Thunderfly
$108.00 – $165.00
ESTIMATED LEAD TIME: (lead time prior to shipping)
2-3 Business Days
**we apologize as orders cannot be modified once placed. We will need to cancel the order and issue a refund and kindly ask that you place a new order if changes are needed.
**13' tarps require seam-sealing on underside of ridgeline where rings and center pole pocket loop are located
*Bushwack Camo and additional size options are available on our custom tarp pages
Frequently Bought Together
- Panel pull kit is no longer available for purchase. Only in-stock models are available for purchase currently.
- We add more tap inventory in weekly. If you make a complete selection of an out-of-stock item, checking all boxes including color, suspension etc, you should see a blue box down below the add-to-cart button that allows you to enter an email address for an email notification when that color/model is added back to inventory. If every color within a variation are out of stock, then the box may not appear unfortunately and you’d have to just check back, but using the email notice is the best option if you are able. We recommend signing up for a couple different color choices to ensure faster notification.
We’re happy to introduce the ThunderFly as one of our newest tarp designs. This rain fly tarp is built for those that want the simplicity and convenience of a standard hex tarp but with extra end-coverage when the weather gets nasty.
We’ve taken the standard hex tarp and given it major end-coverage that can be deployed as needed by adding a split-beak (small doors) to the ends that can be clipped together and deployed with a single guyline to add a significant amount of end protection right where you need it (higher up near the ends of the hammock where a standard hex shape offers the least coverage). When the weather is nice these small doors simply stay clipped back and out of the way until you need to deploy them. Once deployed, the rain fly tarp will protect the hammock from windblown rain coming in from the ends of the tarp.
Looking for something slightly lighter/smaller? Check out our MiniFly tarp model, it’s a slightly downsized version of the ThunderFly and will save you a couple oz while still offering great coverage
Length:
We offer all our rain fly tarp models in 11′, 12′ and 13′ lengths. This length refers to the length of the Ridge-seam. In general, the 11′ tarps are most appropriate for end gathered style hammocks like our Blackbird, XLC and Eldorado, while the 13′ versions are best suited for bridge hammocks like our Ridgerunner. The doors on any of our 13′ “Fly” series of tarps will fully close around the suspension triangle of the Ridgerunner.
We also offer a 12′ option which would be most useful on a Hex shaped tarp like our Mamajamba, with the 12′ MJ giving more end coverage than the 11′ MJ.
Unlike the MJ hex tarp, this tarp with doors does NOT see an increase in end coverage by jumping from 11’ to 12’ version.
Fabric
We are currently offering rain fly tarps in both Polyester and Nylon options (camo print available in Polyester ONLY). The Polyester fabric is more stretch resistant and has lower water absorption, while the Nylon is a stronger more durable fabric. Both are good options, weights are similar for each. Both fabrics have a minimum 2000mm hydrostatic head waterproof rating.
The Thunderfly now comes stock “without” panel pulls. You can still order them with panel pulls, to do so
be sure to check out the extra options and modifications available in our Custom Tarp Builder section.
Included:
- 2 ridgeline tieouts
- 4 main ground corner tieouts
- 4 door tieouts
- Stuff Sac
- 7g tube of silicone for seam sealing (panel pull versions only)
NOTE: “tieouts” refers to the guyline attachment points, not the guyline itself which is not included. Tent stakes and guyline sold separately in our accessories section.
Recommended Items (not included)
- (2-8) TarpTicks
- Minimum of (6) Tent Stakes
- (1) Spool of 100′ Guyline
- (2) Micro Carabiners for door management
Ridgeline Length: 11’0”
30D 2000mm NeverMist™ Silnylon: 14.9oz
20D 2000mm NeverMist™ Silpoly: 13.4oz
30D 2000mm NeverMist™ Silpoly: 14.9oz
Ridgeline Length: 11.0′
Width:103″
Ridgeline Length: 13’0”
30D 2000mm NeverMist™ Silnylon: 16.8oz
Width: 103”
TARP FAQ
What length Tarp is best for a Ridgerunner?
