DIY Paratarp

[Blackhawk45hunter]

So I have a 7x10 tarp that I don’t use much anymore and I’ve decided to take scissors to it and make it into an approximation of the kifaru Paratarp. I’m gonna taper it from 7’ to 5’ starting at the half way point, to make the most of the tarp width.
Cut back the front corners and sew in the angled drip edge.
Add 2 guy outs to each side and two reinforcement patches for poles. When I start I’ll post progress pics.

 

[Blackhawk45hunter]

Well here it is 90% done. It needs reinforcement patches for where the poles go, and seam sealing.

 

[lyle_destroys]

Where did you get the original tarp? Silnylon?

 

[Blackhawk45hunter]

Where did you get the original tarp? Silnylon?

It’s 70d ripstop, and the original tarp was from bushcraft outfitters.

 

[lyle_destroys]

What are the inside dimensions of it now? Height, length, width?

 

[Blackhawk45hunter]

It’s 10’ long, 7’ wide at one end and 5’ wide at the other end. Pitched, it’s 5’ wide down the length and around 3’ high. It’s no tipi by any means, but it’s a lot less claustrophobic than a bivy. I’m probably gonna upgrade to a supertarp come tax season, but this’ll make do for a fast and light shelter option until then.

 

[lyle_destroys]

I like it, been debating on ordering a paratarp for sure.

 

[Blackhawk45hunter]

I like it, been debating on ordering a paratarp for sure.

I was as well. I like the looks of it and the light weight. I’m glad I improvised this with close to paragraphed dimensions, so I could get a feel for the size in real life. Now I’m sold on a supertarp.

 

[Nshipman]

I like it,

 

[STAINLESS90]

That's some solid stitch work, every time I get near a sewing machine I wind up with bunched up fabric and a huge mess of tangled thread.

 

[zacattack]

How do you sew in the reinforcement patches?

 

[Blackhawk45hunter]

How do you sew in the reinforcement patches?

With my sewing machine

 

[Blackhawk45hunter]

How do you sew in the reinforcement patches?

Sorry, lol not being a smartass, that’s how I did it. No magic tricks

 

[zacattack]

What kind of material do you use for the reinforcements and is it a just normal straight stitch? I’m going to try and make a small glassing/emergency tarp soon I hope.

 

[Blackhawk45hunter]

What kind of material do you use for the reinforcements and is it a just normal straight stitch? I’m going to try and make a small glassing/emergency tarp soon I hope.

Yep, just a straight stitch, and I used the leftover fabric from the tarp itself to make the reinforcements