View Full Version : Tarp tricks and advice
I'm looking to try out a tarp, as a preliminary question, what is a good versatile, not too expensive tarp that will last for a thru hike?
Now for the real question. What are the tricks that you know that make tarping more comfortable, easy, etc. etc. For example, what location do you choose? Do you set it up a certain way depending on wind, rain, etc.
How do you keep dry in a violent rain storm? Anything that is obvious to you, but I may not think of will be appreciated.
I discovered that I really like to cowboy camp, but weather sometimes makes this difficult. If you have pictures to help illistrate a point please post them. Thanks.
I'd say a 6x10 oware if I were trying a.t. solo. nobo.
Maybe start with a bit larger tarp, use it on some week-end overnighters when you anticipate dry sunny weather. Maybe even at a local State park, car camping, so you could always bail-out if need be. Once you become more comfortable with the set-up, reduce your tarp size to what you feel is your limit. At least with these steps you will determine if tarping is for you. I've recommended the Sportsman Guide 12'x12' tarp before on WB. I have one, $30, fairly light, and with the size, can be configured in many different set-ups. Some set-ups, if one were to add a bug net and tyvek drop cloth, are pretty darn close to tenting.
Do some experimenting, you may end up loving it-or not. :sun
warraghiyagey
01-17-2010, 01:26
I discovered that I really like to cowboy camp, but weather sometimes makes this difficult.
That's where my favorite trick comes into play. . . bring a tent. . .
What's an oware?
brand name... http://www.owareusa.com/
Wise Old Owl
01-17-2010, 11:51
Reid & Seeker you are recommending a Cuben Fiber Tarp that is expensive and easy to rip. I am not at issue with it, it just isn't a fit for the first post unless we gather information.
Osub... look at this thread and see if this is what you are looking for....
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=56569
Site selection is critical in heavy rain.
If you are in a gulley washer in a bad location you are going to wake up with a wet
back and a soaked bag. I have done that a couple of times and the memory lingers on.
Ideally I think a SUL inner net tent with a bathtub floor makes a lot of sense.
I have played around with the idea of just a SUL bathtub floor clipped to the tarp but never really made one.
There are a couple of net teants around at 6-7oz total. You can use them in shelters and you can move around inside. A bivy works too just more confining
Of course if you are a hammocker you dont need to worry so much about getting flooded out.
I would say start out with an 8x10 or bigger. Campmor sells several sil nylon UL tarps for a reasonable amount. They have ultralights from a 5x9 poncho/tarp at 9 oz up to a 10x12 at 19oz.
If you just want to try one out why not just go to lowes and buy a light poly tarp and play around with it. The 8x10 weighs a bit over 1# and cost like $8.
>Questions,
last for a thru hike?
Silnylon tarp.
>Do you set it up a certain way depending on wind, rain, etc.
>How do you keep dry in a violent rain storm?
There are a lot of different ways to set up a tarp. I personally have a 10x12 that I hammock with. Its huge set up normally with a lot of living space. Its big enough to set up in a pyramid for ground sleeping. Either hammock or not, you can set it up in storm mode into a typical A frame tent shape with door flaps on the end. Makes a very roomy aframe type in that configuration. Flying V/diamond, forrester, Bivy bag etc
IE I guess what I am saying is with a 5x9 tarp your setup options are less and less forgiving. With a larger tarp you have more options. IMO on the ground with any tarp a bivy or an inner net tent or tub is mandatory for me Just in case.
Here are some links on how to set up a tarp
http://www.bushwalking.org.au/FAQ/tarp/TarpShel.htm
This one is my favorite vid/not setup.
NOT UL though. That is a 9x12 tarp I think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzJHuWlEAtk&NR=1
5x9 poncho tarp.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IaYJBG7Puk
8x10 Etowah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkBeZqXU4zk
Some hammock tarp rigs. Most any of these can be moved down to the ground.
If you go down to Bearpaw's Speer Winter Tarp photo, that is about how my 10x12 sets up in Aframe storm mode for hammocking.
http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCampingDry.html
>Anything that is obvious to you, but I may not think of will be appreciated.
