Old man winter tarp - so many options

**jdy2kgt** · 09-18-2015, 19:54

Good evening everyone,

So I've made up my mind I'm ordering the OMW, but then I tried to order it - OMG! so many options, inside pole mod, outside pole mod, pole pockets, velcro, ridge line etc.

Can anyone give me some advice on what I should get? Is it better to make my own ridge line, find lighter/cheaper poles etc.?

Thank you,
Jim

**rcam1977** · 09-18-2015, 20:27

i would recoment making your own poles up, i just bought all the stuff and made a set for my Superfly, cost me 36.00 with shipping to make up both poles from Quest Outfitters.

**gunner76** · 09-18-2015, 21:27

When I got mine the only option was 11 ft or 12 ft. I got the 12 ft. This is The Terminators favorite tarp. If you have questions, call and talk to Marty and he will take care of you.

I am not a big fan of velcro in the woods as everything like dead leaves wants to stick to it.

I have a tarp with the inside pole mod but I find that I rarely use it.

**jdy2kgt** · 09-18-2015, 22:37

Gunner. Nice picture's. What type of suspension system is that holding up the tarp?

And size.. ugh another option. I just ordered a 11' thunderbird.

**michigandave** · 09-19-2015, 06:53

Originally Posted by rcam1977

i would recoment making your own poles up, i just bought all the stuff and made a set for my Superfly, cost me 36.00 with shipping to make up both poles from Quest Outfitters.

I made my own poles up too for my winter tarp. Found a " make offer" on eBay for Easton poles. Got mine for $15 with free shipping. Nice day project.

**gunner76** · 09-19-2015, 10:09

What type of suspension system is that holding up the tarp?

Some cheap nylon cord clothes line ( my backyard hammock hanging site is multi tasking ) that was already up so I threw some prussiks on it so I could hang the tarp to check it out as I had just gotten the OMW in that day.

And size.. ugh another option. I just ordered a 11' thunderbird.

Go with a 12ft tarp

**rcam1977** · 09-20-2015, 00:45

Originally Posted by michigandave

I made my own poles up too for my winter tarp. Found a " make offer" on eBay for Easton poles. Got mine for $15 with free shipping. Nice day project.

The funny thing is I really had a brain fart when I ordered my pole kit because being an archery guy I already had arrows laying around just needed the inserts and tips and some shock cord, but guess I'll know better next time.

**Oms** · 09-20-2015, 09:27

Gunner, i really like the inside poles. How do you know how long they are supposed to be?

**Zilla** · 09-20-2015, 11:18

Originally Posted by Oms

Gunner, i really like the inside poles. How do you know how long they are supposed to be?

I may be wrong nut in my opinion the inside pole mod could wear on the tarp with it allways rubbing against it, i perfer the outside mod myself.

**Ratdog** · 09-20-2015, 11:50

Have been using my OMW for a couple years now. This tarp is a beast and has held up very well, including extended use periods.

Ridgeline Length - largely determined by the length of your hammock (you'll want it longer than your hammock end to end length when hanging). I went with 144" and have used 10-11' hammocks without issue. Recently I've started working with longer hammocks and would probably add another 12" to the ridge line length of the tarp. If you are concerned about weight, obviously get the shortest length you can get away with.

Inside/Outside - I have both, I used the outside more often, especially in foul weather. With the inside pole mod, the pole can press against the fabric and that creates a potential leak spot (stretched fabric) in the ridge line of the tarp. I ended up seam sealing the underside of the tarp along the ridge line so it isn't much of an issue any more. The advantage of the inside pole mod is that it is quick, a single pole and really opens up the inside. Works nicely for a porch mode as well. Be warned, porch mode will attract other hikers/campers/hammockers to your tarp in inclement weather.

Generally I avoid velcro for my outdoor gear but the ability to completely close the doors on a stormy night sure is nice. I close the end flaps and overlap them and that works for me.

As for building your own pole kit, yes it's easy enough to do but by the time you pay for shipping for a separate package and then invest the time to make it all fit properly, often it's easier to just order the kit. Helps to support the cottage vendor and works out of the box without fussing with fine tuning stuff. That said, it is pretty straight forward to make your own stuff if you have the time and gumption so to do.

Enjoy, Marty makes solid kit.