View Full Version : Tent Additions
I have looked through the previous posts and am unable to find the answer. I am wanting to add some more guy loops to my tent to improve stability and reduce condensation, but I have no idea how to do this. Would it be better to send it to somebody or is it simple enough that some with below average sewing skills can accomplish. If there is already a thread on this can you please point me in the right direction. All help is appreciated. Thanks!
IronGutsTommy
10-01-2010, 00:13
might have better luck doing a search in the homemade gear section, but im sure its a project you can do yourself. just be sure and use sealant on the places you sew the additional loops onto
IronGutsTommy
10-01-2010, 00:17
as far as figuring out how to do it, id set the tent up, and find ways of tweaking it that seem to make it more stable or meet your needs. if it sags a bit in a section, which way do you need to tweak it or add tension to it to make it more taut, etc. finding out how you want your tent altered will pretty much point you directly to where and how to add guy loops, etc.
If you are as good as me in doing VISIBLE mending, you could consider this :.
http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/accessdetail.cfm/SD1970 (http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/accessdetail.cfm/SD1970)
or this
http://www.shelter-systems.com/grip-clips.html (http://www.shelter-systems.com/grip-clips.html)
No experience with either , but I have used the pebble method ...
Franco
Thanks for the ideas. The problem is that the fly comes with too few guyouts and I was nervous about having to sew because I am quite possibly the worst. Franco, thanks for those links. They seem like just the thing I need.
JonnyWalker
10-05-2010, 20:40
I just added a side pullout to my Sil Shelter. I haven't sewn anything but a button in my life. Couldn't be happier with the result. I did practice by putting a pull out on my poncho first. If you want the pullout placed anywhere but a seam or an edge make sure you put a round reinforcement of some kind of heavy material on the inside so the thread doesn't rip through the fly.
Also, many shoe repair/cobbler places and even dry cleaners do an excellent sewing job on equipment at very reasonable prices. You just need to show/tell them exactly what you want where. I have used this avenue a few times.
Sewing loops onto the perimiter of a rainfly is not a tricky job. I've done it by hand with nylon thread and had no problems. Guying the perimiter away from the tent body is only half of the solution, however. You still need an exit point for the warm, humid air rising from your own body (bodies). I've had some success by keeping the vestibule door open as much as possible, but when it's raining and windy sometimes that isn't possible and you will have to deal with the condensation on the underside of the rainfly. A plastic "floor" inside the vestibule keeps some of the moisture from coming up from the ground and adding itself to the moisture from the human body.
can't think of the name right now, but there are plastic doohickeys that will attach anywhere on a tarp/fly/tent to serve as a pullout. Just google "plastic doohickeys that will attach anywhere on a tarp" and you're bound to find them.
Actually, I just did that, and this is what you get:
http://shelter-systems.com/gripclips/
Thanks for all the suggestions. I like the idea of those clips that attach to the fly so that I have the ability to move them to whichever are I feel needs it the most
Just don't leave those clips on for very long. They can and will rub off the wp coating on your fly if left in the same position for many times. Take off when done with hike for sure.
brooklynkayak
10-15-2010, 07:32
Just don't leave those clips on for very long. They can and will rub off the wp coating on your fly if left in the same position for many times. Take off when done with hike for sure.
I agree, this is espeially a concern with silnyon. I have permenant marks in my silnyon tarp from repeatedly using gripclips. There is a possiblity that they could create leakage if strong gusts stress the fabric.
Easily fixed with silnet or silicone caulk.
sixhusbands
10-15-2010, 08:16
For a quick fix, take a small, smooth stone ( about 1 inch) and place it near the edge that you want to ad the extra guy loop. Push the stone into the material and ty apeice of cord around the 'bubble' that the stone makes and you have your rope attched to your tent or fly with no sewing at all! You never really know where you need the extra line until you see where you are setting up your tent. This way your extra guy rope is exactly where you need it to be.