Knots and cord storage. I cant remember the name of the figure 8 cord wrap you do around the hand, but that is the only way IMO to store cord and rope.
Knot link
http://www.backpacking-lite.co.uk/lightweight-shelter/tarp-knots.htm
Watch a few Ray Mears and other tarp vids on youtube.
If you are suspending between 2 trees, run a ridgeline under the tarp to hang things from.
I'm looking to try out a tarp, as a preliminary question, what is a good versatile, not too expensive tarp that will last for a thru hike?
Now for the real question. What are the tricks that you know that make tarping more comfortable, easy, etc. etc. For example, what location do you choose? Do you set it up a certain way depending on wind, rain, etc.
How do you keep dry in a violent rain storm? Anything that is obvious to you, but I may not think of will be appreciated.
I discovered that I really like to cowboy camp, but weather sometimes makes this difficult. If you have pictures to help illistrate a point please post them. Thanks.
Check out Ray Jardine's website and buy his book. He tarps exclusively.
I'm looking to try out a tarp, as a preliminary question, what is a good versatile, not too expensive tarp that will last for a thru hike? I agree with the earlier statement. Get a silnylon tarp and it should last you. My first tarp was a Granite Gear White Lightnin' 8x'10 tarp. Equinox makes some cheap silnylon tarps in various sizes. Campmor sells them. The size I recommend for a beginner is an 8'x10' size: http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___20069
When you fell ready to spend a bit more on a good tarp, check out Oware USA's tarps, Mountain Laurel Designs' tarps, and Gossemer Gear's Spin Twin Tarp.
What are the tricks that you know that make tarping more comfortable, easy, etc. etc. For example, what location do you choose? Do you set it up a certain way depending on wind, rain, etc.
How do you keep dry in a violent rain storm? Anything that is obvious to you, but I may not think of will be appreciated.
First off, with an 8x10 tarp, you don't need to worry as much about tricks as I do in my current 6'x8.5' tarp since you are farther from the edges. The big one is you don't set up where water may pool or you may get flooded out. Spots that have been used by tents for years typically have depressed ground that will pool water and why they need those bathtube floors. I usually look for slightly sloped ground so that any water will run away from you. Try to find sheltered siites out of wind such as in a group of trees or behind a large log or boulder. For smaller shaped tarps, you try to setup the smaller/lower end into the wind, but for a large 8x10 tarp, there is no smaller end so you are better off setting the side up into it. If you are using a flat tarp like the one I linked to above,here are some set up ideas: http://hikinghq.net/gear/tarp.html
I discovered that I really like to cowboy camp, but weather sometimes makes this difficult. I cowboy camp more then 90% of the time. For me, the tarp is just insurance for bad weather and rarely gets used.
I like tarps.
I would not purchase a lightweight 5x8 until you purchase that $8 hardware store tarp and have a look at the 5x8, 5x9, 5x10, 6x8, 6x9, 6x10 etcetera size. Either fold it to size and imagine it pitched or purchase 3 mil painters plastic and cut-to-size and make a temporary pitch, with kite string and tape.
My minimum shelter is the MLD Monks Tarp (http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=89&osCsid=fda8ffc9cd09d8f3e9c3a3eca512ca7c), a lightweight setup illustrated in that Ultralight poncho tarp shelter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IaYJBG7Puk) YouTube video. However, I would not count on a triangle of fabric attached at the apex to help, unless it is a sewn-on "beak". The advantage of the smaller tarp is it will pitch in a small area. One advantage is you can roll in and roll out and on your way. One disadvantage: it must be big enough for you and your gear unless you are "bear bagging" pack and all. I would not count on it to keep out rain unless the wind and rain keep coming from one direction only.
The Integral Designs Sil Poncho (http://www.integraldesigns.com/product_detail.cfm?id=728&CFID=8903855&CFTOKEN=74563216&mainproducttypeid=1) 10 oz 5x8' pitches are illustrated at their website, if the 5x8' minimalist tarp appeals to you, you can have it in a poncho/tarp.
