Plastic Painters Tarp Taboo in 2mil

[4evrplan]

About a year and a half-ish ago, I made one similar to this but much smaller w/o doors and using much less reinforcing tape. It was also 2mil, about 8.5ft square and pitched as a diamond. The connections were all with sheet bends. I've slept under it three or four times, including a couple of nights backpacking, and I've had it out many other nights just testing w/o an occupant. It's done really well, but it doesn't have enough coverage for confidence in storms. My next one will be made of "polycryo" (window insulator film), and I'll use grosgrain loops sewed to tape reinforced patches. The window film is much clearer, so I should have a great view on starry nights.

[ulyssesjones]

4evrplan, you beat me to it. I just recently read a diy about someone making a tarp like this from window plastic (the stuff you put over your windows in the winter). They were saying that the strength of the material was outstanding, apparently stronger than tyvek. I might have to give this a try. I like the idea of being able to see outside the tarp. Of course, I would have to start wearing clothes to sleep at group hangs.

[Caminante]

It might look like a joke to some, but this was how a lot of rolled in Scouts on the "annual backpacking trip", at least back in the 80's. Anybody who couldn't afford a tarp or bivy would go in on a roll of polyethylene, trim off a piece for a tarp and a smaller piece for a groundcloth and sleep 3-4 abreast. We had no idea about sewing or making nice shapes, basically just took a rectangle with a ridgeline and use a rock rolled up in the plastic to tie on stake lines. Can't say I ever got wet, and I'm not totally sure I ever used the same tarp for two trips...

[brianb]

I keep a couple of these in my jeep for use as an extra tarp. I've used one them a few times now and it's help up great.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Trimaco-9...1-HD/203432248

[Dcolon13]

I like the idea...may have to add it to my DIY list

[Mitroxis]

Still holding up. I've been taking it down and setting it up every other day to see how it holds up to handling.

[briana26]

It's very useful.

[Valley Scout]

Gonna make me one. Not a big investment, chance of big reward.

[jgibby]

I will definitely do this if I run out of budget putting together my gear this year.

[tightwad]

If you don't want it to be totally see through you could also overspray it with spray paint