Blue tarps

**theotherbrady** · 10-02-2016, 18:17

Anyone have experience using a blue tarp for your hammock?

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**SilvrSurfr** · 10-02-2016, 18:31

The Wally World blue tarps (or any other cheap blue tarp) tend to get damaged very quickly. I've heard some say they can get multiple hangs out of them, but I consider them disposable after about three hangs. What do you expect for $10?

Oh, and don't use the grommets. They'll rip.

**Kroma** · 10-02-2016, 18:34

Originally Posted by theotherbrady

Anyone have experience using a blue tarp for your hammock?

Nope, just green and brown ones here...not sure if the color of the tarp changes any of the principles of shelter though...

*edit*

oh were you referring to a specific design and material? Like the cheap Walmart ones? I thought maybe you meant like some blue Xenon sil or something...

**adidas7385** · 10-02-2016, 18:41

I used one a couple of times but I just didn't consider them reliable enough. I have had too many of these tarps fall apart in other applications.

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**Shug** · 10-02-2016, 18:49

They will get you started. But get them pitched properly and bring duct tape and line.
http://survivalcommonsense.com/five-...cure-and-safe/
Shug

**gunner76** · 10-02-2016, 19:35

The blue tarps work but they are bulky and heavy compared to the ones sold by our hammock vendors. If you are car camping they will work just fine,

**Campdavid** · 10-02-2016, 19:43

If you have a sewing machine, add some grosgrain loops for use as tie outs (others are right the grommets will pull right out). You can fold the grosgrain (or even some strips of webbing from an old pack or whatever) right over and beyond the grommets and bar tack them. It's a cheap and easy add and will give a bit more life to a cheap tarp.

There are other obvious downsides to tarps like these....heavy, bulky and noisy in rain and wind. That said, they are generally completely waterproof and are very reasonably priced.

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**gfstanley** · 10-02-2016, 20:09

Originally Posted by Campdavid

If you have a sewing machine, add some grosgrain loops for use as tie outs (others are right the grommets will pull right out). You can fold the grosgrain (or even some strips of webbing from an old pack or whatever) right over and beyond the grommets and bar tack them. It's a cheap and easy add and will give a bit more life to a cheap tarp.

There are other obvious downsides to tarps like these....heavy, bulky and noisy in rain and wind. That said, they are generally completely waterproof and are very reasonably priced.

+1 on sewing on loops. I added multiple loops of webbing from a ratchet strap to a tarp from Northern Tool and I have used it on several trips. It is not ideal for backpacking and I now use it as a loaner, but could work out well for car camping. It served it's purpose until I decided on the tarp I wanted to DIY for myself.

**dscotthep** · 10-03-2016, 06:30

I bought a handful of these tarp clips to use with poly tarps around the house and I always carry a few out in the field, just in case. (I've never needed them for my tarps--yet--but I've used them to improvise an underquilt

).

There are lots of tarp clips out there. These are the only ones I've found that actually do what you expect them to do; they are absolutely bulletproof.

**XJ35S** · 10-03-2016, 10:24

2 mil painters plastic tarp. You can get rolls cheap.

This guy uses real thin stuff, or say's he does. I like the heavier ones.

http://www.m4040.com/Survival/Survival.htm