Best Hammock Camping Tarps - Hammock Gear Journey

In the never ending quest for the best hammock camping tarp, I bring to you the Hammock Gear Journey. I discuss what I am looking for in a winter tarp, why I like this tarp and what could be better for me. I have been a Hammock Gear Customer for many years. I give a 5 Star River King guarantee on any gear purchased from Hammock Gear. Their products and their customer service is top of the line. Like everything I have received from HG, I am impressed with the Journey. I am sure you will be seeing the Journey in upcoming adventures!
Tech specs:
Baseline: 73 inches
Ridgeline Length: 132 inches (11 ft) or 144 inches (12 ft)
Width: 114 inches (9.6 ft)
Tie outs: 4 corners, 2 center, 4 doors, 4 panel pullouts and 2 ridgeline
Weight: 510 Grams/18 ounces (11 ft) or 557 Grams / 19.14 ounces (12 ft)
Other Info: 1500 mm head pressure
hammockgear.com

[@cavemandancer]

Just picked it up and can't waiting. I do have a traditional tarp without doors. I bought a paria mesh tent for when I don't have the option to hang. But since it is all mesh it did not work well without doors for weather. Worth checking out as a light weight tent option under a pound. Anyways thanks for the video.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Oh, I think you are gonna love it!!

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

Very nice tarp and a great company. Awesome review as always Pete!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks KW! It is a good one for sure!

[@dirtdobber2185]

Looks good Pete. I like the upper side tie outs a little more room than my housefly.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Yes sir. It is very roomy in there. Thanks DD!

[@rubberduckproducktions532]

Very informative review on this tarp. Of the ones youve done so far, this tarp might be my favorite as far as what appears to be more room on the inside, versus the others. I might need to do a closer inspectuon on that one in the field to check it out! Great review!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Tracy! Come on by the house and we can string them up!

[@randytaylor1871]

It’s been my favorite for the last 2 years and still like new. Never let me get wet yet and it’s seen some awesome storm’s

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on!

[@rafaelroman3867]

Thx for the vid. It would be great if you can set up the tarp and hammock in storm mode. Like to see how that works out🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@RiverKingsKayak]

great idea Rafael!

[@MrTmax74]

Great video brother. I ordered one just yesterday, taking advantage of their sale. I have or have owned four of their quilts. They make great stuff.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Indeed Joe!! thanks man!

[@joegibbs5772]

I had been using a bivy tent. Except when it rains you are stuck laying down. I like this Pete. Perfect crossover.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Give it a shot Joe!

[@kentuckykayakfishing6218]

I have a HG 12ft journey as well , great tarp , i use it more than my warbonnet Superfly ! Also a HG top quilt and under quilt , quality products ! 👍👍

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on KKF! They make good stuff!

[@bestrong3149]

Love my HG Journey

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on Be Strong!

[@JimCWoodard]

Pete - been using the 12 foot Journey for over a year now and love it. Recently finished a 5 night motorcycle camping trip in the NC/VA mountains with temps in high 30s - low 40s at night. Wind blown, poring rain one night; Journey keep me high and dry. Used it in late spring on an overnight kayaking trip; appreciate how small it packs and the coverage it gives. Keep up the reviews, excellent info.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Jim! Sounds like an awesome adventure!! Is there a video?

[@JimCWoodard]

Photos, no video

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@JimCWoodard right on!

[@GatewoodBrown]

Great review! This looks like a good option given how much room there is on the inside. Can't believe it packs down so small. Very nice!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks GB!

[@iowamatt2519]

seems like a good night to drop some Texas Kayak camping videos

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@iowamatt2519 indeed!!

[@GatewoodBrown]

@@iowamatt2519 Hey Matt! I'm close to finishing up a 'Texas' Kayak Camping gear list. Was hoping to have it finished today but I can guarantee you it'll be up this week.

[@iowamatt2519]

@@GatewoodBrown as cold as the next few days are going to be up here, I need lots of videos to pass the time.

[@PhilCherry3]

Have you had an opportunity to look at the DD 4 x 4? It allows a 13 ft. ridgeline with the ability to be set up in A-frame tent formation with door gap similar to this HG Journey.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I have not. I will look into that one. Thanks!

[@benbaker321]

I still use a traditional woven plastic material tarp. Nothing fancy but its cheap and works alright. But definitely isn't light and compact but for kayak camping it works.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on. Ben! As long as u are staying dry!

[@MonkeyNAround]

Will there be some RK giveaways on these tarps you been reviewing?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

You never know!😎😜

[@payakadventures]

Hey did you see the fb message I sent ya. Dutchware came out with a new winter tarp that has 69" sides on it. Thought that would be right up your alley.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I did see that! Sorry I have not responded yet. I had a busy weekend. I will try to reach out to dutchware again.

[@payakadventures]

I hear ya. Every weekend is non stop. I enjoy going back to work on Monday so I can relax. Lol.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

@@payakadventures ive been there!!

[@mattmiller1179]

I am a ground sleeper. If you took this all the way to the ground, what length would the base be with doors fully closed?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

around 6 feet wide by 8 feet long. the doors would angle out a little as well, giving more space.

[@mattmiller1179]

@@RiverKingsKayak great, thank you!

[@dennisa.nelson9778]

Pete, you are loosing “cred” with me when you call anything other that the Kelty 16 a winter tarp! Been with you for a few years now, started with the Perfect winter tarp vid, it just made sense and still does. First time out the Kelty kept me high & dry in 40 mph winds blowing rain sideways! No disrespect to you, but your first choice is still my first choice. At 70 years old and 6’3” comfort is high on my list and I like my privacy too. By the way is today 10/11/1775 a day you celebrate, is so Happy Birthday?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks for the feedback Dennis! I have tried to maintain my stance on a winter tarp configuration requirements as needing to go to the ground like the Kelty 16. I hope that is coming across in the videos. These tarps are the top of the line hammock specific tarps that are being offered out there by the top hammock companies. I have asked each and every one of them if they would make me a tarp to my specifications (walled to the ground). They are not interested. I still search for the lightweight version of the 16...I also still own the 16 and as it stands now, will still grab that one on those frigid winter nights. I am completely aware of the birthday celebrations! However, I am not in that family ;). I do have several really close friends that are though! Semper Fi.

[@MonkeyNAround]

Semper Fidelis!!!

[@peterdavidwood]

How does the newish dyneema tarps fit into the equation?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Very durable and super light. Zero stretch. They do not pack down as small. They do not hide well. If a mosquito flies by the tarp, sounds like two rats fighting inside a cheeto bag

[@peterdavidwood]

Omg two rats in a Cheeto bag 😂😂☠️

[@iowamatt2519]

What up Pete?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Iowa Matt!

[@iowamatt2519]

@@RiverKingsKayak Great Video, with the tarp not getting down to the ground, why the doors?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Keeps wind off you a bit as well as weather out.

[@stoicodysseys6352]

Did you ever hear of a proper underquilt?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Did you ever watch any of my under quilt reviews? kzbin.info/www/bejne/mabGiGStm96dZ7c

[@stoicodysseys6352]

I am not a fan of this video because it's unorthodox and your methods are confusing.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Hmmmm...please elaborate