DIY Gear Tips: Making A Silnylon Tarp (Step By Step)

Check out some of my favorite backpacking gear here: amzn.to/34QK7mt
A step by step description of my recent silnylon tarp build.

[@mikesides617]

Can’t believe it’s been nine years since this tutorial was posted. I still have my copy built using this guide. Wonderful piece of gear. I hope Mr. Brewer is well, wherever he is.

[@MrWhitmire]

I’m very appreciative of your effort to teach this so clearly. I was searching for info on sewing ripstop to make a hammock, but am encouraged to make a tarp too, now. Great work!

[@maggiealena]

I do a lot of sewing in my work. I would like to say you did a fine job putting this together.

[@BreakingBarriers2DIY]

Nicely described and good use of stills to capture the right moments. Thanks for sharing!

[@biggering]

Really nice walkthrough of your project. Thanks for sharing it. I like your idea of using the bungee cord to keep the tarp taut. 👍

[@DonMilligan]

Very informative, never even heard of Google sketch-up, looking forward to seeing more. Thanks ~Don

[@UniverseEarthSpirit]

Hey, I just checked out your new site. It looks great! thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

[@rlmarin1968]

Nicely done my friend...great explanation of the process. I have made my own silnylon tarp from some clearance Walmart fabric ($2.50 for the remaining piece) which was 56" wide by 9' long. I wasn't as careful with my seams as you clearly were, but I also sprayed it down with water proofing spray when done. It is working great and making it gives me a sense of satisfaction buying a ready made tarp wouldn't. Thanks for posting.

[@nosleeplisa]

Nice work, Joe! I've never sewn nylon, this is great info! thanks for sharing it.

[@itsmattchase]

Hey Joe! Thanks for your videos! Just ordered my materials. Can't wait to make it!

[@seadogsurvival4064]

Great job on the video. Very informative. The best on this subject so far.

[@sjr7822]

That rug, that knife and working on carpet gave me a flashback to a couple of people I had working on a project in a carpeted bedroom. I didn't check on them until they left, the work was cut out on the carpet instead of a piece of plywood, and I got my carpet cut up in good shape~

[@thepilgrimage2015]

Awesome vid buddy! This inspired me to make a 2 person ultra-light tarp-tent. I'll be doing a step by step over at my channel. thank you again for all the great videos.

[@MoniqueDiCarlo]

Beautiful job, you are very talented!

[@KdawgCrazyOutdoors]

Awesome DIY tarp vid. You make it look so easy to do.

[@Tony-ux5tr]

Really amazing job!!! Was very helpful... thanks.. Oh great job thinking ahead for bug netting...

[@zanthornton]

You are a great at this!

[@198603271]

Thanks a million for sending me the Sketchup file Joe, I'll dust off the sewing machine this week :-)

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Justin Hart Share some pics of your project when you finish!

[@bloodyschill73]

Very nice!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@theis8233]

Great job!

[@BrosephRussell]

Awesome job

[@roymandrell8517]

You should sew up a stuff sack for your tarp...Great video!!!

[@iraa9935]

Good job!

[@lukebelderes3104]

Thank you for this!

[@frankbush333]

great video thank you.

[@mikeroberts8412]

Thank you for sharing

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Very nice job. What size needle and thread did you use and what weight silnylon was that? Jason

[@BackcountryBanter]

1.1oz/yd2 silnylon (It's actually 1.3oz/yd2 when finished with silicon) with a size 9 (tiny) needle to create tighter less leaky holes.

[@equallywrong]

Good job.

[@mikebox]

very nice. thanks.

[@HondoTrailside]

It doesn't take many stitches to get a load take out on a tarp, but if one wanted something more like an actual bar tack than a zigzag, simply stitch several times back and forth across the strap before going over that with the zigzag. That is how the machines do it to ensure that there is directional sewing in a transverse direction as well as in line. In this case almost all the load is in line, so well done.

[@akumasan707]

Good job

[@snakemonkey555]

Awesome video, great step by step! Do you think grograin ribbon is needed along the four sides of the tarp for added strength (for a winter tarp with doors) or just the rolled hem is good enough. Thanks!

