feedback on assymetrical tarp design? Link included

**Tillamook** · 12-27-2011, 12:34

http://gear-report.com/how-to-make-a...ing-tarp-myog/

I was wanting to make this tarp as it seems easy with no seams but I am not sure I will get enough conerage with it? The material I have is 64" wide so if I hang it like pictured do you think it will be good enough coverage?

What are your suggestions feedback and input on this tarp design? Would I be better off making it a square rather than rectangle?

Sorry I know my questions are kinda vague but any info or thoughts you can give me as to your experiance with this design would be great. Thanks

Josh

**sr1355** · 12-27-2011, 12:39

First tarp I made was asym.... Love it for fair weather, not sure I'd trust it in anything heavier than a light spring rain... Coverage can be a little less than needed but YMMV... I know some members have made asym tarps and hed them out in some pretty rough weather...

**Shewie** · 12-27-2011, 12:44

I never trusted the one on my HH Exped and was grateful for the Hex upgrade

Strung out flat it was great in good weather, hunkered down in sideways Scottish rain wasn't good for the sleep

WV · 12-27-2011, 13:21

It's a compromise between light weight/low cost/ease of manufacture and side protection, but I think it's worth using if you know the area you're going to be camping in and likelihood of extreme weather. I think 11' is much longer than necessary. Try 8.5'.

**Tillamook** · 12-27-2011, 13:29

Thank you all for your replys! I will probably be wanting something more then as I would like to be able to use it in the winter months as well. I didnt want to waste material but I may just do a 10 by 10 or a 9 by 9 square and hang it the same way as I would like to be able to have better visibility and I think this design will get me that but again im new to all of this so I appretiate all your input! Thanks

Josh

**ringtail-THFKAfood** · 12-27-2011, 13:31

Check the Warbonnet web site. They sell a a-sym diamond fly that has no seam. A-sym diamond flys keep you dry. What they do not do is block the wind and provide a big area to cook.

**Tillamook** · 12-27-2011, 13:36

Thanks food, I am really wanting to make my own as I already bought the material. If I have to have a seam I dont think it will be a big issue if sewd right and seam sealed, I hope lol Thanks again

Josh

**ringtail-THFKAfood** · 12-27-2011, 13:48

The ridgeline on the Hennessy Explorer A-Sym diamond fly is 138" and that is the maximum I would recommend. I think a 132" ridgeline is ideal.

A 10'X10' tarp gives you a 170" ridgeline.

A 9'x9' tarp gives you a 153" ridgeline.

Sorry, but more is not always better. A tripod is a better camera support than a quadpod.

In a heavy wind a fly acts like a sail. You need to balance wind blocking with wind loading.

IMHO a 2QZQ protector is the most robust wind blocker.

**Tillamook** · 12-27-2011, 14:06

Originally Posted by food

The ridgeline on the Hennessy Explorer A-Sym diamond fly is 138" and that is the maximum I would recommend. I think a 132" ridgeline is ideal.

A 10'X10' tarp gives you a 170" ridgeline.

A 9'x9' tarp gives you a 153" ridgeline.

Sorry, but more is not always better. A tripod is a better camera support than a quadpod.

In a heavy wind a fly acts like a sail. You need to balance wind blocking with wind loading.

IMHO a 2QZQ protector is the most robust wind blocker.

Food when you say fly what are you talking about? The design in the link? Sorry for my ignorance on the subject

I dont want to use the design if its gonna be bad in the wind. I understand it wont block as much wind, but I dont want it to lift off lol. Thanks

Josh

**PDA** · 12-30-2011, 19:03

http://www.mydiygear.com/pages/proje...m/tutorial.php

Here are IMO clearer instructions for making an asym 11'x7'4" tarp

a member here, Sgt Mac, hung with this size tarp in a hurricane and didn't get wet. Needs careful orientation, and angling the "wings" steeply towards the ground. No space to hang out in bad weather when camping seems to be the main complaint. If you are backpacking, the (much) lighter weight will be a major advantage compared with a hex tarp.
As you point out, not needing a center seam is a massive advantage for a first time DIY.
I suggest you look at the videos on the Hennessy site to see how this type of tarp should be hung. Additionally the youtube videos of Mcspporan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwzZTeAE3yc

I have a Hennessy and use the asym for backpacking (weight) and the Hennessy hex for base camping (massive)