How many people use a rectangle tarp vs a tarp cut for your hammock?

[DiverDn]

What I am trying to decide is if my Cooke Tundra Tarp will work well enough for my soon to be here Blackbird or if I should buy a tarp cut specifically for a hammock like the OES or tarp with the seem on a diagonal.

So how many people use a tarp that was not designed for hammock use versus a tarp that was designed for hammock use?

[Walking Dead]

Equinox 9x9 over a Skeeter Beeter Pro. I use it diagonally.

[Frawg]

I use a small (5x10) DIY rectangular tarp with a DIY hammock. Also have a couple 5x12s and a 10x12, all DIY. After I finish tweaking my bug net setup, this is my next area to experiment. If DIYing weren't so much dang fun I'd probably just buy a MacCat.

[Ramblinrev]

tarps are tarps as far as I know. By that I mean that any tarp which provides the coverage you want at the weight you care about and the price you want to pay will do the job. Where things like the cat cuts enter the picture is fine tuning performance and stretching tighter. People use the blue or brown poly tarps from the big box stores if that's what they can afford or are willing to use. Tarps designed with hammocks in mind have features that hammockers value, but generally speaking won't keep you drier simply because they were designed by a hammocker. That said... In my opinion go with the best tarp you can afford because weight and construction issues do matter.

[Cannibal]

As long as it can be pitched tight and it is long enough, it doesn't really matter. I've seen more than my fair share of blue hardware store tarps covering groundlings and hangers alike. They ain't prudy, but if it keeps you dry it's good enough!

[shrek]

As long as it can be pitched tight and it is long enough, it doesn't really matter. I've seen more than my fair share of blue hardware store tarps covering groundlings and hangers alike. They ain't prudy, but if it keeps you dry it's good enough!

Yep! I have half a dozen Wally World tarps that I have used, plus I have an ENO DryFly, Claytor Diamond Fly, and the SWT. I use whichever is most appropriate to the situation.

[Ramblinrev]

Even pitching tight is somewhat negotiable if need be. A tight pitch is quieter and will stand up better in high wind situations. But really in a normal light rain fall the tighter pitch is no assurance of staying driey. In extreme conditions or heavy snow fall then you are talking a different set of circumstances. But even then, you can compensate with a poncho or other gear if you need to.

[DiverDn]

Thanks for the feedback.

When you pitch a rectangle tarp diagonally, has anyone had any problem with pulling the seams apart when pulling it tight?

I'm worried about putting too much stress on it and pulling it apart.

[Ramblinrev]

Thanks for the feedback.

When you pitch a rectangle tarp diagonally, has anyone had any problem with pulling the seams apart when pulling it tight?

I'm worried about putting too much stress on it and pulling it apart.

Unless you have a really poorly made tarp the full length seams should be the least of your worries. That _should_ be a flat felled seam where the fabric is folded over itself in a locking style pattern. It is one of the strongest seams that can be sewn and is used extensively for tarps and other high stress applications. That does not mean the seam will never fail. Threads can rot and break or be damaged by UV light exposure but such situation should be very rare.I would say the edges and any grommet attachments points are at much greater risk of being damaged. In my experience a flat felled seam is one of the most difficult to tear apart if you make a mistake sewing it up. Pull away.

[Brian]

I agree with RR - as long as you keep half an eye on the tieouts, you should be fine. While you're putting a bit of an odd stress on the seam, it should be more than adequate to hold.