[@willieskins54]

Awesome tarp and excellent vid !! I know you are on the PCT now so when you get back.........What kind of sewing machine do you use/recommend? What is the best thread to use with silnylon in this application? How did you learn to sew? I'm following you on the PCT nice vids !! Thanks !

[@jgodwin2364]

Thanks for taking the time to lay it out step by step! Great video. Could you share the sketch up file? Would love to try this out for myself.

[@BackcountryBanter]

+J Godwin Sure, here you go: drive.google.com/open?id=0B24Hu5sDONRSNW9paklVclNMdWM

[@judalu9557]

Good lesson

[@HarryPooter541]

You're the man

[@fosterwayne6684]

This video inspired me to build my own tarp, thank you. If you were to make another tarp would you stay with silnylon or would you use silpoly?

[@toddgiroux3531]

Great video! I would love to make my own for hammock camping. Possible to get you GSU files?

[@garrettmain3712]

Hey bud! What are the measurements on your guy line tie outs? Looking to make my own tarp :) Thank you!

[@microbus2]

Great stuff, Joe! Just getting into hammock camping and gonna need a tarp. Any chance you could save down the SketchUp file to version 8? (My nearly 10 year old Mac won't run the lastest version.) Thanks in advance!

[@jilladams663]

Love your videos. I am interested in the actual dimensions and google sketch up files. Where would I find these? Thanks so much.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Send me an email and I'll send the sketchup files your way! You should be able to contact me through my profile page.

[@trentonbilyeu]

do you use a taught line hitch or a line lock to adjust your tarp tension?

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Just waiting on my fabric, getting scared now haha 👍

[@EnriqSandoval]

Great video. Have you considered making these for others?

[@francoisnicolas3233]

Nice work! Can you the sewing of the d rings with a regular sewing machine?

[@kevincollins9466]

Great video, thank you so much! I'm coming southbound on the AT now, just took a break for Xmas. I still have about 700 miles left and I'm trying to lighten my load. I was gonna make my own tarp, but I fear this would take me an incredible amount of time since I only have a needle and thread, no machine. I really dig your design. Any chance you'd sell me this one or make another? May be asking a lot, but it doesn't hurt to ask, right?

[@junelopez215]

Thank you for clearing some things up with making a tarp. What model sewing machine are you using?

[@jilladams663]

Also, have you ever sewn any panel tie outs like for a 3x3 tarp? Wondering the technique on that. Thanks.

[@katse6385]

Hey Joe, awesome guide! I was wondering if you ever got to making the bug net with the bath tub floor to attach to the inner micro o-rings on the underside of the tarp? I am looking to make something almost exactly like yours! Cheers!

[@BackcountryBanter]

I never ended up making it. I just couldn't justify the increase in weight that the bathtub floor and netting would add, when I really had no need for them. I've always been super happy and comfortable in my tarp. Good luck!

[@jasonsutter3818]

Awesome Video. I was looking into making a tarp that be used for a hammock, What differences is there from your ground trap, compared to your hammock trap. Thanks Buddy!

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Jason Sutter It's a little smaller and not nearly as tall. This sheds wind better and allows for a closer pitch to the ground. It's also tapered down on one end to form a shorter, narrower end that keeps rain off better and reduces weight.

[@theshepard22]

Thanks so much for this Joe! Hey, do you think it's doable to take this fabric into a seamstress with the plans on paper? Is this cost effective? I'm pretty sure these tarps are around 80 dollars online, would it still be ahead of that price tag if I go the seamstress route?

[@ifell3]

Hi great skill. Did you use a hem foot or did you do it by hand?

[@ashleebeyer]

Really excellent video. Do you recommend a flat tarp shape or the curved edges for a versatile tarp - over hammock or pitched on the ground? I cannot decide what I should make for my first tarp - I'm mostly concerned about rain getting under the tarp. Do you still have your sketchup file?

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Ashlee Smith I do, If you'll PM me your email I can send it to you. I always recommend the cat curve edges, no matter what type of tarp you're creating. They just allow a much tighter and more secure pitch. Flat edges tend to sag and create droopy spots in the tarp. These droopy spots catch rain and can flap in the wind.

