MYOG 9x9 tarp

[nnmarcher]

Just finished a tarp for my dad. It is for pretty specific use cases, mostly sitting underneath during afternoon rainstorms while elk hunting. It seems like we get them often enough that it is worth carrying a tarp, and we really enjoy sitting out of the rain, drinking coffee, and talking strategy for the evening. We will also use it to get out of the sun and take a nap on really sunny days hunting or fly-fishing. It is modeled after the Seek Outside DST tarp with a reinforcement patch in the middle.

All the fabric is from Ripstop by the Roll. Body fabric is 1.1oz Silpoly, reinforcement patches are HyperD 300, and tie out loops are 1" grosgrain and 1.5mm UHMWPE reflective cord. I used the cord for stakes because it will be easier to replace as they wear. I think they also "hold" the Mini Groundhog stakes better than my last tarp with grosgrain loops directly on the stake.

The center reinforcement patch has a pole holster (polester?) to grab the top of a trekking pole in the lean-to configuration. We rode through some windy storms this year and had the center pole slip out a few times, so I hope this solution helps lock it in.

The ridgeline seam is a top stitched french seam following the steps here: https://yamamountaingear.com/pages/french-seam. I seam sealed the tarp with Permatex RTV Silicone Adhesive Sealant mixed with low-odor mineral spirits mixed 1:1. I applied it with a foam brush to the pitched tent and it cured/dried in about 45 minutes.

Weight of just the seam sealed tarp is 467g and does not include the stuff sack or stakes. I'm really happy with how it came out and can't wait to try it out this year!

 

[hereinaz]

looks great

 

[taskswap]

Great work! Where I hunt I don't deal with as much rain so although I carry a tarp I don't actually use it very much. Mostly it's a backup/emergency item and I do use it when laying out elk quarters/bags to keep them off the ground until I can hang them. But your post makes me think I should pitch my tarp more when glassing to keep the wind off while glassing.

Did you put a string/tape into the edge for reinforcement? It almost looks like it but I can't quite tell.

 

[nnmarcher]

looks great

Thanks!

Great work! Where I hunt I don't deal with as much rain so although I carry a tarp I don't actually use it very much. Mostly it's a backup/emergency item and I do use it when laying out elk quarters/bags to keep them off the ground until I can hang them. But your post makes me think I should pitch my tarp more when glassing to keep the wind off while glassing.

Did you put a string/tape into the edge for reinforcement? It almost looks like it but I can't quite tell.

Thank you! Having a tarp is pretty versatile for the reasons you stated. I camp underneath mine with/without a bug bivy if I'm out alone. It is great to get out of the elements for a little bit in the middle of the day, rain or sun.

There is no string in the edge/hem. The triangular reinforcement patches are rolled with the hem so it might add a little volume!