 Topic Name: Value of a lightweight tarp/fly.
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on: November 12, 2014, 04:46:09 AM
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bakerjw
Posts: 464
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« on: November 12, 2014, 04:46:09 AM » |
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There's always talk of bivvy setups versus tents and the usual down versus synthetics as sleeping bags go. I just wondered how many people take along a lightweight tarp/fly when out bikepacking.
Sometimes rain sets in for several hours and you're going to get wet no matter what, but for those times in the mountains out west where the afternoon showers roll through. Is the extra pound worth it to be able to keep out of the rain for a bit?
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Topic Name: Value of a lightweight tarp/fly.
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Reply #1 on: November 12, 2014, 08:02:56 AM
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rick miller
Location: Golden, CO
Posts: 108
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« Reply #1 on: November 12, 2014, 08:02:56 AM » |
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8 oz., easy to make from 1.1 oz. silnylon. Is it worth it? Maybe not in a race when you probably just keep going, but it has saved me considerable discomfort on a couple occasions.
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Topic Name: Value of a lightweight tarp/fly.
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Reply #2 on: November 12, 2014, 09:02:37 AM
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Iowagriz
Posts: 251
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« Reply #2 on: November 12, 2014, 09:02:37 AM » |
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Nice idea, especially to use with a bivy and still allow it to be unzipped for temp regulation. What size is your tarp? 8'x8'?
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Topic Name: Value of a lightweight tarp/fly.
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Reply #3 on: November 12, 2014, 11:01:53 AM
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rick miller
Location: Golden, CO
Posts: 108
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« Reply #3 on: November 12, 2014, 11:01:53 AM » |
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I think it's 9 x 7 but don't remember for sure
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Topic Name: Value of a lightweight tarp/fly.
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Reply #4 on: November 12, 2014, 02:40:23 PM
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JRA
Location: California
Posts: 362
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« Reply #4 on: November 12, 2014, 02:40:23 PM » |
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I think it's 9 x 7 but don't remember for sure
Did that tarp come cut like that or did you modify it? Great adaptation for use with the bike BTW. |
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I don't know what the question is - but the answer is: Lubrication!
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Topic Name: Value of a lightweight tarp/fly.
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Reply #5 on: November 12, 2014, 03:32:16 PM
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rick miller
Location: Golden, CO
Posts: 108
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« Reply #5 on: November 12, 2014, 03:32:16 PM » |
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complete diy, tho I got the idea from a pic I saw somewhere on the webs
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Topic Name: Value of a lightweight tarp/fly.
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Reply #6 on: November 12, 2014, 03:59:19 PM
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AZTtripper
Moderator
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 1732
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« Reply #6 on: November 12, 2014, 03:59:19 PM » |
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Learning the fine art of Tarpoligy has value in and of itself. I have several in different sizes and weights for different trips. And of course there's The Ray Way http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Tarp-Kit/index.htm |
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Topic Name: Value of a lightweight tarp/fly.
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Reply #7 on: November 12, 2014, 04:16:55 PM
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JRA
Location: California
Posts: 362
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« Reply #7 on: November 12, 2014, 04:16:55 PM » |
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complete diy, tho I got the idea from a pic I saw somewhere on the webs
Sweet, nice job. How difficult was it to sew the silnylon material? It seems so fragile. Did you use a standard sewing machine? And seams? taped or just sealed? |
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I don't know what the question is - but the answer is: Lubrication!
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Topic Name: Value of a lightweight tarp/fly.
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Reply #8 on: November 12, 2014, 04:19:45 PM
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wahday
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 251
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« Reply #8 on: November 12, 2014, 04:19:45 PM » |
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If there is any chance of rain I always bring the tarp. But especially if it's cold or getting cold at night. Cold and wet stinks. I am a recreational bikepacker and not a racer so the very minimal extra weight is not an issue for me. Plus my kit is already very light. Occasionally I have left it at home if I am positive it won't rain but I like the security. Pics from a recent backpacking (not bikepacking) trip with my son. We got rained on both nights and snow and sleet the second morning. But we stayed cozy, dry and warm! We also had a dog with us which helped a lot... This is a Guide Gear 8.5ft X 8.5ft polyurethane coated nylon tarp (not silnylon). I don't recall what I paid but it was about $30 or $40 so pretty affordable. Seams were not sealed so I had to do that myself. All in all I am plenty happy with it. I prefer it to a tent for many reasons. No bug issues here, but even with that, there are nets you can use in conjunction with the tarp. The Ray Way site is great for cataloguing the advantages of a tarp. And its a great product! Henry Shires is another good one.   |
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« Last Edit: November 13, 2014, 11:58:59 AM by wahday »
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Topic Name: Value of a lightweight tarp/fly.
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Reply #9 on: November 12, 2014, 05:29:52 PM
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rick miller
Location: Golden, CO
Posts: 108
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« Reply #9 on: November 12, 2014, 05:29:52 PM » |
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Sweet, nice job.
How difficult was it to sew the silnylon material? It seems so fragile. Did you use a standard sewing machine? And seams? taped or just sealed?
Silnylon has it's own set of sewing challenges, but it can be sewn with about any machine because it's light (but not fragile). I use a walking foot sailmaker's machine but have used my daughter's home machine with good results. I haven't found anything that conveniently sticks to it (besides silicone glue), so I mostly pin/free hand. p.s. bakerjw: sorry this turned into a thread hijack |
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