[@Yaleblue22]

I want to make one of these this summer but would you make and sell these tarps? And if so how much would you charge?

[@Waldlaeufer70]

Very well done. Gave me some great ideas for my own tarp, which is going to be a bit longer (12' minus the seams). I especially like the D-rings on each side of the tarp. Do you know how much tension they can take? What is their breaking strength?

[@BackcountryBanter]

That I don't know unfortunately. I will say that they are much beefier than I expected though. They've lasted over two thru hikes on my tarp and show no signs of letting up.

[@Waldlaeufer70]

+Joe Brewer Thanks for your answer. That sounds very convincing. I have ordered a few of these in the form of a triangle. I don't think they would be less strong. So, I guess I know what I'm going to use them for. Thanks again. Michael

[@Invisasun]

In your opinion, what is the best style and brand of stakes? Thanks and a great video!

[@BackcountryBanter]

I like the weight savings that the Vargo titanium shepherds hooks offer, and they work well in most environments. But when I really want holding power, I go for the MSR groundhogs. They stay in the ground really well. For the PCT I'm taking 2 groundhogs (for staking out the tarp ridge line) and 6 ti hooks for the various other tie-out points.

[@RoyceWhiteOfficial]

Joe-very nice vidJo. can you tell me the size of the O-Rings and where you got them? Looks like a 3/8"

[@BackcountryBanter]

Check these out: diygearsupply.com/product/micro-o-ring/

[@DavidAmsler]

This looks good! Is it necessary to seal the ridge line? I'm planning on making a tarp for my hammock.

[@ghostwatts7802]

+David Amsler you should seal tape any lines that are sewn and i usually coat the entire thing with seam seal anyway.Atleast thats what i like to do lol

[@jamthomson1]

Great video Joe! I am going to thru hike the AT next year and am going to be making some of my own gear. Would a tarp like this be good for the AT or is the AT to wet for a ground tarp? Thanks!

[@BackcountryBanter]

I preferred my hammock on the AT, as it kept me off the wet ground (the AT is normally a very wet trail) but a ground tarp would definitely work on the AT, plus it would give you a way to steer clear of the crowded shelters for very little weight added.

[@jamthomson1]

Thanks for the response Joe. I watched your sleep system video and I think that is what I am going to try and make and go with. I like the idea of staying away from the crowded shelters. I am actually going to flip flop and start a little late to try and avoid the party crowd. I am getting to old for that scene. lol

[@NorthernWildOutdoors]

What kind of thread do you use. I am trying but it keeps bunching up underneath on the bobin side

[@BackcountryBanter]

I use Guttermann Mara 50 thread. It seems to be the perfect thickness and is 100% polyester which is essential for outdoor gear.

[@rhlb7931]

Great video! Are you using 1.1oz or 1.9oz Ripstop Silnylon?

[@paulelby]

Hey Joe i know this is an old thread but interested in the actual dimensions and google sketch up files if you still have them

[@RichardBuckerCodes]

What are the final dimensions? why is the head a different dimension than the foot? Can you get the side completely to the ground to prevent rain from the sides? why didn't you use cuben fiber except cost?

[@BackcountryBanter]

9.5' x 8' (head) x 6' (foot) For extra sitting room and to save weight. Mostly, but there is a little gap where the cat-cut rises up. Just because of cost/availability.

[@wilkbor]

Thanks for the video. What size of thread and needle are you using? What kind of thread are you using?

[@BackcountryBanter]

The needle is a very fine, size 9 needle and the thread is 100% polyester Gutermann Mara thread.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Check this thread out: bit.ly/2nYAoJ3 And these are some needles I've used before: amzn.to/2ABdBZP

[@mik0014]

Great video, I've just subscribed to your channel :) Is it possible to make an insert for this kind of A-frame tarp for bug protection?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks! It's absolutely possible. I'm actually working on one right now. It will have a waterproof bathtub floor and netting sides to keep the bugs out.

[@mik0014]

Biophthera Great! I'm looking forward to you video.

[@JulianGuevaraphoto]

Is there a specific thread to stitch these up?

