[sclittlefield]

Hey gang - I've been building tarps that cater to the hammock camping community for a while now and would like to move into working out some ground dweller options. What I'd like to get from you are your thoughts on what you'd like to see in a tarp - sizes, shapes, weights, materials, tie-out types, ways it can be pitched, accessories, etc.

I figure, as we put our heads together to come up with some great tarp ideas, we'll be able to come up with some fantastic designs. I'll be happy to put some of the thoughts we work out into image form and post them here so any DIY'ers can utilize our collective brain power to suit their own needs.

And as always, don't hesitate to ask me any questions as you try to build your own gear. I'm happy to help.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

How about something along the lines of the Plains Indians Tipi's ? Complete with liner? I would think with todays fabrics and fasteners it would be a much better option in packing to the original version.

[snowshoe67]

Scott Very good Idea!! I'll be think up some Idea's Poco had a good Idea! I was think about a winter type? I ll come up with some idea's to share with you and others. Scott thanks again for the Super Cat!! need any thing e-mail that goes to Anyone! Thanks Scott and Poco!

[pocomoonskyeyes]

You know it would probably be cost prohibitive but if it could be done in the new "Multi-cam" it's conical shape would help add to the "illusion" of a tree. With a Liner It would be a very warm "primitive shelter". If you aren't aware of the liner I'm referring to, and the outer "shell" work in conjunction to provide a natural updraft. This way a fire can be built inside the shelter. The outer shell was never meant to have the bottom edges placed on the ground. The liner(more of a curtain of sorts) was meant to be placed with some of the bottom edge on the ground ,and held down and "sealed" with dirt.It should go up about 3 & 1/2' tall without touching the outer shell at the top. The "dead space" ends up being plenty in terms of "storage area". As for "connecting" the sides/ends/ Overlap - Velcro and toggle and loop combination would be excellent. Loops for the outer shell stake loops would be sufficient. In summer just leave out the "Liner" and you should be cooler than most conventional tents. However if you felt the need to have windows the liner could be clear Vinyl and Vinyl windows could be put in place. Could be a few adaptations/ models/ versions possible. You would only be limited by your imagination.

[sclittlefield]

A teepee is something that will definitely require lots of thinking... I think you're on to something though. With todays fabrics and hardware it could be pretty lightweight. And I like the liner idea. Could even be reflective for winter use.

I'm thinking bug netting for windows in summer. And bug netting on the outer layer to the ground where it's lifted up a bit. This way air can come in, but not the nasties.

Any thoughts on an ideal diameter for something like this? And required height if you're gong to use a fire inside?

Definitely cannot go with silnylon if there will be a fire inside... since sil cannot be fire-retardant, that's a flaming shrinkwrapped body, dripping with molten nylon just waiting to happen.

[Bigvisk]

ive thought about silnylon, but i love my fires to much

[sclittlefield]

Bigvisk said:

ive thought about silnylon, but i love my fires to much

Right on there... a solid fire and silnylon do not mix well. I keep envisioning someone wrapped up in a molten pile of flaming goo trying to roll around to snuff it out. No fun.

That said, I still love my silnylon tarps! I mostly cook with an alcohol stove or small canister stove and keep the real fire a ways away from where I sleep.

Here's an initial mock up of a versatile ground/hammock tarp that can be used in lots of ways. It's made from one sheet of 11'x5' silnylon. You'll need a hiking pole or something approx. 4' tall for the peak pole to use it as this image shows on the ground. I've yet to be able to put it to the test so this is all theory still, but I think it can be made way less expensively than many of the commercial tarp tents of similar style (plus, it doubles as a hammock tarp if desired).

Attached File(s)

•  GT 11x5 Rectangle Ground (3).jpg (34.54K)
  Number of downloads: 18

[Unswydd]

Scott,
I was just looking at your site and noticed that the Hammock with the guy in it and the cute pup there well, the hammock was quite low. I am new to Hammocks and am waiting for mine now. I was thinking that it should be a bit higher off the ground than this. ?????? I bought one like Kevins
http://www.ems.com/p...oductId=3664469
but feel that I am going to need a tarp. I want something that is sturdy but also protective. I don't feel that I can afford to spend the amount of money I saw on your site tho. I know this is asking a lot but can you recommend something for me that is more affordable but better than Walmart.

[sclittlefield]

Unswydd said:

Scott,
I was just looking at your site and noticed that the Hammock with the guy in it and the cute pup there well, the hammock was quite low. I am new to Hammocks and am waiting for mine now. I was thinking that it should be a bit higher off the ground than this. ??????

That picture you're referring to is actually just about perfect for how high you want the hammock to be. You should be able to sit in it with your feet on the ground as a chair.

Now... that said - if you're using nylon suspension, because it's such a horrible material for this application (stretches terribly - which is good for climbing, bad for hammock suspension) you would need to hang it way up in the air, probably over your head, so when you get in you're not brushing the ground.

Just remember - the higher you hang, the further to fall if something goes wrong. There is no difference in comfort whether you're 6 feet off the ground or 6 inches.

Unswydd said:

I bought one like Kevins
http://www.ems.com/p...oductId=3664469
but feel that I am going to need a tarp. I want something that is sturdy but also protective. I don't feel that I can afford to spend the amount of money I saw on your site tho. I know this is asking a lot but can you recommend something for me that is more affordable but better than Walmart.

No worries there. I'm glad to help. Here are a couple options that will fit the bill. They won't be as ultra-light as my tarps - but they'll be sturdy and not terribly heavy.

www.mosquitohammocks.com - a few options, good prices, and all stealthy. Plus, free shipping.
Also, here are two from Sportsmans Guide that are well priced. The 12x12 weighs a hair over 2lbs and is a great size for being able to close it up like a tent around your hammock. The other is smaller but should work fine.
And finally, the Chinook 12"x9'6" is a good size and great price. Here's a search of various places to purchase.

[Unswydd]

sclittlefield said:

That picture you're referring to is actually just about perfect for how high you want the hammock to be. You should be able to sit in it with your feet on the ground as a chair.

Now... that said - if you're using nylon suspension, because it's such a horrible material for this application (stretches terribly - which is good for climbing, bad for hammock suspension) you would need to hang it way up in the air, probably over your head, so when you get in you're not brushing the ground.

Just remember - the higher you hang, the further to fall if something goes wrong. There is no difference in comfort whether you're 6 feet off the ground or 6 inches.

No worries there. I'm glad to help. Here are a couple options that will fit the bill. They won't be as ultra-light as my tarps - but they'll be sturdy and not terribly heavy.

www.mosquitohammocks.com - a few options, good prices, and all stealthy. Plus, free shipping.
Also, here are two from Sportsmans Guide that are well priced. The 12x12 weighs a hair over 2lbs and is a great size for being able to close it up like a tent around your hammock. The other is smaller but should work fine.
And finally, the Chinook 12"x9'6" is a good size and great price. Here's a search of various places to purchase.

You're awesome Scott for recommending these. Thank you so much for all the info!

[sclittlefield]

Unswydd said:

You're awesome Scott for recommending these. Thank you so much for all the info!

Glad to be of service.