Sil Argon tarp problems

[OutandBack]

Hi Ratdog,
If you are designing a new semi permanent tarp for another winter retreat I would look into the PU coated materials although heavier they are much stronger and stretch less.
I'm just not sold on this sylargon yet for a tarp. This whole super stretch in one direction only has me scratching my head as to how to keep it tight.

[Mouseskowitz]

I think I actually like to profile provided by external poles over the internal poles myself.

I finally took everything down today. The tarp was up for 10 days, 7 or 8 of which were with the external poles. Here is a back lit picture of the side pull outs. You can see some small holes, but I'm pretty sure they are the same as before it was hung the first time.
2014-11-18 13.08.28.jpg

I think I'll just lean to deal with the stretch until I make something else, the weight also makes it easier to forgive. I don't think I have any desire to use it without pole mods, which I guess sort of throughs the weight savings out the window. After rain, snow and wind in the same week, I really don't have any major concerns about durability of the fabric.

[SirMarkos]

Durability was never my concern. The stretch is quite manageable IMHO but I'm thinking about trying out some silPoly.

[IRONFISH45]

Every time I think I finally have all the stretch out something new comes along and adds some more to it. I've now had it hanging continuously in the back yard for 8 day, I think I'll take it down tomorrow. Saturday night we got about 1.5" of light fluffy snow. This picture was from when I went to bed, I'm guessing we got about an inch after this. In the process of getting in my hammock all of this got knocked off. As you can see though, there is a bit of slack in all the panels. The rest of the snow we got actually self shed before I got up in the morning from the wind picking up a little. When I take it down I will take a good look and see how those side pull outs are holding up.
Attachment 97256

Wow, I had no idea the fabric would stretch that much, wow. I am glad I went with a somewhat short tarp. I wonder what mine will do under load?

The past few days, since the fire next door, I have been sleeping out, but using one of my commercially made tarps. I guess I am afraid of something happening to my diy gear, sleeping in my own back yard is just creepy on so many levels. A bit funny because I am very comfortable when on an adventure, not skittery at all, my own yard I get creepy feelings. Maybe I am afraid a opossum is going to bite my butt? or the rats from the church are going to get under my feet when I get up during the night? Urban Hanging is not for me, I guess.

[Ratdog]

Hi Ratdog,
If you are designing a new semi permanent tarp for another winter retreat I would look into the PU coated materials although heavier they are much stronger and stretch less.
I'm just not sold on this sylargon yet for a tarp. This whole super stretch in one direction only has me scratching my head as to how to keep it tight.

I think PU might be my best option for winter car camping just because I suspect there will be a little more abuse when using the winter tarp setup.

Durability was never my concern. The stretch is quite manageable IMHO but I'm thinking about trying out some silPoly.

Agreed, I'm not sweating the stretch for general use and you have got to love how small this stuff packs down. It's not CF, but it sure is nice and compact.