Mamajamba came in today, now I have questions.

[RubiconJK]

First I am brand new to hammocks. I ordered a Mamajamba tarp and it came in today. It's hard to believe this thing is supposed to be so tough as light and thin as it is but I have never felt the Sylnylon material before. Question is do I need to do anything to it before using? Is there something that I should treat it with or is it waterproof already? How often should I treat it and with what? Is it safe to stretch it tight to keep it from blowing away when it gets windy? I know I could email Brandon for answers but I'd rather not pull him away from his work for questions like this when I'm sure people here can answer them for me. I'm really liking this tarp though, love the color, weight and craftsmanship. After getting this I may have to try his Traveler hammock next.
I am hoping to set it up with my hammock this evening since it's thundering and getting ready to storm, really looking forward to trying it.
Thanks for your time.

[DRobertson]

nope. silnylon is already water-proof. you do NOT need to seam seal the ridge of the mamajamba. However, you should seam seal the tarp pull-outs.

And, yes, silnylon is EXTREMELY strong.

[RubiconJK]

Thanks DRobertson. What should I seal it with?

[doogie]

My tarps are all DIY, so I can't speak specifically on the Mambajamba, but Silnylon stretches, especially when it gets wet, so a lot of people add shock cords to the tie-outs to keep things taught overnight. I like this setup there are other threads on different methods. I never bothered sealing the tieouts (except for the ridgeline ones) unless I had extra sealer mixed up.

[Postal]

Unless you stress the pull outs a lot you do not even need to seal them. I had no leaks on mine until I added the pole mod. Used it for a year or more with no leaks at all. And only one leak since but I went ahead and got a silicone tent sealer and put on there. Mine is also the old style. In the new style he changed how the pull outs were done so there is even less need to seal.

[hutzelbein]

First I am brand new to hammocks. I ordered a Mamajamba tarp and it came in today.

Congrats. In my opinion, the MJ is the finest allround sil tarp on the market. But I'm biased

It's hard to believe this thing is supposed to be so tough as light and thin as it is but I have never felt the Sylnylon material before.

It's plenty strong. All my sil tarps and tents are going strong after years of (ab)use. My oldest sil tarp is 4 years now.

Question is do I need to do anything to it before using?

Add a ridgeline, guy lines and stakes, of course

Is there something that I should treat it with or is it waterproof already?

Not really. WB tarps are ready to use out of the box. As others have said, you could seam-seal the pull-outs. I've never done that and haven't had water coming through the seams. But I'm mostly using my tarps set up in the A-frame configuration. If you plan on hanging in porch mode during heavy rain, it might be a good idea to seam-seal the pull-outs. But a lot of people don't do that and have stayed dry.

How often should I treat it and with what?

No need to treat it. Maybe clean off the bird poo with water now and then, if the rain doesn't do it for you already

What should I seal it with?

Try Permatex flowable silicone windshield & glass sealer. Most auto part stores seem to carry it in the US. You won't need to thin it (as you would with camping specific sealers), and there's a handy funnel that comes with it. With a bit of care, your seams will look very professional.

Is it safe to stretch it tight to keep it from blowing away when it gets windy?

I have always set up my WB tarps very tight and haven't had an issue. However, I have not been through hurricanes or tornadoes. I imagine any tarp will give in if the wind is strong enough. However, if there's that much wind, I'm guessing you will have more serious problems than a damaged tarp.

After getting this I may have to try his Traveler hammock next.

The Traveler is nice but a very simple hammock. I'd go for a Blackbird instead, unless you never need mosquito-protection.

I am hoping to set it up with my hammock this evening since it's thundering and getting ready to storm, really looking forward to trying it.

Enjoy!

[TheDarkOne]

Read the bottom of this page https://store-2ieh8pn.mybigcommerce.com/tarps-101/

[DRobertson]

Thanks DRobertson. What should I seal it with?

sil-net sealer. click here: https://www.mcnett.com/gearaid/silnet#10440

[RubiconJK]

Read the bottom of this page https://store-2ieh8pn.mybigcommerce.com/tarps-101/

Not sure how I missed that. Thanks for the link. Also thanks to everyone else for the help.

[TheDarkOne]

Not sure how I missed that. Thanks for the link. Also thanks to everyone else for the help.

Your welcome