Best way to efficiently stow DCF tarp in mesh snakeskin

[soul embrace]

Great idea. we are on the road to doing AT in 2028 and there is A LOT of rain, so mesh will probably be better. Thanks!

hammock gear doesn't make the DCF snakeskins anymore so here is the link to their mesh ones: https://hammockgear.com/mesh-tarp-sleeve/

Simply Light Designs also makes snake skins and you can either get a one piece or two piece skins from simply light designs. with the simply light designs ones you can chose the material, length, width and if you want pockets sewn in to store your ridgelines (the pockets come in real handy) and tie outs.

single snakeskin from SLD: https://www.simplylightdesigns.com/c...kin-stuff-sack
2 piece snakeskin from SLD: https://www.simplylightdesigns.com/c...arp-stuff-sack

[cmc4free]

Where do you get the DCF snakeskin? Does it come with the tarp? I'm buying the tarp next month and I definitely need a snakeskin.

Great idea. we are on the road to doing AT in 2028 and there is A LOT of rain, so mesh will probably be better. Thanks!

hammock gear doesn't make the DCF snakeskins anymore so here is the link to their mesh ones: https://hammockgear.com/mesh-tarp-sleeve/

Simply Light Designs also makes snake skins and you can either get a one piece or two piece skins from simply light designs. with the simply light designs ones you can chose the material, length, width and if you want pockets sewn in to store your ridgelines (the pockets come in real handy) and tie outs.

single snakeskin from SLD: https://www.simplylightdesigns.com/c...kin-stuff-sack
2 piece snakeskin from SLD: https://www.simplylightdesigns.com/c...arp-stuff-sack

ATGIRL, you didn't mention which DCF tarp you're buying, but if you're getting the Palace and if you order one of these skins from SLD, I'd recommend choosing the Wide option.

[SilvrSurfr]

Where do you get the DCF snakeskin? Does it come with the tarp? I'm buying the tarp next month and I definitely need a snakeskin.

Nope, don't come with the tarp. Get them from Dutch or HG.

[ATGIRL2028]

ATGIRL, you didn't mention which DCF tarp you're buying, but if you're getting the Palace and if you order one of these skins from SLD, I'd recommend choosing the Wide option.

I am getting the HG dynema tarp with doors, so I tend to think the SLD wide snakeskins sounds like a good option. Is there a downfall to getting wide skins? I would think it would be a great option, easier to slide them on?

[cmc4free]

I am getting the HG dynema tarp with doors, so I tend to think the SLD wide snakeskins sounds like a good option. Is there a downfall to getting wide skins? I would think it would be a great option, easier to slide them on?

For me, the jury is out on whether I really like using the sleeves or appreciate their benefits, but that's another topic. I have a few tarps too many, and I have 2 different sleeves:

- HG mesh 12' (one piece)
- SLD mesh 11' wide (one piece) - This one I bought specifically for the HG DCF Palace.

The wide one really isn't a great deal wider, so there's probably not a lot of downside in my opinion. I picked that one up on the recommendation that the Palace would be too tight a squeeze in the standard width. Ironically, I've never actually checked the fit of the HG mesh sleeve with the HG DCF Palace.

[gbolt]

A dyneema Stuff sac came with my HG Palace Tarp. I purchased dyneema skins at that time, thinking weight savings. Saw many comparison videos and the weight was equal with mesh and moisture was an issue when using the dyneema skins. I switched to the mesh and hung on to the dyneema, however, I have never gone back to them after using mesh on my 2018 Thru Hike. (Probably why HG no longer carries them). I also forgo the Stuff sac on trips and only use the DCF Sac for home storage and protection. Again, simply roll the mesh skin Palace tarp and store in the binding on the side of the backpack is the method that worked best for me.

[cougarmeat]

It's not so much that mesh allows the tarp to dry faster - it's rolled up inside after all. It's that the mesh itself dries faster and gets mold inhibiting sunshine throughout. The first time I used HH snake skins, we had some rain. once I put the tarp in the snake skins, the inside of the skin was wet. When I got home, I could easily lay the tarp in the sun to dry, but I also wanted the wet inside of the skin to see daylight instead of being dark and wet. So I turned them inside out. As I fussed with that chore, I decided my next skins would be mesh.

[ATGIRL2028]

A dyneema Stuff sac came with my HG Palace Tarp. I purchased dyneema skins at that time, thinking weight savings. Saw many comparison videos and the weight was equal with mesh and moisture was an issue when using the dyneema skins. I switched to the mesh and hung on to the dyneema, however, I have never gone back to them after using mesh on my 2018 Thru Hike. (Probably why HG no longer carries them). I also forgo the Stuff sac on trips and only use the DCF Sac for home storage and protection. Again, simply roll the mesh skin Palace tarp and store in the binding on the side of the backpack is the method that worked best for me.

I'm showing my ignorance here with no shame...but r u saying the snakeskin is mesh or the bag you store it in is mesh? I've never seen mesh snakeskins, but that would completely make sense b/c the inside of the skins will get wet and moldy for sure.

[soul embrace]

I've never seen mesh snakeskins, but that would completely make sense b/c the inside of the skins will get wet and moldy for sure.

mesh snakeskins: https://www.simplylightdesigns.com/c...kin-stuff-sack

he also makes 2 piece snakeskins also

[gbolt]

I'm showing my ignorance here with no shame...but r u saying the snakeskin is mesh or the bag you store it in is mesh? I've never seen mesh snakeskins, but that would completely make sense b/c the inside of the skins will get wet and moldy for sure.

Just like Soul Embrace stated, the snakeskin I would recommend is mesh. Early on, some companies made Snakeskins out of dyneema, that ended up holding in moisture. The bag the tarp is stored can be made of dyneema or nylon materials. Not showing ignorance at all, it is a lot to consider when Hammocking but that’s half the fun. Although snakeskins can come in two parts, I would recommend a single skin for a Thru Hike. Easier in windy conditions and no bunch up in the middle when rolling and packing up.