Tarping?

[ShelterLeopard]

I just don't quite get how to tarp tent- how do you not get wet? (I mean when you're sleeping on the ground, not in a hammock)

[garlic08]

Most important, you need very good site selection--standing water will never do. Ideally you find a local high spot covered with deep, well-drained leaves. Stay away from depressions or pounded flat sites.

Second, a water-resistant ground cloth is helpful. Silnylon tarptent floors are not completely waterproof. Water will wick through under pressure. But if you picked your site well, silnylon works fine. I depend on my short foam pad and my large plastic bag pack liner in extreme conditions for a completely waterproof ground layer.

Third, you need to be able to pitch the tarp or tarptent to keep blowing rain or snow out.

[Feral Bill]

You need a groundcloth. Even with a heavier one your shelter comes to 1/2 the weight of normal tent. No bug protection , though.

[bigcranky]

Are talking about using a tarp, or the shelter known as a "tarptent (http://www.tarptent.com/products.html)?"

Using a tarp, the key (as stated above) is site selection. An 8x10 foot silnylon tarp makes a great shelter for one or two people. Compared to a double wall tent, it has significantly more room, better weather protection, better views, and is much lighter to carry. (It's also colder, requires skill to set up properly, and won't protect against bugs.)

A Tarptent is just a single wall tent with some tarp-like features. It adds bug protection, but still requires good site selection. They are popular with hikers.

[brooklynkayak]

You need a groundcloth. Even with a heavier one your shelter comes to 1/2 the weight of normal tent. No bug protection , though.

There are some great, light, bug tent/bivys out there made by many companies.

Mt Laurel has a few different models. This is just one:
http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=55&osCsid=870c75698d

I use the 6 Moon Serenty NetTent.
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=55

[Grinder]

the underlying question here is where you fit on the range from Natty Bumpo (famed fictional forest runner) to "motel boy".



tarping is pretty basic Bumpo-esque shelter. I can't quite get into it, myself. At night, when the wind is roaring on the mountain, I'm not comfortable. Probably could get used to it with time if I had to.


tarp tents are a bit more civilized, with bug netting.

Then, up the tent spectrum to 4 season tents that give you increasingly better protection from the elements.


Of course, then there are campers and RV's. If you hike, these are clearly out of the question.

I know I "want to be" a rough and ready hiker man, but, during a windy rainy night on the mountain in a tarp tent I decided I am a one person tent guy, at least for now. It's worth the extra pound on my back during the day to me.

YMMV. it's a personal decision.

[brooklynkayak]

the underlying question here is where you fit on the range from Natty Bumpo (famed fictional forest runner) to "motel boy"

Tarping can be pretty posh and 4 season is also possible. Combine a tarp with a bug tent/bivy and you have a bomb proof spacious shelter for less weight.

Some tarp setups can work well in 4 season conditions, but you also have the flexibility to pitch for warm weather as well.
Most 4 season tents suck in hot summer conditions.

[Turtlehiker]

I have tarped for years and really like it, the connection with your surroundings is great, I love waking up in the morning and looking around at the quiet woods. I don't remember ever getting wet, at least not wetter than I have gotten in a tent. I don't remember the last time I used a full on tent except for car camping.

One thing you better not be shy about changing clothes.

[Lyle]

Tarping isn't for everyone. I enjoy the freedom, room, breezes, and the snug feeling I get along with the ability to watch the storm - something I've always enjoyed doing.

It can get to be a pleasant challenge to learn the various ways to pitch a tarp for best protection in various situations and it's not that hard to do. Some pitches will give greater room and better ability to watch the weather, others will be a bit more constrictive, and give near perfect protection.

You will quickly learn what to look for and what to avoid when choosing a site - may have a few wet nights until you learn to pay attention at the onset, and imagine what will happen when the sky opens up.

A tent is more secure, and more fool-proof for beginners, a single-walled tent (Tarptent, Six-Moon, Gossamer Gear, etc) is in the middle, a simple tarp requires some knowlege and experience to be fully effective. This can be learned by anyone at any stage, however.

I have all of the above options, Usually use either a single-wall or tarp now. Have used a tarp for camping above 11000 ft in the Sierras on some very cold/windy nights and been very comfortable.

It's all personal choice, then learning how to make it work.

[Allen1901]

This webpage has a lot of pitching info:

http://www.equipped.com/tarp-shelters.htm

This video shows my prefered method. Add a guyline off of the hiking pole in windy weather:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkBeZqXU4zk&feature=PlayList&p=A00AF4D82E078383&index=19

Cheers!

[mister krabs]

This webpage has a lot of pitching info:

http://www.equipped.com/tarp-shelters.htm

This video shows my prefered method. Add a guyline off of the hiking pole in windy weather:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkBeZqXU4zk&feature=PlayList&p=A00AF4D82E078383&index=19

Cheers!


That's my preferred method as well, I add a second collapsed pole towards the foot inside on the ridgeline, or if you have a ridgline tyout toward the foot, you could rig a stick or pole externally with a guy line.

In inclement weather the two head end stakes can be brought closer together narrowing the entrance.