I built a Hammock/Tarp combo today using the same dimensions as my cuben hammock.. 9'x52". It can be used as a hammock in good weather and a tarp in bad weather.. The added versatility only adds an ounce to the weight.. Here are two pictures of the Hammock/Tarp combo set up in A frame bad weather mode. Don't mind all the cord hanging all over the place, I had to set it up quick since it was almost pitch black outside.. I will take more pictures tomorrow with some other setup options...

Edited by Mountainfitter on 04/29/2010 20:47:03 MDT.

Please don't be offended, but that thing is way small for comfortable hammocking. I understand the light-weight mindset on it, but i find that a slightly larger tarp, like my Backwoods Daydreamer Winter Dream, is much more comfortable in the rain and for camp lounging. I like a larger tarp for cooking and weather protection and will gladly carry the extra ounces if it means being warmer and dryer. I'll leave something home to bring a tarp with better protection/coverage. YMMV.

Thanks for your input :) Quite a few people asked for this setup so I had to deliver... The idea was to make a piece of gear that could be used for something else. Since I already plan to build the hammock I figured I could add 8 tie out points and viola... you get a 9' long x 52" wide solo tarp...

I should add this as well. I plan to build a removable bug nest that will work in tarp and hammock mode. Add a tyvek ground sheet and you have a 8oz system that you can do anything with..

Edited by Mountainfitter on 04/29/2010 20:26:47 MDT.

Matthew,

I'm not sure you quite understood what Mountainfitter is offering...It's a hammock OR a tarp - not a tarp for a hammock. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the intent is that you'd use it as a hammock (or seat during lunch breaks) in fair weather and then "ungather" the ends to turn it into a solo tarp if weather forced you to the ground.

Trying to give you both options in one lightweight package. For those of us who tarp anyway it sounds pretty promising...

To gather or not to gather that is the question??? The hammock/tarp in the picture has channel ends with a long piece of cord that goes down the length of the channel to make life easy.. Having to gather and then un-gather would probably take too long and make it not worth it but thats only speculation???

Edited by Mountainfitter on 04/29/2010 21:09:08 MDT.

I like the idea of it being multi-purpose.

There are a ton more photos in MYOG section but here are a few sneak peaks...

Is this the 8' hammock or 9' hammock combo? They tarp set ups look great, but the hammock seems small...

Nevermind, found my answer in the other thread.

Edited by VTAduck on 04/30/2010 15:22:39 MDT.

Its the 9' model...It could have to do with cuben not stretching.. My 9'6" Nylon hammock feels huge in comparison to this one but this one is still ALOT more comfortable.....Maybe I will add 6" to give some extra room???

If you added another 6" you could probably do a large and regular model... the 9'6" could fit up to a 6'4" person, like bags and bivy's do. Something along those lines anyways.

I'd like another 6" in mine. Another 6" would by nice for the tarp set up as well!

I'm loving it! I'll order one Sunday after I get home from car camping.

I like the idea of a long and a regular.

What is your paypal info?

You know Lawson, I think this thing is awesome. I'm a tarp guy, so I look at something like this and think it's primary use is a tarp and secondary use as a hammock (the hangers will think the opposite)...just saying that you might want to consider this more of a "tarmock" or "hamarp" then specifically one or the other...all though I don't like hammocks for sleeping over night, I sure wouldn't mind hanging one when I got to camp to relax, cook, read, etc. Nice work.

"you might want to consider this more of a "tarmock" or "hamarp" "

And of course it can be used as raingear too, so that makes it a "hamtarcape", or maybe a "pontarham"

:-)

hahaha I love the names!

Lawson: How can I purchase the hammock/tarp?!

Hey Justin, sorry I didn't see your paypal post. The hammock/tarps are still not for sale. I am working on dialing in some design and cosmetic details. I should have them worked out soon and will let you know when they are up for sale.. I hope this helps, but if not send me a Personal Message..

Hey, I'm very interested in this thread, I've been looking into making a cuben tarp, specifically the one featured in the MYOG articles on this site.

But, goodness I do love hammocking. And I want a tarp. And it's made of cuben. And I don't own a sewing machine quite yet...

Sir, I'd be overjoyed to be a beta tester for this piece of gear.

A couple questions though: I missed your height, but I'm curious about it. How does the 9' tarp do for your height? How about 6'? And maybe some could be made with trim seams and others with folded seams? And see about any praises or concerns? Eh, who knows?

cheers

Lawson,

Sounds good. I would be willing to try out either folded or trimmed edges. With summer coming up, I will beta test the heck out of this thing. Let me know when they are ready.

Justin

Lawson,

Your beta test models could always go out with one end of each type, couldn't they? Each individual tester may find they have a clear preference for End X, or not. Every tester would at least have equal exposure to both methods under the same conditions from which to form that opinion, whether it be "Oh Gawd, now I have to go do End Y!" or "Eh, whatever."


JohnA