Diy megatarp

[BFlan]

For my uses and what I've learned of these 2 builds, I think this tarp is best suited to be built with like ends. I'm super happy with how they both came out but having a removable annex is a bit more time consuming and not needed for my system. I almost like the "rear" center zip as an entry/exit better than the "front" annex. I will put a stakeout point on both sides of the center zips on my next build. That way u can choose which side will be your opening and the othe half will be a large vestibule. If weather switches just move you stake to the other side of the zipper. Plenty of air flow with both ends half opened. Live2hunt, could you see any cons about building this with like ends?

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

I can see them now. Looks really good.

The only cons I could see is I think it's a little easier to access the zipper on the sides rather than crawl down to the tip and the way I built my annex I could drop it down from the top and vent it fairly well.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Here's my latest project. I changed a few things. It's about 16 inches longer between poles which gives a little more room for gear with 2 guys. I lowered the guy out points to 21 inches which seems to give a little bit better pitch and not put as much tension on the Ridgeline and also permits the walls to be a little more vertical. The biggest change is I used a lighter fabric, the 0.93 oz/yard momentum. Collider fabric made me nervous at first because it does have a lower tear strength and lower stretch and lower abrasion resistance, after working with it and getting it done I don't see it being a problem though and it has saved quite a bit of weight. Right now this way's right at 15 ounces and after I add an Annex instajack and get it seems to you it will probably be 22 ounces total without the stakes so overall it's saving me 5 - 6 ounces and is a bit larger.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

All finished except the stove jack that's on order. 21.6 oz total with the guy lines. The annex is completely removable this time. I also dropped the overhang from 4" to 7" to tighten up the sloppiness and it worked, though 6" probably would've as well.

 

[ChrisS]

All finished except the stove jack that's on order. 21.6 oz total with the guy lines. The annex is completely removable this time. I also dropped the overhang from 4" to 7" to tighten up the sloppiness and it worked, though 6" probably would've as well.

Looks good. I need to tackle something like sooner or later.

 

[Ghillie_55]

Live2Hunt,

Love your new design and all the drawings and helpful tidbits youve posted up.

I have a few questions for you. Are your trekking poles set to 48'' with this setup?



Next, on your annex side, is that a continuous zipper all the way around? (blue line). Is the zipper sewn square to the bottom corners?

Also is the overhang 7'' from pole to end of fabric?



I am thinking about building a similar tarp with two "back" zipper ends. I notice your back doesnt have a guy line coming out on the zipper side. if that was done on both sides there would not be any guy lines running to the top...See any issues with that?

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Live2Hunt,

Love your new design and all the drawings and helpful tidbits youve posted up.

I have a few questions for you. Are your trekking poles set to 48'' with this setup?



Next, on your annex side, is that a continuous zipper all the way around? (blue line). Is the zipper sewn square to the bottom corners?

Also is the overhang 7'' from pole to end of fabric?



I am thinking about building a similar tarp with two "back" zipper ends. I notice your back doesnt have a guy line coming out on the zipper side. if that was done on both sides there would not be any guy lines running to the top...See any issues with that?

Don't remember exactly but I think it's 42-44" tall.

No it's 2 separate 2 way separating zippers. About an inch back from the bottom corners.


12" over 6" down before seam allowances 13.42 actual finished seam length

If you mean 2 annex type ends you'll need guy lines on both ends. If you mean 2 ends like the back end with a a single zipper on each end, no end guy lines are necessary.



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[Ghillie_55]

Great! Thank you for the advice!

Why did you go with one annex end and one single zipper end? Any benefits to maybe having two annexs or two single zipper ends?

On your single zipper side did you put two sliders on it? Waterproof #5 zipper?

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Great! Thank you for the advice!

Why did you go with one annex end and one single zipper end? Any benefits to maybe having two annexs or two single zipper ends?

On your single zipper side did you put two sliders on it? Waterproof #5 zipper?

The annex can be removed completely and left to save weight. Only advantage to 2 annexes I see would be an actual flat tarp if you ditched them but in my time using it I've never used it flat. 2 single zipper sides work and save a little weight but I'd rather have one end removable entirely, folding them in would work though.

No just a #8 zipper and seam sealed the tape. No water issues at all, even under a hose it only had a few misting drop.

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[314alias]

Are the plans for this floating around out there somewhere or could they be emailed to me?

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

Are the plans for this floating around out there somewhere or could they be emailed to me?

They're on the first post. With some explanations throughout the thread.

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[zacattack]

What stitch do you use for something like this? Straight or is there something stronger?
I’ve been dabbling in dry and stuff sacks but want to try making one.

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

What stitch do you use for something like this? Straight or is there something stronger?
I’ve been dabbling in dry and stuff sacks but want to try making one.

Mostly just straight stitches

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[mthomasondpt]

To give credit where it is due, this is Tim M's design with some minor modifications. I'm probably going add an annex and stove jack as well but haven't yet.




Due to the amount of requests I added the plans here:

Hey, do you have plans for the annex on the mega tarp? I have a seek outside DST and was thinking of doing a DIY annex since they don’t make one. Then, I stumbled across your thread. Great job!