Tarp length for hammock

[TLM]

I have a DD hammock and have so far not used it for over night sleeping outdoors. What is the minimum length of a tarp that covers the hammock adequately? I have an idea of using 1.5*3m.

So far i have used it for birdwatching, for birds one kind of disappears when in one, great.

 

[Woody girl]

Minimum for me is 3x3 but i love a 4x4 for the extra space. I'd think 1.5x3 might be a bit small. Others may disagree.

 

[Nice65]

3x3 for me too, on the diagonal for extra cover and being able to see out.

 

[TLM]

Hmm ... 3m diagonally means about 4.2m ridge length but I can see the point that one can see around.

 

[Woody girl]

The 1.5x3 works length wise but won't cover the hammock properly widthways. Especially if it's wet. 3x3 is the minimum I would consider. Kit can be kept safe and dry under the hammock too.
Can also be used in many different ways to make lots of different styles of shelter including tents.

 

[Nice65]

Works well

 

[TLM]

The 3*1.5m comes from the size of a certain rain cape. I guess I have to make a few tests, too small is too small so I may have to get a tarp too. The weight. Thx, that pix explains a lot.

 

[Nice65]

The 3*1.5m comes from the size of a certain rain cape. I guess I have to make a few tests, too small is too small so I may have to get a tarp too. The weight. Thx, that pix explains a lot.

That pic was back in 2010 at a favourite spot. Only 3 of us went on the Friday afternoon because of a heavy rain forecast for Saturday. And rain it did! About 6 hours of it, spent in our hammocks for the most part, trying to roll a bottle of tequila from one to the other, and smoke some Cuban cigars I’d been given. Nice to be able to see out. Probably one of my most enjoyable hammock trips.

 

[Nice65]

Ah, an edit needed here. That’s the Jungle Fly from Mosquito Hammocks. it’s 4m on the diagonal, I sold that hammock and tarp, used a DD since in the same configuration, it’s just got bigger wings.

http://www.mosquitohammock.com/

DD 3x3, same place.

 

[TLM]

What is your opinion on the shape? Diamond, square, rectangle.

 

[Woody girl]

My set ups .
This was the 4x4 at the moot this last August. Huge area to stay dry and work in.

This was the year before at the wilderness gathering with the 3x3. Still lots of room.

 

[Nice65]

What is your opinion on the shape? Diamond, square, rectangle.

Because I only use it for hammocking, the diamond by Mozzy Hammocks. You can see how it forms a lovely canopy in the first pic. The rectangular DD offers tons of options and does the job well, but I’ve never got that cool, taut shape with it. Square is good, especially if the wind is scooping in one side. I put the ridgeline inside and don’t use the external tie outs for the ridge. That way the DD can be slid over to ground level on the windward side.

 

[Nice65]

work in.

I prefer the tequila and cigar experience, live to loaf and that.

Mind you, we were smashed by the time the rain stopped and I was still able to make a tripod to get the Ventile jacket dried out. Dodgy knot work, but it did the trick.

 

[Woody girl]

By "work" I mean prepare meals and make things. Carve a spoon etc. No point in getting wet!
I'll join you for a tequila but forgo the cigar!
I like the live to loaf idea!

 

[Nice65]

Duncan (FGYT on here). It was his motto, live to loaf, loaf to live. He’d set up his area at the Wilderness Gathering, got his firewood etc prepped and settled into his hammock when someone asked if he was doing any knify bushcraft stuff. Nope!

Those cigars lasted for hours, they were Hannibal from the A Team sized things. My mate Astley had to lie down and was sick from overdoing the nicotine, I thought I might too. Still, beats King Alfreds Cakes for keeping an ember most of the day.

 

[Woody girl]

Goodness! That's a lot a money to pay to stay in your hammock all weekend!
I'm always busy there. So many people to talk to and catch up with. So many things to learn about. I'm only ever at the hammock to sleep! I'd get bored otherwise. Barely have time to light a fire! I ride the bike home shattered and exhausted!
Now a camp out for a weekend with pals in a wood yes I'd be much more laid back. I'd get my chair out and watch the guys put up my hammock for me light a fire and make my meals keep me in tea and a snifter or two of my home made falling down juice. Sounds like bliss!

 

[TLM]

I can see a hammocking way of life forming ...

I'll do a few test with plastic sheets using previous pix as starting point. I did read the sticky but that left a slightly theoretical feeling while being well made.

 

[John Fenna]

I would say that 3x3 is minimum, 4x4 is good but 5x5 is my choice for the Moot when I will be living under it for two weeks
I find that there is too much "blow in" rain under a 3x3 - even diamond pitched!

 

[TLM]

A point there, a difference between a one night stand and camping. My probable usage would be one night only at any one place.

 

[Sundowner]

4x4 for me. I like the 2m "wall" on the windward side and the other 2m more or less straight. This gives me plenty of space to put a chair under.
Also, my DD Frontline hammock is 3m long