So on an 11′ end-gathered style hammock, an 11′ rain fly tarp will give more coverage down low than 13′ would. But on our Ridgerunner bridge hammock, there is no ridgeline and the hammock is usually hung a little flatter…so you can get a 13′ tarp to come down for sufficient side coverage. The 13′ also allows the doors to fully shut on the Ridgerunner, the shorter 11′ tarp with doors is also appropriate for a Ridgerunner but the apex of the RR’s suspension triangle will poke out between the doors, creating a small opening. Bumping to a 13′ eliminates that issue, but is not necessary… the opening is a narrow vertical slot that is about 3 feet beyond the ends of the hammock fabric. There is a photo of the RR suspension triangle poking through the door slot in the gallery on the Thunderfly page for reference.
What's a good lightweight tarp option?
The MiniFly and ThunderFly are both good lightweight 3-season rain fly tarp options. You also can add our Underquilt Protector to the bottom of your XLC/Eldorado and turn either of these tarps into a solid winter shelter. On their own, both provide good 3 season coverage. For someone looking to go minimal I would recommend the Thunderfly for a true 3 season tarp in the Rockies or Sierra/Cascades where you might actually encounter snow, freezing temps, and high wind in spring and fall, while the Minifly would be more than adequate as a 3-season rain fly tarp in anyplace you don’t expect lots of cold wind. The ThunderFly is simply 12″ wider so offers more wind block (which is more important the colder it is)
Which tarp do you recommend?
The Superfly is our best-selling tarp with doors because it is our “all season/all weather” tarp model. The main reason someone might select a different model tarp would be if they want to save pack weight in the warmer months when the Superfly coverage is overkill for the conditions and weight savings is more desirable. Other than a little extra weight, there is no real downside to using the Superfly in warmer conditions. For information on choosing the right tarp for you, see our Tarps 101 page.
What is the difference between 20d Silpoly and 30d Silnylon and which one do you recommend?
The 30D Silnylon is slightly more durable than 20D Silpoly.
In general nylon has a higher tear and tensile(breaking) strength than the same weight polyester simply because nylon is all-around stronger pound for pound than polyester is. Poly will stretch less (when soaked or otherwise) and it will absorb less water weight. Poly still stretches some, just not as much as nylon. The extra stretch of nylon adds to its strength though, in that it acts as a built in shock absorber during a heavy wind gust, so with poly stretching less in that situation, in theory the nylon rain fly tarp would have a lower wind load due to extra stretch.
We’ve had excellent long term durability results from our 30d Silnylon.
Ploy is said to have better UV resistance, but don’t think you can treat your rain fly tarp any differently than before, we tested a polyester tarp with doors outside for about 2 months and the fabric lost ALOT of strength from the sun exposure, so you still want to avoid things like that regardless of whether your tarp is poly or nylon.
Does an 11' tarp work with an 11' Hammock?
Our 11-foot hammocks have a ridgeline length of 112″ (the body fabric hangs in an arc) so with an 11′ (132″) tarp this gives you 10″ of rain fly tarp overlap at each end of the hammock. If the tarp has doors then those doors will be able to shut or overlap enclosing you all the way around. How far down does the tarp come? This depends on tarp width but also how high you hang it up above the hammock, hang it higher and it doesn’t come down as far . Your hammock suspension runs uphill at an angle and the tarp is longer than the hammock, so you can only pitch the tarp so low that it contacts the hammock suspension. So the longer the tarp length the higher you have to pitch it above the ridgeline of the hammock and the more coverage you lose down low. Generally go for the 11′ Fly series tarp with any of our 10′ or 11′ end gathered models like the Blackbird, XLC and Eldorado. This will give max wind block down low near the bottom of the hammock.
What is included with the tarps?
All of our rain fly tarp models come with a single-ended stuff sack included. Recommended items are listed on each tarp page.
14 reviews for Thunderfly
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Nick Lew (verified owner) –
I used the Thunderfly this weekend in the PNW, through the start of the bomb cyclone. It held up, kept me dry, and Brandon’s knots worked beautifully. It’s the perfect addition to the Blackbird XLC. Lastly, the Bushwack Camo is dope.
Cranberry Laker –
I just spent a week hiking and camping with the Thunderfly. We had thunderstorms and heavy rains every day. The tarp was lightweight, small in my pack, and kept everything dry. When the rain stopped, clipping the beaks back to let the breeze blow through was fast and simple.
Dane Harvey (verified owner) –
Thunderfly is the Perfect summer tarp for me. Allows for a breeze to come in while protecting the ends from even the hardest rain. Wish I could give it 100 stars. Also, the bushwhack looks sick.
