Zipper in a tarp

**fwbutler** · 03-23-2016, 12:16

Hello all. I am a newbie and in the process of learning and making my gear, then remaking etc.
My first tarps were too small, so remaking a tarp that will stand up to the Oregon rains. If I get the tarp so it protects from the wind blown rain, it is difficult to get in and out of.

I am preparing to add a waterproof zipper to the center of one side for ease of going in and out, also would enable looking outside when necessary.

Do others make this mod? Any suggestions?

http://www.ykkfastening.com/products.../aquaseal.html

**goobie** · 03-23-2016, 12:24

Sounds like you're asking for trouble. My suggestion would be to look into making a tarp with doors, and researching how to best pitch that tarp.

**Burg54** · 03-23-2016, 12:36

I have thought about this as well. Seems to me that as long as the zipper is on a vertical face (like the doors) and not the canopy/ridgeseam, you would be ok. At that point you would be sacrificing weight for convenience(?).

My tarp has doors with shock cord and small plastic s-biners that make it very quick/easy/convenient while also providing protection that has yet to fail me in some serious PNW weather.

**SilvrSurfr** · 03-23-2016, 12:39

I've never seen a tarp with a zipper, and I'm fairly certain nobody offers them commercially. That should tell you something about the huge demand for zippered tarps!

With hammock hanging, my tarp never sets up the same way twice (hang angle, trees, etc.) and I could see some difficulty in even getting the tarp set up in a way to allow the zipper to function.

**Flatliner** · 03-23-2016, 13:06

Having done some projects in the past with waterproof zippers, I think you are asking for trouble. As others have said, the doors on the end don't really pose problems in practice. With that said, I love experimenting with new ideas so...

**fwbutler** · 03-23-2016, 13:36

Thanks for the comments
The problem is if the tarp is small then it needs to be close in. If close in then can't use end doors. If big lots of wind loading, tarp and tie-outs must be stronger. Others have solved the problem of going in and out of a tarp in a storm. I guess that I just lack experience, or I an seeing things with new eyes.tarp wind loading-1.jpg

**goobie** · 03-23-2016, 13:53

Skip the math and learn how to pitch a tarp. This all takes practice, you won't learn it all at home on the computer. You're obviously troubleshooting your setup as you go along, and gaining some knowledge in the process. The tarp plans from DIY gear supply http://diygearsupply.com/diy-guides/tarps/ are a good source of info for what sizes work, maybe modify those plans to suit your needs.

**fwbutler** · 03-23-2016, 14:11

Thanks goobie. Have used some of the plans off the net. Have a 12 ft hammock so had to modify DIY tarps each outing. Frustrated with hanging in the rain and getting soaked. Weeks of rain gives the choice of hanging wet and cold or planning better.

**SilvrSurfr** · 03-23-2016, 14:11

Originally Posted by fwbutler

Thanks for the comments
The problem is if the tarp is small then it needs to be close in. If close in then can't use end doors. If big lots of wind loading, tarp and tie-outs must be stronger. Others have solved the problem of going in and out of a tarp in a storm. I guess that I just lack experience, or I an seeing things with new eyes.tarp wind loading-1.jpg

So you have a 10 x 12 tarp?