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View Full Version : Crafted a New Light Black Cat Tarp



Shug
04-22-2008, 18:07
Had to put off my thru hike of the Superior Hiking Trail here in Minnesota until May due to many added shows and a broken little toe. That little bugger is annoying. Also now will have to break the hike into two trips. Still get to go though even on the hurt toe ya' know....

Wanted a bit of a lighter tarp besides my Winter BlackCat that I added flaps on to
1340

so I had just enough silnylon to make a new smaller version of the BlackCat.
1342

Long ridgeline at 11 1/2 feet and sides are 44 inches at widest. Added tie outs to the seam so that I can close the ends and use as pull outs (works well this way!) and gives me more security in higher winds.
1341
Weighs 15.7 0z with lines with tensioners (love those!!) and skins. Never used skins before but I think they are terrific for a tarp as you can get it out of the way. Still gonna stuff 'em in a sack though as the loaded skins are a wee bit unruly for me. For hammock I still prefer BlackBishop bag.
Furthermore, I cut up my hammock sock and made a weather shield. Always get condensation in the sock and after reading about the weather shields on here I am giving it a go. As this tarp is shorter on the sides, thereby reducing carry weight, the shield should be quite handy.
Shug

Iafte
04-22-2008, 18:27
Looks great! I still need to make one for this weekend. I'm getting ready to start cutting soon.

slowhike
04-22-2008, 21:17
sorry to hear about the toe, but glad you're still going on the hike.
and glad to see your still entertaining folks, including us w/ your fine craftsmanship.
that's a nice looking little tarp.
i like skins on my tarp too.

creekfisher
04-22-2008, 21:46
looks good!

I did something similar with my 12 x 8 rectangular tarp.

headchange4u
04-22-2008, 22:05
That looks great Shug. I like the extra tie outs. I had planned on adding something like that to my JRB tarp so I can make doors on the 11' ridge line.

Shug
04-26-2008, 17:05
Thanks ya'll,
I slept under it in a heavy, cold rainstorm the other night and stayed good and dry. Also helped using the hammock sock I converted to a weather shield. That did stop the splash. Things were misty on the outside but dry inside.
Hey, I'm sleeping under a tarp, in a hammock, outside in a storm.... what do I excpect?? :rolleyes:
Shug

gunn parker
04-27-2008, 22:21
Hi
Have you weighed the new tarp by chance, it looks great, good for nicer weather.

Shug
04-28-2008, 01:52
Weighs 15.7 0z with lines with tensioners (love those!!) and skins. Never used skins before but I think they are terrific for a tarp as you can get it out of the way. Still gonna stuff 'em in a sack though as the loaded skins are a wee bit unruly for me. For hammock I still prefer BlackBishop bag.
Furthermore, I cut up my hammock sock and made a weather shield. Always get condensation in the sock and after reading about the weather shields on here I am giving it a go. As this tarp is shorter on the sides, thereby reducing carry weight, the shield should be quite handy.
Shug[/QUOTE]


Hi
Have you weighed the new tarp by chance, it looks great, good for nicer weather.

G'day Gunn,
15.7oz is the final weight with all the lines and skins.
Shug

Shug
04-28-2008, 03:18
Hi
Have you weighed the new tarp by chance, it looks great, good for nicer weather.

Hey again gunn!
I broke down the weights a bit..... Tarp only with seam sealing 11.6 oz. ...
all lines (tarp tensioners on corners) 2.9 oz
snake skins 1.6 oz for the pair.
Total: 16.1 oz
I'm pretty happy with that.
Would like to get to your neck of the woods again. Was there in 1999/2000 and loved Australia. It is a dream of mine to backpack there. May get to someday as my daughter is working to attend National Institute of Circus Arts in Melbourne in a couple of years. I know Perth is one the other end but is is the home of Circus Oz. My wife and I befriended a few of their troupe here in the States. Wonderful and talented folks!
Best to ya',
Shug