Keeping sleeping bag and hammock dry under tarp? Help?!?

[weaver2469]

Great idea! I've got a jumbo box of ShamWows that I received as a gag gift; a couple of those cut into strips ought to fit the bill.

These are exactly what I use. I cut them into a couple of foot long strips, pretty thin. I cut a slit in the top and larks head them to the suspension. They work great.

[Darkwing]

No i just wrapped some paracord as a drip line.

Maybe i should try karabiners, is there a way to do it without destroying the main tape?

You absolutely have to cut the tape and either put double biners or rings UNDER the place where your tarp ends. The DD webbing soaks up water like a sponge and brings it into the webbing channel and soaks the fabric of the hammock.

Check this video out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXk9Ieb1_cQ

Or just search Youtube for "DD hammock mods"

[neo]

Hi,

I recently had a two day hike in snowy and wet weather. On both days my sleeping bag and hammock got wet under the tarp. I had drip lines in place both nights unless they were ineffective.

Kit list:
- 3x3 DD Tarp - set up in v shape
- DD camping hammock
- Thermarest ridgerest solite
- Sungpak sleeping bag

Day 1

- Weather was snowing, then turned to constant wet from the dripping snow above
- Both end of my hammock and sleeping bag got wet on both ends
- There was a light mist coming from the tarp underside which made the top of my sleeping bag wet


Day 2
- Weather was just raining
- Both ends of hammock and sleeping bag got wet again
- Bottom of hammock and underside sleeping bag got wet
- No misting this time


Also any ideas to keep backpack off the ground under the tarp apart from attaching to hammock.


I dont like being wet in the winter, hope you can help.

your main problem is the dd tarp.i had a couple of them.i hated them so bad i gave them away.you need a better tarp.my friend got wet using that tarp too.get a good quality cat cut silnylon tarp with a 11 to 12 foot ridge lineneo

[Darkwing]

I don't find the DD tarp that terrible. Sure it doesn't have much on sil nylon, spinntex or cuben fibre tarps but that's comparing apples and oranges. For its pricepoint I think it does the job.

[Red Wing]

I agree with Shug. Diamond configuration is ok but a larger hex tarp would protect your sides better. Doors are also great to have in bad weather. Did you see water dripping from your drip lines?

Sorry, I'm jumping in from the beginning so it may have been covered again, but with a diamond configuration you'd almost certainly want an UQP like from WB or 2QZQ. When I was going to try using a diamond fly, this was one of the purchases I made, for the reasons you stated.

for 35.00 it may be a cheaper option than having to buy a new tarp. My buddy used the 3mx3m tarp from DD and he had great coverage in his WB Traveler. I'm positive if we'd have had a real serious rain he'd have been good with that and an underquilt protector.

My 2QZQ UQP is a great piece of gear

[craige]

your main problem is the dd tarp.i had a couple of them.i hated them so bad i gave them away.you need a better tarp.my friend got wet using that tarp too.get a good quality cat cut silnylon tarp with a 11 to 12 foot ridge lineneo

I have a dd 4x4m tarp and it is actually a good tarp, it is well made and non leaky (well, my one is ok anyway).

Yes it is heavy and doesnt go very well into the sack without being folded but what can you expect for less than half the price of a sil equivalent? It is heavy duty and will/has taken abuse with no problems.

I honestly don't believe the tarp is the problem, if the misting is coming through the tarp then you should contact dd but I have no problems with my tarp and there are a LOT of people in europe using dd tarps happily.

With 4x4 I found it easy to use it with 'doors' because it has so many tie out points.