New Rectangular Tarp Configuration?

**alphabennett** · 09-27-2018, 17:07

I've been playing around with an inclement weather configuration for my rectangular 10'x8' equinox globe tarp and I hadn't seen anyone else use it before, and wondered what anyone thought. The tarp has 5 grommets on each side, and instead of connecting the ridgeline to the center grommet, I connect it to the grommet between the center and corner. I then connect the corner grommet to the middle grommet:
IMG_20180926_152845289_HDR.jpg
The idea is that your hammock suspension will slide up and out near the ridgeline, with a drop ring or carabiner under the tarp for drips. Keep in mind this was just me playing around, so nothing is dialed in 100%, but here's some another shot:
IMG_20180926_152900014.jpg
And a couple from "inside":
IMG_20180926_152909878.jpg
IMG_20180926_152917247.jpg
My thoughts are it would work better for driving rain than a diamond or A-frame could, but I haven't had a chance to test it out yet. What are anyone else's thoughts?

**alphabennett** · 09-27-2018, 17:10

I forgot to add: because of the ridgeline tie-outs on my tarp, I can also plop a pole or suitable stick across there and get a lot more spacious interior. I actually tried that after I took these and it was very roomy.

**leiavoia** · 09-27-2018, 17:17

Offsetting the center line isn't anything new, but i like your idea of folding back the corner to make a beak.

Not every tarp has the extra tie-out points to make that work though.

**chapinb** · 09-27-2018, 17:51

An asym with a beak. I like it.

**Dynamystic** · 09-27-2018, 18:08

Looks kinda like gargoyle's old ogee tarp. Nice work!

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**SilvrSurfr** · 09-27-2018, 18:14

Grommets aren't very popular. They tend to rip when you pass wind.

**alphabennett** · 09-27-2018, 18:20

Well, grommets or tie outs or d-rings, the principal is what I'm trying to get across, Surfr. Do you think the beak would improve performance enough to offset the length you lose from not being in full diamond?

**SilvrSurfr** · 09-27-2018, 19:25

Originally Posted by alphabennett

Well, grommets or tie outs or d-rings, the principal is what I'm trying to get across, Surfr. Do you think the beak would improve performance enough to offset the length you lose from not being in full diamond?

A full diamond diagonal for a 10 x 8 rectangle is what: 12.81 feet (d=w2+l2=82+102≈12.80625)?

https://learnframing.com/diagonal-calculator/

So you're shortening the diagonal how much? It sure looks like 2 to 3 feet, from the photos.

In other words, how long is your tarp ridgeline with the way you're setting it up? I suspect your ridgeline is probably around 9.81 feet, maybe 10 at most. That's really only going to work if your hammock length is 10 ft., at most. So anything longer than a 9 or 10 ft. hammock is not going to provide protection.I hope you have an ENO!

It would be interesting to know what length of hammock you are using, and see photos of that hammock underneath this tarp. All my hammocks are 11 ft. long, so this configuration wouldn't help me at all.

**leiavoia** · 09-27-2018, 19:25

Originally Posted by alphabennett

Well, grommets or tie outs or d-rings, the principal is what I'm trying to get across, Surfr. Do you think the beak would improve performance enough to offset the length you lose from not being in full diamond?

Often times the length is a liability anyway because it means you can't fit in short spaces and have trouble pitching the tarp close to the hammock in storms.

Someone try this with a Kelty Noah.

**chapinb** · 09-27-2018, 19:45

Should be longer then 10 foot ridgeline. The tarp is 10 foot wide and your doing grommet 2 to grommet 4. I cant math that right now, but that's gotta be just under 11', no? Would fit a 11' hammock with some skill.