Buying a tarp vs. DIY tarp

**FLRider** · 01-07-2013, 14:40

For me, the best compromise between weight, coverage, durability, and cost was to use the DIY Gear Supply 30d Sil (found on this page). I wanted a specific color for my tarp that wasn't offered in the 2nds (also on the same page, and approximately 50% the cost), or I would have gone with those.

Wonderful material to work with, as long as you know how to sew. You may want to increase the presser foot pressure, though, if your machine has that capability; the sil can be difficult to feed through on lower pressure settings since it's very slippery. Pins are definitely your friend.

**SleepingBeauty** · 01-07-2013, 14:42

Originally Posted by Klaussinator

Interesting timing . . .
Here's my latest project: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=65828

-Klauss

Looks good. Thanks for sharing.

**Caveman** · 01-07-2013, 14:48

I feel the cottage vendors are very reasonable on what they charge for their top quality work. If I were going to try and make a lot of tarps, I might go the DIY route, but for the money I would spend on materials (and the fact that I would have to make 3 or 4 before I made one that would work

) it was cheaper for me to buy one.

Plus, with the Chinook and Kelty tarps as cheap as they are, it's going to be hard to beat that.

**SleepingBeauty** · 01-07-2013, 20:25

Thanks yall

**ibgary** · 01-07-2013, 21:07

Diy is definitely cheaper, but probably not better. I made a 10x10 for about 30$. It also got me started with the sewing machine, which lead to buying more nylon and some insultex so I could make and underquilt, which lead to a new sewing machine, which I needed more insulation and nylon for so I could use the new machine to make a top quilt. What was the question?

**SleepingBeauty** · 01-07-2013, 21:21

Originally Posted by ibgary

Diy is definitely cheaper, but probably not better. I made a 10x10 for about 30$. It also got me started with the sewing machine, which lead to buying more nylon and some insultex so I could make and underquilt, which lead to a new sewing machine, which I needed more insulation and nylon for so I could use the new machine to make a top quilt. What was the question?

That sounds like something I would do.

**Caveman** · 01-08-2013, 09:53

That doesn't sound cheaper

(I would end up doing the same thing....Spending $800 on $120 tarp)

Originally Posted by ibgary

Diy is definitely cheaper, but probably not better. I made a 10x10 for about 30$. It also got me started with the sewing machine, which lead to buying more nylon and some insultex so I could make and underquilt, which lead to a new sewing machine, which I needed more insulation and nylon for so I could use the new machine to make a top quilt. What was the question?

**turnerminator** · 01-08-2013, 11:54

I found PU coated ripstop to be good value, nice to work with and lightweight, I've made 3 from it now.

Total cost for the material was about $40 for my main user 3.3m x 3m with doors. 1.3 oz finished fabric weight.

Its much better than any tarp I could buy because I made it

Very satisfying to make and use kit that works well.

**PDA** · 01-08-2013, 15:08

Here is a no sew, really cheap, hammock tarp.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgCUc_aUnb0
lighter and less bulky than a Walmart blue tarp, and you have the proud feeling of having made it yourself. Probably the very best plastic to use is Polycryo - the stuff used for winterizing windows. Get it at home Depot or the like.

**georgemaung** · 01-08-2013, 16:48

Another DIYer.

Caveman is right. I made four or five tarps before making one that I like. DIY may not be cheap but it give you something to do during the cold winter months.

If you can get a use tarp on the forum, it might be worth it.