Richard Key (verified owner) –
Perfect compliment to RR hammock @13 feet. Get the poles and don’t look back. Huge coverage. Its light, strong and stylish. You can pitch it tight and low or high and open, love it! Every purchase I have made with WBO has been a home run.
Xand (verified owner) –
It kept me dry while the area was battered with several tornados and a torrent of rain. What more needs to be said?
I do recommend getting the poles for the center ties, just to get some extra standing room. And I recommend pulling it quite tight, as the tarp will sag a bit when it gets wet. But other than that, definitely worth the purchase.
Chris V (verified owner) –
A great choice for those stuck between a minifly for minimalism or a superfly for full coverage. I absolutely love this tarp. I got it in 11’ and 20d silpoly and it covers my Blackbird XLC perfectly.
Bmello (verified owner) –
I got my thunderfly early spring this year really like it. It has great coverage for rain storms and wind, yet when nice just clip back the beaks and it breathes nicely.
Great quality!,,, First warbonnet product and I’m hooked..
builderbob26 (verified owner) –
Ordered the Bushwack 30D Silpoly back May 2018. Only got to use it a few times while out Training the US Special Forces / Pineland-Robin Sage here in NC. The Cadre Team Sgt’s & the G-Chiefs were super impressed with the Strength to Weight ratio. this has brought my Pack weight down to 20+ lbs. Compared to the 105-165lb “Rucks” the SF Students are carrying. The Tarp is really simple to setup using your instructional video & Dutchware. I’m a Very happy customer with this Tarp & my Blackbird.
Odd Arild Waagsaas (verified owner) –
Super quality, much more coverage then I expected. Only thing I miss in general, is that you do not make a Asym tarp also. For the warm summer nights, and the convenience of having only two touts… anyhow… super product, highly recommended. rock- on Warbonnet
Ethan Johnson –
I am very impressed with all of the equipment I have purchased from warbonnet. The thunderfly works great. I am also very impressed with the costumer satisfaction. In a really bad windstorm my thunderfly ripped beyond the piont of repare. I told warbonnet about what happened and they gave me a new thunderfly that was made with more durable material and I only had to pay shipping. I would highly recommend any warbonnet products especially the thunderfly.
Ethan Shelabarger –
I am very impressed with all of the equipment I have purchased from warbonnet. The thunderfly works great. I am also very impressed with the costumer satisfaction. In a really bad windstorm my thunderfly ripped beyond the piont of repare. I told warbonnet about what happened and they gave me a new thunderfly that was made with more durable material and I only had to pay shipping. I would highly recommend any warbonnet products especially the thunderfly.
Gary (verified owner) –
This is my 3rd tarp and its is my favorite. I have a Noah 12, which i set up in the rain if were car clamping. It big enough to cover a picnic table in the rain.
I also have a cuban fiber. Super lite, but the Thunder Fly is my favorite. Its almost as lite as the cuban, but offers better coverage at a much lower cost. Its not cheap, but its not so expensive i afraid to use it. It packs down very small. About a quarter the size of the Noah.
Joe Fonda (verified owner) –
Light, easy to hang, and covers the Ridgerunner hammock easily. I installed two Dutch Flys on the ends of the ridge line and it makes set up too easy. Awesome tarp.
Jimmy Wilborn –
Gonna give this product 5 stars based on a few things.
First and foremost is the customer service warbonnet has given me. I had an issue with a door kit for my mamba jamba tarp. The guys from warbonnet were very helpful in attempting to help me resolve the issue. When we were unable to come up with a resolution, they offered to send me the new thunderbird in exchange for the door kit.
I sent back the doorkit and they rapidly sent me the thunderbird. Hard to beat that level of customer service.
Now on to the thunderbird. This new tarp design is basically in between the superfly and the mamba jamba in size and coverage. I got it in the 20d silpoly in green and it looks and feels great. Super light as well. Tarp, guylines, snakeskin and stuff sack comes in at 15 ounces. Tarp has adequate coverage with the doors closed but due to the doors being smaller than the superfly, it is much easier to get in and out of the tarp with the doors remaining closed. No more crawling under or fiddling with lines and hooks in the middle of the night.
I will use this tarp on an overnight trip later this week and will update review after that trip.
On another note….warbonnet actually called me up today to let me know they had inspected the door kit I returned to them and had found out what the issue was. They basically wanted to let me know it was no fault of mine.
Great company. Great group of guys that sincerely care about their customers and stand behind their products.