normal store tarp as temp rain fly?

[A.Bottoms]

ok so this might seem like a stupid question but how would you rig up a normal hardware store tarp to use as a rain fly, this would just be tempory untill i can get enough money to buy a good one or make one.

also what size tarp would you reccomend

thanks,
A.Bottoms

[Shug]

ok so this might seem like a stupid question but how would you rig up a normal hardware store tarp to use as a rain fly, this would just be tempory untill i can get enough money to buy a good one or make one.

also what size tarp would you reccomend

thanks,
A.Bottoms

Sure you can........here are some threads on the subject.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=29919
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ght=blue+tarps
Use 8x10 or whatever will cover the length of your hammock.
Tarp Rigging....http://www.angelfire.com/ia3/camping/tarps.htm
Shug

[Fish<><]

ok so this might seem like a stupid question but how would you rig up a normal hardware store tarp to use as a rain fly, this would just be tempory untill i can get enough money to buy a good one or make one.

also what size tarp would you reccomend

thanks,
A.Bottoms

for rigging you "can" use the supplied grommets, but they will tear out quickly. if i used one i would either sew some tieouts on the corners and ridgline for more strength and durability, or use some duct tape or other kind of all weather tape for tieouts (as a cheap no sew option).

as far as size goes, the minimum "rectangle" tarp size you would want would be an 8x10. i use a 10x12 nylon tarp for optimal coverage in any situation, and its great for cold weather, just set it up like a hex tarp and close the corners into "doors" to keep the colder weather at bay.

a lot of people use those kind of tarps due to availability and pricing. not everyone (including myself) cannot or are not willing to pay so much for the lightest and greatest tarp. i have thought about picking an 8x10 tarp to play with on my new "thread injector"(sewing machine)

its not about paying a bunch of money for head-turning gear, its about getting out in the piney woods and enjoying God's gift to the world. Happy hangin' and Happy trails.

Fish<><

[A.Bottoms]

ok thanks guys,

Shug is it ok if i pm you about your rainfly that you made?

[Shug]

ok thanks guys,

Shug is it ok if i pm you about your rainfly that you made?

I never made one from a plastic tarp but did use BlackCat Tarp directions to make some tarps.
Here is my smaller one....http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=4028

[mcmski]

The down sides would be that they are bulky and heavy compared to fancy tarps, right? I'm thinking about doing this as well until I get myself a sil nylon tarp or something similar. Although most of the time when I go camping here in so cal I'm not worried about rain.

[Fish<><]

The down sides would be that they are bulky and heavy compared to fancy tarps, right? I'm thinking about doing this as well until I get myself a sil nylon tarp or something similar. Although most of the time when I go camping here in so cal I'm not worried about rain.

they are slightly bulkier, and they are definitely noisy due to the rigidity of the material. they are, however, a great starter tarp and i would recommend one in a heartbeat for someone starting out due to price and availability.

i recently lived in san diego, and though it never rains, if you go to the big bear area, it will get cold at night, and a bigger tarp makes a world of difference. i went to big bear a couple of times car camping off of 2n93 forest road, and its really windy up on that ridge most of the time. it will rob the heat away from you fast if you aren't prepared for it. by the way welcome to the forums, and happy hangin'.

Fish<><

[Billybobky]

There was a thread on here that people wer making them out of Tyvek building wrap.

[higher4hockey]

I use a heavy duty 9 x 12. I'll either string it up with the two middle grommets or the corners, with a ridgeline, little s-biners and two prussick knots. I've never used one of the fancy tarps, I'm sure they're great, I just don't have any experience with them. But a ten dollar tarp from the hardware store has worked great in some pretty nasty storms.

[nk14zp]

To tie my poly tarps off I use a rounded rock on one side of the tarp then wrap/bunch the tarp around the rock and tie it off with my cordage on the other side. I can get a pic if needed.