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

**DiverDn** · 07-15-2009, 10:34

Thanks for the quick replies.

I just called Cooke Custom and they said the same thing you'll did. There should not be any problem.

Now my question becomes, do I buy a smaller square or rectangle tarp or one specifically for the hammock?

Brian, do you sew any square tarps that are rigged similar to the Cooke Tundra Tarp?

**nacra533** · 07-15-2009, 12:44

Originally Posted by 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.

How do you use the 5x10, on the diagonal or as a rectangle with a center ridgeline? I have been considering this, since I have several 5'x5' squares of sil in the same color.

**Brian** · 07-15-2009, 14:43

Originally Posted by DiverDn

Brian, do you sew any square tarps that are rigged similar to the Cooke Tundra Tarp?

I can do really any custom tarp that your heart desires if you're interested - I shot you a PM with my contact information if you'd like to chat.

**gargoyle** · 07-15-2009, 15:20

8 x 11 diy, nothing more satisfying than staying dry under your own creation (allbeit a copy of those b-4 me)

**Frawg** · 08-24-2009, 17:18

Originally Posted by nacra533

How do you use the 5x10, on the diagonal or as a rectangle with a center ridgeline? I have been considering this, since I have several 5'x5' squares of sil in the same color.

nacra, my apologies for the late reply. I just saw this, and didn't want you to think I was ignoring you. My bad!

I normally use the 5 x 10 in a straight A-frame pitch. Here it is in a shallow pitch with one side raised.

It's a single piece of Walmart mystery fabric (pseudo sil?) with no ridge seam. I've done tarps with longitudinal and lateral seams before and both worked okay for me, so I think you could work something up with the squares.

I've done a little more with a 5 x 12 so I could close in the ends, like so:

**amac** · 08-25-2009, 03:57

Originally Posted by 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?

I have an 8x10 silnyl from Campmor. Works great. IMHO, I suggest you use what you have until you decide you need to upgrade. No sense in spending money to replace what may be fully functional equipment.

**bear bag hanger** · 08-25-2009, 05:56

I was using a hex shaped OES tarp, but after a couple storms in which I got wet from blowing wind, went to a rectangular tarp. Right now I use a Spinntex OES 8X10 tarp with a JacksRBetter 10X11 for winter conditions. I find the Spinntex to be a very worth while material for making tarps with. Much lighter than Silnylon and stronger.

**Hawk-eye** · 08-25-2009, 07:47

I've been very happy with two tarps from Campmore ... both sil tarps, both good prices made by Equinox. One is 8x10 and works really well ... use it mostly for summer or times I'm reasonably sure I'm not in for a prolonged rain. Total weight with 8 lines, and 8 figure nines in a net bag is 17.2 oz.

My favorite is the 10x12 that is a darker green (love that sleath effect) ... a bit heavier but creates a large covered area when spread out more .. or a really well covered winter "hut".

While the picture below is a bit off the ground ... in winter I'd have it almost touching the ground. Plenty of room inside with my hammock and now that I've got the 2QZQ Mod installed ... can't wait for my next winter camping trip.
Total weight with 8 lines, snake skins and 8 figure nines in a net bag is 26.6 oz.

Below is my winter tarp spread out on a solo camp above Razor's Edge in Linville Gorge, NC.

**RootCause** · 08-25-2009, 08:38

Hawk-eye,

Those are great photos! I've got a couple tarps that I use now, one 10x10 DIY sil, another sil former tent rainfly, and a green polyethelene hardware store tarp.

Your pictures make me realize that I don't have a good tarp that I can close the ends on. Thanks for adding one more piece of fuel to my gear addiction....