DIY Mylar Tarp.

[Woods Walker]

A simple inexpensive DIY Mylar tarp. My preference is to use this as a reflective liner for my poncho when employed as a tarp. Occasionally as a ground cloth near the end of it's disposable life. Also works great to block drafts in the heated shelter. I wouldn't want to intentionally depend on such a thing alone in extreme weather but that's not the intent. That said setup is more durable than one might expect. This can actually be done in the woods on the fly however is probably better done before actually needed.

This one is done so it's time for another.



The DIY project.



1. Paracord X4
2. Duct tape.
3. Hole punch. Optional but kinda fun.
4. Mylar blanket. I like the cheap one as it's disposable.
5. Scissors. You can use a knife or just your fingers as duct tape rips ok.

I am going to just do the 4 corners but have done more grommets in the past.



Fold some tape over the corner. Yea don't have to OCD this but generally yea want to get it right the first time.



The optional second application of duct tape.



Punch a hole in it.



Run the paracord through it.



Create the tie-off loop.



I like to use it under a poncho but will go solo this time. Two sliding friction knots.









I have an empty Mylar tarp box which desperately needs a good burning.





It's a GO!





Heat reflecting off the Mylar.



Packs down small.



Lets end this with bacon and a video.

[Sun Yeti]

That's probably the best use for one of those space blankets I've seen yet! I've never had any luck wrapping one around me to stay warm. In the first picture, how is it attached to the poncho?

[Woods Walker]

That's probably the best use for one of those space blankets I've seen yet! I've never had any luck wrapping one around me to stay warm. In the first picture, how is it attached to the poncho?

Attached to the same sliding friction knots supporting the poncho on the ridgeline.

[Woods Walker]

In case anyone wants to know. The Mylar fails before the duct tape. Easy repair given the nature of the damage. Just made a new duct tape grommet.

[woodsghost]

That's probably the best use for one of those space blankets I've seen yet! I've never had any luck wrapping one around me to stay warm. In the first picture, how is it attached to the poncho?

Laying them on the ground does a nice job of reflecting heat back up as you sleep. I also like wrapping them around the outside of a sleeping bag.

The best night I ever spent "survival camping" I had a long fire, a good insulated pad, and a space blanket reflecting at my back. I had it half draped on the ground (on the pad) and half supported in the air making a mini lean-to.

[solrac7]

Alternatively, you could duct tape the mylar blanket to the tarp? might give you better logevitiy? Just a thought - I'll have to try it out myself - Thanks for posting - great use for these "blankets" ...

Cb

[Brekar]

Or possibly even run the duct tape around the entirety of the outside of the Mylar blanket, on both sides, to make a reinforced edge, and maybe run an X across the back side of it to help resist tearing...
Just a thought...

I like how it looks though...

[Woods Walker]

Or possibly even run the duct tape around the entirety of the outside of the Mylar blanket, on both sides, to make a reinforced edge, and maybe run an X across the back side of it to help resist tearing...
Just a thought...

I like how it looks though...

Sure. I don't see any reason why not.