4 season tarp thoughts

**Hammockhunter33** · 11-19-2016, 14:44

This is a bit long winded so bear with me.
Ok so I started hammocking last spring and have come to realize how much more I enjoy it then sleeping on the ground. Congrats to me for figuring out what so many others know. I decided that I would like to make a 4 season tarp with doors and am looking for criticism and thoughts from those more experienced.
I hammock in a WB BB and it dawned on me that I get in and out from the same side every time due to the design and most of the space behind my hammock is wasted cover. Also I couldn't believe that the widest tarps I could find were only about 10'. I started playing with a few sizes and found that if I used a 12' width and offset the ridge line by about 6" then it would decrease the wasted space in the back and allow a roomy pitch. And with the RL about 5' off the deck I can cover all the way down in bad storms. I'm short (5'7") so that's just below my height and still comfortable enough. So that's the thought process.
For the design, I like the great construction on my WB edge tarp so I thought that would be a good place to start. I'm planning on an 11' RL and the only way to accomplish a 12' width is to sow 3 wide instead of the standard 2 lengths of fabric. On the bottom ends of the tarp I figured I would go 9' between the tie outs to save some fabric. I plan on using silpoly due to the higher HH rating for the same weight as silnylon. So a general design looks like this:

IMG_0445.jpg

So my questions!
1. With 3 panels I don't have a need to sow a RL. However, I'm concerned about the tinsel strength of the fabric and like how WB reinforces their RL with ribbon (grosgrain?). Thoughts?
2. I was thinking of doing a tie out in the true center and another at the offset so I could have some flexibility. This could also mess up the doors so I'm not sure if that would work at all.
3. And maybe add some tie outs along the ground edge so there are multiple tie outs like the JRB ultimate tarp. I was originally thinking of cat cutting the ground edge and now I'm not sure.
Any thoughts would help and thanks in advance!

**DustHunter** · 11-19-2016, 15:01

I dont think cat cuts are as important on SilPoly (compared to SilNylon).
I've made a few tarps and I have strung them tight. I've never had problems with a French fell seam being sufficient for a ridgeline.
I've wanted to do something like this too. I can't wait to see results!

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**kev138** · 11-19-2016, 15:35

Have you checked out the xenon wide at makeyourgear.com ? Comes in at 75in wide. You could make a monster wide tarp with plenty left over. I've read good stuff about the xenon material. I think it is low stretch so would not need cat cuts to stay taught. Might work well with your plans.

**kitsapcowboy** · 11-19-2016, 16:01

Originally Posted by kev138

Have you checked out the xenon wide at makeyourgear.com ? Comes in at 75in wide. You could make a monster wide tarp with plenty left over. I've read good stuff about the xenon material. I think it is low stretch so would not need cat cuts to stay taught. Might work well with your plans.

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...de-Winter-Tarp

**Tyst Död** · 11-19-2016, 19:30

Just got my Silpoly 5300. Going to be starting mine soon. Probably using RSBTR's plans for the winter 12. I'm doing a grosgrain ridgeline similar to WB, no cat cuts just the door instep. Probably not doing side panel pull outs seeing I never use them.

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**kev138** · 11-19-2016, 21:25

Originally Posted by kitsapcowboy

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...de-Winter-Tarp

That's the stuff there. I knew I had seen it somewhere.

**Hammockhunter33** · 11-19-2016, 22:28

Thanks Kev and Cowboy! I had searched around the forum trying to find a plan for a large trap. I wish I would have seen that xenon before. I just ordered the silpoly from RSBTR. It looks like it's the same fabric just a different name and much wider. The three panels don't really bother me I'm just not sure it it's necessary, or even preferred, to reenforce the RL with grosgrain. I will be doing panel pulls since they don't add much weight. Any thoughts on the offset RL?

**Double** · 11-20-2016, 17:20

You could always cut one of the panels in half and sew them to the bottom of the other two. That would give you the same length plus your grosgrain seam that you want. Adds an extra seam but I think they would be stronger this way. I had an ogee tarp rip out on me in high wind cause there isn't a middle seam on that tarp design. It was made out of 1.1 silpoly 4000. If I had used silnylon I think it would have been fine. Makes me wary of not using a seam for the rideline. I had the same idea that you did, then came up with cutting it in half. I would make your cat cuts in the side that is cut and use the factory side to attach to the other panels. Keeps everything straight and neat

**Tyst Död** · 11-20-2016, 19:20

Finished mine. I used RSBTR's and MYG's plans along with WB methods.
Didn't make side panel pull cause I hardly use em. I set it up for several hours today in 20 to 30 mph winds. Didn't have a problem. Couldn't have asked for a better day test ...well other then some rain...lol

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