New DIY Winter Tarp

**4estTrekker** · 11-04-2013, 21:16

Finally got my winter tarp done and hung up a few times. It's made from DIY Gear Supply's plans, although I cut it slightly bigger. It's made from 1.1 silny with a grosgrain ridgeline and linelocs for tensioners. I also added shock cord to each guy line. They add weight, but I like the peace of mind they offer. I also added some poles to lift the pullouts, which really helps with my bridge hammock. I can still guy them out, too, to help keep things in place if needed. I made a stuff sack with drawstring closures at both ends.

This thing is really overbuilt and I could lose a several ounces pretty easy (pullout poles, lighter guy lines, lighter stakes, etc.). But I likes it...

A couple of prusiks keep the poles where they belong and allow me to adjust the tension.

Here's a little line tensioner I made from pvc pipe for the two side pullout guy lines.

**dangerous** · 11-04-2013, 21:22

Awesome looking tarp. I really like the idea of such a large enclosed space that still has a hammock hanging inside of it.

**Redoleary** · 11-04-2013, 21:27

Man, great job, that looks nice and roomy. Nice detail work too.

**Bubba** · 11-04-2013, 21:42

Nice clean work! Should serve you well this winter.

**SimonMc** · 11-04-2013, 21:49

Great job. Looks awesome.

**SmokyMtnHiker** · 11-04-2013, 22:36

Nice tarp! I'm planning on making one from the same plans over this winter for use in Spring '14.

What was the most difficult part of the build for you?

**PappyAmos** · 11-04-2013, 22:50

Great job! Especially like your poles. I need to do that to mine too. Thanks for the pics showing how.

**JayS** · 11-04-2013, 22:52

4estTrekker - you forgot one thing - to mail that beauty to me!

Great job. How long did it take you? I am contemplating making one just like that but I've got so much going on that it's hard to find (make) the time.

**VictoriaGuy** · 11-05-2013, 00:21

Nice work!

After seeing yours, I've decided that I should think about adding poles to mine.

Can you give some info on the poles (source, specs, etc)?
Thanks.

**4estTrekker** · 11-05-2013, 17:58

Thanks, all. To answer your questions:

It took me about five hours to construct, although I made a template and test tarp out of some 50 cent/yard material first to get the layout/lines right. I made the template to layout one quarter of the tarp. In practice, I pin the two full-length pieces of fabric together, then fold those in half. Then, I pin the paper pattern to the fabric (now four pieces thick) and cut the whole shootin' match out in one shot. Makes everything nice and uniform...and easy!

The hardest part of the build was creating the template. I spent the time doing that so there was no guess work and I could build more tarps in the future ('cause you can't just have one tarp!).

The easiest part was sewing the ridgeline using grosgrain. I makes it super easy, quick, and strong, and doesn't require seam sealing.

The poles were made by cutting the shockcord in the center of a full-length fiberglass pole I had left over from an old tent. I cut the shockcord, removed the extra ferrule, and put plastic cap protectors on the ends. I just got lucky, as the length of the pole was just right to be able to cut in half and use as-is. I don't really like carrying fiberglass poles around, but they'll work for now. They weigh in at 7.2 oz together.