1st Tarp Doors or no doors

[Buckaroo]

I am new to hammock camping and I just finished my first DIY hammock

Now I need a tarp , I know I will eventully have more than one, it sounds like every one does.

I am coming from 50 years of tent camping so in my mind I think I need doors , I was a boyscout so Be Prepared !

I will be sewing my own tarp , which way should I go ?

I am sure most of my camping will be March thru Novermber but I would like to try more winter camping.

Craig

[OCDave]

I have more than one tarp but, had I purchased my Superfly first, it would be my only tarp. The weight of doors is negligible compared to the tremendous benefit they bestow. Make your first tarp with doors and you may not need to ever make a second.

[kitsapcowboy]

My vote: Consider a DIY rectangle tarp!

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...at-Tangle-Tarp

* It is built from 8 yards of standard-width fabric (only one yard more than a hex tarp), so it is extremely cost-effective for the area of coverage it provides.

* It packs almost as small as a hex tarp and weighs under one pound (when built with relatively sturdy 1.1 oz fabric).

* It provides full-enclosure with "doors" in fall and winter and has internal pole compatibility for double poles.

* It provides superior wind-blocking with lots of options and a generous protected area from both sun and rain when pitched wide in warmer weather.

* It has a great porch mode, including a "floating" option with internal poles.

* It has a convenient "hex" mode ("doors" folded under) to provide weather protection with superior ventilation and views.

* It allows for tandem hanging with two 11-foot hammocks side by side using a 36" spreader bar.

* It works well with bridge hammocks.

* It is relatively easy to cut and sew.

[souperjen24]

I'm a second vote for doors. I have 2 tarps (a superfly and a winter palace), both with doors. Even in the warmer weather, I like that the doors can block the rain or give me more privacy.

[Cabmanhang]

Are you a spartan survivalist, or do you prefer complete enclosure?

Doors will protect you from inclement weather, but they add weight. Doors will also require a larger piece of material to work with and cost of materials will be greater due to extra tieouts, fabric, etc.

If you are planning on only having one tarp, it may be best to build the all weather variety.

You can also opt for a standard hex tarp and build the doors separately.

I would advocate looking at the user KitsapCowboy posting history. There is a plethora of useful information that he provides in regards to diy projects of all types.

[Caminante]

I would recommend doing doors. It uses a little more fabric and weighs a little more, but it is not anymore difficult to sew and it will be much more practical in terms of wind and weather. If you tie the doors back, you essentially have a hex tarp in form with the flexibility of deploying the doors if needed. I have both, and the only time I ever use my hex tarp is when my daughter goes with me and takes the winter tarp.

[gunner76]

I agree..go with doors. Just got back from the Spring MAHA hang and it was very windy so it was nice that I was able to close the doors on one end of the tarp to keep out any wind that got by the main part of the tarp. I was able to leave the other end open for easy entry and exit.

[MagicPaddler]

When you mention winter I would say you will want doors. I have gotten wet in the summer and was glad I had doors to block the wind so I could warm up. If you are going to make it your self you have design freedom. I only get out of my blackbird on one side so I made my tarp bigger on that side. My new tarp is made out of Xenon wide.
tapr3ve.jpg
tarpoutside.jpg

[87warrior]

I cannot comment on the DIY nature of tarps, but as a user I would highly recommend a tarp with doors. Very versatile for any condition you may encounter.

[SilvrSurfr]

Plus one on doors. I bought or made seven different tarps in hex or diamond mode and got wet with all of them. Then I got the HG Winter Palace cuben fiber tarp about six years ago. I haven't gotten wet since in snow or rain, and I haven't bought another tarp since!