An open letter to tarps

[WV]

Gresh,
I didn't want to have to do this, but after reading through all the sound (and conflicting ) advice in this thread, I feel that you should be pointed to The Cubenist Manifesto. It's a lengthy read, but what you need is there. Good luck.

[ibgary]

I made one last month. It took a while to get up the nerve. I bought 30$ with of rip stop last yr. I had no experience with making seams or anything like this. It turned out ok. Probably took about 6 hours.
I think the next one will take about half as long and turn out better. I also bought a Kelty Noahs tarp 12x12. Ordered it from Rei about 50$.
30$ do it your self or 50$ and better quality. I think ill make another. I won't say it was fun, but ill still make another, know what I mean?

[spaceweaseal]

I'm right there with you Gresh. I am looking at picking up a WB Superfly and I have to figure out what I am going to have to live without for a while so I can afford to drop the cash on it.

Everyone says save up and spend the money on quality gear and forget the cheap stuff, but this economy sucks and it is extremely hard to make enough money to have a couple hundred extra a month to play with. Especially since I have to save for a wedding, as well.

Do a gift registration for your wedding at Warbonnet.
Just tell the Bride To Be that you are doing it as a joke and you are just sending it out to your friends but send it to everyone. Remember to make a note that you want two of everything...

[fishbait]

And what of the circumstance where you simply can't afford to make the investment in a reusable hotel room?

Do what I did. Buy a used tarp from a forum member. I had an 9'4"x 7'6" HarborFreight Tarp. It did the job very well, but I just cant see carrying it on long hikes. I'm probably the cheapest person I know, but I have realized that you will need to spend a bit of money to get lighter quality gear.

[SilvrSurfr]

Gresh,
I didn't want to have to do this, but after reading through all the sound (and conflicting ) advice in this thread, I feel that you should be pointed to The Cubenist Manifesto. It's a lengthy read, but what you need is there. Good luck.

That's pretty funny - I think I read that post when I first joined the forum and did not detect or understand the humor. In fact, I'd say it just served to confuse me!

[fishbait]

Just an FYI, there is an 8x10 Gray Sil Tarp for sale in the For Sale thread with a price drop

[Gresh]

I saw that, but I already spent up my pennies for this month. Gonna have to let it pass. Next month, the wife gives me more allowance!

[CatSplat]

TIL Shug is the Stig.

Ha! Good eye!

[Yellow Lab]

you will be better off with 8x10
most hammock are longer than 8 feet
for the price it's a better option than a blue walmart of harbor freight tarp IMO

+1 on this. $4 more and you'll really appreciate have the extra length especially if it starts to rain.

[Stumblefoot]

For a TQ, I'm using (or will be using) a sleeping bag that I already have. I don't imagine it gets THAT cold here in South Carolina.

From your last sentence, I take it that you are not from South Carolina. The record low was -11 degrees F at Caesars Head in 1985. Most counties in SC have hit zero but it is more common to be in the 20's at night during the winter. It's nothing like the weather that Shug experiences but it can feel pretty cold in a hammock if you don't have the proper equipment (TQ & UQ).

Being in Irmo, you are in one of the warmest areas of the state, particularly in the summer. I know that for certain since my mother lives just outside of Irmo.

I use a 20 degree down bag as a TQ. It works fine for me.