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so i finally broke down and puchased a lightweight tarp. (was using a camo 8 x 10 poly tarp.$12 ) now ive just arrived home with the GTFF at about $80. anyone know a good way to pitch this thing? for example with doors... which side goes up? and other general tarp tips or tricks specific to this tarp or ones similar would be much appreciated.. thanx
Aaron "soul" Hastings aka "multipass"
Best advice I know to give is to go out and set it up in the yard. A lot. Learn what works best and the best way to rig things. Sounds corny I know, but is a great way to learn your kit and how to work with it.
the standard diamond is the only way ive seen or heard. cant pitch it tonite i have no trees. but its not straight sided. not sure if pitched turned 90deg (aframe with doors style) would prove enough coverage for the skeeter beeter or not. just wondering if anyone knows this style of tarp and what its capable of?
The Funky Forest Tarp is HUGE! It can handle all kinds of configurations. I found that my typical hangs weren't accommodating the full "diamond" of the tarp, so I got creative early on. Here are some photos of some winter styles with 360° protection.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...rest-tarp1.jpg
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...rest-tarp2.jpg
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...rest-tarp3.jpg
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...rest-tarp4.jpg
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...rest-tarp5.jpg
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...rest-tarp6.jpg
wow.. ask and you shall recieve. that is very cool thank you. cant wait to try that. i might need a video or an assistant to decipher those tieouts tho. just wow...
ps... which side goes on top?
I own two of these tarps. The diamond is the only viable way I know to hang it, which results in a 16-ft. ridgeline.
I am very happy with these tarps (especially since I paid $25 per tarp on sale last year), but they are by no means lightweight at somewhere around 24 ounces, as I recall.
In addition to the weight, the downside of this tarp is the size. It acts like a giant windsail in high winds. In wind-blown rain, you're kinda screwed if you hang it in a diamond. Here's a post and video of how I hang the tarp in inclement/winter weather.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...t=funky+forest
For winter, I had to make Tyvek Grizz Beaks to cover the ends. They worked great and I slept down to 15 degrees with them.
24 ounces doesnt bother me if its a large winter capable tarp. as shown in those previous pics. it also compresses way beyond its stuff sack size. more than 60% so im pretty happy with the packked size and weight. tho i have no idea other than that. it has yet to fly :/
Wow, dejoha. Creative (though complicated) ways to hang the Funky Forest Tarp. Question: where the hell are the external loops on the ridgeline? Are you hanging it outside in or something?Quote:
Originally Posted by dejoha
It really wasn't that complicated. I'm working on a blog series to show "creative" ways to pitch "common" tarps like the Funky Forest Tarp. Tarps like the Guide Gear 12x12, the Kelty Noah, an other "square"-ish tarps with multiple tie-outs are ripe for pitching innovation.
> http://bit.ly/Xk1V14
Instead of using the default ridgeline, take off from one of the other 12 perimeter tie-outs and have at it!
To answer your question, the tarp is not inside-out. If you look carefully, I've just gone down to the next set of side tie-outs, The original ridgeline is folded back, creating the "doors."
I'll see about making a video. It really isn't that hard or complicated. If you tak the standard diamond pitch, then move the tarp over and use the next set of perimeter tie-outs as the new ridgeline. This makes the tarp off-center, but if you are deliberate about pitching the longer side windward, you can stake it right to the ground (folding a triangle of fabric under the tarp). The other side has the interesting tie-outs.Quote:
Originally Posted by soulsurvivor
The original beaks/ridgeline fold in toward the center creating the "doors." I eliminated needing extra guyline by linking both doors together and pitching the "open" side with only two stakes.
Dejoha, I can't quite see in the pics which tie-outs you are using for the ridgeline. By using those other tie-outs, don't you go from a really long ridgeline (14-15 ft.) to really short (8-9 ft.)?
These are the measurements I came up with when playing with it last year.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/p...ictureid=16768
yes im baffled as well. as i have a 10' + hammock. would love this video. titled "tarp origami!" lol
I took a look at my hammock (BIAS Weight Weenie Micro), which is 11 ft. If we assume the hammock ridgeline is going to be 83% of the hammock length, then I should have a ridgeline of 109.5 inches. I also have to factor in the continuous loops run through the channels, 'cause I don't want them exposed to the weather. They add about 4.5 inches to each end. So my total hammock ridgeline length is 118.5 inches, which means I need about 10 ft to cover my tarp.
