I would like to make a tarptent for our family of four. We have two kids 6 and 9, and would like something that would fit all four of us. Most designs I find are for 2 people. Any suggestion for a 4 person shelter or would we be better to go with two 2-person shelters?

Here's Henry's solution for a family of 4:

http://tarptent.com/hogback.html

A like a pyramid for a family. It gives a lot of realestate for the weight, and probably offers the easiest tent sewing project.

Rod

Is there any place to get some instructions for a pyramid tent? A friend has a Megamid and I was thinking of borrowing it to get some dimensions and construction ideas. I've never made a tent, but have sewn a lot.

Try here
http://hikinghq.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2815

You can also search here at BPL. Try pyramid, teepee and tipi as search terms. You could talk to Tarbubble (Colleen) about her experience. (she runs the Backpacking with Kids Yahoo group)

Also check this thread, and pay particular attention to what David Olsen and Ron Bell have to say, since they both make and sell them.
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=1322

It's perfectly feasible to copy a Megalite but, whilst it's reasonable and pretty cheap, it's not the greatest design ever. As David says, catenary cut will make the design MUCH better.

You may want to post a WTB on Gear Swap, since a good used one will likely only run you $150, and you can use it to learn what you like, then sell it again for about the same amount. There's about 10-15 yards of silnylon in one, so it's worth looking SH.

Also check Roger Caffin's info on sewing with silnylon.

And don't forget to post pics!

Edited by Rod_Lawlor on 07/02/2009 04:39:10 MDT.

You may ask this lady on youtube after watching her demonstrate setting up her teepee, she says it will sleep 8 and weighs in under 3 lbs... I bet if you designed one to sleep 4 you could probably get it much lighter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzfn_dZoNTU&feature=channel_page

This is her homepage,
http://www.trailquest.net/BRindex.html
from watching her make a stuff sack she seems to be a pretty good gear maker.

Thanks for all the ideas. Now that I'm pointed in the right direction, I can get started on a design. I just finished quilts for my kids and myself. I just ordered material to make backpack for the kids and then on to a shelter.

Rebecca,

I am almost complete with a pyramid tent for my family. I am including a floor. It is made from cuben fiber and the tent body will weigh around 12-15 oz. It will require one pole that I think can be under 10 oz. as well, so I think the whole thing will weigh in at under two pounds. I will probably be finished in about two weeks and then I will post my design

Scott if you can that would be great. I too have a family of 4 and was eyeing the new 4 person tarptent as well but would love to see other designs.

One idea I was thinking I might be able to duplicate was something that resembled the hillerberg Rajd.
http://www.moontrail.com/hilleberg-rajd.php
Its seems it can just be a large tarp with beaks at both ends and you can sew an inner A frame mesh tent pretty easy.... Seems like that would have less condensation issues also.