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Topic: Tarp Info and Help!< Next Oldest | Next Newest >
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TWinAlbany Search for posts by this member.

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PostIcon Posted on: Dec. 11 2012, 4:19 pm  Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
So, I just picked up this Pacific Outdoor WX TEX S2 8.5X10.5 tarp. It is a discontinued item and I couldn't find much info on it and was wondering what is a good method to ensure it's waterproof capabilities? What product would be best to spray on?
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PostIcon Posted on: Dec. 11 2012, 5:46 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
Before doing that, I would set it up in something simple like an A-Frame and then hit it with a water hose. Be sure to get the ridgeline, or any seams good. If you can you can get someone else to do the hosing while you are under it... then figure out if it needs any sealing.

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PostIcon Posted on: Dec. 11 2012, 6:35 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely do that. If it does need any sealing, what would you recommend?
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PostIcon Posted on: Dec. 11 2012, 6:44 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
You could thin silicone caulking with mineral spirits, and brush it on with a foam cheap brush.  Do both sides.  

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PostIcon Posted on: Dec. 12 2012, 1:51 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
I know this may sound dumb to some but, sorry for being a newbie! Does it hurt the integrity of the tarp by just cramming it into the stuff sack or should I try and fold it first?
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PostIcon Posted on: Dec. 12 2012, 2:05 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(TWinAlbany @ Dec. 11 2012, 10:51 pm)
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I know this may sound dumb to some but, sorry for being a newbie! Does it hurt the integrity of the tarp by just cramming it into the stuff sack or should I try and fold it first?

Not dumb...Numerous threads about it. It gets asked all the time. You might save a little space by folding first but in regards to damage...No. I have not seen any significant wear by folding or stuffing.

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PostIcon Posted on: Dec. 12 2012, 2:44 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
what is a good method to ensure it's waterproof capabilities?
pitch it outside on a rainy day...
The hose test is not all that realistic because you either have too much pressure and  or don't give it enough time to wet out/relax or whatever that  fabric does after a few hours of rain.

What product would be best to spray on?
IF it fails the test, get the Atsko Silicone Water Guard or the similar McNett Thundershiel Silicone Waterproofing.
Read the directions (IE don't spray too close)
easier and cheapper than buying silicone/thinner and mixing it.

I prefer to fold and roll.
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PostIcon Posted on: Dec. 12 2012, 12:53 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
Very much appreciate the responses and suggestions. Just want to make this tarp last for a good while. Took it out yesterday and looked it over real good. Like the size and quality. Re-enforced grommet areas and good tie outs. Not silnylon but, will work real well for my uses. Thanks again. :)
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PostIcon Posted on: Dec. 12 2012, 1:32 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE
Does anyone run a ridge line between their trekking poles when setting up or just use the poles in the grommets?
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PostIcon Posted on: Dec. 13 2012, 10:22 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(TWinAlbany @ Dec. 12 2012, 1:32 pm)
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Does anyone run a ridge line between their trekking poles when setting up or just use the poles in the grommets?

Hm, maybe im doing things backwards. I only run the ridgeline, which on hard ground where you cant drive the poles in very deep, is a pain in the butt. what do you mean by putting the poles in the grommet? my tarp actually has no grommets., just looped attachment points.
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PostIcon Posted on: Dec. 13 2012, 10:48 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(TWinAlbany @ Dec. 12 2012, 1:32 pm)
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Does anyone run a ridge line between their trekking poles when setting up or just use the poles in the grommets?

Nope, just set it up with the poles in the grommets or loops.

I personally don't run a line even when I'm setting a tarp between trees.  I tie off the tarp at each end from the grommet/loop to the tree.  I get just as taut a pitch and don't need to carry all that extra line.

A sprinkler works well in simulating rain.

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PostIcon Posted on: Dec. 13 2012, 11:39 am Skip to the previous post in this topic. Skip to the next post in this topic. Ignore posts   QUOTE

(TWinAlbany @ Dec. 12 2012, 1:32 pm)
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Does anyone run a ridge line between their trekking poles when setting up or just use the poles in the grommets?

I find I get a nicer pitch if I do, but sometimes don't carry that much line.
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PostIcon Posted on: Dec. 13 2012, 12:58 pm Skip to the previous post in this topic.  Ignore posts   QUOTE
I was just curious if anyone did this or not. My tarp came with an extra piece of line that is the perfect length to run as a ridge line and I was thinking that was probably what it was used for. Thanks again!
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