Getting the most mileage from a sil-ny tarp?

**rjc149** · 03-02-2014, 21:22

Hey guys,

Any tips for getting the most life out of a sil-nylon tarp like the Superfly? Mine just arrived, I want to make sure I'm getting many years of use from this thing.

**VictoriaGuy** · 03-02-2014, 22:23

You probably have figured out everything I know already!

UV and dirt/moisture are the things I avoid - same as a tent fly.
Make sure you get it dry when you get home (tough if you get home late and would really rather go to sleep) , don't leave it out in the sun more than necessary, etc...
I don't like to let tarps and tent flys 'snap' in the wind, so a bit of work on the guys (tensioners?) can help in that dept. ..saves wear and tear on the pullouts.
Nylon is pretty tough, so get outdoors and put that thing to work!

**AScott** · 03-02-2014, 22:57

Probably obvious, but keep it away from open fires. Flying sparks and silnylon do not mix.

**olddog** · 03-02-2014, 23:13

Can't speak for other brands but I hung my Tadpole last June in Maine and left it up the entire summer into August. Only moved it to hang farther back on the property with my Maine brothers. It's been thru a few hangs during the short Florida season and so far I have no complaints. Most of that time was under some cover so UV may not have had much effect. So far the Tadpole has impressed me so much that I just want to keep trying to find it's breaking point. Being the ripe young age of 63 it will probably outlast me if the past 2 years are any indication.

**4shot** · 03-03-2014, 10:30

I guess seam sealing is in order as well. I have a new ahe toxaway and the wife has the superfly. the backyard hang came to a screeching halt last night as both tarps (which had been left up all day) had some (very minor) leaking and our hammocks were damp.
I had read here on HF that seam sealing was not mandatory so, me being me, I tried the lazy way first. next order of business is to seam seal. I'm not upset as it was not an issue - that is the beauty of the backyard hang. Steps away from the comforts of home. No way would I have taken it on a trip though without seam sealing it first. I always seam seal my tents upon arrival. an ounce of prevention etc. A damp hammock last night out in the woods would have been a very big deal.

**gunner76** · 03-03-2014, 12:34

Do not leave outside exposed to UV for long periods of time

Be sure it is clean before storing

Made sure it is dry before storing

Stuff it, do not fold it

Keep away from fires and sharp objects

**Floridahanger** · 03-03-2014, 12:50

Using a chamois in the field will help in removing pollen, moisture, and small particulates that may shorten the tarp life. That and storing the tarp by rolling it and putting on tarp skins while the tarp is wiped and cleaned may help extend the life.

**captaincoupal** · 03-03-2014, 16:58

Don't fold it - stuff or roll it.
Also, don't pull too hard on the tarp corners or edges, it's going to pull on your seams and you shorten the life on the sealed seams.

**oldpappy** · 03-03-2014, 17:20

I always stuffed mine and never had a problem. Last winter I stored my diamond tarp rolled up and now it seems the nylon stretched - the grosgrain edges are tight but nylon is very sloppy at the ridgeline.
I just discovered this issue today, and now I have to figure out how to fix it (any ideas - 10 min in the dryer on low heat?).