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Thread: Homemade Tarp and Hammock

  1. 09-20-2009, 09:23 PM #1
    finallyME
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    Default Homemade Tarp and Hammock

    Mostly because I am poor, and because I like making stuff, I decided to make my own hammock and tarp. First the tarp.

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    So, basically, I bought the fabric at Walmart in the $1.50 bin. I thought it was 1.1 oz breathable ripstop, but I have my doubts now. Then I looked online for tarp directions. I didn't follow the instructions completely, and I don't think I like the corner tieouts. Since I wanted an 8' X 10' tarp, and I didn't have enough material to sew the seam along the ridge line, I sewed it down the middle, perpendicular to the ridge line. I also read on another forum about people trying to make their own silnylon, so I decided to try that as well. Once the tarp was all sewn together, I set it up in my yard and mixed 100% clear silicon with mineral spirits. Then I took a sponge and scraped it all over the fabric. I did this twice all over, and a third time on the ridge line. A few days later, I set it up again and laid under it with my wife sprinkling it with the hose....NO LEAKS. I was very surprised and very happy. The final weight is 26 oz. It is a little heavier then I expected. I was expecting 16 oz. So, maybe it isn't 1.1 oz per square yard ripstop.

    Now the hammock..

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    Basically I followed the advice of this site...Just Jeff

    He explains a lot. For the bug netting, I took an army mosquito net for a cot, and cut two holes for the hammock suspension to pass through. I plan to put some velco there to close the holes because I can also use the tarp and bug net alone without the hammock for a tarp tent.
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  2. 09-20-2009, 09:30 PM #2
    FVR
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    Thanks...........
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  3. 09-20-2009, 09:32 PM #3
    crashdive123
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    Nice work.
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  4. 09-20-2009, 09:34 PM #4
    COWBOYSURVIVAL
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    I like the tarp and great pictures!
    Keep in mind the problem may be extremely complicated, though the "Fix" is often simple...

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  5. 09-20-2009, 09:39 PM #5
    FVR
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    I've been looking for a hammock, just hate to buy one. Now all I need is a trip to wallyworld. Have to make it look primitive somehow.
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  6. 09-20-2009, 10:18 PM #6
    hunter63
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    Nice job!
    Thanks for the site.

    Makes me wish I still had my old, bought from the add, on the back of Popular Mechanics Magazine, army surplus jungle hammock, but I bet yours is lighter, the old canves one weighed a ton!
    Had the bug screen and everything.
    Took some time to get used to sleeping in it, all nite.

    Used to carry it around in the trunk of my car, welded a piece of pipe and cap on the back bumper,to slid in one pole
    Tied up one end to a tree, hook up the other end to the pipe in the bumper and pull forward till the proper tighness was reached.
    Last edited by hunter63; 09-20-2009 at 10:22 PM.
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  7. 09-20-2009, 10:21 PM #7
    pocomoonskyeyes
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    FM here's a Blog that has some really good info on tarps Hammocks,and stuff sacks things he makes himself. looks like really good directions...but then who am I to say. The only sewing I've done is with needle and thread sewing up rips and putting buttons back on. The real simple stuff.
    http://backwoodsdaydreamer.blogspot.com/
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  8. 09-20-2009, 11:13 PM #8
    panch0
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    Nice job! Great Ideas thanks for sharing.
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  9. 09-21-2009, 12:50 AM #9
    canid
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    nice. you just reminded me that i left my hammock up at my old place in chico when i came back down south.
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  10. 09-21-2009, 08:55 AM #10
    Fletcher
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    looks good. What's the hammock made of?
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  11. 09-22-2009, 12:28 AM #11
    mccaw69
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    great job..i've checked out jeff's site several times,and am considering doing the same thing my old hammock,a jungle style,is about worn plum out.plus it looks like your rig would b alot lighter.did u use ripstop mat. for the hammock as well?
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  12. 09-22-2009, 09:10 AM #12
    finallyME
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    My hammock is too heavy. I used some pretty heavy stuff, I think it came out to 4 oz per square yard. Anyways, I have some light ripstop nylon that I am going to make a new one with. It might even be more comfortable. So, that is my next project.
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  13. 01-21-2010, 08:04 PM #13
    OGsBF
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    great job.. making stuff... thats the spirit
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