Pseudo-Cat Tarp Experiment

[Frawg]

... One idea I had was to use the 5x10, then add a 1' panel down each 10' side. Trim that panel into a cat-like shape and hem. Compared to a traditional cat tarp, you add the weight of one long seam but lose the weight of seam-sealing. And you can set the final width to be anywhere from 5'-7' based on how aggressively you cut the cat.

I thought I remembered seeing you mention that idea somewhere in the past; it's been in the back of my mind, and I think it's a great way to go. Depending on the sizing of the fabric remnants I have left I may give that idea a ride. Definitely will if (when?) I ultimately opt for a cat cut tarp.

But I like your project...great idea for an experiment.

Thanks!

[Frawg]

Had some passing thunderstorms last night. In anticipation, I set up the tarp with the Grizz-inspired end cover. Had to switch ends in the rain (ugh!) when the wind changed directions on me. Wind wasn't very strong, and definitely not swirling. The end cover functioned well, though it wasn't put to much of a test. It certainly diminished the airflow through the tarp, and kept the rain out.

I awoke to a steady rain so I had my coffee under the tarp (see tomorrow's haiku ).

Here's how things looked this morning:



Still waiting for a gully washer... maybe later today.

[Barry]

Thanks frawg for the idea - I have been looking for something simple to work with some scouts and this is it. I had one mod suggestion though.

Next on the agenda is orienting the ends toward the wind, and closing them in.

I would think that trying to close in the sides with the way that you cut the ends would be difficult. What about cutting the triangles the other way (8" side at center).

This will give you a cat-like cut at the end of the tarp as well as along the edges. In fact, I'd even consider cutting a non-right-angle triangle (you'll waste a little fabric), so that the ends have a straight edge to put tension on.

Then I'd reinforce the tie-outs at points A and a mid length tie-out at B. When closing in the folds, bring points A from both sides together.

[Frawg]

That's an iteresting variation, Barry! Give it a shot and tell us how it works out. I cut my ends the other way because it was an incremental step in the direction of the ubiquitous hex cut tarps, e.g., the Mac-Cat. For end coverage I'm now playing with a variation on the removable beak that Grizz has come up with. You might want to give that a look-see, if you haven't already.

Cheers!

[TeeDee]

Just a bump.

Frawg - have you had anymore experience with this tarp to see if it works well?

[Frawg]

Thanks for the bump, TeeDee!

Not much new to report; it's still working for me. The 5 x 10 is obviously a bit small, but I hope to see how it does coupled with the Garlington shell underneath. Haven't had much rain down here lately for testing, unfortunately.

Cheers!