How should I judge how long the tarp should be? The hammock I'm using is 12' so I was thinking that the tarp should also be 12'. Would this be correct?
I've been putting off this project for far too long so its time to get it done.
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How should I judge how long the tarp should be? The hammock I'm using is 12' so I was thinking that the tarp should also be 12'. Would this be correct?
I've been putting off this project for far too long so its time to get it done.
You have to take into consideration the sag of the hammock. Once you have a RL set up you'll see the difference right away. Either way, on a 12 ft'er its going to be a squeeze .
I'm sorry to hijack this thread but it fit in with one I was going to post. What are your favorite dimensions for your tarp. I have a DIY already that's 12 by 10. I love it but its a monster. Come summer when there is no rain in site I would like something smaller. What do you all think? I am going to make a rectangular tarp for a HH.
I started out with an 8'x10', and while it was rather small, it taught me the intracies of getting a good pitch and staying dry. The next one I made was 12' long, and 10' wide. While it was nice to have that much room, the extra size often restricted where I could hang. My current tarp is just under 11' long, and 10' wide, and I think I have found the perfect dimensions. It's not so long that my suspension runs into it, and it's wide enough that I can get it close to the ground if I need to.
Hope that helps,
PF
Well didn't take the sag into consideration, I was thinking since I used an 11' hammock with an 11' tarp is need to increase it the same. I should measure my ridge line and base it off that.
So I guess my question is, how much longer than the ridge line should the tarp be? 6" to a foot on each side?
I'd go with a 12 foot tarp. I use 11 foot hammocks and 11 foot tarps with doors. Wouldn't want to go much shorter than that especially without doors.
I've never been caught in a huge downpour but from what I hear 6"-12" on either end will work just fine. Im kinda in the same boat, I'm just tryin to get into the largest tarp I can while keeping weight in mind.Quote:
Originally Posted by sploiz
Yep, 6" each end, is a good distance. Still allows for some flexibility in hang angle/suspension clearance and tarp/rl height.Quote:
Originally Posted by sploiz
As PF noted, too long a tarp is often more a hinderance. Big tarps are great for a kitchen or group tarp.:boggle:
I've built a few micro tarps and poncho tarps for personal use that just barely cover the ends of the hammock. They do the job, but they need special attention to stay dry in windy/rainy conditions. Its nice to have the extra coverage.