Marpat Hammock and Tarps

[Mac_48]

Thanks for the tips So if I understood this right, i should sew a patch to the inside of the tarp and then sew the pullout onto the outside using the stitches as a guide? And I don't need to use webbing on the inside to support the pullout? Is 3/4" nylon webbing ok for the pullouts and what is the best way to attach them (loop, flat, etc.)? Also, I used the double boxed x for all of the pullouts on the edges, what method should I use on the wall pullouts? sorry for all the questions, I am just surprised/happy with how they turned out and I don't want to screw up the final steps

[gargoyle]

Check this recent thread

There is a number of ways to attach. I cant really say "this" one is better.
Its a matter of preference. Cruise the pics on the forum and pick a way that suits "you". Or create your own!

I've seen patch, no patch, webbing, grosgrain, cord, plastic bottle caps, a product called "grip-clips, magnets, velcro...the list goes on and on. Almost anything can work. You can even use a smooth rock and cinch a line around the rock/fabric bundle.
Sometimes I just lean my trek pole against the sidewall and push it out (handle against fabric, tip planted in the ground)

When its all said and done, use some shockcord on the wall pullout/panel pulls to allow for some flex.

[chickenwing]

Fantastic job. I really enjoy seeing what others come up with.

[snare]

Wow !

Love them.

I have made small single person 5 x 8 ground tarps and a backpack cover out of that PU ripstop.

I intend to make a full hex cut (possibly with doors) tarp out of it too. Not light. But decent.

You can find surplus USMC tarps on ebay made of the same material. they are like 8 x 7 though. I measured the diagonal and it's 10' 6" or so. Still too small for my 11' DIY Marpat hammock.

Made the hammocks out of 30D pure finish ripstop marpat.

Below you can see my marpat hammock in my marpat PLUQ, under that woodland camo tarp. (Soon to make that marpat tarp !)

[Michelle the Camper]

Dang! That's good looking gear

[Mac_48]

Thank you for all the info and responses


Snare - Where did you get that 30D marpat? I have been thinking about looking for something that is more breathable/lighter than the polyester one I have right now. Also, this is probably a stupid question, but what is the oz/yd on that fabric? I was just wondering cause I am at a hefty 280 right now and I don't want to end up on the ground lol.... I am still new to hammocks, diy and sewing so I still have a lot to learn

[Bellke]

Love it! Got to admit I have a bias when it comes to MARPAT. The couple of tarps I seen with it had too small a pattern, you could see it repeating every 12" or so and it did just the opposite if what you want, it drew you eyes to it. You make me wish I had a sewing machine myself to make my own now.

Good Job.

[snare]

Mac 48,

I stumbled upon a small quantity that was at rockywoods fabric.

They don't have any more, not sure when they will get more...I've been checking back there myself to see.

As for weight, not a dumb question at all, the 30D (pure finish, no DWR) was listed at 1.1 oz/yd. The hammocks we made were single layer and are crazy light (that's a technical term for a specific weight..lol). Don't have a scale, but our hammocks are 11' x 54" finished size and BIAS sells the WW Micro out of similar fabric, I believe, but in ACU, and they list a weight of 6.5 oz for hammock weight. We used 1/16" poly draw cord (from DIY Gear Supply) for the whipping (Warbonnet style).
BIAS rates their 1 layer WWM for 220 lbs.

In this pic you can see that the fabric we used is pretty translucent (and you can see MtC's shoes..). We did quad Knotty mods on both hammocks too

[Mac_48]

Thanks for the info I will probably just have to use 1.4 or 1.6 oz. in olive drab or something. I don't care about stretch, but I do care about ripping it :P

[Michelle the Camper]

Snare and Michelle the Camper's gear weight
just hammock: 7 oz
hammock with full suspension and stuff sack 12 oz.