Keeping sleeping bag and hammock dry under tarp? Help?!?

[rickyc369]

Hi,

I recently had a two day hike in snowy and wet weather. On both days my sleeping bag and hammock got wet under the tarp. I had drip lines in place both nights unless they were ineffective.

Kit list:
- 3x3 DD Tarp - set up in v shape
- DD camping hammock
- Thermarest ridgerest solite
- Sungpak sleeping bag

Day 1

- Weather was snowing, then turned to constant wet from the dripping snow above
- Both end of my hammock and sleeping bag got wet on both ends
- There was a light mist coming from the tarp underside which made the top of my sleeping bag wet


Day 2
- Weather was just raining
- Both ends of hammock and sleeping bag got wet again
- Bottom of hammock and underside sleeping bag got wet
- No misting this time


Also any ideas to keep backpack off the ground under the tarp apart from attaching to hammock.


I dont like being wet in the winter, hope you can help.

[Shug]

A big tarp with doors would help a lot in that situation........
And maybe a wider tarp to boot.
Hope that helps a bit.
Shug


MyHammockGear Cuben Tarp


My DIY BlackCrow Tarp


My DIY Winter Tarp

[Bubba]

I agree with Shug. Diamond configuration is ok but a larger hex tarp would protect your sides better. Doors are also great to have in bad weather. Did you see water dripping from your drip lines?

[Red Wing]

I agree with Shug. Diamond configuration is ok but a larger hex tarp would protect your sides better. Doors are also great to have in bad weather. Did you see water dripping from your drip lines?

Sorry, I'm jumping in from the beginning so it may have been covered again, but with a diamond configuration you'd almost certainly want an UQP like from WB or 2QZQ. When I was going to try using a diamond fly, this was one of the purchases I made, for the reasons you stated.

for 35.00 it may be a cheaper option than having to buy a new tarp. My buddy used the 3mx3m tarp from DD and he had great coverage in his WB Traveler. I'm positive if we'd have had a real serious rain he'd have been good with that and an underquilt protector.

My 2QZQ UQP is a great piece of gear

[rickyc369]

It was dripping from some on them, i just wrapped and tied some paracord?

[Bubba]

It was dripping from some on them, i just wrapped and tied some paracord?

Something like a cotton shoe lace might work a bit better. It sounds like it was a matter of tarp coverage. How far from the hammock was the tarp?

[bberms21]

were they tied to metal rings or biners? You need the break in the suspention with some sort of metal or water will just ride on in. I learned that that hard way.

[rickyc369]

No i just wrapped some paracord as a drip line.

Maybe i should try karabiners, is there a way to do it without destroying the main tape?

[bberms21]

You need to have either a caribiner or an smc ring to connect your hammock to your tree straps. That way when water travels down your tree straps, it will hit your ring and travel down your drip line, which should be tied to your ring. Also, make sure your ring or biner is under your tarp

[Darkwing]

No i just wrapped some paracord as a drip line.

Maybe i should try karabiners, is there a way to do it without destroying the main tape?

You absolutely have to cut the tape and either put double biners or rings UNDER the place where your tarp ends. The DD webbing soaks up water like a sponge and brings it into the webbing channel and soaks the fabric of the hammock.

Check this video out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXk9Ieb1_cQ

Or just search Youtube for "DD hammock mods"