DIY Tarp Designs

[sclittlefield]

On the dwg, are the dimensions finished or rough (before seems). Just curious if I should add for seems...

Those are my raw dimensions. But the best news is, it doesn't really matter - a little shorter, a little longer, a little wider, a little narrower, and it all still works so long as you stick pretty close to the plans.

I usually just take the full width of the sil fabric I'm using and improvise from there.

Thanks for taking the time to post your drawings and plans. They are very helpful for us DIY beginner types

You're very welcome. I'm glad they're useful and are being used.

[MadWolf]

Thanks for the info and thanks for the plans. Looking forward to getting into this project.

[doogie]

My tarp making supply package should arrive today from Scott. Time to clear some space in the basement for tarp cutting. I think I've decided on the Hex tarp with a slight variation of making the side start at 28" instead of 30" to give a little more coverage. I'll try to remember to take photos.

[wedenj]

I’m going to be making the Winter Tarp and was wondering if I could get recommendations on type, length and size of ridgelines and tie-outs / guy lines (Lash-It, Zing-it, Dyneema or Amsteel)? I’m sure most of it is personal preference but not having never owned or pitched a tarp before I’d like to have a starting point. My plan is to order everything from DIY Gear Supply so I'd like to keep it to what they have available.

Thanks!

Oh, and a big thanks to Scott for posting the plans.

[Oper8or]

Okay, this may be a dumb question but where is a good place to buy the mats for a DIY tarp and what is a good material to use (not expensive).

[Macca81]

Okay, this may be a dumb question but where is a good place to buy the mats for a DIY tarp and what is a good material to use (not expensive).

Check out the link right above your post. Silnylon is a good starting point, the 2nds is perfect for it.

[doogie]

Okay, this may be a dumb question but where is a good place to buy the mats for a DIY tarp and what is a good material to use (not expensive).

As mentioned earlier DIY Gear Supply has everything you would need at the best prices I have seen. I am in the process of making a hex tarp from the plans that Scott (aka - sclittlefield) has on his site and the start of this thread, with some variations taken from other tarp plans.

The navy silnylon 2nds that I got had one flaw about 6" long and an inch wide where there was a little extra silicon blotch (which happened to land in a scrap triangle for me), but wouldn't have been a big deal if it was in the middle of the tarp.

[masczone]

I'm sorry for such a long delay, but I've finally gotten a spare moment to put a few of Backwoods Daydreamer's old tarp designs into single-sheet DIY Guide formats. We've got the Three Season Hex design, the Winter Dream, and the UL Asym.

You can also find them online here: Tarps.

Was thinking of using 30d Ripstop Nylon, Metalized reflective coating. Anyone done this? Or would it get too hot.

I was thinking that using the reflective side may help stay cool in the summer camps and warm in winter.

Also, what would be the best size or style. I am 5' 11".

Thanks guys..

[Feebus]

I've seen several hammock designs that recommend putting a catenary curve in the ridgeline of the tarp (not just the edges). Is this something that you would recommend doing for the hex tarp design? I realize that it makes the design a bit more complicated but was curious of people's thoughts/opinions.

Thanks,
Phil

Example of tarp with ridgeline catenary:
Image

Discussion on thru-hiker

[Laochri]

It looks like, to me, that the middle tie-out is pulled tight. There are wrinkles along those axis (marked is yellow). This would cause the ridge-line to sag a little. I have had this happen with a common blue tarp. It could be cat-cut though, I'm just stating my observations.