[pct-l] Tarps ???

[verber at gmail.com (Mark Verber)]

> 1- 5x7 or 8x10 for one person

I found 5x7 a bit small for my taste when it was really storming. It's
find in moderate weather :-)  When I used a tarp this size I felt
compelled to bring a bivy for my bag and I found myself feeling a bit
constrained.  Interesting the extra 2' in my my 5x9 poncho/tarp
providing just enough extra space that I didn't feel compelled to take
a bivy. If I was going to use a flat tarp I would go with a 8x10.  Of
course, these are my sensibilities, others use 5x7 without a bivy and
seem happy.

> 2- catenary ridge is good but how important are catenary sides?

I really like catenary ridge for smaller tarps.  I have been very
happy using smaller tarps without catenary sides.  In larger tarps
(years ago we have a huge Moss? wing Tarp) the catenary sides wear
really nice.

> 3 -beak or no beak?

I haven't found that a beak makes a huge difference.  What makes a big
difference for me? Either a tarp which is large enough that I am far
from the edges, or a tarp that can be really "locked down" in a harsh
storm like the spinnshelter which has full "doors" or a larger tarp
which can be pitch other than a basic A or lean-to.

> 4- Does anyone have any experience with Bozeman, Gossamer, or Oware tarps?

I have the gossamer spinnshelter and really like it.  I don't have any
experience with Bozeman and Oware.

--mark