Onewind’s Rain Fly is tested out by Sara Baird.
Last year I had the opportunity to review three great Onewind products. The 11ft hammock with mosquito netting, the hammock underquilt and blanket, and the hammock top quilt. I was impressed with the function and design of all of these products so said yes when asked to review another product. They were all designed in ways that made them extremely easy to use and I use them frequently.
This fall I had the opportunity to try out the Onewind 12′ Hexagonal Tarp Hammock Rain Fly.
Onewind focuses on providing quality lightweight gear at a reasonable cost. They offer hammock sleep systems, tents, and survival shelters. These products are made with the concept of “be light outdoors and travel lightly”. All products they sell have undergone rigorous product testing with both professional and amateur outdoor enthusiasts. Their motto is “Make home where you are!”.
The Rain Fly
The rain fly is a hexagon tarp that measures 12×9.7 feet (3.66m x 2.95m) that can be used to protect you from both sun and precipitation. It comes in a small sack and is 3.5 x 11 inches (9cm x 28cm).
The tarp comes with everything you need to set it up including the suspension kit with reflective guyline, 4 aluminum tent states, 4 guyline collections systems, and the double-ended stuff sack. The whole set with the suspension system, tarp, and sack weighs 1.34 pounds (650 grams).
Using The Rain Fly
While I love spending time in my hammock I still have not tried relying on my hammock for camping. I have put a rainfly on a tent but never hung one above a hammock. I also have the luxury of having other people who have rope and knot skills around so I have not had to become an expert at these things.
I’ve been a bit lazy about actually retaining knowledge on how to do those things because my son became obsessed with knots at a young age and has always been there to tie up anything I needed. If he was not around my skilled husband would do it before I even realized what I needed. I definitely regretted this while working on this review because I needed to set this one up alone.
The tarp arrived quickly and came with everything in the kit. It also came with a small card with instructions that were outside of the tarp package. I misplaced this before I had a chance to use the tarp, I’m pretty sure my dog ate it as a snack because she is the type of dog that just does those things. So I thought I would see how self-explanatory it was and to try set it up without any information.
As I mentioned my strengths do not include tying knots, running ropes, or any of those survival skills. I can follow directions though and feel comfortable setting up tents and more. I was a little lost when I looked at the pieces of this Rainfly. There were four stakes, four of the six corners of the rainfly had little bungee toggles on them the other 2 had loops. It also included six pieces of bright orange guyline, guyline is a strong thing rope.
I decided to use two pieces of the guyline to tie the loops to the trees. At this point, I went to Onewind’s website hoping to find some more information on how to use this system. I’ve been very impressed with the system they had set up for other equipment so I know it has to be brilliant.
Unfortunately, I could not find instructions on the website but there was a chat button so I asked if the instructions were available. I did not get a response right away but a few hours later I was emailed a link to instructions for Onewind equipment.
There were no instructions for the rainfly on that page. So I just stuck the stakes through the bungees and secured the rainfly to the ground, mostly because the wind was picking up and I needed to keep it from blowing around. I climbed inside but realized that the way I had it set up would not keep out any rain with the wind blowing the way it was anyway.
At this point, I figured that setting up a rainfly over a hammock is probably something that everyone has their own preference for. I did a little research and saw several different ways to set up the rain fly. I found a rope that I could string between the trees my hammock was hung on and secured the rainfly along that rope. Don’t ask what kind of knot I used, I just made one up that seemed to hold. Then I used the guyline to extend my stakes and finally found success. I climbed inside and found it cozy and could hardly tell the wind was blowing.
My Review
This is a high-quality product. The tarp is sewn well and it is water and windproof, if you manage to set it up correctly you will stay dry and warm. The stakes were strong and easy to use and the guylines were of great quality. This is a great choice for a rainfly and can serve you well as both a rainfly as well as provide shade.
It is essentially a quality lightweight and well-equipped tarp that you can use for shelter in a variety of situations. Just make sure you know how to use it and how to tie basic knots before putting yourself in a situation where you need it since this is not a product you can simply open and use unless you have experience.
There is also a screen tent/mosquito net that you can purchase to add to the rainfly that looks like it would make this a great solution for setting up a bug-free area on your campsite without the hassle of setting up an entire screen tent. You can see the 12’ Hexagon Rainfly and all of Onewind’s products at https://www.onewindoutdoors.com.
Your thoughts on the Rain Fly?
Is the Rain Fly something that you agree would be a must-have for hammock camping? Do share your views and impressions in the comments below.
