will love k
Those tiki torches... Ouch.
Yeah, it took me a while to learn to not touch the flames either.
snake skin in mesh is better for drain water
👍🏻
👍
I say no to snake skins... I just roll my cuben fiber tarp up in less than 30seconds, bind it, and roll it into it's stuff sack. I do use the snake skins on my hex fly; although I do still roll it was well. ruclips.net/video/xCgIuMQK664/видео.htmlm26s
Part 2?
This is what I did to my Hammock Gear Cuben w/ doors: imgur.com/gallery/85HZz - I bought the tiebacks with the tarp, I wish I didn't because I don't use them.
Dutch should send you a nylon sil version so you can do a side by side comparison. Only fair since you're his marketing team.
Notice the word, "investing." That's code for, "This thing is insanely expensive." These tarps are hundreds of dollars. Cray Cray! On the other hand, these guys are paying the novelty price. Once this type of material is more common, the price should come down, at least a little...
Two camera setup.....
Trail slipper , lol