Catenary Tarp Design

[cushing hamlen]

I have been running through the numbers on catenary tarp design – and it pops out that you have at least two options: 1) fix the angle of the sides all along the length (say, 45 degrees), or 2) fix the footprint of the pitched tarpas a rectangle (so that the sides at the foot of the tarp are pitched much shallower than at the head end). My guess is that the fixed footprint option gives a tarp that will shed wind better and give better shelter…but will be heavier, and conversely the fixed angle option will give a lighter tarp, but with an open “triangle” and less fabric at the foot end will give a tarp that gives less shelter, and does not shed wind as well. Does anyone out there have experience with making/using either of these two options?

[Author]

Posts