Hi!

First time long time, sorta. I digress.

My cousin and I have recently decried our heavy bags as "never again." We're both investigating the ultra light, or rather, lighter, backpacker and I beseech ye reader for some advice regarding tarp shelters.


I've seen plans for these tarp shelters - triangular pyramid style, bivyesque style, and A frame style.

I'm looking to shortcut experimenting with every iteration by seeing what thoughts people have about the different styles.

Additionally, is there consensus on silnylon vs hardware store tarp?

Recently "borrowed" mother's old sewing machine and looking for linked tutorial content on that as well.



Any funny tarp tent stories?


Thanks!

Nate

Nate,

I would check out Six Moon Designs ( URL below ) as Ron has posted plans for one of his early tents. Of course he sell others and you might get ideas from looking at his site.

http://community.sixmoondesigns.com/files/folders/smd/entry100.aspx

Also, Henry Shires' "TarpTent" site is another great one. His original TarpTent plans are at the URL below and likewise a trip around his sight will give you more ideas.

http://www.tarptent.com/projects/tarpdesign.html

In addition I would check out Thru-Hiker (URL below) as a source for info, and materials.

http://thru-hiker.com/materials/index.php

Finally , if weight is the issue, I would use silnylon, if money is the issue I would still use the silnylon. The hardware store tarp can be turned into a cheap shelter but it is exactly that- a cheap shelter.

Have fun,

-Mark

Edited by markhurd on 07/25/2009 18:18:20 MDT.