Building a canopy

[Boris]

I want to build a free standing canopy for use when we are all away. Basically a roof without sides used to sit out of the sun (fat chance) or more likely the rain and somewhere to do a bit of cooking under. I already have extending poles that would be suitable but what about the material. I do have some large tarpaulin similar to the stuff we use as a footprint but I fear that will be too heavy. Is it possible to buy large sheets of nylon tent material? Failing that what to others here use?

[Kymmy]

Rip-stop nylon, can be bought waterproofed..

[cbrpaddy]

Would you be looking for something like a tarp, something like this...

Decathlon - hiking tents QUECHUA - TARP, khaki QUECHUA - hikers looking for a shelter or wanting to extend a tent.

[Mabels Old Man]

Would you be looking for something like a tarp, something like this...

Decathlon - hiking tents QUECHUA - TARP, khaki QUECHUA - hikers looking for a shelter or wanting to extend a tent.

They're great but only available from the stores not by mail order

[Boris]

Yes that sort of thing but BIGGER. I was thinking 4x4 or even 5x4 I already have the poles so just the material is required.

Kymmy mentioned ripstop nylon. Is there somewhere I can buy lengths 4M wide as I doubt I could successfully join it?

[DaveS]

Well that's uncanny I have just been looking for something similar.
Well may be not as big as you perhaps.
Whealie has something similar.

I'm looking at what Outwell had....


They seem to be around £50 or so and are 3.5m x 3.5m so a reasonable size. And I think they are made out of Polycotton.

The Vango Adventure Tarp seems to be similar but much cheaper at £20.


Anyone know of others?

[Mabels Old Man]

I've got a vango one. It's quite small and is adequate for one person camping. I like it and it's good value. On the plus side it stayed up in Lands End when my tent didn't

[cbrpaddy]

I've found these...

Clarke Waterproof Tarpaulins - Machine Mart

Shop Online for polyethylene tarpaulins - tel. 0870 165 7292

[Jenna]

I buy both parachute and HD ripstop direct from the manufacturers agent for our our dry bags and new tent flysheets/equipment tents we use/sell....its not made in anything like 4m widths though, think 1.15, 1.50 and rarely 1.80 are max widths.

let me know if you want spec/colours and roll widths, it has to be machine sown and then taped if it latex backed or if its just coated (like fabriseal as used on parachutes) then sown and the seam repainted with sealer.

as a guide, HD in mid green, 1.5m wide waterproof ripstop (this one is also fire retardant and think was made for MOD cookhouse tents) costs me £7 per meter, cheaper and narrower spec costs less with the average around £4.50-£5.50. A double run of 1.5m by 2m long would give you 3x2m and cost £30-£35 for the fabric. in a chaper non proofed ripstop (like lightweight parachute) the same size would cost £15-£20 for the fabric... double it for 3x4m and so on. Ripstop unlike polycttons is emencily strong vut very light (well it is designed for parachutes!) uncoated its about 40grms per square meter so a 3x2 section would weigh just 0.24kg (240grms)

[xrv_jim]

You can buy nylon, ripstop, etc. in many weights plus loads of other tent making gear from here - pointnorth.co.uk – Outdoor fabrics, accessories and zips. Mail Order Specialist for waterproof breathable nylons, fleece, Cordura, acrylic canvas.