MODIFIED 12/ x 12/ "neo tarp"

**Doctari** · 12-22-2007, 21:37

Well, it's done & hanging in my backyard. I got a 12 x 12 SG camo tarp from redbeard & changed it "a bit". It was: 12' X 12' square with a corner to corner ridgeline of 16'

It now is:
A 13' ridgeline, 5'4" from ridge to bottom edge, 3' 10" bottom edge. And, grossgrain ribbon around edge also forming 6 tieouts: The ribbon goes from middle of one bottom edge, to a corner, forms a tieout (reinforced) then continues to the next corner, etc. Hancock fabrics was out of my first color of grosse grain ribbon, so I have 1/2 in medium green & the other in a sort of tan color, which actually looks better than one color. I also removed the 5 tie outs that are on the body & seam sealed the ridgeline. Since I use it 2 to 5 times a week, I am going to put re-coat waterproofing on the outside of the tarp. This decision is based on the fact that the 9x9 seemed to loose it's waterproofing rather quickly under the constant use I put it to. Yea, it adds weight, but if it keeps me dry, it's worth it.

I got home from work about 3 PM today & set up. WOW, lots more coverage than the modified 9by, (bottom corners cut off) with about the same weight as the unmodified 9by. Just guessing on the weight thing, don't have a scale, sigh.

Turns out I can't measure, so the ridgeline is about 4" longer than on the 9by, but I'm OK with that.

Sorry, no pics. Still don't have a sutable camera.

**skar578** · 12-23-2007, 00:09

we. hate. you.

ok ok ok, Im just kidding. sounds good, but I really want some pictures...

**Doctari** · 12-23-2007, 09:24

Originally Posted by skar578

we. hate. you.

...

I know, and rightly so.

Working on getting a camera. I have a digital, but at 4 to 5 pictures per set of batteries, , , um, , , NO!

Spent my first nite in / under it last night (just came in) Very very windy, weather said gusts to 50 miles per. I think I set up wrong, couldn't get it as tight as I would have liked, so it was rather flappy. But it held together. The windward side "Y tent stakes" were almost pulled out when I tore down today, I'm thinking of adding a tie out to the center of each bottom edge just in case & to help stretch the tarp TIGHT.

Other important considerations: It fits in the top pocket of my pack, just like the 9x9 (I was worried about that.). It didn't leak. It's easy to set up; with the cords pre attached about 2 minutes. Set up as I did, with the bottom edges about 10" off the ground & about 5' apart, I can nearly stand upright, I'm 5' 7".

What I could have done: a deeper cat cut may have allowed me to tighten the tarp more. Staking directly to the ground instead of using (13") cords & at a shallower angle (bottoms 6' to 7' apart) may have eased the flapping.

Its going to Mt Rogers with me, as is the modified 9x9 so maybe we can do a comparison pic if someone has a good camera.

**pure_mahem** · 12-23-2007, 16:59

have you tried lithium batteries or the recharble ones?

**Doctari** · 12-23-2007, 18:03

Originally Posted by pure_mahem

have you tried lithium batteries or the recharble ones?

Yep. Get about 3 - 4 more pics w lithium, 1 - 2 less with rechargable. I can get up to 10, but its: Turnonthecameratakethepictureturnoffthecamera.

Got my eye on a Cannon, I saw at TD this year, got to save my pennies.

**skar578** · 12-23-2007, 18:13

I just got the new small and light Kodak M883. I really like it, fast shutter speed, lots of user control, and you can even email pictures or wirelessly print directly from the camera. and for a little less then $200 at best buy, it is 8mp. its great!

**slowhike** · 12-23-2007, 18:48

Originally Posted by Doctari

Got my eye on a Cannon, I saw at TD this year, got to save my pennies.

you're not talking about the camera they were featuring at a booth, that was water proof are you?

**Craig reis** · 12-23-2007, 21:51

how well does it work does it stop most of the wind and have u done any winter camping with it

**Doctari** · 12-25-2007, 08:59

Originally Posted by slowhike

you're not talking about the camera they were featuring at a booth, that was water proof are you?

Yep, that's the one. It actually fits INSIDE an Altoids tin, I tried. AND, the charging jack is the same as on my Cell fone.

Originally Posted by Craig reis

how well does it work does it stop most of the wind and have u done any winter camping with it

It withstood 50 MPH Gusts Sat night, stopped all the wind as far as I know. It being cold as it was, I had my hammock sock pulled up, so no drafts on me. It did stop the rain, even tho some of it was being driven at 50 MPH.
So far I have only used it one night. Will be under it tonight, supposed to get to about 25 ish, so I'll let you know. The big test will be at MtRogers in Jan.

**slowhike** · 12-25-2007, 10:15

Originally Posted by Doctari

Yep, that's the one. It actually fits INSIDE an Altoids tin, I tried. AND, the charging jack is the same as on my Cell fone.

not to try & hijack the thread from the original tarp talk but did they have a booth for a cannon too?
i know they had a booth for the olympus point & shoots. it was on the same side as Speer & JRB booths, but farther down in the direction of the camp ground.

i have the olympus 720sw & i couldn't be more satisfied.
http://olympusamerica.com/cpg_sectio...p?product=1225