[@slicmicII]

I would like to get those GSU files. Already ordered material!

[@BackcountryBanter]

The only link I have with me is to the exact same design but with a 10' 6" ridge line. My final build had a 9' 6" ridge line. All of the other dimensions are the same however. docs.google.com/folderview?id=0B24Hu5sDONRSLWtVY0hFdkQ5OTA&usp=docslist_api

[@NANA-mr2vp]

Hey Joe; nice job here. I'm thinking I'd like to make not only a tarp, but some other gear as well. May I ask what kind of machine you made this on? What kind of machine is necessary? Will an ordinary Singer style machine work? Do I need some heavier duty type? Thanks.

[@BackcountryBanter]

+James Palermo Sorry for the late reply, some of these comments are showing up in my notification feed. Any machine will do! I've got a cheap kenmore sewing machine and it has served me well.

[@LynnKsCouture]

Hi Joe, I am going to make a 9 foot x 9 foor silnylon tarp and watched this video with interest. I wouild appreciate knowing how deep the arcs should be for the front, back and sides as am not an engineer.. Thanks

[@BackcountryBanter]

If you google catenary cut calculator, there are some tools that will help you calculate the exact depth needed for optimum cat cuts. I have found that exact depths/arcs really don't provide much of a benefit over loosely calculated ones as I have used on this tarp (I used precise ones on my first hammock tarp). For this tarp, I used 3 in deep cuts on the long edge, and 2 in and 1 in deep cuts on the wide and narrow ends respectively. For a 9 foot edge I'd at least go with a 3 in deep cut, likely more. Some people say cuts should be 1" deep for every 1' of length it must cover. I say you can go shallower than this, but if you'd like to play it safe, go for 9" deep cuts.

[@LynnKsCouture]

Thank you so much Joe. Called Seattle Fabrics and got the same results. 3 inches on the front and back edges then 3/4" to 1" for the side edges.

[@kawaii301]

Joe, one more. You picked up what looked like a Sea To Summit Mosquito Pyramid on the trail. How did this work for you? Are you still contemplating a bathtub floor bug bivy type thing for your ground tarp? In season, Maine flies are sometimes ravenous little vampires. Thanks again.

[@BackcountryBanter]

The mosquito net worked quite well. It was a little tight on space, but definitely kept the bugs out and kept me sane. It is fairly delicate though (I hade the 3oz nano model). By the time I sent it home, I had patched a couple holes and repaired a ripped corner. If I had the time to make it, I would definitely have preferred to have a bugnet/bathtub insert. It would have been a little heavier but much more roomy and durable. I'm actually working on making a tent now though, so it's not likely that I'll finish the net/tub for this tarp anytime soon. Thanks, Joe

[@glynn4444]

Nice presentation and excellent work. What was your total approximate cost?

[@BackcountryBanter]

~$60

[@ghostwatts7802]

+Joe Brewer would you say you got out cheaper doing it youreself? or do you just do it for the self accomplishment? just wondering.

[@CritterStyle]

What width grosgrain do you recommend for a 6x9 tarp?

[@CritterStyle]

The answer is 3/8" nylon strapping. Now I know from experience(5 months later), the grosgrain abrades and breaks in wind or with tent steaks.

[@yuppiecruncher]

Hey Joe, great vid, what width was the two sizes of webbing on this tarp?

[@BackcountryBanter]

+yuppiecruncher It's been a while, but if I remember correctly the thicker webbing is 3/4" nylon and the small tie outs are 3/8" grosgrain ribbon.

[@EvanJaffe]

Do you think 1/2" webbing is sturdy enough for the ridgeline? Trying to decide if I should go wider on this thing...

[@BackcountryBanter]

Definitely.

[@EvanJaffe]

Sorry - definitely 1/2" is sturdy enough, or definitely I should go wider? (Say, 3/4" or 1") Thanks for the great video!

[@BackcountryBanter]

Haha, sorry, 1/2" is definitely sturdy enough.

