G'day from Arnhemland, Australia

**hookten** · 06-04-2015, 05:35

oil skin tarp? never heard of that. can you post a pic for the community?

**Karen97** · 06-04-2015, 06:04

Originally Posted by Luke Crothers

Thanks everyone

Yeah, it's great up here up, mate. I'm pretty spoiled. I've got my eye on a Tas move at some stage in the future, though, Metz...

I found that website last night, Karen. Lol. I bought some loops from them :-D
You're in Jindabyne? I grew up around Corryong, Walwa/Jingellic and Lankeys Creek. I've spent a fair bit of time up your way, and trapped wild dogs for a while in Koz NP.

I've been in the mountains for just over 5 years, and I love it!! Can't wait for summer to start playing in my new hammock set up.

**Luke Crothers** · 06-04-2015, 07:57

Originally Posted by hookten

oil skin tarp? never heard of that. can you post a pic for the community?

I sure can.
It's pretty much looks like any other tarp, except it's made from oilskin. I handsewed webbing loops onto it, and added a few grommets.
Oilskin tarps(or oilcloth as I think it is sometimes called) are quite popular in the US.

**Dux** · 06-06-2015, 19:05

Welcome from the land of cheese and beer!!

Indeed, oilcloth tarps are popular in the States among historical reenactors, traditional gear enthusiasts and those who favor bombproof gear.

Mr Crothers, do you have much experience with oilcloth around campfires? I've been thinking that an oilcloth or a canvas tarp might be a workable option with a long fire during below zero fahrenheit nights. Just not sure how well oilcloth would handle the stray spark that found its way to it.

**MAD777** · 06-06-2015, 20:01

Welcome from Florida. We have several members from down under.

**Luke Crothers** · 06-08-2015, 08:30

Originally Posted by Dux

Welcome from the land of cheese and beer!!

Indeed, oilcloth tarps are popular in the States among historical reenactors, traditional gear enthusiasts and those who favor bombproof gear.

Mr Crothers, do you have much experience with oilcloth around campfires? I've been thinking that an oilcloth or a canvas tarp might be a workable option with a long fire during below zero fahrenheit nights. Just not sure how well oilcloth would handle the stray spark that found its way to it.

Mate, I've never had any problems with sparks on my tarp. There is a little singed hole in one corner, so it's definitely been hit by sparks. The fact it didn't go up in flames is encouraging.
I think if you held a flame on it, or a coal, then the oilcloth would go up like a wick. A few sparks don't seem to bother it, though.

**sirishness** · 06-08-2015, 09:46

Welcome! This site has been a wealth of information for me. Should help you too!

**wagex** · 06-08-2015, 10:11

the one place id probably not want to sleep in a hammock, the land of NOPE's. There are more NOPE's in Australia than id care to sleep with. lol but still welcome from Oklahoma USA.

**Luke Crothers** · 06-09-2015, 03:50

Originally Posted by wagex

the one place id probably not want to sleep in a hammock, the land of NOPE's. There are more NOPE's in Australia than id care to sleep with. lol but still welcome from Oklahoma USA.

Mate, most of that is all hype.
Scary spiders, snakes and whatever is all talked up to scare tourists.
In the US you've got bears, mountain lions, rattlesnakes and whatever else you've learned to deal with. It's the same here. Our biggest danger is probably crocs in the Top End, and vigilance and common sense is all that's needed to avoid them.
Down south, in the temperate or arid zones, your only worry is snakes. Even then, they are no more canny, aggressive or numerous than what you guys have there. Again, vigilance and common sense keep you out of trouble.
I guess it's whatever you get used to. I'd be **** scared a bear was going to rip me out of my hammock if I was camped in the woods in the US, or a mountain lion was going to ambush me on the trail.