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#103542 - 09/22/08 07:13 PM Altering a Tarp
Folkalist Offline
member

Registered: 03/17/07
Posts: 374
Loc: Fredericksburg, VA
I have a Kelty Noah 9 tarp that serves me very well. However, I almost never find trees far enough apart to really stretch the 153 inch diameter. This isn't usually a problem as I don't get caught in the rain that often. But if it does rain, I inevitably get major sag in at least one spot. I've tried to rig it on the rectangular instead of diagonal, but the guyline loops are spaced at thirds instead of half and quarters so I get a very disproportionate amount of coverage.

So, I've been considering trimming it to an 8x8 tarp as well as rearranging the guyline loops. I've examined the tarp and believe I could do a good job.

However, I wanted some input from all y'all. Would an 8x8 be adequate coverage? I've always kinda thought the tarp was just a bit too big. Or should I just rearrange the guyline loops for a more symmetrical rectagular layout?
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#103543 - 09/22/08 09:15 PM Re: Altering a Tarp [Re: Folkalist]
Tango61 Offline
member

Registered: 12/27/05
Posts: 931
Loc: East Texas Piney Woods

Folkalist,
I think it depends on if you are a "ground dweller" or a "hammock hanger".
I think 8x8 for the former would be sufficient but most hammock hangers prefer a little more coverage. I have a McCat clone that I made and it has a 12' ridge line.

Any particular reason you want only 8x8 other than weight? Jacks 'R' Better sells an 8x8 and I believe the Hennesy hammocks come with an 8x8 tarp but several folks have commented that they do get some rain coming under.

Get you some 3mil painters plastic and cut out some different sizes and see what works best. It's pretty cheap testing.

Tango

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#103544 - 09/23/08 03:52 AM Re: Altering a Tarp [Re: Tango61]
Folkalist Offline
member

Registered: 03/17/07
Posts: 374
Loc: Fredericksburg, VA
Quote:
Quote:
Any particular reason you want only 8x8 other than weight?


I almost never find trees far enough apart to really stretch the 153 inch [diagonal]. This isn't usually a problem as I don't get caught in the rain that often. But if it does rain, I inevitably get major sag in at least one spot.


It has nothing to do with weight, just logistics of mother nature. Oh, and I'm a hammock hanger.


Edited by Folkalist (09/23/08 03:53 AM)
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#103545 - 09/23/08 04:27 AM Re: Altering a Tarp [Re: Folkalist]
TurkeyBacon Offline
member

Registered: 10/04/02
Posts: 524
Loc: Boston
Why would you take a perfectly good tarp and cut it down when silnylon is relatively cheap. I would just start from scratch after expeirimenting with a poly tarp..
First of cource I would try adding new guyline loops. I wonder if it would work if you added loops along the ridge line effectively shrinking the size down and leaving the option of using the original loops if need be. It would definatly flap in the wind though.
Don't realy know about size...
Scott
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#103546 - 09/27/08 02:19 PM Re: Altering a Tarp [Re: TurkeyBacon]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
I'm familiar with the Kelty Noah 9 tarp; and I say try adding some tieouts before doing any other alterations. As the tarp was designed with pitching it on the diagonal; pitching it in the rectangular shape does'nt fly. Ok, pun intended. I thought the same, why did Kelty not put enough tieouts on the dang tarp so that it could be rigged either way and still be taut when pitched <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

If you just add some tieouts to the ridgeline and it does'nt work out then you still have basically the same tarp. If you cut it then you have what's left, whehter you like it or not <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

A 9 x 9 for what it's worth always worked for my Clark hammock. An 8 x 8 is for use in drier, less likely to be wet areas IME.

Take some pictures maybe if you can to show it in both attitudes so folks can better understand what you are asking <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
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#103547 - 09/27/08 04:50 PM Re: Altering a Tarp [Re: Earthling]
Folkalist Offline
member

Registered: 03/17/07
Posts: 374
Loc: Fredericksburg, VA
Actually, Earthling, your response shows that you definitely understood my conumdrum. Oddly enough, Kelty sends a instruction leaflet with the tarp that shows it pitched on the rectangular and centered. Kinda weird considering the lack of appropriately placed tie outs.

I had pretty much just come to the conclusion that I would add the tie outs before trying anything else. The other responses kinda woke me up. I can't believe I was thinking of cutting down my tarp without trying the obvious. Duh. Glad we have the forum to help set us straight when we go all dorky. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Oh, hey Earthling, my kitties wanna know how your cat is doing. I already know you're still having a really rough time so I won't ask you to dwell on that.
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#103548 - 09/27/08 08:17 PM Re: Altering a Tarp [Re: Folkalist]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
Which Kitty is your Kitty inquiring about <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Mr GQ, Mr Patches, Ms (and I do mean MS!) Junior (thought it was a boy cat <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />) when I named her; or the newest little monster running my life, Mr Goatee <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> They live here, I'm just here to feed them, and claenup after whatever daily havoc they reek on my life <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> In the begining it was 'cute' when they would leave a dead mole, mouse or shrew in my hiking boots outside the door <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> Now I just have to leave a little box out ther so I can perform mass burials every other day <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> the little hunters that they are <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> They figured now that I'm sick they can beat me to the bed when I shut off the computer or tv. They're that smart that they've got my routine down to a time of night <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Time for me to join Jim in the witness protection program <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Hey Jim, where do I get a set of those porn star sunglasses <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Oh yeah, what was the question <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Kelty's got a good product in the Noah Tarp line, mainly because it is one of the few polyester tarps on the market. Polyester holds up much longer than nylon in extended sunlight exsposure IME over 35 years camping. So this tarp makes a great camp kitchen or hangout under tarp for basecamp. I often wonder why the major companies who make this gear don't have an employee scanning related websites, such as TLB; for comments related to their products <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> They could update the product's features from the free input from actual users <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
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#103549 - 09/28/08 07:01 AM Re: Altering a Tarp [Re: Earthling]
Folkalist Offline
member

Registered: 03/17/07
Posts: 374
Loc: Fredericksburg, VA
Amen to that. Just one hour a month would probably give the companies more useful feedback than a year's worth of solicited feedback.

My kitties (Oliver, Gus [Asparagus], and Ms. Annie) were concerned about the kitty that claims you gave it lime disease. Or did I misunderstand a joke? My little monsters are all indoor-only kitties, so no "little hunter" surprises for me.
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#103550 - 10/03/08 01:45 PM Re: Altering a Tarp [Re: Folkalist]
Earthling Offline
member

Registered: 02/22/03
Posts: 3228
Loc: USA
inside joke, kitties are fine, I'm ailing <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> They all run around playing with leaves blowing around in the wind outside, then come in to eat, sleep, and do their bizness before another day of play. Ah, to be a cat... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
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