Clueless to Rain Cover

[hammockhound502]

I am very new to hammock camping and am still getting my gear together. I am using an ENO single hammock and need a good rainfly setup. I want a lightweight option and am willing to create it myself. I tried using a polypropylene ground tarp with grommets but the grommets ripped out first use. What is a good lightweight, affordable material that I can convert into a rainfly. I live and camp mostly in KY where the weather is cold and snowing one day and hot the next (I figure that might help in the decision). As long as it keeps me dry and is as light as possible than it should be good. Thanks in advance for the responses I know there is a lot of knowledgeable people on this forum!!

[dragon360]

Are we looking for light as possible, waterproof and cheap? Because the first two would most likely be easily solved with a Cuben fiber tarp (something you could look into doing yourself).

And you are correct about the grommets - experience has told me that they simply don't last.

[MAD777]

Silnylon is your answer for affordable and lightweight. There are cheaper options out there but they add significantly more weight. Cuben is lighter than silnylon but tremendously more expensive, so the happy medium for both weight and price would be silnylon and it's very available. Plus, you can work on it yourself.

[FLRider]

What MAD777 said. The cheapest option I personally know of is DIY Gear Supply's 30d sil 2nds. And their customer service is excellent.

Hope it helps!

[hammockhound502]

where would I find these materials? Are they easily accessible at fabric stores, home depot, etc, or do I need to order them online?

[gunner76]

While it is not the lightest, you might consider getting a Gear Guide Tarp to get you going, low price, good basic tarp while just a little on the heavy side. I just did a review of the camo version and it is massive. Cost just little over $30.

When you can afford one down the road, a Cuben tarp is very lightweight.