In my drawing, that means the only configurations I could use to give me adequate coverage would be the 11.5 ft or the 14 ft. option. Using any other tie-outs would be too short, either 8 or 9 ft.
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/p...ictureid=16769
I took the tarp out in the yard to reaffirm my measurements, and they are correct. Dejoha's blog lists the ridgeline as 15 ft., but I don't believe that is correct. The Pythagorean theorem tells me that the diagonal of a 10x10 square is 14.1, unless Grand Trunk has redesigned the Funky Forest since I bought mine last year. The website doesn't indicate any change in design.
So in conclusion, I think there are only two configurations that you can use for an 11 ft. hammock, or in your case, a 10.5 ft. hammock: we're stuck with the 14 ft. ridgeline tie-outs, or the 11.5 (but that one is kind of useless, in my opinion).
Now, if it were a shorter hammock like the ENO Pro (86 inches) or DoubleNest (101 in.), then other configurations would provide coverage, assuming they are using ridgelines that are 83% of the hammock length. If you want an additional six inches of coverage on each end, then your maximum hammock ridgeline for the 8 ft. tie-outs would be 7 ft., or 8ft. maximum hammock ridgeline if you are using the 9 ft. tie-outs.
So you either need a shorter hammock to use dejoha's suggested winter configuration, or you might want to think about Grizz Beaks. They work like a charm!
SoulSurvivor:Quote:
Originally Posted by soulsurvivor
I was even gonna make you a video till I realized it was mathematically impossible to use dejoha's winter/wind configuration with a 10.5 or 11 ft. hammock. Sorry about that.
Math is not my strong suit so I'm perfectly willing to be proven wrong, but I just can't see it working for longer hammocks.
Wow dejoha that is great! I have two of these tarps that I got on a fabulous sale and found them not adequate for winter use and blowing snow....I'm going to have to revisit that after seeing your pictures. I had always wondered about moving it off center, but never took the time to try it out. Just excellent!
SilvrSurfr,
I was scratching my head too, because your diagram and description differ dramatically from the tarp I have. I measured my tarp this morning before posting and it is, indeed, 15+ feet on the ridge line and 11 feet on the sides. When I get home, I'll do a more thorough measurement and illustration.
Also, my tarp doesn't have quite the dramatic cat-cut edges. Mine are much more square (not entirely, but much more than what you've drawn). Mine is a brand-new tarp so my guess is that I have a different model.
This is clear in my photos because you can see how easily the tarp folds into itself. Had my tarp had the dramatic cat-cuts on the edges, it wouldn't seal up.
More to come once I get home tonight!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr
I should have read the entire thread before posting my "excitement" in regards to the configurations :rolleyes:. I see where your coming from, this other configuration won't work for my longer hammock either.
For reference, the hammock pictured (in green with the underquilt) is the Woodsman X Single from UK Hammocks. As you can see, the modified tarp pitch adequately covers this hammock. I don't have the numbers in front of my so I can't quote the ridgeline length, so I'll check on that.
I don't remember exactly what hammock I used in the other photo, but I believe it is a DIY 5x10 ft hammock with bug net. A guess on the ridgeline length would be roughly 100 in (roughly 8+ ft).
Those are my rough estimates -- good enough for a political debate, but not entirely accurate. I'll get the facts to you when I get home. :)
But, all said, I did provide photos, so it really did happen ;)
I've got a few long hammocks, including the BIAS micro, so I'll see about setting this up for a demo. I'm skeptical, but I'll get some photos to see if it will work.Quote:
Originally Posted by DivaB
~derek
When I checked the website last nite, Grand Trunk had a pull-down menu with Funky Forest tarp, but it's now gone from what I can tell. Now there's an entry for All-Purpose Rainfly; same price, same dimensions, and there's even some leftover copy calling it the Funky Forest Tarp.Quote:
Originally Posted by dejoha
However, I do think they've changed the design because yours doesn't have the three exterior loops along the 14' (or 15') diagonal (which I use to hang the tarp under the ridgeline). And if your cat cuts aren't as radical as the ones DivaB and I own, then you probably get more coverage.
