View Full Version : Tyvek as a tarp?
I would like to bring a light and effective, yet cheap, tarp with me for maybe just taking a break under or pitching to create some shelter from the rain to set up our tent. I really dont want to spend $80 or so on a tarp though. This is not completly necessary though.
So, I was thinking about a piece of tyvek. I was thinking about an 8x9 or 10x9 or so. Also, I was wondering if I should try it, should I try to put grommets in or maybe attempt to sew some loops on.
This is an idea I just thought about, so it may be way off, but could it work? And if so, what would be the best way for me to make it work?
Ideas?
Thanks.
sticks&stones
07-17-2009, 00:17
tyvek is breathable, but given to much tension, it will take in moisture
kayak karl
07-17-2009, 07:42
I would like to bring a light and effective, yet cheap, tarp with me for maybe just taking a break under or pitching to create some shelter from the rain to set up our tent. I really dont want to spend $80 or so on a tarp though. This is not completly necessary though.
So, I was thinking about a piece of tyvek. I was thinking about an 8x9 or 10x9 or so. Also, I was wondering if I should try it, should I try to put grommets in or maybe attempt to sew some loops on.
This is an idea I just thought about, so it may be way off, but could it work? And if so, what would be the best way for me to make it work?
Ideas?
Thanks.
9-10 tarp will weight 1.5 lb w/grommets, tape and 2 lines. wash it about 10 times then use tyvek tape to reinforce grommet areas. it can be stained (oil base). won't be dark. its fairly durable.
BUT, now you are carrying 2 shelters.?? one advantage to hammocking. set up tarp and then wait.
how about a poncho out of tyvek that can double as a small tarp:-?
Jim Adams
07-18-2009, 01:44
Virgil on the PCT uses a tyvek tarp to sleep under, make a tent, use as a "weather blanket" while cowboy camping and it seemed to work great. He had no grommets...just pulled out a small tail of fabric and tied around it.....PCT is alot drier than the AT though.
geek
Homer&Marje
07-18-2009, 08:32
What can't you use tyvek for?:D:D
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/2/3/1/3/7/100_0272.jpg
fredmugs
07-28-2009, 08:19
What's wrong with the $10 tarps you get from any department store? I roll up my sleeping bag and hammock in it and lash it onto the back of my pack.
Im not saying that anythings wrong with those tarps, but a piece of tyvek would be considerable less weight!
sweetpeastu
07-31-2009, 14:54
where can you get cheap tyvek? I really like the stuff but could use a footprint for my tent...
Im a contractor and have rolls of it....drop me aline with the size and an address... Ill get it out to you. PM me of course socrholic@hotmail.com E
I've been buying the driducks poncho's and cutting them up and making bivies and stuff sacks and all kinds of things. They cost 10 bucks and if you remove the hood part and re-sew the pieces together you can get a very large piece of WPB fabric for 10$!!
ok, I know that's thread deviation. go ahead and delete it.
9-10 tarp will weight 1.5 lb w/grommets, tape and 2 lines. wash it about 10 times then use tyvek tape to reinforce grommet areas. it can be stained (oil base). won't be dark. its fairly durable.
BUT, now you are carrying 2 shelters.?? one advantage to hammocking. set up tarp and then wait.
how about a poncho out of tyvek that can double as a small tarp:-?
I am looking into making a solo tent out of Tyvek. What is the point of staining it? Will that help with the water/moisture proofing or just to give it some color?
Tyvek would make a really loud tarp. Camp far far away from me
neighbor dave
08-05-2009, 20:21
:-?tyvek is not waterproof, you will get wet:-?
signed,
experienced carpenter for the last 30 years
Tyvek would make a really loud tarp. Camp far far away from me
Just like sleeping under a tin roof.......:D
Wise Old Owl
08-08-2009, 17:28
Oh I cannot believe I am posting this.... go down to the basement and look for an older tent that sleeped 3-4 and just take the top cover. (try not to use a dome) Then stop at EMS or Campmor, or REI and pick up Trip light string, titanium pin & tent hogs and using your hiking poles put something togther that makes you happy.
One old tent I cut the bottom off and that proved better than tyvek for a floor for keeping the bag clean.
brooklynkayak
08-12-2009, 13:09
Just like sleeping under a tin roof.......:D
Yes, that high pitched tinfoil crinkling drove me crazy the first time I pitched my experimental tyvek tarp.
Some say you can wash it repeatedly to reduce the noise, but that also makes tyvek fray and leak.
Silnylon on the other hand, side by side with the Tyvek was silent. Of course silnylon is quite a bit more money. The Campmor/Euinox tarps seem to be some of the cheapest, but even they vary a lot in price depending on the material.
Several thoughts. Sure, you could use a piece of Tyvek for your purpose. It's not going to be fully WP or very durable. What do you want at that cheap a price? Getting a piece the size you want could be a problem without having to buy a full roll. Seems Erman got that problem solved for you though. You may also be able to scrounge up a piece at a worksite or get a hardware store to cut you a piece.
All Tyvek is not the same. It comes in various wts. with slightly different characteristics. If you are seeking something just for the short term with the least amount of work attache tie lines to the Tyvek by using small round pebbles. You could also buy Tyvek tape(adds to the cost though) or possibly use duct tape.
I also feel that you are now carrying 2 shelters. Seems redundant. This adds to the wt. which it seems you are against because you stated you want to use Tyvek as a tarp for the wt. reduction as compared with a simple and cheap blue poly tarp that already has grommets.
Tyvek softens and the crinkling sound dinishes with use. Same as Spinnaker fabric.