Has anyone ever tried a tarp that has one of the long halves being wider? In bad weather, pitch the larger end down low and on the windward side. In standard rainy weather, the larger side would make a better porch side and give you some more dry ground.
Simply Light Designs used to sell a tarp that was called the Bikers Bliss or Hikers Haven. One side was a little longer to create a garage space for a bike or motorcycle. It's was a pretty cool design and I'm sure you could get Jared to make you one.
Last edited by michigandave; 07-27-2019 at 16:23.
I guess it depends on where you live. Here on the Atlantic coast, the "windward" side will remain windward for approximately five minutes before shifting in the opposite direction.
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." Ralph Waldo Emerson
I've thought about making a tarp with standard 60" fabric for one length and XL (70"+) fabric for other side. Porch mode would be luxurious. Plenty of room for a little table for my beverage of choice - tea. I like building tarps and creating different features on each one. Would love to know if others have used a tarp like that.
Like this?
It's not quite the same thing, but JRB has their 11 x 10 flat tarp with multiple tie-out points which allow it to be used as you describe. I believe picture number two on the product page shows it being used like that: https://www.jacksrbetter.com/product/jrb-11-x-10-tarp/
I have this tarp, used primarily for my wife with her Ridgerunner. I think we've tried a similar pitch once just to see how it looked and I can see where it would be handy in a steady wind, but we don't have any real experience with it under field conditions. Mostly we've used it with the tie-outs in the center for an even pitch on both sides.
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This is MY TARP, based off the Whelen Lean-to, all "doors" can be folded in so it's just a rectangle and it can be pitched on the centerline or off-center in lean-to mode. When pitched long side to windward as you suggest it make a huge difference in comfort, you could burn a candle in there during a gale.
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I would consider simply adding off-center D-rings to your largest tarp and evaluating how that works. Tarps are fantastic for their inherent versatility. Once you start designing for a specific set-up you are limiting that versatility and perhaps diminishing the utility we take for granted.
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No, at first I was thinking of something similar to what Carmen suggested in the quote below. Then I did think of those tarps with alternative ridgelines like in your pic, but I’m initially skeptical on how well that technique works (a non-reinforced ridgeline, is what I’ll call it here). Are there any trade offs such as the primary ridgeline that is now offset is more prone to leak or a less taught pitch when not using the primary ridgeline?Originally Posted by BillyBob58
Like this?
Perhaps a hybrid of these ideas could also be an option. A tarp with a long half that also has an alternative ridgeline option for when you want a symmetrical pitch. Basically it would just shift the primary mode to asym instead.
On another note, I thought of another useful feature for us stealth campers. Many times stealth camping is on a slope. A longer half would be perfect for adding back the typically lost coverage on the downslope side.
The idea intrigues me enough. So I’ll be asking Jared to make me one soon once I decide on the dimensions. I figure I’ll make the long side at least 60”. The rest is still up in the air for me right now.
Last edited by HandyRandy; 07-28-2019 at 19:48.
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