Here is a tarp with a beak: AntiGravityGear 10' Basic Tarp (http://www.antigravitygear.com/proddetail.php?prod=AGTPBA10&cat=70) 11.9 oz. that has a 3.5 oz vestibule as well. This helps with wind driven rain. The Oware website has ultralightweight tarp selections that have beaks.
For the Monks Tarp setup and for the Flying Diamond (http://hikinghq.net/gear/tarp.html) tarp pitch, illustrated by SGT Rock, I use a bivy that has a bug net in the head area. For example, Six Moon Designs Meteor Bivy (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=61) at 7 oz is a popular design and if the price is steep, Six Moon Designs has a MYOG Meteor Bivy (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/community/myo_MeteorBivy.html). The TiGoat Ptarmigan Bivy (http://www.titaniumgoat.com/Bivy.html) 5.8 oz is worth consideration.
I like sewn-in webbing loops (not grommets). I think the Monks Tarp, the Flying Diamond and the 8x10 Half-Pyramid pitch (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkBeZqXU4zk) in any of the strong and lightweight materials are my favorite.
If you consider a poncho/tarp, then Six Moons Designs Gatewood Cape (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=45) 11 oz fully encloses the living area.
The Gossamer Gear SpinnShelter (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=48) 8.8 oz is a tarp that closes down.
There are many tarps, tarp shelters and each has their qualities.
The GoLite Shangri-La 1 (http://www.golite.com/Product/ProdDetail.aspx?p=SH6119) at 1 lb. 3 oz. and GoLite Shangri-La 2 (http://www.golite.com/Product/ProdDetail.aspx?p=370002110&mc=154&t=&lat=) at 1 lb 8 oz are very comfortable. The Six Moons Designs Wild Oasis (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=48) at 11 oz is well worth consideration. These specifically have vents at the peak for air circulation that may be open or closed.
There are so many more really great lightweight and ultralightweight tarps and tarp shelters.
Here are my web lists: shelter (http://www.ultralightbackpackingonline.info/shelter1.html) and specialized gear (http://www.ultralightbackpackingonline.info/gear1.html).
There are tarps, poncho-tarps, tarptents and other tarp shelters to consider there.
There are also very lightweight tents.
The fundamentals of shelter site selection are illustrated here (http://www.ultralightbackpackingonline.info/morevideo3.html).
I consider kite tyvek (http://ecom.citystar.com/hang-em-high/) or volara (http://www.closedcellfoams.com/volara.html) ccf minimum under the sleep system.
Snowleopard
01-17-2010, 17:35
I've got this bargain tarp, coated nylon, 8'x9.5', $19.97, 1 lb 5 oz at campmor,http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___90552
For lighter, campmor has silnylon tarps. For cheaper, a blue plastic tarp (noisy) from the hardware store.
Try out a cheap tarp of about 8x10 before you try a smaller tarp and before you spend a lot of money for a fancier one.
Hosaphone
01-17-2010, 17:55
If you're just getting into tarping, buy yourself an 8x10 Equinox tarp (has been linked here, you can probably find it for cheaper than that though). Costs half as much and will get the job done pretty much no matter how you pitch it. Later, if you decide to continue tarping and you want something smaller and lighter, then look at the higher quality stuff.
For the Monks Tarp setup and for the Flying Diamond (http://hikinghq.net/gear/tarp.html) tarp pitch, illustrated by SGT Rock, I use a bivy that has a bug net in the head area.
Click the link and scroll down to the bottom, where it describes the "trapezoid" pitch. That's my go-to pitch, and I think the most weather-tight you can get with a flat tarp. I recommend guying back up and out along the ridgeline using a trekking pole to get yourself more head room. By this I mean... there should be several loops along the ridgeline of your tarp - these are there so you could attach your tarp to a clothes line if you wanted to. Take the loop 1 away from the end and clove hitch it to your trekking pole, and then stake it down. This will lift up the back. The author of the page is using a ponchotarp without the luxury of those nice little tabs along the ridgeline, so instead of tying it out he appears to have shoved his backpack up underneath it to get more room.
