View Full Version : Taking the DD tarp and frontline out on a pretty gnarly rain test
Sparkfly88
06-01-2013, 16:04
We got some nice looking rain and storms blowing around and I'm taking my setup out to give it a nice test run.
I haven't been in anything nastier than 30mph wind. So it'll be an experience.
I'll post as anything happens. :D
mountainhanger
06-01-2013, 16:19
awaiting results...remember pics or it didnt happen :)
Sparkfly88
06-01-2013, 16:33
I'll one up you one that. I have a waterproof digital camera. 720p video woo!
Sparkfly88
06-01-2013, 16:54
At least I'm not hiking into this. http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/02/mypypa2u.jpg
Sparkfly88
06-01-2013, 22:41
Well, it rained all day. And still is. I got a moral boost from taking a shower ( lol so much for primitive camping. )
I experimented and tried to get a fire going while it was raining and almost succeeded. Just needed a bit more kindling and I would have won. But, lack of preparation and it died.
I tested out my 3x3 in a hex format in the pouring rain... And it kept me dry. Then I opened up the doors to make it the regular rectangle since the storm won't get any worse. Just a constant drizzle.
I dunno how I'd be taking this if I didn't have a dry pair of clothes and a vehicle to keep my bag in.... Next time I won't use the truck.
I did find an interesting angle to hang the DD frontline at. It's a lot less of a 30. And not going through the tarp Ridgeline. It is a foot below the tarp lines. Yet, this is the widest I have ever gotten this hammock to lay.
took a bunch of photos with my waterproof camera. Those will be posted later.
For now, here is my goodnight picture.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/02/a3u8yged.jpg
Sparkfly88
06-02-2013, 00:36
Well, just had a racoon take a visit with me under my tarp.... I heard little feet moving around under me, I turned my light on and looked under and sure enough, there it was.
Little guy stood up on two feet to check me out. Then scampered off.
Whatknot
06-02-2013, 04:46
Nice feeling when you 'win'. A lot of us here in Uk sware by DD. Long may they continue!
Was thinking about what happens if rain and wind is in the forecast.. (i.ve got one )a blizzard blanket which is totally waterproof - but noisy and a bit heavy - comes vacuum packed and You just vacuum pack it after use. But you have to make space for it in your pack once used. Use it like a pea pod. Thought that might be a useful thing to mention...if you are at all worried about down getting wet.
http://www.blizzardsurvival.com/product.php/105/blizzard-survival-blanket
hawkerev
06-09-2013, 14:55
Any update & pics ?
My son just bought a DD Frontline, how did it work in the rain & wind for you ?
Sparkfly88
06-09-2013, 15:25
Well. There wasn't any wind. It was a rare Florida rain where it wasn't going sideways.
But it was raining enough to the point where I would have been soaked if I didn't have something setup right.
I have photos on my computer at home I forgot to load.
It kept me dry all night long, and kept the cat sized mosquitos at bay as well.
I'm pleased with how well it worked.
Do you have any pictures of the hex format? I've struggled with a 3 x 3 DD tarp at times because the diagonal in too long and the side to side (3m) is too short for me. I have a Switchback hammock and it really needs a 12 ft tarp to be confident of good coverage. I've tried other configurations but I haven't felt very successful with them and so I'm curious to see how you set it up.
Sparkfly88
06-10-2013, 20:14
This was my pretty un orthodox setup due to the pouring rain the entire time....
But yeah...
Here I am changing my tarp from a diamond to a rectangle....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/Sparkfly88/Rainy%20Day%20DD%20test/P6010001.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Sparkfly88/media/Rainy%20Day%20DD%20test/P6010001.jpg.html)
Then we got my first time doing the Hex/tent/door setup....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/Sparkfly88/Rainy%20Day%20DD%20test/f45c21a5-153e-45ea-b58a-529b894f5c42.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Sparkfly88/media/Rainy%20Day%20DD%20test/f45c21a5-153e-45ea-b58a-529b894f5c42.jpg.html)
Then the regular setup when the rain slowed down...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/Sparkfly88/Rainy%20Day%20DD%20test/9384f30e-6157-4adb-a586-9af80e4ea34b.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Sparkfly88/media/Rainy%20Day%20DD%20test/9384f30e-6157-4adb-a586-9af80e4ea34b.jpg.html)
Looks like a nice set up. Thanks for posting the pictures.
Looks good, nice tight pitch, did you notice any difference in coverage from the diamond setup?
Something I noticed with my 4x4 was when the tarp rl is tight, the loops along the rl aren't doing anything, so I took the tarp down, turned it 90º and used the center side tie outs to attach my rl...
Voilà, one panel pull on each side!
Because all the tie outs are symmetrical you still have everything the same way as it was except for the useless loops on the top. :D
Sparkfly88
06-15-2013, 10:45
Looks good, nice tight pitch, did you notice any difference in coverage from the diamond setup?
Something I noticed with my 4x4 was when the tarp rl is tight, the loops along the rl aren't doing anything, so I took the tarp down, turned it 90º and used the center side tie outs to attach my rl...
Voilà, one panel pull on each side!
Because all the tie outs are symmetrical you still have everything the same way as it was except for the useless loops on the top. :D
My problem with that idea is that your pulling two ends of the tarp that are sewn together. Like, trying to rip it in half. Idk if I trust it that much.
I have used it on the diamond because it isn't exactly pulling the sewn section in half... And I have been able to use the tie outs that way.
Fair enough if you don't trust it, it worked for me but at the end of the day hyoh. :cool:
Sparkfly88
06-15-2013, 13:21
Fair enough if you don't trust it, it worked for me but at the end of the day hyoh. :cool:
Yup. I may try it though. I got my eyes on a superfly.... So if the DD explodes I won't feel too bad. :p
My problem with that idea is that your pulling two ends of the tarp that are sewn together. Like, trying to rip it in half. Idk if I trust it that much.
I have used it on the diamond because it isn't exactly pulling the sewn section in half... And I have been able to use the tie outs that way.
It may work pretty well with it in that configuration. The old Speer Winter tarps were sewn in such a manner to be used like that--with the seam perpendicular to the ridgeline. I've yet to hear of one failing (not saying it hasn't happened, just that I don't recall hearing of it), and I know Duffy, at least, has been using his for a number of years now.
Not sure if the craftsmanship of the DD tarps are at the same level (never seen one in person), but if it's well-made, you should be okay.
Hope it helps!
Sparkfly88
06-21-2013, 15:38
So, Like this? I like it
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/Sparkfly88/20130621_162704.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Sparkfly88/media/20130621_162704.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/Sparkfly88/20130621_163219.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Sparkfly88/media/20130621_163219.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v211/Sparkfly88/20130621_163156.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Sparkfly88/media/20130621_163156.jpg.html)
Yup, exactly, works a treat eh!?
Have to say, I noticed a big difference with my 4x4, but that is already absolutely huge, with the 3x3 it really looks like like it works great. :thumbup: