I found about 30 metres of silicon coated material (not sure 100% what!) but it's light and the best thing was, it was only 50p a metre in a discount material warehouse. Being silicon coated, the water just beads on top.
My partner then set about making me a very nice 5 sided pentagonal tarp - I'd seen some on the web and they looked to be very versatile.
1st time out today, and we may have to rethink the 5 sided aspect. I don't know what the angles on the commercial 5 sided tarps are like, but mine doesn't touch equally on all 5 sides. Infact, making it into a 4 sided pyramid shape made all 4 sides peg down really well.
I experimented with various openings, having 4 points pegged down and leaving one up as an awning. I didn't erect it under a tree so couldn't tie it all up (and it was in the park, and I was supposed to be pushing the kids on the sledge!)
Managed to get free buckles from the local outdoor shop (Chevin Trek) and the webbing was about £2, so all in all, for about £10 I have something usable and unique. Now to try it out for real!
If anyone out there has a commercial pentagonal tarp - what angle does each side make at the top?
Some pics:
In the bag - made out of the same material:
As a 4 sided Pyramid
Underneath
Other Side
Tightening Strap
Boy inside!
Need a stronger pole!
Creating an Awning
My partner then set about making me a very nice 5 sided pentagonal tarp - I'd seen some on the web and they looked to be very versatile.
1st time out today, and we may have to rethink the 5 sided aspect. I don't know what the angles on the commercial 5 sided tarps are like, but mine doesn't touch equally on all 5 sides. Infact, making it into a 4 sided pyramid shape made all 4 sides peg down really well.
I experimented with various openings, having 4 points pegged down and leaving one up as an awning. I didn't erect it under a tree so couldn't tie it all up (and it was in the park, and I was supposed to be pushing the kids on the sledge!)
Managed to get free buckles from the local outdoor shop (Chevin Trek) and the webbing was about £2, so all in all, for about £10 I have something usable and unique. Now to try it out for real!
If anyone out there has a commercial pentagonal tarp - what angle does each side make at the top?
Some pics:
In the bag - made out of the same material:
As a 4 sided Pyramid
Underneath
Other Side
Tightening Strap
Boy inside!
Need a stronger pole!
Creating an Awning