Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: Fred on September 19, 2011
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Hi folks
I was impresssed with the micro tarp which was discussed here recently so I had a go at making my own but I have tried a different design. Its simply an equalateral traingle of proofed nylon, approx 2m along the sides. I drew inspiration from the old German army "zeltbahn" which was a versatile shelter that could double as a poncho or be joined with other ones to make a tent. My design is much simpler than the German one and in addition to being used as a free standing shelter, it can lean against a wall, very handy in the mournes.
(http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l261/Frednobread/P1040508.jpg)
(http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l261/Frednobread/P1040509.jpg)
I almost always carry a walking stick so a pole isnt required. It will mainly be used for keeping my head dry when bivvying and to provide more shoulder space, the pole can be skewed to the side a bit. There is ample room for a rucksack inside.
fred
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Good work Fred. Welcome to the MYOG club... careful, it's addictive!
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Nice work Fred, I quite like the triangle shape as its the way I would normally pitch a tarp anyway. Looks like there is good space to stick rucksack etc. up at the far end and shelter the head/torso under the tall end.
I'm going to have to catch up with all you MYOG guys :D
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Looks good. Think if I was going to do one I'd go straight triangle. What are the dimensions?
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Looks good. Think if I was going to do one I'd go straight triangle. What are the dimensions?
2m each side, with 60 degree corners... wonderful properties of the equilateral triangle mean whichever side you pitch it is the right side ;)
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Doh, didn't spot the mention of the 2m measurement but don't worry, I do know what an equilateral triangle is :D
Looks good. Think if I was going to do one I'd go straight triangle. What are the dimensions?
2m each side, with 60 degree corners... wonderful properties of the equilateral triangle mean whichever side you pitch it is the right side ;)
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Great work Fred, looks ultralight and compact.
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Thanks for the comments folks.
I have got fed up of getting wet when I bivvi on rainy nights, even with a goretex bag so hopefully this will be the solution. It would probably be possible to reduce the dimensions a little in order to fit a 1.5m wide piece of fabric. The original German zeltbahn was actually 2.5m along the sides.
The only problem now is that I have no more excuses to avoid bivoaking in poor weather!
Fred
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What sort of bivvy bag do you use?
Thanks for the comments folks.
I have got fed up of getting wet when I bivvi on rainy nights, even with a goretex bag so hopefully this will be the solution. It would probably be possible to reduce the dimensions a little in order to fit a 1.5m wide piece of fabric. The original German zeltbahn was actually 2.5m along the sides.
The only problem now is that I have no more excuses to avoid bivoaking in poor weather!
Fred
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I use one of the army bivvi bags. Fantastic value, but a bit heavy since they are entirely goretex. I shortened mine to reduce weight since I'm not very tall. Like most bivvi bags, they close with a draw string so the opening just funnels rain water inside.
I might join you guys on the friday night overnighter, which would be a good excuse to try out the tarp.
Fred
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Awesome, more the merrier! Throw your name on the post if you can make it.
I use one of the army bivvi bags. Fantastic value, but a bit heavy since they are entirely goretex. I shortened mine to reduce weight since I'm not very tall. Like most bivvi bags, they close with a draw string so the opening just funnels rain water inside.
I might join you guys on the friday night overnighter, which would be a good excuse to try out the tarp.
Fred