Sara Baird
I am an adventurer at heart, always looking for the next opportunity to learn something new. I spend my winter days working with high school students to explore their interests and develop passions.
I spend my evenings and summers developing new hobbies and being outdoors as much as possible. I enjoy camping, hiking, cross country skiing, and biking.
I know my teens will love something like this 🙂 We have one for use at home that we try to get out in the spring each year..
I am as knot-challenged as you are, so it’s good to hear you were able to figure things out with limited knot-tying skills. I’ve never used a hammock rain fly, but I can see how it would come in handy – not only for the weather but a lot of times pine pitch and debris drop from the trees in the forest and who wants to bring home a sticky mess of a hammock (or lie in one)? I like that this is a quality product that’s light-weight. Of course, it’s a bit disappointing without decent instructions. But hey, camping is about roughing it so it sounds like you made it work ok! I think the mosquito netting would be a great addition to this set and hope you get the opportunity to review it to give us a preview of what to expect.
I have used a Hammock and loved that for sure. What a wonderful review you have given and it sounds like an amazing product to check out while traveling outside.
I am a big fan of hammocks; I take a hammock on every trip because I like to hang it up and admire nature while swinging in a hammock. That’s why I read your review with interest because I also want to buy a hammock that will protect me from insects and rain and in which I will be able to sleep. Rain Fly 12′ Hexagonal Tarp seems like a great product, especially as it’s a quality lightweight gear at a reasonable cost. The most important thing for me is that the tarp is water and windproof. It will be a bit challenging to set it up correctly in the beginning, but I’m sure I will manage it with your tips.
I just love spending time in my hammock as well. One wind makes thier hammocks so easy to set up. The one I reviewed last year came with a fantastic bug net. The tarp makes it even more versatile.
What a wonderful review and sounds like a great product to check out, especially if you are into camping.
This looks like a very good quality piece of equipment for when you go camping. However, not coming with instructions on how to set up and the support replying only after a few hours is not very helpful at all. That will probably put me off trying it a second time.
I have only been camping a couple of times, and only used a tent. I didn’t know that you can buy accessories such as this rain fly.
this is nice and looks like of great quality. My husband and father in law will love this.
The rain fly looks incredible. It is good to know that it is waterproof. I am amazed with this product to be honest, and I do think it would be helpful for campers from all walks of the earth.
I love hammocks! This Rain Fly Hammock product would be loved by all campers. It looks perfect to get protection from weather – wind and rain. It may help ward off bugs too. Thanks for the detailed review. 🙂
I can feel your struggle as I read your story. I think I would have the same issue as you, too. Haha..I don’t have any experience setting up my own tent or so although I often go camping (cry). I think rain fly is essential! As I remember, I never camp once without it.
I had not really thought about the value of adding a tarp to camping gear. And I too would have thought to put it over my tent to protect from weather. But I would never have thought about using it over a hammock. What a great way to get more use of a hammock! A screen one would cover my dislike of all bugs.
hammoks are my love and joy! it looks amazing, and it helps me so much to rest in the best way. absoluteluy parfect option for outdoors too
I can see how this Rain Fly Hammock product would be incredibly useful for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. And to hear an honest review before purchasing is something I always look out for.
Thank you for sharing a honest and thorough review with us. Super helpful!
This looks like a great product. It is nice to have such good coverage with a rain fly!
I’ve been thinking about getting this for next year!
I love seeing new camping products! I love seeing a lot of choices in the market!
This would come in very handy at the camp site. I could see using it for shade as well as protection from wind or rain. Good to know that it seems to be made so well.
Thanks for the detailed review. I’ll keep this in mind in finding stuff needed for our camping activity. I’m sure my boys will enjoy setting this up.
I think we need one of these for our rooftop. That would be such a vibe right? With all its other benefits and all. Great idea!
My dad would love this. He has been planning on going camping soon.
Hhhhmmmm…I think so, yes! I love picturing myself in it or covered by it, in the wild. Thanks for sharing about it.
Well, it’s an interesting product but never used it and it’s cool that got everything to set it up. I will try to use it when going camping. Thank you for sharing!
My friends are always looking for new camping products. They would love this.
This is a must-have when you go camping. It is a high-quality product and very useful.
Looks like a great hammock! This is such a great way to help get a little height off the ground to avoid bugs.
That looks like a must-have if you’re camping. My husband loves camping, and I think this would be a great gift for him.