The Emperor's New Tarp

**BigE94** · 03-07-2016, 21:12

Looks like saran wrap. I love it. Need more build details. Will it turn yellow if left out?

**GadgetUK437** · 03-07-2016, 23:42

Major source of info,
https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/59450/

**GadgetUK437** · 03-08-2016, 17:36

Lighter than I was expecting, 338g
Not bad for a 3.5 x 3m

This is what the finished article will be made from, pretty light too at 354g (wonder what 10 tie-outs will add to that).

Originally Posted by TwistingInTheWind

What sort of tape did you use to hold it together?
What did you use to reinforce your stake loops and peak loops?

I did the hems (and joined the two parts on the ridgeline) with the thin double sided tape that came with the window kit.
I then made the tie outs and reinforced the ridgeline with crossweave glassfibre packing tape.

**JohannesBrahms** · 03-08-2016, 20:46

Originally Posted by GadgetUK437

I don't want to mess up with my fancy-dancy new length of MEMBRANE silpoly from RSBTR, so I made a prototype for my new tarp, with cross-linked polyolefin. (Gossamer Gear call - Polycryo)
The material came out as 300g, but I went a bit overboard with the tie-outs, I wouldn't be surprised if I doubled the weight.
It has a 136" ridgeline and is 118" wide (3.5 x 3m), with asymmetric doors.
A tarp for stargazers and exhibitionists!

Using cheapo pullouts I got off ebay (slightly modded)

That looks so cool! How easy is that to wipe off/does it dry well?

**GadgetUK437** · 03-09-2016, 01:45

In effect, it doesn't get wet, not like sil nylon, it doesn't absorb water. It's a plastic bag.

**slugbait** · 03-09-2016, 10:51

The Emperor's New Tarp- ha,ha- good name!

**Sphinx** · 03-09-2016, 16:42

I had totally forgotten about this stuff. I was trying to find a way to make a pretty much disposable tarp, because having a nice one stolen was heartbreaking. I can't go check out stuff at the hardware store cuz im 100 miles from everything. But i would gladly throw a couple bucks to gossamer, and i trust they got the strong stuff cuz people use it as ground cloth.

Cool design. I have a hard time believing its strong, but now i'm definitely ready to find out. Thanks.

Where did you get the tape for the Tie-Outs?

**Sphinx** · 03-09-2016, 16:46

Oh sorry, i read the post about the tape. Gotcha. Hmmm i wonder what kind of tape would be similar and easy to find. A nice thick clear packing tape would be cool. It gets crusty long term but with a 10 dollar tarp i dont think long term is my goal.

**GadgetUK437** · 03-09-2016, 18:19

Bought all the stuff off eBay.

**dunestunes** · 02-07-2017, 22:09

I've been thinking about building a polyolefin tarp for awhile - would love to be able to stargaze without having to worry about getting wet. I know this was just a prototype, but I'm curious if you've used it at all and can give any sort of update on how it's held up.

In particular, any sense of how this would handle heat - 80 degree weather, for example? Seems like it could shrink, so maybe only useable in cooler temps.