Tarp Colors

[Red Wing]

I think you don't see them because those are "angry" colors. I can see this particularly in HH since they seem to be a complete system, an enclosed system. I know they do studies on this for tents and find people respond worse in situations where they're regulated to that area for long periods of time than with say blues or greens or tans, yellow actually isn't as bad as red but people seemed to be more sooothed by the blues and greens. So if you were stuck in a storm inside your hammocktent you'd be more likely to become irritable with those angry colors and the calm colors... allegedly.

So that's my hypothosis but I'm sure it's just one of many reasons.

[sigma_pete]

Another issue to think about is mosquito attraction. Dark colors increase heat as discussed in earlier posts and they also represent shade (where animals go to get out of heat) so they attract mosquitoes. Light colors (not bright floral-like colors) are best according to studies that I've seen. I've read that blue and black are the worst colors; while khaki, beige, and olive are best. From my tenting experience, yellow seems to be good and my hammock tarp is white. YMMV

[Danalex]

Very good point, the little critters love dark colors.

And I was just about to order a black Maccat

[MrClean417]

I bought four yards of Red, so we'll see how angry I get with my favorite color. It's fairly light so hopefully the skeeters won't like it so much.

Edit: The Red is for my Hammock, I'm thinkin the Yellow Tarp, but that's after I get done with the hammock.

[wildcrafter]

just go with a tydyed tarp then you have all the color options covered

[MrClean417]

Hanging my head in shame, I don't know how to tie dye.

Sigh.

[Cannibal]

just go with a tydyed tarp then you have all the color options covered

Gotta find some uncoated nylon for it to work. Believe me, I've done the research!
Untreated nylon, some dye, and plenty of heat; that is the magic formula for your desire.

[wildcrafter]

hmmm i can see a new trail name hippy hiker

[Jazilla]

MrClean, I love my yellowcat. It is heavy at 1lb 14oz but I made it from Walmart sylnylon. It makes for a great winter tarp with the coverage but I an on the lookout for a good summer tarp, Looking at The Edge from Warbonnetguy.

On a side note, you would be amazed how yellow blends in naturally when the woods are on the thicker side. When under growth is scarce it can be easily seen, making it really easy to find in the middle of the night with eyes half open and a recently emptied bladder.

PSS I put reflective cord on the pull outs so it can really be seen at night. Also makes it easy for someone roaming around at night to see me and keep away from my guy lines.

[MrClean417]

Is Bootiful Jazilla. And thank heavens you used Walmart Silnylon. I wish I had a Walmart somewhere around me that actually had a fabric section. I wonder how far away from a larger town I have to hit a walmart to find fabric as I imagine those would be the stores with the section.

I could be wrong.

I was also thinking, come fall my scheme will blend right in around here with with the Red and Yellows.

The weight won't make that much difference to me as I'm going to be motorcycle or car camping anyways. I'd like to do the backpack thing, always wanted too, but then I got married and thats something the other half won't do. Walk? Why, that's exercise! Gotta love her though. Meatloaf, fried taters n onions and biscuits last night.

I have leftovers if my Son doesn't get over there before I get home tonight. grrrrrrrr