[Paddlewise] Hardware Store Plastic Tarp As Rain Fly?

From: Pete Cresswell <">
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2000 09:33:57 -0400
Just made my first major goof in my hammock project.

Anybody want a nice piece of coated ripstop: 5' x 18'?

As a rain fly, it just doesn't seem to cut it.   Way too narrow, I think.

OTOH the 18' x 11' el-cheapo plastic tarp that I use to cover my car during
snowstorms seems to be just the right size.   It's sort of noisy when crinkled,
has a noticible weave of something-or-other, doesn't seem to stretch, comes in
any color you want as long as it's blue.    Sews ok - I attached a few strips of
doubled-over  nylon webbing to use as attachment points for the lines that
secure it.    

*Seems* waterproof....it's a contiguous sheet - no seams...

However I know in my heart that when I'm laying out there in a downpour with the
rain blowing sideways and the wind gusting to 20+,  there will be new things to
learn about any solution, no matter how good it looked in my back yard on a
clear fall evening.

Can anybody with experience comment on the suitablity of the plastic tarp
material?

Weight and bulk are not a consideration.
-----------------------
Pete Cresswell
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Received on Sat Oct 14 2000 - 06:56:33 PDT

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