tyvek tarp help

**mtn scout** · 03-16-2011, 21:02

just got a 12x20 piece of tyvek. whats the would be a good tarp for a newbie to attempt his first go at?? i am thinking hex but i have no clue where to start.

**ltruelove** · 03-16-2011, 21:24

I made one of my first tarps with tyvek. It was a simple rectangle. I folded the edges over about an inch and a quarter and put 2 inch tyvek tape on both sides. Then i used metal grommets along the edges for my tie outs. It worked well and i still have it. Considering the fact that i am a contractor and the materials were basically free, it was a great first tarp.

**dandeman** · 03-16-2011, 21:40

id say make it a diamond config. especially since summer is comming, and rectangles have alot of unused coverage. I made a rectangle and a diamond one before getting a silnylon tarp, and they were great. just use tyvek tape instead of stitching wherever possible. i think that since tyvek is heavy comparatively, a diamond is the best option.
Thanks,
Dan

**PDA** · 03-16-2011, 23:18

Great choice for your first tarp. The suggestion above for a diamond is good. Hex is a good idea also. Cribbing the dimensions of the Hennessy hex tarp would be the obvious choice for you. Don't use grommets. The holes you punch weaken the structure. There are a number of no puncture tarp grip/tie downs available. I used this one

http://www.tarpaflex.com/acatalog/su...-grommets.html

These
http://shelter-systems.com/gripclips/

also look really good, but I haven't tried than myself.

Good luck with your project

**packeagle** · 03-17-2011, 01:10

Ill second no grommets. They pull through to easy. I learned the hard way. Pebble and string is how i would do it if i were to do it again.

**JohnSawyer** · 03-17-2011, 09:54

I've used pebble, or penny and string method.. works great.

**Trout** · 03-17-2011, 15:11

You can make an asym/diamond tarp without much problem. Also, it will be tighter than a straight hex. Make sure you wash it several times after making it - to cut the noise level down.

**PDA** · 03-17-2011, 15:32

Mtn Scout - are you sure it is 12 x 20? Housewrap is either 9 or 10 feet wide. From a 20 foot piece, you could easily get two tarps

**wirerat123** · 03-18-2011, 10:13

Originally Posted by PDA

Mtn Scout - are you sure it is 12 x 20? Housewrap is either 9 or 10 feet wide. From a 20 foot piece, you could easily get two tarps

That's what I was thinking, a 10x12 Hex, and a 9x9 diamond would cover two different camping needs. Or a tarp for the hammock and a tarp for cooking and relaxing under.

**rjcress** · 03-18-2011, 12:37

Just be careful what weather you take it out in. I've heard that Tyvek tears really easily when pulled (not a shear tear, but a ... not sure what to call it when the fibers delaminate and pull apart.
I would expect it to be fine as long as there aren't strong winds.
There is LOTS of anecdotal reports on tyvek tarps on this and other gear forums.