Peg-less tarp design

[spandit]

Excuse the quality of my drawing but I've come up with this idea and would welcome (constructive) feedback:



Basically, it's a tarp that doesn't need lines going down to the ground (and thus doesn't require pegs) - no lines to trip over and doesn't need soft ground. Imagine a rectangle of material with a tube sewn at each end. Through this tube there is a flexible alloy tent pole that is prevented from straightening by a webbing strap (very common tent design). A cord at each corner keeps it level with two top cords to tension the top.

What do you think?

[mnbowhunter77]

This would probably work in a 'no-wind' scenario... however, any wind across this... it would begin to act as an airfoil. I imagine it may start to spin around u in the hammock... though that could be enjoyable to watch ..

[jasonb986]

This would probably work in a 'no-wind' scenario... however, any wind across this... it would begin to act as an airfoil. I imagine it may start to spin around u in the hammock... though that could be enjoyable to watch ..

2x on what he said.

It looks like a really neat design, I just dont know if it would hold in the wind.

[RePete]

3club uses a system where he uses poles from corner to corner and he does not tie it out or to the tree except for the ridge line. There are a variety of ways this can be deployed. This link is very very very picture intensive but if you go through his post you will see how he uses his tarp with the crossing poles. What you have should work but if you tighten your lines at the bottom of your tarp to the trees it will work against the poles. This aditional link Has a lot of pics as well but goes into even more detail about how he uses his tarp.

[Timberrr]

Dutch does something similiar with his set up.
He bought a cheapo WW tent, tossed out the tent and kept the long fiberglass poles. He put pockets along the hem on each end of his tarp to hold the poles as spreaders. Seems to work pretty well. Maybe he'll check in with a pic...

[wwk10]

Maybe make your flexible alloy poles three times as long. Instead of ending at the red webbing strap, have them continue down to the ground.

[spandit]

Maybe make your flexible alloy poles three times as long. Instead of ending at the red webbing strap, have them continue down to the ground.

Defeats the object of the whole thing - it was to do away with needing ground contact - but thanks for the feedback!

[wwk10]

I almost asked what your purpose was. The poles extending to the ground do have some benefits over stakes. They do not stick out as far. They are less likely to trip over. They do not need to be anchored as much.

[spandit]

I almost asked what your purpose was. The poles extending to the ground do have some benefits over stakes. They do not stick out as far. They are less likely to trip over. They do not need to be anchored as much.

We're getting into the realms of a tent here! Having poles reaching the ground wouldn't work if you were between trees on a slope

[MAD777]

Looks like an airplane wing to me