[@DiGiTaLdAzEDM]

Nice job--I am in the market for a tarp, and am planning to order one from 'Simply Light Designs' as I do not have the sewing equipment/skills to make it myself. What color is that silnylon ( I found the 'ripsotpbytheroll site), and is 1.1 oz. strong enough for general backpacking/hiking use? I believe that silnylon is 20 denier--I was initially considering buying an Integral Designs Siltarp 2 which use 30d silnylon. So going down to 20 concerns me a bit. The 1.1 oz./20D is one option I have with 'Simply Light'.

[@BackcountryBanter]

+DiGiTaLdAzEDM I believe they call it olive green. 1.1oz is perfect for backpacking/hiking use. If you check out the end of my "life of a thru hiker" video you can see the tarp really taking a beating in high wind. Mine is 1.1 oz and has lasted for 2 thru hikes now.

[@DiGiTaLdAzEDM]

+Joe Brewer Thanks--I ended up buying a sji-nylon flat tarp (no cat cut) in 9'x9' size made by 'Oware'.I liked the options that model had--16 perimeter tie-outs, and four side pull-outs. I had Dave Olsen add a center ridge line pull out loop, and 3 inner loops along the ridge for hanging a lantern, or rigging a line to. It is 30D weight, or something like 1.45 oz..Total weight is around 16 oz. My only reservation was on size, as I want to use this in the woods on my property for lounging around with my two dogs, and wondered if it is big enough. However, I will also take it on day hikes year round, and on backpacking trips. On such trips I will also be using my Hilleberg tent, and using the tarp for cooking, relaxing, and as a tent porch. What do you think of the spec I selected?

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

ripstop has the .66 membrane silnylon now i think 1/2 the weight .and its strong enough..its mostly in how you put it together and reinforce the weak spots. the shear strength is surprising for how thin it feels.. i can't rip it by hand when i take a scrap and try to rip it...not unless like a book i tear it from an edge..so the edge would be the weak point..id make a rolled edge for strength..reinforce the corners like apache does in this video..usually the peak is where your first tears happen..ive thought about trying to ake one with 3/8 grosgrain across the peak sewn in with the loops all as one to put the stress across the grossgrain and less on the fabric.... joe really got me into making my own gear..and now with my momliving in Alaska with me she worked for Granite gear and Ares armour sewing everything from backpacks to armour plate carriers..I got her helping out with some designs..im still learning the sewing part as i dont want to turn my mom into slave labor..lol but she watches and helps.. best first project was a pack cover..simple easy..learn the machine..then move onto stuff sacks, rain mitts/skirts, tarps..start with the easy project before jumping into a quilt, tent or backpack..

[@LupusMechanicus]

Wow you are quite the seamster.

[@enjoyinglife9611]

Great job on this DIY tarp! Thanks for the step by step instructions and photos. I just bought some material to make my own DIY tarp. Can you please email me your Google sketch-up file? Thanks

[@gwmtnbiker]

what does it weigh (everything but poles & stakes)?

[@BackcountryBanter]

It's about 8.5 - 9 oz in the stuff sack.

[@Raynor88]

Could this method be used to make a 10' x 10' tarp? I wanna make a tarp for over my tent and for a place I can cook if it rains.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Absolutely. The only concern would be finding silnylon wide enough for a 10' width. Most rolls of fabric you'll find are around 58" wide, not quite enough for a full 10' width. There may be some places that sell wider rolls though... I just don't know any off the top of my head.

[@Raynor88]

Joe Brewer I forgot to ask what kind of needle and thread did you use?

[@kapittsalt]

+Jamez0117 Saw this early, so will pay it forward: size 9 needle (thin!) and polyester thread (Joe suggests Gutzmann Mara brand).

[@ABacon250]

It looks like you have a cat cut on the ridge line but you don't say anything about that in the video, is that just the way it got tight when you picked it? Looks great btw! I want to make one as well now!

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Alan Bacon The ridge line is actually just a flat seam, no cat cut. When you pitch it tight, it does appear to have a cat cut though. This is just due to the shape and stretch of the silnylon. Thanks!

[@dannylockett9445]

well done, but is it cost effective? I didn't catch any information on total cost.

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Danny Lockett Tarps are actually very cost effective for DIY. I believe this one cost me around $60.

