This Tarp Hub is a versatile, three-part rigging system designed for outdoor enthusiasts who value flexibility in the field. By combining the Top, Bottom, and Plug components, you can create a secure central anchor point for almost any shelter configuration.
The system features six primary attachment points for guy lines and two dedicated top holes for hanging the hub when a support pole is unavailable. Whether you are using a dedicated trekking pole or a found branch, this hub is for you.
The threaded connection between the Top and Bottom sections allows you to either secure a tarp directly via its grommet or firmly clamp the fabric between the two textured surfaces. This clamping mechanism is specifically engineered with an overlapping profile to create a weather-resistant seal, ensuring that rain stays on the outside of your shelter. It transforms a standard tarp into a highly configurable tent-like structure, giving you the freedom to set up between trees, over a pole, or suspended from above.
To ensure this system works with your specific equipment, I have included a solid "Plug Template" alongside the standard components. This allows you to customize the internal diameter and depth in your preferred CAD software to perfectly match the tip of your specific trekking pole or a custom-sized branch. This ensures a precision fit that eliminates wobbling and maximizes stability. For those who want to get printing right away, I have included a .3mf file with a ready-to-go layout, configured with minimal support material to save time and filament.
I highly recommend testing this hub in your backyard or a local park before heading into the wild to explore the vast array of rigging possibilities it offers. For users who prefer dual-pole setups, such as a traditional lean-to style shelter, printing two hubs provides ultimate stability and symmetry.
Best of luck :-)
The author marked this model as their own original creation.