New tarp

[char]

I'm planning on making a new "trail tarp" to use a modern term. The acids in linseed oil has finally broken my old one down to a state where it consists of mending stitches rather than actual canvas. It is now so sticky and fragile I can hardly unfold it without braking it.

So, I've been looking at different resources for Russia sheeting and similar hemp canvas and are now waiting for swatches of 12 and 14 oz versions.

For those of you that already own a tent, tarp or anything else made from Russia sheeting; how waterproof is it without any treatment, modern or historic? If treatment is needed how well does the hemp fibers work with linseed oil or other historic proofing methods?

I ask since Sweden (where I live) is wet most of the year and drying my blankets and buffalo robe is not a favorite task.

Char the Swedish mountaineer

[flattail]

Hello Char,
I haven't used Russian Sheeting, but have spent many nights under untreated canvas duck. The untreated cotton duck swells when wet and only leaks if I've set it so it catches rain instead of allowing it to run off. I would think the hemp would be similar. I've found waxed canvas, in a lighter fabric (6-7oz) works well, but no better than the untreated. It's just much lighter to carry.
Good luck with your new shelter.
Ed

[Pare]

I've only used canvas duck, too. I would like to get some hemp though.

Welcome to the group Flattail!

Pare-
(pronounced as "Perry")

[Leifer]

The only experience I've had with Russian Sheeting/Drab has been with the market wallets I've made. That stuff is tough. I'd be interested to hear as well about anyone who's used it to make an oilcloth as well to see how it compares to cotton duck.

Leifer

[isaac]

I have spent A LOT of nights under Russia Sheeting, left plain. When I worked at Grand Portage as well as on a few camps and excursions with Karl, we used his hempen tarps which had not been treated, just washed and fulled up. In a driving rain, we would get a light mist through it, at least until the fibers swelled. It worked quite well and lasted (I think he is still using some of the tarps after 15+ years). A nice thing about the unpainted/unoiled tarps was that in the winter, it was far more usable than the stiff oilcloths.

Isaac, needing to sew up a new hemp tarp/sail soon