Had my first hang this past weekend and elected to go with my light-weight rectangular 10x13 Aquaquest tarp instead of the Hennessey hex-shaped tarp as the forecast was for a fair amount of rain albeit warm temps.

On the first night I set the tarp up about 6" above the hammock with the sides angled so that they were about 2' off the ground. The rain fell straight down and the hammock was amply protected.

The forecast for the following evening was similar - rain and no wind. Feeling confident, I decided I wanted more room under the tarp and I raised the ridgeline to a height where I could also walk upright underneath. I also set up a porch with my hiking poles. Again, the rain fell straight down and no protection nor drainage issues.

Come night three and again the same forecast. So I went to bed with same tarp configuration as night two. However, a storm blew in later that evening and lifted the porch causing a minor splash in the hammock. I got up and hurriedly tied down the porch as low to the ground as I could (eschewing the poles) which turned out to be sufficient as this is a rather large tarp. But it was "a bridge too far" to lower the ridgeline in these conditions (wet and raging mosquitoes).

A bit more detail:
All of my vulnerable gear under the tarp was secured in a 115 L dry-bag. So the larger tarp was not crucial in this regard.
The site we were staying at is mostly granite with a lot of scrub and only one suitable location for a hammock. Fortunately it was broadside to the wind but there was no opportunity to avoid exposure by moving the hammock into the woods.

Obviously I learned that it's probably better to just leave the ridgeline close to the hammock. But I also wondered about the supposed benefit of having larger, rectangular tarp. The increased surface area is prone to catching more wind and causing greater stress on the structure. Instead of two tie-out points on each side it has four. Okay, that may mean more creative configurations but it also means more maintenance - particularly during a time of urgency.

My research always seems to say to go with a larger tarp for greater protection but something tells me I may have been better off with the hex tarp in these warmer, wet and windy conditions. The hex tarp brochure basically says it provides ample coverage. I have a ten-day trip to Quetico approaching in late July and I'm hoping some good advice from veteran hangers can help me decide which tarp to bring.

The larger the tarp the greater the footprint and finding a good location can get difficult. The ideal is a tarp made for hammocks with end flaps and spreader bars to give you space underneath and the ability to secure a wrap around for windy situations, and will require less open space. I had good results with a noah hex but am glad I upgraded to the mountainfly from warbonnet.

Hi Argo,

I have three styles of tarp - square, hex and winter. I virtually never use the square tarp because of the issues you mention - sideways / driving rain or wind tunnel. I use the winter tarp (UGQ Winter Dream) in shoulder seasons and the hex in warm season, and the square is used in camp for shade / light rain. I prefer the hex because the catenary edges don't flap in the wind and stay (at least for me) more rigid. Key is that the hex tarp extends out over the ridgeline, adding extra coverage. Use a Prusik to attach a small piece of string on the hammock suspension as a drip line, and place it under the tarp.

Depending on the vendor, some hex tarps will have enough tie-outs so a person could use a hex tarp to make a modified winter tarp (which has extra material to make a "door" on both ends of the hammock). Also, my tarps have snakeskins and get packed separately from the hammock, on the very top of my canoe pack.

I transitioned from tent to hammock in 2019, and am still learning but this is what is currently working for me.

Thanks guys. You have both confirmed my suspicion that the hex is the way to go.

Argo: "Thanks guys. You have both confirmed my suspicion that the hex is the way to go."

If you haven't already ordered, I'd suggest considering the Thunderfly from Warbonnet.

I was NEVER able to stay fully dry w/ a hex tarp, regardless of how low when the winds get to swirling. I'm 6'3", so also hate low hangs to boot.

Anywho, I've never been wet w/ my Thunderfly. The little winglets at the end make all the difference and you can open them up to a hex shape when not needed.

I also have a UGQ Winter Dream w/ interior pole mods -- which is the bomb when it comes to open vistas and immediate conversion to hunker down mode.

Thunderfly:






UGQ Winter Dream:

I only have one trip with a hammock under my belt so take this for what it is worth.

We had a massive thunderstorm that had me bouncing around for the duration. I had a dutchware rectangular tarp and stayed perfectly dry. Luckily the wind was perpendicular to the opening of my tarp, I kept thinking if the wind shifts I’m screwed but luckily it worked. A hex tarp would have been just as vulnerable in the same situation but would offer less protection in terms of splashing up and diagonal winds.

IMHO if you want complete protection a tarp with doors is in order. If you’re in the summer and can handle a little spray the rectangle offers more protection than a hex tarp.

FWIW I’m 6’2” and had the tarp pitched to a height that required me to bend my neck when under it.