Custom winter camo tarp?

**The_Witch_Doctor** · 01-18-2011, 19:40

I have a Claytor hammock and am itching to go out hammockin' in the snow. But, I have this thing about blending in with the environment...

Thought I'd make a "copy" of the existing tarp but in winter camo. However I can't find a really good winter pattern. The modern camos are too green and brown to fit here where it's mostly blindingly white. So I'm looking for a fabric which is about 95% white, with the odd dark twig pattern here and there. Since I can't find a pattern which I like and is ready-made, maybe I could go with an all- white fabric and paint (???) on some twigs?

Do you know if this has been done before? What paint would I use, which is durable (permanent)?
Which fabric should I use, so I don't end up with a transparent tarp (I think white silnylon is transparent)?

Is there anyone on this site who does these things, if I'd like to "outsource" this project?

Thanks.

**PapaSmurf** · 01-18-2011, 21:24

You might want to look closely at the 1443R tyvek material. I think the next tarp I make will use this stuff and am currently testing ways to color it.

**bloomgorge** · 01-18-2011, 22:12

the gray silnylon scott carrys is pretty thin stuff and it's a light color gray. almost transparent when held to light.

http://www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com/apps/webstore/

here is the pattern to his winter dream. if you look through his photo's you'll see it come up,...a really nice tarp.

attached pdf if my version of his winter dream with slightly larger cat cuts. i think he uses 5", i used 9"

**The_Witch_Doctor** · 01-19-2011, 08:36

I found this. Looks very interesting.

**Krissa** · 03-10-2011, 15:52

Originally Posted by PapaSmurf

You might want to look closely at the 1443R tyvek material. I think the next tarp I make will use this stuff and am currently testing ways to color it.

I've been looking into this too. Hubby wants his own tarp but we are on a tight budget. We hate the tyvek white though.

**sigma_pete** · 03-10-2011, 20:24

White Tyvek works for me. Now when is it going to snow here in Florida...

**dkperdue** · 03-10-2011, 20:29

Look for samples/pics of the German WWII arctric splinter pattern camo.

**NickJ** · 03-10-2011, 20:36

You guys know that Tyvek isnt waterproof, right?

**wirerat123** · 03-10-2011, 23:00

Originally Posted by NickJ

You guys know that Tyvek isnt waterproof, right?

People recently have been saying that a lot, but I've spend quite a few nights tarp camping under a 9x9 Tyvek tarp, and two nights it was a torrent coming down, and well. I was dryer than my buddy in his Hubba Hubba.

People have Thru Hiked using only Tyvek, some contractors use Tyvek to vapor barrier the walls of the house, My Old Tyvek tarp is still in use as a loaner shelter from time to time, and I wouldn't be afraid to stick a buddy under it in the rain during the winter if properly hung.

Funny people have been using it for tarps, tents, and vapor barriers WAY longer than people have been saying it isn't water proof. Sure is one hell of a great super cheap super light material that has had a ton of success being used as a tarp to not be waterproof, and not just as a make shift item either. People have been using this stuff with great success making long term use tarps and shelters out of it..

Call it what you want, or think what you want to think, but it works. It works well, and has worked well for a very long time. So with that said, think what you want to think, and believe what you want to believe, but if it works people will use it. Trying to tell them it isn't waterproof every time someone mentions it is as useful as pissing into the wind. It's a tried and test material in the outdoor world, and has a great reputation as being a wonderful option for those looking to put together a kit with minimal costs. There is a reason that this was one of the top ultralight options for quite a long time. IT WORKS!

HYOH, and let the others do the same.