Making a Tarp

In examining the outdoor gear industry, one will discover simplicity is making a comeback.  It is slow and grueling, yes but, a comeback nonetheless.  For me this is a welcome change.  For years things have been too costly, heavy, over built, time consuming, and focused too narrow in their intended use.  Companies like Mountain Laurel Designs and Oware are just two of the cottage variety enterprises that are helping change the long standing adage: "Prepare for the worst."  and lets not forget one of my personal favorites, "You don't need to know how it works, only that it works."  I don't buy into either of these tidbits of sage advice.  I'd rather know.  Likewise, I want to keep my pack weight low, and that, at least for me, means planning and packing for the conditions I am likely to encounter while I am outdoors.  And since I want to know and my interest is pricked...  Let's make a tarp.

As always, I've given myself a few goals to meet along the way.

1. I would like the tarp to keep me dry if it is raining.

2. I would like the ridge line to be at least 8 feet long, and that the width be at least 6 feet at the head or "front" of the tarp.

3. I don't want to spend any money making this tarp.  I have to use fabrics and notions that I already have.

4. Given my limitations I will do what I can to design this tarp so that it is simple, light, and easy to use.  I would like something fairly durable that will pitch taught and fast.

My next few posts will be updates on this project.