I am interested in seeing if i can pull this off from the 11.5 ` tieouts. I am sur this is prolly wht was meant by "the next set of tieouts" the shortside would be the fly and the longer backside would act as the wraparound doors. I am keeping a positive outlook because that was some pretty spiffy tarpwork. Indeed i think i have the 14ft version with cat cuts. But that wont stop me.. If i have to i will add grizzbeaks. Less you wanna trade for one of those 2 ya got....
I'm gonna try and play with it tomorrow, but using the 11.5' tie-out I don't see how you could shut off more than one end. That's good for blocking wind, but not necessarily good for winter. When I took my Grizz Beaks out last year in 15-degree weather, it was 26 degrees inside my tarp. The Grizz Beaks added a lot of warmth.Quote:
Originally Posted by soulsurvivor
well this has given me some good ideas on my own tarp thanks fore the info
i am 6'1". wonder if a 96" ridgeline would make me a banana? if its at all possible, i see potential to close both ends
The 83% rule has served me well. With your Skeeter Beeter Pro hammock you should be sporting a 104.5 inch ridgeline. Remember that decreasing the ridgeline length will also increase the height you'll have to hang your tarp off the ground. The shorter the ridgeline, the higher you have to have your hammock ridgeline off the ground.Quote:
Originally Posted by soulsurvivor
That's the problem you're gonna have with a 10 to 11 ft. hammock.
i dont actuall have a hammock ridgeline yet. would def have to add one for most of these configs. anyone got a good tip forinstalling one without wrecking the hammock??
Okay, video is coming in a few minutes (YouTube is processing). Hopefully this will give you a better idea of what my tarp looks like (new version).
The sides are 11 ft. The ridge line is 15 ft 1 in (181 in/460 cm). The distance between the first set of tie-outs parallel to the ridge line is 9 ft 3 in (111 in/282 cm)--just wide enough for most hammocks, but it can be tight for others.
For reference, the pipe stand in the photo is roughly 12 ft (3.6 m) wide.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...mond-pitch.jpg
Ridge lines are easy to install and don't impact a gathered end hammock at all, or shouldn't. At its most basic form, get a line and tie a loop on each end (figure-8 on a bight) so you have the distance set you want. Thread the suspension of your hammock through those loops on the ridge line and you're set.Quote:
Originally Posted by soulsurvivor
You can make adjustable ridge lines or more elaborate ones, but that's the basic idea.
skeeter beeter.... not quite that easy with integrated bugnet. forcing the paracord thru the end seems a bit daunting.. very tight and full perimeter sewed.. maybey a special pull type needle?
dude you really wrote that book...? isnt that like the hammocking bible..? wow. that explains the tarpwork... very cool and look forward to meeting you at a hang sometime... get me an autographed copy ya kno...
You could poke a hole and go inside the bug net using the same ridge line, or go over the bug net. I have a Skeeter Beeter too and I don't see the bug net to be a problem. If it were me, I'd just throw the ridge line over the bug net.Quote:
Originally Posted by soulsurvivor
Yeah, that's me! I'm going to do a short series on tarp work (different origami designs, etc.) to manipulate different tarps. It'll be on my blog: http://theultimatehang.com.Quote:
Originally Posted by soulsurvivor
It would be great to meet at a group hang some time. I'll keep my eyes open for the next one.
i would prefer it to work both with the hammock bug net up and with the whole hammock fllipped over. as i use it quite a bit sans net in the fall and winter. when i do use it i like it high and pulled out. very roomy. i know i prolly cant have both.. so i think ide like one inside the netting. straight thru the meat of real fabric if possible. i can always use the caribiners to quick tie a ridgeline when flipped..
will be at the bell mt wilderness hang in potosi missouri with a fine group nov 17-19. first ozark hike for me. got a crazy idea for a dvd series..
Thanks bunches dejoha for going the extra mile to take the pictures and re look at things. I do appreciate that. The other configurations won't work for any of my hammocks, but I appreciate it non the less. I haven't had mine back out since February. Which I did use in falling and blowing snow, but I hung on the normal long ridgeline and put up $1 light weight shower liners as doors :rolleyes: ....hey, it worked, and it worked on two separate Funky Tarp set-ups :D
And here's a video of dejoha's configuration in the snow.Quote:
Originally Posted by dejoha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3I084DVRlA
Why poke a hole for a ridgeline? Place a nickel outside, wrap a adjustable end line around it, same on the otherside, keep lose until you climb in adjust as needed.