Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: Tarp Question

  1. #1

    Tarp Question

    Hi
    I made my own hammock awhile ago, and would like a tarp for winter and the rain. My hammock is about 3-4yards long. And i was wondering how long my tarp should be. I plan on doing the diamond shape on, with two corners attached to the tree, and the other to pegged into the ground. Thanks, and if there are any good sites to buy material or the tarps already made,
    Thanks

  2. #2
    Senior Member Just Jeff's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Charlottesville, VA
    Hammock
    Blackbird
    Tarp
    MacCat Standard
    Insulation
    Winter Yeti, MWUQ4
    Suspension
    Whoopie Slings
    Posts
    7,924
    Images
    32
    You'll want the tarp's ridgeline 18-24" longer than the hammock on each side. Your hammock's ridgeline is probably just under 9', so the tarp's ridgeline should be 12-13'.

    Figure out what kind of diamond shape you want. Making a square tarp (hung diagonally like the JRB makes it a "diamond") with that length of ridgeline will be difficult b/c material usually comes in widths of ~60". The ridgeline won't end up straight down the hammock.

    If you make an elongated diamond, it should probably be a little longer so you still get good side coverage at the ends.

    Or just go all out and use the BlackCat instructions.
    “Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall when the wise are banished from the public councils because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded because they flatter the people, in order to betray them.” ~Judge Joseph Story

    - My site: http://www.tothewoods.net/
    - Designer, Jeff's Gear Hammock / Pack Cover by JRB

    IMPOSSIBLE JUST TAKES LONGER

  3. #3
    Senior Member gumby's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Hubbardston, MA
    Hammock
    Traveler Mosquito
    Tarp
    Neo Tarp
    Posts
    106
    Get a 9 x 9 neo tarp, it's the perfect size.

    http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=97247

  4. #4
    So the 9 x 9, is in feet right. So then if i put it diagonally, i wont change the shape, just turn it. The length would be 12 feet. That would cover me for sure.
    And 30$ is cheaper i think then i can buy the material.
    Thanks again
    Ill next how do i connect the tarp to the ridge line....

  5. #5
    Senior Member FanaticFringer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Lawrenceville, Ga
    Hammock
    JRB Bear Mtn. Bridge
    Tarp
    BlackCat/JRB 11x10
    Insulation
    Pad(s)/JRB Quilts
    Posts
    2,417
    Images
    34
    Quote Originally Posted by imagine.peace View Post
    So the 9 x 9, is in feet right. So then if i put it diagonally, i wont change the shape, just turn it. The length would be 12 feet. That would cover me for sure.
    And 30$ is cheaper i think then i can buy the material.
    Thanks again
    Ill next how do i connect the tarp to the ridge line....
    It's actually a little longer than 12 feet. Cant remember exactly. 12 something.
    I do remember needing at least 14 feet between trees last time I used mine.
    "Every day above ground is a good day"

  6. #6
    Senior Member Just Jeff's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Charlottesville, VA
    Hammock
    Blackbird
    Tarp
    MacCat Standard
    Insulation
    Winter Yeti, MWUQ4
    Suspension
    Whoopie Slings
    Posts
    7,924
    Images
    32
    If it's really 9'x9', the ridgeline would be ~12' 8".

    You can get away with shorter ridgelines and stay plenty dry. The MacCat Standard has a 125" ridgeline, for example...just over 10'. And the JRB 8'x8' is only a few inches longer. Just depends on how long your hammock's ridgeline is (or an imaginary horizontal line between the knots if you don't use a ridgeline) and on how much coverage you want.

    Personally, I'm satisfied with the coverage from both the MacCat Standard and JRB 8x8. Others want more, a few are comfortable with less (i.e. the stock HH tarps). It's all a matter of personal preference and style...so my 12-13' comment earlier was a bit of an overstatement.

    Lots of folks are happy with the coverage and price from the 9x9 neo tarp...and for many, that's enough to overlook the weight. It only weighs about 10-12 oz more than some other lightweight tarps, so it certainly won't break your back!

    FYI - for $30 you could make a 10x12 tarp using Ed's $4/yd silnylon, including shipping. Or a huge 10x45 tarp if you find it for $1/yd at Walmart!
    Last edited by Just Jeff; 07-28-2007 at 16:51.
    “Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall when the wise are banished from the public councils because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded because they flatter the people, in order to betray them.” ~Judge Joseph Story

    - My site: http://www.tothewoods.net/
    - Designer, Jeff's Gear Hammock / Pack Cover by JRB

    IMPOSSIBLE JUST TAKES LONGER

  7. #7
    Perfect, that all sounds great. The only thing is i love in canada, ontario. And the walmarts here i dont think carry that silinylon stuff. And if they do they have no clue about it, and i dont know what i look for to make sure its the proper stuff. So i may be getting the material from eddie
    thanks
    welll i love canada, but i also LIVE there.
    Last edited by imagine.peace; 07-28-2007 at 17:04.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Just Jeff's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Charlottesville, VA
    Hammock
    Blackbird
    Tarp
    MacCat Standard
    Insulation
    Winter Yeti, MWUQ4
    Suspension
    Whoopie Slings
    Posts
    7,924
    Images
    32
    Quote Originally Posted by imagine.peace View Post
    ...The only thing is i love in canada, ontario....
    Hehe - I love all over the world, but I get my silnylon at Walmart.
    “Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall when the wise are banished from the public councils because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded because they flatter the people, in order to betray them.” ~Judge Joseph Story

    - My site: http://www.tothewoods.net/
    - Designer, Jeff's Gear Hammock / Pack Cover by JRB

    IMPOSSIBLE JUST TAKES LONGER

  9. #9
    Senior Member stoikurt's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Panama City, FL
    Hammock
    Custom 1.7/1.1 WB Blackbird
    Tarp
    DIY SWT
    Insulation
    JRB Nest & DIY RMS
    Suspension
    Whoopee Slings
    Posts
    1,006
    Images
    97
    Quote Originally Posted by Just Jeff View Post
    Hehe - I love all over the world, but I get my silnylon at Walmart.
    Does your wife know this?

    BTW, not mentioned above but the 9X9 is meant to be hung on a diagonal.
    Stoikurt
    "Work to Live...Don't Live to Work!"

  • + New Posts
  • Similar Threads

    1. Hammock Tarp to Ground Tarp? SF Question.
      By Mtngeronimo in forum Weather Protection
      Replies: 9
      Last Post: 10-11-2014, 10:43
    2. Tarp Question- Ridge Line Over tarp?
      By Mak in forum Suspension Systems, Ridgelines, & Bug Nets
      Replies: 11
      Last Post: 11-28-2012, 18:53
    3. Tarp Question
      By JCK in forum OES Tarps (no longer in business)
      Replies: 31
      Last Post: 11-18-2010, 05:50
    4. Tarp Repair question + general tarp-tent setup
      By LaVista in forum Weather Protection
      Replies: 5
      Last Post: 01-14-2010, 16:53
    5. Another noob question ... tarp or no tarp?
      By zul in forum General Hammock Talk
      Replies: 21
      Last Post: 05-04-2009, 07:37

    Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •