The Ultralight Backpacker’s Guide to Building an MYOG Cat Cut Tarp with Silpoly

Greetings, Readers!

Welcome to the ultimate guide to crafting your own DIY Cat Cut Tarp from trusty Silpoly. In this comprehensive article, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of this essential piece of ultralight backpacking gear, empowering you to create a tarp that perfectly suits your wilderness adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned MYOGer or embarking on your first DIY project, let’s get started on building a shelter that will keep you dry and comfortable under the stars.

Exploring the Anatomy of a Cat Cut Tarp

Silpoly: The Fabric of Choice

Silpoly, short for silicone-impregnated ripstop nylon, has become the go-to fabric for many MYOGers due to its exceptional balance of strength, waterproofness, and lightweight nature. Its unique construction consists of a tightly woven nylon base infused with a thin layer of silicone, resulting in a durable and waterproof fabric that won’t weigh you down on the trail.

The Cat Cut Design: Maximizing Space and Minimizing Weight

The Cat Cut Tarp takes its name from its distinctive shape, resembling a cat’s silhouette with rounded corners. This design allows for ample headroom while minimizing overall weight by eliminating unnecessary fabric. Its shape also provides excellent wind resistance, ensuring a stable shelter in challenging conditions.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your MYOG Cat Cut Tarp

Gathering Your Materials

Essential Tools:

• Sewing machine (ideally with a walking foot)
• Scissors or a rotary cutter
• Seam sealer
• Measuring tape

Materials:

• Silpoly fabric (1.1 oz/sq yd or 30 g/sq m recommended)
• Grosgrain ribbon or webbing
• Shock cord
• Cord locks

Cutting and Shaping the Tarp

1. Decide on the desired size of your tarp. A common size for a solo tarp is roughly 9 feet long by 6 feet wide.
2. Fold the Silpoly fabric in half lengthwise, ensuring that the edges are aligned.
3. Use a pencil or fabric marker to sketch the desired cat cut shape onto the fabric.
4. Cut out the tarp shape, leaving about 1 inch of extra fabric around the edges for seam allowances.

Creating the Ridgeline and Tie-Outs

1. Sew a length of grosgrain ribbon or webbing along the ridgeline of the tarp, leaving about 6 inches of excess at each end.
2. Attach cord locks to the ends of the ridgeline webbing for easy adjustment.
3. Sew tie-out points along the perimeter of the tarp, using grosgrain ribbon or webbing loops.

Seam Sealing and Reinforcing

1. Apply a seam sealer to all seams and stitch lines to ensure waterproofness.
2. Reinforce high-stress areas, such as the corners and tie-out points, with additional layers of fabric or webbing.

Pitching and Using Your Cat Cut Tarp

Pitching Techniques

The Cat Cut Tarp can be pitched in various ways, depending on the terrain and weather conditions:

• A-Frame Pitch: Suspend the tarp from two trees or trekking poles, forming an A-frame shape.
• Lean-to Pitch: Prop up one end of the tarp against a tree or rock, creating a lean-to shelter.
• Ground Pitch: Spread out the tarp on the ground as a makeshift shelter or ground cloth.

Tarp Accessories

To enhance the functionality of your Cat Cut Tarp, consider these accessories:

• Stuff Sack: Store your tarp in a lightweight stuff sack for easy packing.
• Ground Stakes: Use ground stakes to secure the tarp in case of strong winds.
• Tarp Poles: Extend the versatility of your tarp by using tarp poles to create a more spacious shelter.

Detailed Table: Materials and Specifications

Material	Quantity	Specifications
Silpoly Fabric	1 yard	1.1 oz/sq yd (30 g/sq m)
Grosgrain Ribbon	13 feet	1/2-inch wide
Webbing	2 feet	1-inch wide
Shock Cord	12 feet	1/8-inch diameter
Cord Locks	2	Toggle-style

Conclusion: Your Ultralight Haven

So there you have it, readers! Armed with this comprehensive guide, you’re now empowered to embark on your own MYOG adventure and craft a Cat Cut Tarp that perfectly aligns with your backpacking needs. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own ultralight shelter, knowing that it will provide you with reliable protection under the stars.

If you’re looking for more inspiration and MYOG projects, be sure to check out our other articles on building a DIY hammock, constructing a custom backpack, and creating your own ultralight gear. Happy adventuring!

FAQ about Myog Cat Cut Tarp Silpoly

What is a myog cat cut tarp silpoly?

• A myog cat cut tarp silpoly is a tarp that is made from silpoly fabric and is cut in a cat cut shape.

What is silpoly fabric?

• Silpoly fabric is a lightweight, waterproof, and breathable fabric that is made from a blend of nylon and silicone.

What is a cat cut tarp?

• A cat cut tarp is a tarp that is cut in a shape that is designed to provide good coverage and protection from the elements.

What are the benefits of a myog cat cut tarp silpoly?

• Myog cat cut tarps silpoly are lightweight, waterproof, breathable, and easy to set up. They are also relatively inexpensive to make.

What are the drawbacks of a myog cat cut tarp silpoly?

• Myog cat cut tarps silpoly can be difficult to seam seal, and they are not as durable as some other types of tarps.

What is the best way to seam seal a myog cat cut tarp silpoly?

• The best way to seam seal a myog cat cut tarp silpoly is to use a seam sealer that is designed for silpoly fabric.

How do I set up a myog cat cut tarp silpoly?

• To set up a myog cat cut tarp silpoly, simply stake out the corners of the tarp and then tension the tarp by adjusting the guylines.

What is the best way to store a myog cat cut tarp silpoly?

• The best way to store a myog cat cut tarp silpoly is to roll it up and store it in a dry place.

How do I clean a myog cat cut tarp silpoly?

• To clean a myog cat cut tarp silpoly, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Where can I buy a myog cat cut tarp silpoly?

• You can buy a myog cat cut tarp silpoly online or from a local outdoor retailer.