[@brandonvaughn6914]

How has the fabric lasted since you made this? Has two years of wear and tear kept it water proof?

[@BackcountryBanter]

It's still as good as day 1! A little faded perhaps.

[@FreeRange1234]

Couple questions, what weight silnylon, and what model, (double coated, ripstop)

[@BackcountryBanter]

1.1 oz silnylon, found here: bit.ly/2pOYYdW

[@fredhubbard7210]

Any post-occupancy reflections on the size? Were there rain storms when you wished it was larger? I am about to make a very similar one for 2 people in the summer, and for 1 person hammock in the winter. I would appreciate how wide you think that should be.. (I have 72" fabric.) Thanks. Well thought out details. I really agree about the cat cuts getting way too fetished. No better proof than your final pictures...

[@BackcountryBanter]

I have been extremely happy with this tarp. It's been bomb proof, and has held up to some crazy weather. In future revisions, I might consider adding a foot of length and width, with the intent of making the tarp a two person tarp. I have fit two people under this tarp, but in heavy weather a little more room would be ideal. For one person, I think it's a great size. I'd consider adding a door or storm flap of some sort, so long as it didn't affect the versatility/pitchability of the tarp. Being able to pitch it at different angles is very useful.

[@fredhubbard7210]

Thanks.

[@zanthornton]

Did I miss the total weight? Ur awesome!

[@BackcountryBanter]

Around 9 oz. in the stuff sack.

[@kawaii301]

Joe, how deep did you make your catenary curves on both this tarp and the blackcat? I believe that the original blackcat instructions had 10" cat cuts, and this seems as if it might be excessive?

[@BackcountryBanter]

My cat cuts were 1", 2" and 3" deep. The longest side had the deepest cuts and so on. On my hammock tarp, I believe the cat cuts were ~10" deep and I do feel that it was a bit excessive. Though the cuts I used on this tarp are not true cat cuts, they proved to be very sufficient for keeping the tarp pitched tight.

[@kawaii301]

Joe Brewer Thanks for the reply! I'm just finishing my blackcat, and it's looking beautiful. Your videos are quite invaluable, and I particularly enjoyed the time you spent on corner reinforcements. Just waiting on some titanium D-rings from Dutch. Bling is the thing, and essential for such a trail worthy shelter. Thanks again for your help and inspiration.

[@nomadicstrength]

So....say I didn't have a sowing kit, or that kind of time. Where would I go to get a simple 9x10 silnylon tarp with plenty of tie ins for variance that isn't 300 bucks (I've seen some crazy prices) and is as around the lightness of yours? Thanks a bunch.

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Rob Angst It's hard to find similar tarps for cheap. Warbonnet has slightly heavier but bigger tarps for a great price here: www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/product-category/tarps/

[@nomadicstrength]

Joe Brewer My pa's got a warbonnet. I might head in that direction. I also ran into one of these as well that are a great candidate ( www.backpackinglight.co.uk/tarps-and-bivy-bags/WE103.html) thoughts? Would you recommend Warbonnet over this for a ground tarp? Warbonnet only has one GT, and it looks to be the size of one who would hold concerts while they camp.

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Rob Angst In reality, warbonnet's tarps are better suited as hammock tarps due to their shape/cut. While the tarp you linked is roomy and would make a better ground tarp, it is pretty heavy too. Neither choice would be ideal. I wish I had a better option for you, i'll keep an eye out.

[@nomadicstrength]

Joe Brewer Thank you tons man. Okay, two last questions (sorry, but you've got some knowledge, and I just thru hiked the AT with a 30 pounder, so I wanna do this right). I do not hike with poles, what should I do? Just get the lightest poles on the market and saw off the handles or what? and 2) Why not cuben fiber for your custom tarp? Too expensive?

