Preferred fabric for hexagonal tarp

**NWAlabamaHiker** · 04-06-2015, 05:37

Originally Posted by Snowball

IMO one extra layer will do because then its approx 2x as strong and if more is needed you should be out of that location because then its unsafe and most likely not fun.
If we assume a tarp is well build and it is exposed to high winds I would expect it to rip along the seams because the treads will tear/cut the fabric. Personally I would be long gone before that happens ( i hope).

I hadn't really thought about it like you so eloquently put it here! But that make a lot of sense. I tend to over think things and when you're backpacking, that's not a good thing, because that usually means I end up taking more than what I need, but I'm trying to quit doing that!

**Snowball** · 04-06-2015, 07:36

Originally Posted by NWAlabamaHiker

I hadn't really thought about it like you so eloquently put it here! But that make a lot of sense. I tend to over think things and when you're backpacking, that's not a good thing, because that usually means I end up taking more than what I need, but I'm trying to quit doing that!

You absolutely have to think if not it can be dangerous or uncomfortable.
A lot of us including myself often tend to overdo stuff. It’s a learning process. Keep it simple.

When packing there are basically two terms.
Need to have.
You need shelter (e.g. a tarp)
You need water so bring it or gear to purify.
You need shoes (on your feet)
Nice to have. You can manage without it because if you haven’t got it you will find a way and if not move it to the need to have list the next time.
It is nice to have an extra pair of shoes but you don’t need it. You can’t use two pairs at the same time.
It is nice to have 1 pair of extra socks but you don’t need 5. During winter time 1 pair of extra socks moves up to the need group.

The list will of cause change according to the trip conditions and preferences .

**heycorb** · 04-06-2015, 08:05

On my last tarp, I went with 3/4 grosgrain along the side of the tie-out point, then box stitched a loop to the intersection of the V. This is easy to do and cuts down on some places for sealer. At the ridgeline seam ends, you can do the same. I used a bit of HyperD 300 on the ridge lines and it has done great, especially if you have doors. There is going to be a time where you trip over a guy line and rip your tarp (this is why I went with the HyperD) and this stuff prevents tears. Very tough but not heavy, is waterproof and bonds to sealer very well.

Here is my repair job I did after learning the hard way about not having adequate reinforcements on the ridgeline.

**doogie** · 04-06-2015, 08:07

I have used SilNylon 1.1 (actually closer to 1.3 with the Sil treatment). My complaint is (other than the stretch) is that in a hard rain it mists. That is you can feel a slight mist coming through the tarp when the rain is really pounding. This is still my go to winter tarp. I have also made tarps in SilArgon (I don't think this is available anymore - Dutchware) and Membrane Sil (RBTR) both are lighter than the 1.3 Sil and supposed to have better resistance to misting, but I have not had either out in a really driving rain to test that. The SilArgon has a lot of stretch. As far as reinforcements I have made all of my tarps with the plans on DIY gear supply's web site and use small patches at the tie-outs. I have always just used a rolled hem around the perimeter.

**heycorb** · 04-06-2015, 09:20

Misting is one of those tradeoffs with anything sil. I've only really noticed it one time and that was hour 12 of a 16 hour continuous rain where I was in a tent in an open field. Even then it wasn't that bad. Cuben is the only thing that will never mist in any conditions. I'm hoping my silpoly stuff will hold up better in sustained rains because it has much less stretch. So far my yard tests in heavy rains have shown some promise.

**NWAlabamaHiker** · 04-06-2015, 12:17

Originally Posted by Snowball

You absolutely have to think if not it can be dangerous or uncomfortable.
A lot of us including myself often tend to overdo stuff. It’s a learning process. Keep it simple.

When packing there are basically two terms.
Need to have.
Nice to have.

This is great advice! I was a boy scout when I was young and I had "always be prepared" drilled into my head! So I can't help thinking about things in these terms! But I definitely appreciate the advice - looking at things as need to have and nice to have!

**NWAlabamaHiker** · 04-06-2015, 19:06

Thanks heycorb for the pointers and doogie, the DIY Gear Supply plans for tarps is what I was planning to use also! I ended up ordering 1.1 SilNylon from RBTR rather than the silpoly. Really the only reason why is since this is my first tarp, just in case I mess it up, the SilNylon is cheaper!