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Tarps have been around for a long time. Probably as long, or longer, than all forms of tents. They endure because of their simplicity and their flexibility. Currently with the light weight hiking crowd, and the hammock hangers, they are finding renewed popularity. This is primarily because of the light weight silicone impregnated nylons.
The square and the rectangle are the traditional designs for good reason. They offer the most flexibility and relative coverage for any given square feet of tarp.
Relatively small rectangles, on the order of 5x8.5 feet, will provide basic coverage for a hammock. Hennessy hammocks use this approach, as do those who use extended length silnyl ponchos over HH and other models. This is minimal coverage that requires careful site selection to minimize wind. They also require exact centering to ensure the basic coverage is met all around.
Some hammock makers, notably Ed Speers, provide a generous 8x10 tarp. This popular solution provides super coverage in all weather conditions. It is a great asset to have when the weather goes crummy for an extended time. Additionally, these tarps, when made with abundant tie points make great tarps for any backpacking purpose or ground shelter use.
The 8x8 square tarp is a truly great answer for the hammock hanger and/or soloist ground camper. When pitched on the diagonal over a hammock it provides about a foot to one and a half feet of coverage beyond the ends of the hammock. The sides go out at strong 45 degree angle to a single tie out point on each side. This is in contrast to the roughly 30/60 degree angles of a small rectangle pitched on a diagonal. The hammock can be hung at 4.5-5 feet above the ground and the side(s) can still be staked to the ground. The down side totally protects the hammock from perpendicular wind. When tied straight out or near straight out it provides up to 64 square feet of coverage. When a well selected, sheltered site is used in summer heat, this type set up provide max ventilation and coverage for a pleasant camp under otherwise hot, sticky, close conditions.
Now for the debate on the Catenary cut. This popular tarp feature has good and bad points. Perhaps its best point is that it provides, in its optimum, or near optimum angle, a super taunt tarp. This virtually eliminates any flapping. Some say, "It turns into a hummer vice a flapper in storms". The drawback is that it is only effective in the optimal pitch and it becomes extremely floppy and sloppy when pitched high and flat or as a single plane, shed roof. It often eliminates other ground pitch options, beyond the optimum angle, altogether. This style of tarp is only for the individual who plans to use it the same way all of the time. It eliminates, for practical purposes, most of a tarp’s flexibility features.
Jacks 'R' Better makes two 8x8 tarps. They both have diagonal ridgelines. Both of these tarps provide great coverage for hammocks with attached Nest under quilt. By contrast the smaller rectangle tarps are not adequate coverage for hammocks using the Nest.
The 8x8 Square has 8 tie-outs, corners and side midpoints. It also has two center loops one on each side. It is a great hammock cover and retains all the flexibility of a traditional square tarp for ground/general purpose use.
The 8x8 catenary has 4 tie-outs, on the corners only. It has a 3" drop catenary cut ridge. When pitched on or near its optimum angle it is a tight, beautiful tarp. Great for the experienced hammock hanger who hates flapping and is always going to pitch the tarp in this manner.
We think the 8x8 square tarp is the best all around answer!
The best pitched hammock covering tarps are tied to the tree vice the hammock cord. This eliminates tarp sag when one enters the hammock. Tarp sag, alternatively, can be greatly reduced and possibly eliminated with use of shock cord or surgical elastics on the tie-out lines and/or the use of weights (such as Nalgene bottles of water). Tying to the trees is less hassle and a better pitch.
For the weight conscious backpacker, consider these facts.
Stock HH backpacker tarp weighs approx 7 oz with the two tie-out cords and requires two stakes.
The 5x8.5 silnyl poncho with four 2mil tie-out cords weighs 11oz and requires two stakes.
The 8x8 silnyl tarp with four 2mil tie-out cords with weighs 10 oz and requires two stakes.
The 8x10 silnyl tarp with six 2mil tie-out cords weighs 13 oz and requires four stakes.
On a final note, there are many special purpose tarps. Some are parabolic, some have catenary ridges only and some have centenary ridges and catenary sides, some are hex and some are octagonal. All of those with a catenary ridge included will have optimal and suboptimal pitch issues.
Hope this helps you to understand the tarp, beast and beauty. HYOH….PYOT.
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