Question regarding SilPoly tarps

[Brommeland]

Hi Folks,

I've been using SilNylon tarps until recently. Because we have high winds in my area, and Silnylon's tendency to sag when wet, I've always rigged my tarps with a loop of 1/8" shock cord to keep them taut. Rigging is 1.75mm Dynema.

I just got my first SilPoly tarp (A Cloudburst in Bushwhack camo) and am planning on rigging it soon. Since SilPoly has very little give, I am concerned that high wind loads may tear it. Any suggestions as to how to set it up with regards to shock cord?

Any input would be appreciated. Thank you!

[hangnout]

Rig it the same way you did your sil tarp and you will be fine. Sil/Poly may have less stretch but does not eliminate the stretch.

[Brommeland]

Rig it the same way you did your sil tarp and you will be fine. Sil/Poly may have less stretch but does not eliminate the stretch.

Thank you!

[chipmem]

I put shock cord with Dutch fleas on all tie outs. I keep my dyneema wrapped around my stakes in a stake bag. Never had a problem .

[jellyfish]

I tried shock cord but I took the shock cord off my silpoly tarp. It was more trouble than it was worth. If I need to tighten my truckers hitch after the first night, that is simple enough to do.

Silpoly is pretty tough. Unless your tarp isn’t properly reinforced at the corners, I wouldn’t worry about wind.

[Brommeland]

I put shock cord with Dutch fleas on all tie outs. I keep my dyneema wrapped around my stakes in a stake bag. Never had a problem .

Yep! That's kinda how I do it. However, I put the fleaz on the stakes with collars and the lines are attached to the shock cord, which is in turn attached to the tarp. That way, if I lose my stake bag I can still rig the tarp using handmade wood pegs. Thanks for posting.

[Brommeland]

I tried shock cord but I took the shock cord off my silpoly tarp. It was more trouble than it was worth. If I need to tighten my truckers hitch after the first night, that is simple enough to do.

Silpoly is pretty tough. Unless your tarp isn’t properly reinforced at the corners, I wouldn’t worry about wind.

Thanks for posting. If the shock cord doesn't work out, I'll give it a try. My only hesitation is that we get 50 mph winds here (sometimes with gusts that are even higher). Is the SilPoly up to that?

[Wanderlost]

I still use the shock cord. I like the extra insurance it gives against tripping. I'd rather my guy line give a bit instead of my D-ring, grosgrain, or tarp giving a bit.

[Country Roads]

You could put a loop of shock cord on the ties outs that you could tie off to in high wind, but use just cord the rest of the time. That way you are covered.

[jellyfish]

I havent used my hammock in 50 mph wind. There are too many branches that will fall around where I live and camp.

I did hang in 40 mph during a nor’easter and got speared by a flying branch. Silpoly patched just fine.

Silpoly is very tough. You could always go with a heavier weight tarp if you need to.