[@BackcountryBanter]

+Rob Angst I didn't go with cuben because of the expense. While I don't think that cuben is a good choice for packs (mostly due to abrasion), I think it makes excellent tarps. It's lack of stretch makes for an easy and super stable pitch. The sad thing is that cuben fiber is not getting cheaper, if anything dyneema is driving the price up. If you don't want to use trekking poles, consider just picking up some super light carbon fiber tent poles (Like these: www.zpacks.com/accessories/tent_pole.shtml) They are light enough that carrying them isn't too much of a chore. If you want some really light poles, just in case you get the urge to hike with them (for stream crossings and snow fields they are pretty nice!), there are really light adjustable poles available. (Like these carbon fiber ones: gossamergear.com/lt4-trekking-poles-all.html or these aluminum ones: www.fizan.it/?product=compact-4-black&lang=en both of which are around 5-6 ounces per pole)

[@Welks767]

How do you sleep under this... I'm new to backpacking but I would be scared sleeping under this! If it rains don't you still get soaked from runoff? So confused o.O

[@Moodybootz]

Did you make your cat cuts all the way to the corners on both sides?? Or do you stop the cardboard angle cutout a couple inches shy of where the two catcuts will meet in the corner?? If that makes sense

[@BackcountryBanter]

I made the cat cuts all the way to the corner.

[@hupo]

Did you cat cut the ridgeline?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Nope, it’s flat.

[@hearMyBrazil]

where can we buy those d rings

[@BackcountryBanter]

RipstopByTheRoll is my favorite choice: alnk.to/bP58K14

[@dvstefan]

Planning a making a tarp. Noticed that there are different materials available. What are thoughts on Silpoly? Good/Bad? Also, as I watching KZbin vids on flat felled seams I noticed that you can buy a feller foot for most sewing machines. You get a professional flat felled seam.

[@BackcountryBanter]

dvstefan I have yet to try out Sil-poly, so I can't really comment on it yet. I'll have to check out feller foots, I could use a lot of help on that front...

[@dvstefan]

Joe Brewer Thanks! Was wondering if you've seen silploy on the trail before or know anyone who has used it. Rip Stop By The Roll describes it as having less stretch (than silnylon), increased UV resistances, and double-ripstop grip pattern. If I try it I will let you know what I thought and how it performs on the trail. Thanks again.

[@RichardBuckerCodes]

which silnylon? There are many to choose from.

[@BackcountryBanter]

I like the 1.1 oz silnylon from RipstopByTheRoll.com though my next tarp will likely use some of his lighter options being offered.

[@RichardBuckerCodes]

Joe Brewer I was just on their site. They have a DIY kit including instructions in a PDF. They explained the sewing techniques. Very cool. Considering the kit cost 50-70 depending on the material... I wonder how that compare to just buying one. Clearly the manufacturers get their material in bulk an they benefit from being able to quickly assembled one of these... anyway, thanks.

[@Dirt_McGirt_ODB]

What type of thread did you use?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Gutermann Mara 70 100% polyester thread

[@Dirt_McGirt_ODB]

+Joe Brewer Thank you

[@Dirt_McGirt_ODB]

+Joe Brewer Did you use the 1.1oz silnylon from ripstopbytheroll.com? Sorry, I'm unable to open the files you shared on google drive.

[@BackcountryBanter]

I did.

[@iraa9935]

Why not rectangular vs asymmetric design?

[@andrewrouse4366]

Do you still have those SketchUp drawing?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Here you go

[@andrewrouse4366]

Thanks a lot.

[@TeoMaragakis]

+Joe Brewer You could put it on Google Drive and link it in the description.

[@tswj11]

Have you got a pattern or drawing you could send me?

[@BackcountryBanter]

If you'll send an email to the address in my YT profile (under the about tab), I'll send you the google sketchup files I used to design the tarp. I don't have any other patterns or drawings of the tarp other than that.

[@nmasweetok9838]

Pls could you send me the Google Sketch up ?

[@josuevillasante2546]

JAJAJAJAJAJA is hard to explain But is really easy to understand jajajajajajaajajajajajajajajaj

[@makeoutdoorgear9012]

This is a great tutorial! Would you be willing to add this make and details to www.makeoutdoorgear.com ? We're looking at organising and helping outdoor enthusiasts find gear they want to make and improve whilst helping makers promote their KZbin channels and personal websites.

[@scouttroop291]

Hate cats ha ha strat cut 10x10.