View Full Version : hiking poles and tarp
I'm trying out tarping, just getting started and just bought a tarp that is supposed to be supported by hiking poles, but of course it doesn't come with instructions. The loops on the tarp are too small to go around the handle, too big for the pointy end, so I guess I need additional rope to tie the tarp to the poles?
Tried googling for informative sites, but I either get pics that aren't very detailed, or verbiage without any supporting pics. Please help.:o
Take a look at Sgt. Rock's tarp page (http://hikinghq.net/gear/tarp.html). IMO, the best overall tarp setup page on the Innertubes.
Take a look at Sgt. Rock's tarp page (http://hikinghq.net/gear/tarp.html). IMO, the best overall tarp setup page on the Innertubes.
Doesn't mention how to setup, or I guess 'secure' the poles to the tarp. I get the impression that I'm missing something brainlike that would make this a lot easier to figure out. I can't imagine that just pressure from the staked corners keeps the poles in place - not for very long anyway.
You take your line from one of the pull outs and wrap your line around the end of a pole and then down to a stake.
Here is an image of what I am talking about (taken from Gossamer Gear).
http://www.gossamergear.com/gossamergear/images/photos/Mike_night_1.jpg
Doesn't mention how to setup, or I guess 'secure' the poles to the tarp. I get the impression that I'm missing something brainlike that would make this a lot easier to figure out. I can't imagine that just pressure from the staked corners keeps the poles in place - not for very long anyway.
Ah..I hear ya.
I find using 550 Parachute cord (http://www.bestglide.com/550_cord_info.html)works well securing tarps to pole and for tarp setup in general. Depending on the type of setup you do, you may just tie it through the two eyelets (like for an a-frame) and then tie the rope to the pole.
This may help, too:
http://www.cloudwalkersbasecamp.com/tarp_camping.html
Notice how the rope is tied to he poles and tarp.
Hard to explain; easier to show. :)
And here's a pic of me in a tarp that may help, too:
http://www.pmags.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=36&g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=9313
Alligator
10-10-2007, 18:56
Is it just a regular square/rectangular tarp or is it something fancier?
Toolshed
10-10-2007, 20:48
...What brand (if applicable)?
bobgessner57
10-10-2007, 21:21
Scope:
One thing to remember if running a rope through the tarp to create a ridgeline then uphill to a tree or a pole(s) like in Mags' picture is that you will want something to make rainwater bead up and fall off the rope before it wicks down the rope and awakens you to chinese water torture. You can put a paper clip on the cord or make an overhand knot in the rope and put a twig through it right before the tarp. Anything will work to create a drip point. A larger twig can be used that way to make a toggle for one of the tarp ties to tie onto the ridgeline.
A good knot to use on the trekking poles is a clove hitch. See a Boy Scout if you don't know it. There is a way to tie it by simply dropping two loops of rope over the end of the pole and pulling tight.
Here is an image of what I am talking about (taken from Gossamer Gear).
http://www.gossamergear.com/gossamergear/images/photos/Mike_night_1.jpg
Thanks, this helps.
Here are directions for pitching Ray Jardines's tarp
http://www.ray-way.com/tarp-nettent/pitch/index.htm
Is it just a regular square/rectangular tarp or is it something fancier?
Its an OR Helium Awning...
http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/accessdetail.cfm/OR450
Just got it, was on sale for half the regular price. I'm going to try using it for my hammock as well, but main purpose is going to the ground in the winter which was a cheaper option than getting an underquilt.
Scope:
One thing to remember if running a rope through the tarp to create a ridgeline then uphill to a tree or a pole(s) like in Mags' picture is that you will want something to make rainwater bead up and fall off the rope before it wicks down the rope and awakens you to chinese water torture. You can put a paper clip on the cord or make an overhand knot in the rope and put a twig through it right before the tarp. Anything will work to create a drip point. A larger twig can be used that way to make a toggle for one of the tarp ties to tie onto the ridgeline.
A good knot to use on the trekking poles is a clove hitch. See a Boy Scout if you don't know it. There is a way to tie it by simply dropping two loops of rope over the end of the pole and pulling tight.
Thanks, this seems like very useful info. Can't wait to get out there and try it.
Alligator
10-11-2007, 10:48
Its an OR Helium Awning...
http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/accessdetail.cfm/OR450
Just got it, was on sale for half the regular price. I'm going to try using it for my hammock as well, but main purpose is going to the ground in the winter which was a cheaper option than getting an underquilt.That's a good price for a tarp that size ($50?). It's a little big for one person though, unless you have the solo? Some configurations are shown on OR's product page (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/home/style/40830). Not as many for the solo (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/home/style/40820). I don't see a line run in the setup demonstrated in your link to backcountry nor at the link to OR. As someone mentioned though, you could drop a line from the pole to a stake.
That's a good price for a tarp that size ($50?). It's a little big for one person though, unless you have the solo? Some configurations are shown on OR's product page (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/home/style/40830). Not as many for the solo (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/home/style/40820). I don't see a line run in the setup demonstrated in your link to backcountry nor at the link to OR. As someone mentioned though, you could drop a line from the pole to a stake.
Yeah, it was $54 w/free shipping, not bad (backcountry.com thru SAC). Comes with ropes and adjustable loops on the corners. Was looking into tarps before I saw this sale and I saw a lot of recommendations to get a bigger tarp if you're just starting out. Plus, I think its big enough to use for my hammock. For solo, I'd likely use just one pole in the middle and in the back to make it taller, less wide.
That's a good price for a tarp that size ($50?). It's a little big for one person though, unless you have the solo? Some configurations are shown on OR's product page (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/home/style/40830). Not as many for the solo (http://www.outdoorresearch.com/home/style/40820). I don't see a line run in the setup demonstrated in your link to backcountry nor at the link to OR. As someone mentioned though, you could drop a line from the pole to a stake.
Just to clarify, this is not the 'solo', its the bigger tarp as shown in the two-pole setup.
One way to set up an 8X10 tarp with one pole:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkBeZqXU4zk&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Epracticalbackpacking%2Ecom %2Fforums%2Fshowthread%2Ephp%3Ft%3D3403
One way to set up an 8X10 tarp with one pole:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkBeZqXU4zk&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Epracticalbackpacking%2Ecom %2Fforums%2Fshowthread%2Ephp%3Ft%3D3403
Didn't think to check youtube, I'll search for tips there.