Combining Tarps

I'm brainstorming an idea on a tarp setup.
I know this has been lightly mentioned in tensegrity and double hang threads, but what's the best way to combine tarps in the field? Snaps? Velcro? Omni-tape? Duct tape?

I think normally people just overlap them such that they can control where the water goes without any actual joining as the joining would be extra weight for a normal set-up and/or potential damage to a tarp.

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Originally Posted by tbctx

I think normally people just overlap them such that they can control where the water goes without any actual joining as the joining would be extra weight for a normal set-up and/or potential damage to a tarp.

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I agree - its far easier to not actually combine them, just creatively hang them. That said, if it were me and I had to, I'd prefer to use rope and lash them together (maybe put in some grommets along one edge of each tarp and use rope to tie them together). I wouldn't trust tape or velcro in gusty winds - rope and knots seem much more secure.

That's how I do it...just hang them. Often I'll hang one tarp over both hammocks, then the other tarp to act as a wall on one side stopping the wind and any windblown rain.

Here are some pics of two tarps overlapping lengthwise...one was low enough to protect both hammocks while we were sleeping, while the end one was high enough to stand up and be comfortable.
http://www.tothewoods.net/HikingPicturesJonesGap.html

Hmm. So, here's my thought. I was looking at my HH asym tarp ground setup. As it is, it's really too small to be usable. It needs to be bigger. So my thought is to combine two asyms, side by side, effectively doubling the size.

This would allow for several different setup possiblities.
Single tarp above, single below as undercover.
Combined tarps above, large asym.
Combined tarps, single above with attached tarp as windbreak vestibule.
Combined tarps, pup-style ground setup.
Combined tarps, offset open pyramid.

I camp with the scouts. I normally use a HH Hex, but was interested in finding a solution for scouts who might want to try hammocking and need to have a possible ground setup. Two asyms are also lighter than the hex.
Hennessey Asym Ground Setup - http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=11855

Thoughts?

Thanks for the input. I'm thinking that the use of eyelets and lacing may be the way to go, but I'll probably need to deal with water intrusion. What about using a seperating waterproof zipper?

Here's the first combine configuration. Also shown are triangular doors added to each end of the individual tarps. These could be mesh, solid, or combination of both.
http://fpis4g.blu.livefilestore.com/...311.jpg?psid=1

The combined tarps now have an approx short diag of 127" and long diag of 178".


Here is an offset pup style ground setup.
http://fpis4g.blu.livefilestore.com/...312.jpg?psid=1

Here's what the combined tarps provide if one is hung in the typical asym tarp pitch. The second tarp provides additional wind & rain protection.
http://fpis4g.blu.livefilestore.com/...317.jpg?psid=1
http://fpis4g.blu.livefilestore.com/...318.jpg?psid=1
http://fpis4g.blu.livefilestore.com/...320.jpg?psid=1

Two tarp, single pole ground setup. This is the same as the previous, but the exposed end has been dropped to the ground .
http://fpis4g.blu.livefilestore.com/...313.jpg?psid=1
http://fpis4g.blu.livefilestore.com/...314.jpg?psid=1

Single tarp, ground setup. Door provides some additional protection.
http://fpis4g.blu.livefilestore.com/...315.jpg?psid=1

Single tarp, pup style ground setup w/ doors.
http://fpis4g.blu.livefilestore.com/...316.jpg?psid=1

Here's another mod to the single tarp that add's two triangular pieces and allows for an enclosed ground pitch or a closed off end for a hanging tarp.
http://fpis4g.blu.livefilestore.com/...%5D.jpg?psid=1
http://fpis4g.blu.livefilestore.com/...%5D.jpg?psid=1
http://fpis4g.blu.livefilestore.com/...%5D.jpg?psid=1