loofah as snake skin?

[gbolt]

I used it for an Edge Tarp for a year and it lasted but very fragile with any Dutch bling to catch on. I switched to 5 hair ties and used that for the next year or so and liked it better. Have a video on my You Tube Channel if interested. However, actual skins or Sleeves works better on larger tarps. I didn’t go cheap on my Palace Tarp and have ended up buying both CF and now mesh Sleeves. I like Hammock Gear because it is one piece (i.e. Sleeve) that slides easily and has a tunnel larger opening on one end that is works great while the other end is tapered.

[stickbow]

Chiming in that they are too fragile - I used one as a fishing rod (with reel attached) 'skin". I was very careful putting it on, had help, but it tore pretty much immediately. I think 20 minutes with a sewing machine and fabric from the dollar bin at a JoAnns/Hancocks/Wally World would end up being longer lasting and probably not significantly heavier - even if you used the 'mesh' (called toulle, I think) used for bride's maids dresses. (it's not tough, but doesn't tear nearly as easily).

[Rolloff]

They are cheap and work great until you can afford or make a proper set.

Mine are solid Silnylon with a 3in tube diameter and cost $7. Can't get my hand in the end, but once the Toxaway is swallowed up, that tarp packs into a small coil. Saves a lot of space, harder to catch a snag, and I don't really think a wet tarp dries out that much once it's swallowed up, whether the material be mesh or not.

[hang-loose]

Is there a tutorial for DIY skins?

[HikerBro]

Is there a tutorial for DIY skins?

For the loofahs? I just cut the string that holds it together and stretched the tube out. I slid the mesh tube over my arm like a sleeve, grabbed one end of the tarp ridge line and slid the mesh tube over. Did the same thing on the other end. At that point, I hung the tarp to make it easier to work on. I used 1/16 shock cord, rolled one end of a tube back on itself to double it up a couple of inches and laced the cord in and out through the mesh (almost like sewing) until I went around the whole circumference. Secured the cords with a square knot. Did that to all four ends. The ends where the ridge line comes out I tie a little tighter; the ends that slide, a little looser. I overlap the two ends in the middle when in use. This was all done by guess and by golly. Have a go at it and have fun.

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[Mr. Doublefister]

The loofa works for me. For $1, I just replace it when it gets torn up but it usually lasts at least a couple hundred miles.

[Smb82]

+1 on the elastic hair ties, used these all year with kelty noah 12' with no problems and quick deployment/packing. Not dissing skins by any means, they just havent been a priority for me as far as fundz for gear goes.

[KiwiMark]

I looked at a stuffed loofah (shower puff) and was dubious. I ordered one of these http://www.outdoortrailgear.com/cott...orage-sleeves/ and it seems to me that they are so much better and will last so much longer that at only $25 they are a bargain and so totally worth getting. I'm thinking about buying a 12ft tarp and if I do I'll buy another set of snake skins from mountain goat gear with no hesitation.

[Bolting Carcass]

I saw the idea for loofah just the other day. I haven't tried it with a tarp but I did stick on one my daughters hammock yo keep it from billowing in the wind. Didn't trim it or anything yet. But yes, super fragile, especially laterally and with snags.

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[Bolting Carcass]

I saw the idea for loofah just the other day. I haven't tried it with a tarp but I did stick on one my daughters hammock to keep it from billowing in the wind. Didn't trim it or anything yet. But yes, super fragile, especially laterally and with snags.

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