New DIY Tarp Snakeskins

[coachsmith50]

I really like this idea and will probably use it for my next set! Thanks for creating the video, good work!

I do have one question. When I've used the two skin style in the past, I could open from the middle and connect my middle tie-outs before opening the rest of the way which was helpful in the wind. I think of skins as being most useful when there's lots of wind flapping everything around. What experience do you guys have using this single skin style in wind? Thanks!!

I haven't had the chance to get outside in windy conditions to test it out. My tarp's don't have middle tie outs so I had to pull the skins back all the way anyway to get to the tie outs. It was a pain to do in the wind. I am hoping that with this single skin, I can pull the skin back far enough to get to the first tie outs, stake them out, and then remove the skin the rest of the way. Like I said, I haven't tested this theory yet so it may all be in my head. I will keep you updated as I get the chance to test it. Maybe someone else who has been using the single skin longer can weigh in.


Thank you guys for all the encouragement. I have been wanting to make some DIY videos to help give back to the community that has helped me out so much. So I may be posting others as I get the chance to make more gear.

[coachsmith50]

I really like this idea and will probably use it for my next set! Thanks for creating the video, good work!

I do have one question. When I've used the two skin style in the past, I could open from the middle and connect my middle tie-outs before opening the rest of the way which was helpful in the wind. I think of skins as being most useful when there's lots of wind flapping everything around. What experience do you guys have using this single skin style in wind? Thanks!!

I haven't had the chance to get outside in windy conditions to test it out. My tarp's don't have middle tie outs so I had to pull the skins back all the way anyway to get to the tie outs. It was a pain to do in the wind. I am hoping that with this single skin, I can pull the skin back far enough to get to the first tie outs, stake them out, and then remove the skin the rest of the way. Like I said, I haven't tested this theory yet so it may all be in my head. I will keep you updated as I get the chance to test it. Maybe someone else who has been using the single skin longer can weigh in.


Thank you guys for all the encouragement. I have been wanting to make some DIY videos to help give back to the community that has helped me out so much. So I may be posting others as I get the chance to make more gear.

[Slider1]

Great job Coach! I have double skins and they are way too tight especially with the tie outs and pockets. Was thinking about ripping and adding fabric but this looks like a good option. Thank you for a clear and precise video.

[woodtwigg]

Thanks, Coach! That makes sense. As long as you don't just have a diamond fly with 2 tie outs your plan should work great. Thanks for the update and great job again!!

[hangNyak]

Been using the single skin for about 3 1/2 years now. Had it on my diy tarp first and now it rides on my Superfly. I made mine out of a Mossy Oak camo netting. It works great, even in a wind. You can see it in this video.

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...setup-amp-tips

[coachsmith50]

Been using the single skin for about 3 1/2 years now. Had it on my diy tarp first and now it rides on my Superfly. I made mine out of a Mossy Oak camo netting. It works great, even in a wind. You can see it in this video.

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...setup-amp-tips

Ron, Thanks for the info. Great video.

[BigE94]

Very nice work! Skins have just been moved to the top of my DIY list.

[Gravity]

Hi Luke, thanks again for the tutorial. I think that I found a small mistake in the math for the width of the fabric. Here are my calculations, let me know if I am off. Also, have you thought about folding the draw channels twice and THEN sewing, instead of folding, sewing, folding again, sewing again?

Fabric Width
c = pi x d
c = 3.14 x target diameter = 3.14 x 3 = 9.5
Width = c + seam allowance = 9.5 + (2 x 0.25) = 9.5 + 0.50 = 10

Fabric Length
L = ridgeline + (ridgeline x 2.5%) + (draw channel x 2) + (seam allowance x 2)
L = 129 + (129 x 2.5%) + (0.5 x 2) + (0.25 x 2) = 129 + 3 + 1 + 0.5 = 133.5

Note: Some numbers may have been rounded or truncated.
Note 2: I calculated that the extra three inches that you added to the ridgeline length were about 2.5% of the length of the ridgeline, hence the "(ridgeline x 2.5%)" thingy.

[Gravity]

For a standard 11-foot (132') ridgeline tarp with doors, with slightly larger diameter to accommodate doors and tie-outs:

Fabric Width
circumference = pi x diameter
c = 3.14 x target diameter = 3.14 x 3.5 = 11
Width = c + seam allowance = 11 + (2 x 0.25) = 11 + 0.50 = 11.5

Fabric Length
L = ridgeline + (ridgeline x 2.5%) + (draw channel x 2) + (seam allowance x 2)
L = 132 + (132 x 2.5%) + (0.5 x 2) + (0.25 x 2) = 132 + 3 + 1 + 0.5 = 136.5

Note: Some numbers rounded or truncated.

[SnrMoment]

Nice design and work. Just made a 12 ft winter tarp and it needs a skin. Like the one piece.