Tarp Snake Skins

**Thunder Adventure Co** · 09-06-2014, 14:09

I'm going to make up snake skins out of bug netting this weekend and just wanted to see what your experiences are which each design are.
From what I've seen, most people seem to use the two halves. I think this looks nice and symmetrical when the tarp is deployed.
But does the tarp ever fall out in the middle when it's wrapped up?

Is one easier to use than the other?
Does one stay packed better than the other?
Is there anything I'm missing?
A full length is probably easier to make but if two halves is better overall, easier to make doesn't weigh on my consideration.

I appreciate your input.

**Weta** · 09-06-2014, 15:04

I prefer two separate skins as they can be drawn in the middle and left over tie outs can be tucked in the middle. I haven't tried a single skin but I'll imagine there's nothing wrong with doing it that way. You could try a single and modify it later after field testing it.

**boulderv7** · 09-06-2014, 15:36

I have used both. They both work fine. I lean toward one long one so I can push the air out of the tarp as I go. Sometime with two I'll get a little bubble of air trapped in the middle of the tarp that takes a second to work out. No big deal though. YMMV.

**Country Roads** · 09-06-2014, 18:46

I use both. The 2 piece one makes it easier to deploy the tarp in the wind or put it away in the wind, because you can pull off one end and loosely stake that end of the tarp, then do the other end, or put the tarp away the same way.
The one piece (homemade) was easier for me to make, it is very simple and faster to deploy tarp with (about 1 or 2 seconds).
I like both ways pretty much equally.

**shaq67225** · 09-06-2014, 20:30

I prefer the only long piece because it is just easier to deploy. Instead of having to remove one half, then go to the other side, you can just do it all at once

**Thunder Adventure Co** · 09-06-2014, 20:33

Thanks for sharing your experiences!
I guess what I'll do is make a full length one piece and if after testing it feel a two piece might be worth trying, I'll cut it in half or make another one and give that a shot.

**Floridahanger** · 09-06-2014, 21:01

With the 2 skins, you can set up tarp on the foot end and leave the head end in the shorter skin. Nice to do on clear night. If any bad weather rolls in, it's easy to deploy head end.

But to have the open sky option is very nice, indeed.

**Gravity** · 09-06-2014, 21:06

None... I use 5-6 elastic hair bands... found that with sleeves/skins the tarp doesn't pack as well. See:
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...3&d=1399428152

**mudsocks** · 09-06-2014, 23:23

Originally Posted by Gravity

None... I use 5-6 elastic hair bands... found that with sleeves/skins the tarp doesn't pack as well. See:
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...3&d=1399428152

Intrigued.

**Hotlips** · 09-07-2014, 00:07

I have a sleeve and I prefer it. It keeps the tarp clean and dry if I have to lay it down for any reason. Also I can roll it all up and get air out. Kingsford has snake skins, he likes those as well. Mine of course is in a nice bright color.