Walmart Tarp

**carsona246** · 05-11-2012, 22:50

So I'm going on my first hammocking trip, and I'm going as cheaply as I can. I'm just now graduating with no job, and thought now would be a good time to take a 3 day trip backpacking while waiting to hear back from some jobs I applied for. So I essentially have no budget for this trip, other than the $20 I spent on my hammock. I keep reading about sewing tie off's for walmart tarps, because the grommet's will fail. If I'm most likely only going to be using this tarp on this one trip, how necessary is it for me to sew a tie off? I'm terrible at diy, and would prefer to avoid sewing a tarp.

**Clinton** · 05-11-2012, 22:56

I used the side off a sun canopy w tieoffs and used tent dealer.

**Clinton** · 05-11-2012, 22:57

And another photo setup.

**carsona246** · 05-11-2012, 23:11

that sounds like a pretty nice idea, if I can't find a walmart tarp for like $5 I may have to borrow that idea if it's not too pricey

**Clinton** · 05-12-2012, 01:41

I can't remember if its 15@ or @30. A quick look on their site probably has them. WLmart also carries the y tent steaks think it was cheap too so pick up 2 sets.

**Bubba** · 05-12-2012, 05:06

If you want to go cheap just use the grommets. They will hold for now. Worse comes to worst and one breaks, just use a small stone on the inside of the tarp and tie your guyline around the stone on the outside of the tarp. It isn't pretty but it will work in a pinch and best of all, no money spent.

**Camobob** · 05-12-2012, 07:10

Before you get out there you should know that tarp is not 12x12 it it more like 6x12, because the canopy is only like 8 foot tall in the center. bought one and took it back after I only had 3ft side walls

**zukiguy** · 05-12-2012, 07:24

If you just want cheap poly tarp then hit Harbor Freight. They have a pretty wide assortment of colors and sizes to choose from. They're almost always on "sale" of some kind, you just need to find a coupon in the flyer or online.

**lattie11581** · 05-12-2012, 07:26

I've used blue tarps on several occasions without fail. Even in strong t-storms. Try to use all of the grommets and put a ridgeline under the tarp to spread out the force of heavy winds.

**Ramblinrev** · 05-12-2012, 09:11

Grommets on a blue/brown poly tarp are not as big a problem as on a lighter weight tarp. While I would not trust the grommets long term, for a three day trip... shouldn't be a problem. The poly tarps are heavy and noisy but they certainly do the trick.