Tent Rainfly as Hammock Tarp?

**natekirkum** · 05-18-2016, 09:54

I have been searching for a thread on this but have come up short..

Has anyone used a tent rainfly as a hammock tarp/rainfly? I have an old tent sitting in the basement with a decent rainfly and before I dig it out to test I was wondering if anyone has done this before?

I'm trying to be as cost efficient as possible with my setup as I am a broke college student, but if this doesn't seem like the best idea I'd love to hear your opinions on it!

**SilvrSurfr** · 05-18-2016, 09:59

I tried using a tent rainfly, twice to be exact. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. The rainfly was sewn, and used to being stretched in a certain configuration over the poles, and when I tried to use it as a tarp, water collected in various depressions and began leaking (and the rainfly never leaked when used with the tent poles).

**paulg0311** · 05-18-2016, 10:00

I used to use an old eureka rain fly as cover for my jeep when I had the top off in iffy weather. I know that doesn't help though

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Speedogomer** · 05-18-2016, 12:39

This month's issue of Backpacker magazine has an article where a new hammock user attempted to use a tent rain fly, and it was a disaster.

I'd say no, it probably won't work.

If you are on a budget, watch woot.Com for Yukon outfitters sales. They have a tarp for $17 when it goes on sale. I have one and its not bad at all, especially for $17 (+$5 shipping).

Another option is to just get a cheap Walmart tarp and use. They aren't expensive, and Walmart even has camo ones if that's your style.

**Kallorne** · 05-18-2016, 12:51

If you're really on a budget a 3mm or 4mm painters drop cloth and some duct tape for tie outs makes a useable tarp for about $5, just don't expect it to last much more than a season of careful use. Tried a convert tent fly when I was getting back into backpacking several years ago...it didn't go well. Most flys are sculpted to the shape of the tent, usually dome ish. So if you string it with a flat, straight ridgeline you end up with lots of floppy fabric and it tears easily (in my case) without the supports it was designed for.

**Ratdog** · 05-18-2016, 12:52

I've used an old tent footprint as a rainfly and it worked well. Nothing special, just a rectangle of PU coated ripstop that I picked up for $13 from Kelty on closeout.

Sent from my XT1049 using Tapatalk

**natekirkum** · 05-18-2016, 12:55

Thanks for the reply from all of you. I had asked today because of the Yukon Outfitters amazon sale today that has the tarp for $25 and since I have prime free shipping. Might pick one up and still get out the tent rainfly to test since curiosity has taken over at this point.

**Speedogomer** · 05-18-2016, 13:03

The Yukon tarp is $22 with shipping when it's at woot. I'd say $25 is worth it. It's a good tarp, although it's a little small for severe weather. I like mine

**tangara** · 05-19-2016, 06:12

Originally Posted by Ratdog

I've used an old tent footprint as a rainfly and it worked well. Nothing special, just a rectangle of PU coated ripstop that I picked up for $13 from Kelty on closeout.

Sent from my XT1049 using Tapatalk

Me too, on the footprint. $10 LLBean King Dome 6 man tent turned out to be a perfect size and has plenty of edge tie-outs to make doors on the ends. Shop the end of season sales if you have a gear supplier near you. I've been using this one for about 6 years now.