DIY Tarp style?

**Punchline** · 05-25-2012, 17:01

I'm new to hanging, and looking at attempting to make my own fly. I'm leaning towards a hex shape, but I'm definitely open to other suggestions. On size, too... I really have no ideas on that.

I'm thinking of including grommets on one half of the tarp where the tie-outs would go so I can use my trekking poles to sort of "open up" if I'm cooking, sitting in the hammock like a chair, etc.

The tent I've used is a TT Contrail, and my pack weight is typically low, but I'm not counting grams, so yeah. Not looking for a 4-season tarp, though. Yet, anyway

I figured I would take nylon and make it silnylon myself - that process isn't bad, right?

I'm still looking around, trying to get information, just hoping for a little guidance right now.

Thanks!

**MAD777** · 05-25-2012, 17:33

My preference is a hex tarp with a ridgeline that is one foot longer than the suspended hammock on each end. In other words, hammock ridgeline plus two feet.

Keep in mind that you may someday go to a longer hammock. I didn't do that and now I like longer hammocks but have a short tarp that only covers my shorter hammocks.

**nothermark** · 05-25-2012, 17:45

If you start square you will not be trying to figure out the size of the Hex or how to do doors. If you have a rectangle and pick the right places for a couple of tie points on the side you can fold semi doors into the setup to block wind and rain. OTOH if you really hate the rectangle you can always cut it down later. The easiest size is to cut two pieces of nominal 60 inch fabric about a foot longer than your hammock and flat fell seam the two long edges together to get a reinforced ridge line.

**JohnSawyer** · 05-25-2012, 17:57

Skip the grommet idea...they don't work for long as they pull out id the tarp... a loop of grosgrain is plenty to attach your poles to...

I have a diy 8x10 that was made from 2 pieces of fabric... the seam tins perpendicular to the ridgeline. It works great, and can be hung with doors or without...

**gargoyle** · 05-25-2012, 18:21

Sew it first, then treat it. The diy sil can be a little fussy and sewing it gets cumbersome.

8 x 10 or 10 x 12 is a good starting project. If needed, later on you can trim either down some with cat-cuts. But your basic rectangle gives you lots of options.

Definetely skip the grommets.