Winter Reflector Tarp

LMT66

LMT66

Gold Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2008
Messages
11,199
I started making a reflector tarp at home tonight. Thought I would show it to you all. Easy to make and it packs down pretty small. You can gauge the size by my sleeping pad and pack. Will be nice to have along for nights I go out for a fire and don't feel like walking out in the wee hours. Should last a while If I'm careful with it. Beats burning up a nylon tarp or tent.

Materials used:
1 - 9' 6" X 7' 4" green camo poly-tarp. $7
2 - double layer space blankets (one side green and the other silver. $25
1 - large roll of Gorilla tape. $9
I put paracord loops on all four corners and where the ground cloth and upright parts will meet. (Had to add a couple grommets)

I'm going to add clear tarp to the front and ends and gorilla tape them in place. I'll be able to flip up the clear part when I'm not sleeping.
Will use a long fire with a wood reflector wall behind it.

All edges are reinforced with gorilla tape.

Tarp002.jpg


Tarp003.jpg


Tarp005.jpg


The reflector tarp part under the pad is the same size as the other part but is folded over.
Tarp004.jpg



Packs down small and could go smaller if I roll it tighter. Doesn't add much weight to the pack. Will be a little bigger after the clear part is added.

Fits good in the bottom my Kelty 3100 along with a sleeping bag or blanket. I'll probably stash it, rolled up, under a log in the area I frequent. Less to carry in and there if I want to stay out.

Tarp006.jpg


Tarp008.jpg
 
Last edited:
that should do the trick nicely :)

I've found the all weather blanket to be pretty sturdy, would be nice if they made it in a slightly larger size (like the size of your tarp :))
 
I used one of those space/green tarps the other week when I went out... It was just a little day outing. Here is a pic...

IMG00247-20110115-1249.jpg


Ski
 
you can buy a casualty blanket which is the same thing cheaper but i have never used one and have no idea what size they are. great job i want to make one now. how has the tape held up for holding the space blankets to the tarp?
 
rockhead45 said:
you can buy a casualty blanket which is the same thing cheaper but i have never used one and have no idea what size they are. great job i want to make one now. how has the tape held up for holding the space blankets to the tarp?
Click to expand...

The reflective parts are actually two casualty blankets taped to a large tarp. I wanted something a little more durable so that was my thinking. Cabelas has them but they call them Sportsman Space Blankets. Same maker makes them all I think. Made in USA.

I'll let you know how it holds up next week. I just made this one so will see how it holds up. That "gorilla" duct tape is pretty thick and uses a better adhesive on it. Will see how it fares over time. Should last a season at least and for minimal cash.
 
That looks great. I was just thinking of glueing one of those cheap space blankets to a piece of Tyvek to use in a similar fashion. I think it shoudl pack up pretty small. Please give us a trip report.
 
looks great!
lemme know how that tape holds up in the cold.
They sell a 3M spray glue that ive used in the past and
seems to hold very well. like a contact glue.
anyway,let us know.
 
LMT66 said:
The reflective parts are actually two casualty blankets taped to a large tarp. I wanted something a little more durable so that was my thinking. Cabelas has them but they call them Sportsman Space Blankets. Same maker makes them all I think. Made in USA.

I'll let you know how it holds up next week. I just made this one so will see how it holds up. That "gorilla" duct tape is pretty thick and uses a better adhesive on it. Will see how it fares over time. Should last a season at least and for minimal cash.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply ill be looking forward to see how it goes. happy trecking!
 
Great set up.Thanks for sharing.
I'm actually looking to put together a Hudson Bay style pack for light overnighters.This design would incorporate into that design quite well I should think.


P.S. Thanks a lot.Now I have to go buy a tarp,some reflective blankets and Gorilla tape.:p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top