I have recently caught onto the Backpacking light idea and am wanting to make some of my own gear. I just finished a heineken stove, and now I want to make a minimalist tarp shelter out of Tyvek. I was wondering if anyone has any ideas on how I should go about this?

Theres are thread on homemade tent in Philmont section.

great article series... http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/make_your_own_gear_5_yards_to_sul_part_3.html

why tyvek? it is not a super fabric, just a super name. It isn't strong. Sil 2nds from OWFINC.com are the cheapest option for a trap that will last. I know about a million people are going to blast me for doubting tyvek, but i don't trust it.

-Tim

Agreed Tim, Tyvek isn't all that light...or waterproof, and silnylon is cheap and easy to sew. And lighter.

Example;
SMDTyvek 48 x 84 footprint = 6.05oz

MYOG 1.1oz (actually 1.3oz) 60 x 84 with guy-outs and cord = 5.85oz

Link to MYOG project;
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=23878&skip_to_post=193278#193278

Edited by JRoan on 09/09/2009 23:38:19 MDT.

How much would the materials for those cost? I know that I can get everything that I would need to make a Tyvek shelter for about $15. I am a college student with a very limited budget, so not only is that price very attractive but I have read a ton of great reviews on the material. I dont have any experience with it of my own, so I am going only on what I have read and heard by word of mouth.

I got the material at this site;

www.questoutfitters.com

The sylnylon was $3.25 per linear yard (5'wide material), and the 1/2" grosgrain webbing $.35 per yard.

They shipped it out very quickly, and even lowered the shipping cost from the first estimate once it shipped out. I will buy from them again.

i use Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics.

http://owfinc.com/Fabrics/NylonWoven/Ripstop.asp#Nylon%20Ripstop:%20Coated

Same basic stuff. 1.1sil coated is the deal!

-Tim