[pct-l] Help with a Tent/Tarp Design (suggestions)

[reynolds@iLAN.com (Reynolds, WT)]

Design issues.
The dual vertical stays [hiking poles] will need to be secured securely at
both the top and bottom because they will really be in the way. My guess is
that you will need to add 6-8 ounces of securing/reinforcing material to
make this work.

I would do this differently. I would create an aluminum cross member that
installs INSIDE the tent [permanently. I would create an internal] sleeve
that connects the two hiking poles [tips up] in a secure manner and slant
the poles outward along the wall. I would use adjustable poles and I would
design the cross member to hold the poles securely at the proper angle. I
would design the cross member in wood first to get it exactly configured,
then do it in lightweight material. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Lundquist [mailto:paulonweb@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2002 4:56 AM
To: PCT-L@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Help with a Tent/Tarp Design (suggestions)



Hey all ?

A little introduction:  Paul L. from New York, aspiring long distance hiker 
looking to get more into the ultra-light style.  Mostly done hiking in the 
north east (adirondacks. green Mt's., white Mt's.) but planning to hike the 
AT in 2003 (less then a year).  Somehow that sounds like a personal add -- 
but anyway here is my post:

I have been working on a design for a tent/tarp that I think will work well.

Here it is, can you please give me feedback on what you think:
(link: www.paulonweb.net/tenttarp.html)

The tent/tarp is made from just 2 pieces of fabric (1.1 sil-nylon), creating

just one seam that goes down the center of the tent/tarp. Both pieces of 
fabric are identical (making it easer to cut and measure). By my estimations

it should only take about 11-12 sq/yards of fabric making it weight under 
14oz (sewing and seams included).

It is similar to the Kelty Dart in that it starts off wide in the front and 
narrows towards the back. The front is set up on my 2 trekking poles at 3ft 
3in tall and 2ft wide on top and 5ft wide on bottom, while the back narrows 
to 1ft tall with a point on top and 1ft 6in wide on bottom.

There is a 1ft awning that comes down on an angle from the top of the 
trekking poles to protect against wind and rain (this can be rolled up and 
out of the way for better ventilation on clear nights). On stormy nights the

front can be lowered to about 1ft 6in and spread wide to about 7ft to 
protect against rain and wind. If ventilation is a problem the tent/tarp can

be set off the ground with a space at the bottom creating drafting ability.

Again I hope the diagrams come through with the brief description. Let me 
know what you think (be honest) this is my first attempt at homemade gear.

Thanks,
Paul- NY



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