Warbonnet Edge tarps

[michaellyons]

Is it cheaper to buy or to make one

Short answer:
Depends on whether you think your time is worth anything.

Longer answer:
If you just want to make your own gear as a hobby, it can be a lot of fun.
You can usually find the materials pretty reasonably priced, but your labor and quality control 'education' could mean you'll end up effectively paying yourself 25 cents an hour for your time.
Guys like Brandon tend to charge a very reasonable amount for their time and effort...which is why you'll probably never hear them talk about their new Ferrari's.
(And since I generally make more that 25 cents an hour, and don't have the time to sew, I'll gladly pay him for his experience and expertise.)

[Atlas918]

Short answer:
Depends on whether you think your time is worth anything.

Longer answer:
If you just want to make your own gear as a hobby, it can be a lot of fun.
You can usually find the materials pretty reasonably priced, but your labor and quality control 'education' could mean you'll end up effectively paying yourself 25 cents an hour for your time.
Guys like Brandon tend to charge a very reasonable amount for their time and effort...which is why you'll probably never hear them talk about their new Ferrari's.
(And since I generally make more that 25 cents an hour, and don't have the time to sew, I'll gladly pay him for his experience and expertise.)

Also depends on how your sewing skills are. If you have to go through a lot of trial and errors it can be costly. I always err on the fact that my time is INCREDIBLY valuable, and just buy rather than make.

[Ccourtney]

I have the Edge with the Blackbird and stayed dry in 3 rainy nights on the AT recently. No worries. Just make sure you do not hang the tarp too high above your hammock