Aye Up,
It was a YouTube vid that further prompted me to pursue creation of a hextarp or tarpee which I had seen previously featured on BCUK.
Specifically it was the use of the Danish M84 Flecktarn pattern which galvanised me into action, one which I have been using very successfully in classic tarp styles and clothing during the green season for quite a few years now.
Material tracked down (just!) I set about making one completely in M84. (Images 1,2,3)
It took only one outing with it (in the recent winds and rainstorms) to decide that for me it was the way forward for my future forays where a rapidly set up; wind and rain shelter was required.
That first outing also caused the spark of an idea for what was to result in the cannibalisation of a German Fleck pattern, classic-shape tarp which I hadnt been over impressed with due to the inner colour, which unlike the M84 shows out.
Three days later The Jaeger Flecktarpee!! (Images 4,5,6,6A)
Apart from the mix of cam patterns some of the other features which people may find of interest are
The (ground) anchor attachment points (image 7,8) created to primarily allow the use of ball bungees (but other methods too); (not featured in the OP).
The (air) anchor attachment point (image 9) to allow the use of a tree supported apex line and hence no requirement for an internal pole (but see follow-on write up);
The pole socket (image 10) allowing attachment of the walking pole (and indirectly easier setting up as it keeps the pole in the correct place whilst tension-ing the canopy!).
In use:
Lightweight and compact material is 5-7oz PU coated nylon/polyester;
Weight with x 6 steel wire pegs; x 5 ball bungees; x 1 hook bungee and a short length of cordage plus the Cordura carrier shown = 1.4kgs. (Image 11)
Set up Easy and quick (up & down) one pole; six pegs; less than 60 seconds;
Set up on a flat site self tensions symmetrically. (Image 12)
Set up on a sloping site - some pfaffing required to sort the shape and avoid
rain water pooling on some lower parts of the canopy but it can be done. (Image 13)
Intermediate tags on the sides might be an idea but that means seams. (I might try grip-its first).
Space Ample. I can stretch, sit up, spread out (6ft) and get my ruck under cover no probs.
Weather Sheds rain like the proverbial
Provides good wind protection on three sides.
Appearance Sited appropriately and even without any natural material enhancement it practically disappears beyond 25/30 metres so
excellent for low profile activity. I suspect that this will be even better late spring/early autumn.
(See images 14;15;16A - which don't quite do justice to the real effect)
PTN Although the external air anchor point is effectively at exactly the same point as the internal pole socket, use of it seems to
create slightly less internal volume and a drawn-in effect on the canopy with the potential for rain water gathering at the
lower edges so for me I will always try to use the pole.
Unlike the OP I did make an attempt at the catenary curves on the lower seams on the full M84 version but not on the Fleck mix. There seems to be little difference in canopy tension between the two (assuming I got the curves right?!).
I did take the OP's advice re making a small scale model and then a full size version (used B&Q building membrane).
Each shelter took about three days each to knock up on a small Janome dress makers sewing machine which struggled to cope with the M84 material despite the correct needle and tensioning being selected and especially on the seam over laps and extra layers at the anchor points.
I suspect this was due to the low power of the machine and the 'slipperiness' of the material?)
Notably it sewed the German Flecktarn material spot on throughout?
That stated the overall result is fine for me.
I sealed the seems inside and out with my last bottle of Nas Coat.
I haven't pitched the pair face to face in the field yet but that looks promising.
And for the sharp eyed amongst you yes . That IS an M84 bivvy bag in image 6A in GTX! Mmmmmmmm.
My thanks to the OP.
It was a YouTube vid that further prompted me to pursue creation of a hextarp or tarpee which I had seen previously featured on BCUK.
Specifically it was the use of the Danish M84 Flecktarn pattern which galvanised me into action, one which I have been using very successfully in classic tarp styles and clothing during the green season for quite a few years now.
Material tracked down (just!) I set about making one completely in M84. (Images 1,2,3)
It took only one outing with it (in the recent winds and rainstorms) to decide that for me it was the way forward for my future forays where a rapidly set up; wind and rain shelter was required.
That first outing also caused the spark of an idea for what was to result in the cannibalisation of a German Fleck pattern, classic-shape tarp which I hadnt been over impressed with due to the inner colour, which unlike the M84 shows out.
Three days later The Jaeger Flecktarpee!! (Images 4,5,6,6A)
Apart from the mix of cam patterns some of the other features which people may find of interest are
The (ground) anchor attachment points (image 7,8) created to primarily allow the use of ball bungees (but other methods too); (not featured in the OP).
The (air) anchor attachment point (image 9) to allow the use of a tree supported apex line and hence no requirement for an internal pole (but see follow-on write up);
The pole socket (image 10) allowing attachment of the walking pole (and indirectly easier setting up as it keeps the pole in the correct place whilst tension-ing the canopy!).
In use:
Lightweight and compact material is 5-7oz PU coated nylon/polyester;
Weight with x 6 steel wire pegs; x 5 ball bungees; x 1 hook bungee and a short length of cordage plus the Cordura carrier shown = 1.4kgs. (Image 11)
Set up Easy and quick (up & down) one pole; six pegs; less than 60 seconds;
Set up on a flat site self tensions symmetrically. (Image 12)
Set up on a sloping site - some pfaffing required to sort the shape and avoid
rain water pooling on some lower parts of the canopy but it can be done. (Image 13)
Intermediate tags on the sides might be an idea but that means seams. (I might try grip-its first).
Space Ample. I can stretch, sit up, spread out (6ft) and get my ruck under cover no probs.
Weather Sheds rain like the proverbial
Provides good wind protection on three sides.
Appearance Sited appropriately and even without any natural material enhancement it practically disappears beyond 25/30 metres so
excellent for low profile activity. I suspect that this will be even better late spring/early autumn.
(See images 14;15;16A - which don't quite do justice to the real effect)
PTN Although the external air anchor point is effectively at exactly the same point as the internal pole socket, use of it seems to
create slightly less internal volume and a drawn-in effect on the canopy with the potential for rain water gathering at the
lower edges so for me I will always try to use the pole.
Unlike the OP I did make an attempt at the catenary curves on the lower seams on the full M84 version but not on the Fleck mix. There seems to be little difference in canopy tension between the two (assuming I got the curves right?!).
I did take the OP's advice re making a small scale model and then a full size version (used B&Q building membrane).
Each shelter took about three days each to knock up on a small Janome dress makers sewing machine which struggled to cope with the M84 material despite the correct needle and tensioning being selected and especially on the seam over laps and extra layers at the anchor points.
I suspect this was due to the low power of the machine and the 'slipperiness' of the material?)
Notably it sewed the German Flecktarn material spot on throughout?
That stated the overall result is fine for me.
I sealed the seems inside and out with my last bottle of Nas Coat.
I haven't pitched the pair face to face in the field yet but that looks promising.
And for the sharp eyed amongst you yes . That IS an M84 bivvy bag in image 6A in GTX! Mmmmmmmm.
My thanks to the OP.
