HS Tarptent-2

“Has anyone made a HS tarptent? If so what did you like/dislike about it? Do you have any tips or advice for anyone who is going to start this project?
Thank you!”

“Dayhiker has made one.
I bought mine.”

“My only dislike is that I made it before the catenary ridge cut was available on the 'net. From seeing other tarps and reading reports I think the catenary cut is better.

Advice:
1. Buy a bit of extra sil and practice with it. Actually, you'll probably have a good bit of scrap left and you can use that.
2. My mesh door is a bit too narrow. If I pitch it and plan on closing the door then the pitch is very narrow. I'd make it wider next time. Usually, I don't even bother closing it, unless there will definitly be bugs or rain.
3. I like the curved poles the new ones have. I also like the beak on the rear of the tarp. This would make a nice place to keep shoes or a pack.
4. I wish I had sewn in a small gear storage loft. I may do this yet.
5. I need to add a velcro tie out so that I can roll up the mesh door when not in use. I made the mesh door closure with velcro instead of a zipper. I couldn't find a zipper for mine. Granted, my kit was purchased right when available on thru-hiker.com and so all the bells and whistles weren't available.”

“I should add that I'm glad I did the 2 person version. I've only used it 3 times with 2 people. I had enough room all 3 times and nobody felt like their personal space was invaded. I love how much room I have when I use it by myself.”

“i'm looking into buying one also...should i go sewn in floor or just ground cloth? cause if you have to use a groundsheet anyway...why get the floor? I'm an avid non user of groundsheets...lmao”

“but i could start for this tent”

“I just use a large sheet of tyvek. It works prett good. Throw the thermarest on top and you're good to go.”

“You want the floor because it makes it a lot easier to keep the crawlies from sneaking under the netting. It's a convenience factor. It can take quite a bit of wrangeling to get a good bugproof seal w/o the floor. After my experience w/o floor I was glad to get a floor with my Cloudburst.”

“"...why get the floor? I'm an avid non user of groundsheets...lmao"
OPIE
11:17:00 PM
02/02/04

'Cause you'll be screamin' like a little girl at Sipsey when the copperheads and other critters come ta visit ya in the middle of the night, lol.”

“Can't you hear him, "Miss OPIE, make that mean ole nasty snake stay away from me. Protect me!"”

“OPIE - Get the floor.
I didn't on mine, and later sewed one in myself. Too many crawling things down South to not have a floor (fire ants, anyone?). ;-)”

“Actually, if you are going to use it for two, I would buy the Cloudburst. The walls are more vertical and two fit better, more situp room.”

“If'n you're ever in the Auburn area gimme a yell and you can see my Cloudburst up close and personal... with sewn in floor!”