OutdoorEquipmentSupplier, LLC

It’s a toss up between users as to who has the better hammock-Hennessey, Clark, or Speer. In the tarp/fly cosmos there is one ruler of the world and that is MacCat. I just spent 2 weeks in Ontario and all but one night in the hammock. A new tarp was deployed, the MacCat Deluxe. Brian has again brought artistry to the fly and I would rank him with Aaron of Brasslite for not only production something that is strong in construction, functional for the lightweight backpacker, but something that exudes craftsmanship. I bought the Deluxe thinking my Generation One MacCat was lost-of course you find something when you replace it. This allowed a good close-up side by side comparison.

The wonder called the catenary cut is obviously still present in the Deluxe model, but compared to my Generation One MacCat [MacCat Standard], the stitching and reinforcement have traveled a light year. I wish I could tell you that in Ontario I suffered torrential rain and equally bad wind but for 2 weeks not a drop of rain fell and the only wind we felt was briefly at Killarney Provincial Park and that was not enough to ripple a normal tarp much less a MacCat. There is a weight penalty [Standard vs. Deluxe], look to the MacCat website for the difference, methinks its 2 oz. But this is what I was trying to do with a GoLite Cave2 several years ago, and that is gain real estate under my sleeping platform without owning the whole block. Now I can do it with advanced engineering and production second to no manufacturer. Though we’ve never met I only wish I could set up my oldest daughter with Brian!

-MedicineMan

Brian,
After 18 months of nearly continuous use, my MacCat Deluxe is still hangin’ tough (though my hammock is showing signs of wear).

I live on 5 wooded acres in N. Central Florida, so my MacCat Deluxe and hammock are up pretty much full time. Actually, they only come down to go in my pack when I go out on the trail. The MacCat Deluxe has endured everything Florida weather can throw at it, short of a full-on hurricane (though I’ve been hoping!). It has put up with a number of raging storm fronts though, which around here blow up to near-hurricane force, as well as a couple of near-misses from tropical systems this season.

No problem. It’s always calm and dry underneath. And it’s true, the thing is incredibly quiet-it just doesn’t flap in the wind. To boot, the tarp shows no detectable wear and tear. I just shake the leaves and pollen off every day or so.

Just thought you might like to have a little info on how your product stands up to extended/continuous use. When I finally heal up enough to do my Florida Trail thru-hike, you can be certain what will be stretched over my hammock each night.

-Chuck aka Mal the Elder/Half Step

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