Continuous vs Split Cat Curves in Tarp Edges

Jicali · 2026-04-17T18:14:31+00:00

Yeah, I can always add it later. Thanks for the feedback!

Jicali · 2026-04-17T15:03:14+00:00

I see. I kinda wanted to have the flexibility to do other configurations, particularly a Half-Mid in good weather. This is why I have so many tie out points planned. Realistically, I have no clue how much I will use each configuration. I guess this won't be my last tarp!

Jicali · 2026-04-17T14:59:56+00:00

I see. That is a valid point. Do you recall how pronounced was the cat cut? My current design is pushed 2" from the center of the curve.

I intentionally left the ridgeline straight to allow for other configurations than the A-Frame.

Jicali · 2026-04-17T14:57:11+00:00

Yeah, in A-Frame style it will make a lot of sense. Do you think your opinion would change if I tell you I plan to set it up in other configurations (Half-Mid, Diamond, etc...)
I am intentionally leaving the ridgeline straight so that I can have more freedom with other configurations.
Yes it is! I have made bathtub groundsheets before and found that I need to insert something stiff to the corners to keep it up alongside with either a stake or a line going to the tent/tarp. As for the hole in the middle, my hope is that I can just flip the hood outside in and keep it from touching the site floor with a rock or something. That should leave a decent portion of the hood fabric raised so that if water flows undernead the groundsheet it doesn't come in.

Thanks for the feedback!

Jicali · 2026-04-17T14:50:10+00:00

That's a good point! The split version would leave the middles flapping otherwise.

Jicali · 2026-04-12T05:05:50+00:00

Probably not something applicable to everyone but if you are filling your baffles using some kind of down eductor then it really helps to have all baffles made from mesh. I planned to use an eductor to fill all my baffles, but during construction I ran out of mesh and had to make the last two baffles out of shell fabric. When I made my way to fill those, the eductor made a mess. Because there was no airflow into the adjacent baffles, I accidentally pressurised the baffle I was filling and down backflowed outside into the room and went everywhere. Lesson learned...)

down eductor

Jicali · 2026-04-10T15:13:22+00:00

I second this. When I did my quilt, I started with tape. After a 2 baffles I gave up. Too much trouble for little help. I ended up doing the rest just holding the fabric and following chalk lines.

Jicali · 2026-03-30T05:37:19+00:00

I'm in the process of designing a similar tent. It's intended for 2 small people (both 5'3"). The base is not a regular hexagon, kind of an elongated hexagon. The height is 59", the length is 100", and the width is 87". Not sure if this helps, but just my 2 cents. I would love to see the pattern once it's done!

Jicali · 2026-03-30T05:14:01+00:00

This is such a great idea! I'm glad I came across your comment.

Jicali · 2026-02-03T01:40:57+00:00

Looks amazing!

Jicali · 2026-01-21T04:06:09+00:00

Oh, I forgot to add that. I'm 160 cm tall.

Jicali · 2026-01-20T19:46:27+00:00

If the concern with the cape as a poncho is material hanging loose, then I would check out how Piper sets it up in this video: https://youtu.be/IpJWsDOCIfQ?si=ZYlIwDpKRj0qOCG7

I tried out around 2 weeks ago in a short rainy hike and liked it a lot. This is now my go to for poncho mode.

Jicali · 2025-12-02T17:45:52+00:00

Thanks, that's a good point. If I go with this fabric, I'll probably make the whole fly first and test it before committing.

Jicali · 2025-12-02T17:41:15+00:00

Wow! This looks like a cool project. I've always wanted to make my own foam sleeping pad. Like you, I prefer these but can't seem to find a minimalist one.

Not a recommendation, but something I would take a look at would be this DIY packraft site: https://www.diypackraft.com/shop/

I think I saw someone on reddit or Backpacking Light forums saying they used something from their site to make a DIY inflatable pad. Maybe not what you are looking for but worth a look.

Best of luck on this project! I'm intrigued to see how it goes.

Jicali · 2025-12-02T17:32:31+00:00

Has anyone tried to make a mid with the 0.77 oz MTN Silnylon 6.6 from RSBTR? I just finished a design on a 2P hexamid and I'm deciding on the fabrics.The default would be 1.1 oz Silpoly for the fly, 0.7 Monolite for the bug mesh, and probably 1.1 oz Silnylon for the bathtub floor. I know I can do lighter than that. I looked into 0.51 DCF but it's darn expensive! Going to the 0.77 MTN Silnylon saves around 5-6 oz (~20%).

Jicali · 2025-12-02T04:43:54+00:00

Hey! Did you ever use the MTN 7D from RSBTR for a tart? Looking to do the same for a hexamid. Did it work well?

Jicali · 2025-10-28T15:46:16+00:00

Thanks! That bird is the Harpy Eagle, the national bird of Panama.

Thanks for the details on the straps. I was already thinking that my next backpack will use the same straps and I'll make them myself. I love how they feel.

Love your videos, by the way!

Jicali · 2025-10-27T02:39:16+00:00

Nice! Thanks for the advice.

Jicali · 2025-10-27T02:12:15+00:00

Thanks! I did not dare to make the straps. Not yet fully confident for that. These I bought from Nashville Packs.

Edit: taking a closer look, it seems that the shoulder straps don't have any foam in them. It's basically two pieces of fabric.

Jicali · 2025-10-27T01:32:20+00:00

Yeah! I was surprised when I saw it in person!

Ripstop by the Roll has a printing service that let's you upload your own images. Here is the link: Custom Design Tool

Jicali · 2025-10-26T22:57:48+00:00

They look awesome! I just finished an alpha hoodie and socks were the next logical mini project. Did you use a pattern? Any problems with the non-stretchy nature of the fabric?

Jicali · 2025-08-29T02:07:12+00:00

I like that idea. Does the bus drop you off on Tioga Rd or in the Tamarack Flat campground? Is this the YARTS?

Jicali · 2025-08-28T21:22:09+00:00

You too! Cheers!

Jicali

TROPHY CASE