Keep in mind that pretty much any pitch can also be done with your 2 trekking poles instead of trees, if you know the knots. If you don't use trekking poles you could even just find sticks on the ground.
Useful knots to know:
*Bowline (http://www.animatedknots.com/bowlineboating/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com): use for attaching lines to the tarp.
*Taut line htich (http://www.animatedknots.com/rollinghitchboating/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com): use for attaching lines to the stakes (this knot allows you to tighten or loosen... very very important! and impressive to people who don't know it!)
*Clove hitch (http://www.animatedknots.com/cloveboating/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com): allows you to easily run a line from tarp -> trekking pole -> stake, instead of needing a tree. Tie the clove hitch around the grip of your trekking pole and it will not slide down during the night.
*Girth hitch (http://www.animatedknots.com/girth/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com): You probably already know this, but by some other name. It's not really a knot. This allows you to leave bowline knots in the end of your guylines and not need to retie them. Use this to attach your guylines to the tarp instead of retying the bowlines every time you pitch it. One advantage to using the tabs instead of grommets is that you can just leave all your knots tied all the time. With grommets, you need to retie your taut line hitches every time so you can thread the guyline through the grommet.
Get yourself an 8x10 equinox tarp, learn those knots and practice them, and learn how to pitch the "trapezoid" pitch using your trekking poles instead of trees, and you'll be all set.
I think you will really enjoy tarping, so long as you don't go during bug season. An 8x10 tarp can easily sleep 2 people with gear when set up like the "trapezoid", so it will be a palace for just you alone.
Wow, some great input on this thread!
Wise Old Owl
01-17-2010, 23:46
I've got this bargain tarp, coated nylon, 8'x9.5', $19.97, 1 lb 5 oz at campmor,http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___90552
For lighter, campmor has silnylon tarps. For cheaper, a blue plastic tarp (noisy) from the hardware store.
Try out a cheap tarp of about 8x10 before you try a smaller tarp and before you spend a lot of money for a fancier one.
FYI :datzI have never had much luck with re-enforced grommets.
Lots of good stuff on here, unfortunately I have been working pretty much non-stop for the past couple of days and had little time to sift through it. I'll have time tomorrow to look into it better, so I'm sure I'll have some questions. Thanks again, and feel free to keep posting.
So, here's what I've come up with.
While I like the idea that tarps are generally lighter than tents, I'm not as concerned with weight as I am comfort. I'd like to have some space to spread out under it, and not just an area big enough to put my sleeping bag in.
I also like the idea of being able to hang a hammock under the tarp. While I don't intend on starting with a hammock, I would like to have that option open, and intend on experimenting down the road.
Ground cloth. I have a footprint for a 1 person tent, about 3'x8'. Will this be sufficient?
Also, will I need some sort of bug netting?
Thanks again.
Kerosene
01-21-2010, 18:07
I you want the space to spread out, then I think you'll want a larger groundcloth. Otherwise, you end up putting your stuff on wet, muddy ground. I'd go for something more like a 6x8 footprint. Alternatively, carry two narrower footprints. Check out Gossamer Gear's Polycryo ground cloth (http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/polycryo_ground_cloth.html), which gets you to 5x8' for 3 oz (link to review (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/gossamer_gear_polycryo_ground_cloth_spotlite_revie w.html)).
If you're serious about looking into a hammock, then the time to do so is when the insects come out, in which case you don't need to have to mess with a bug netting solution. If you still want to do something, then Gossamer Gear's Bug Canopy (http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/Bug-Canopy.html) is one option, again at 3 ounces.
For me, the problem with tarping is having enough ground space and/or having too little room to set up. Some tarp configurations require a lot of lines running all over. Trees and bushes can get in the way, as well as the fact that there always seems to be a big rock just under the ground EXACTLY where you planned on placing your stake. If I didn't hammock I'd want to get a shaped tarp vs. a flat one due to the 360 degree protection from wind driven rain. You get more protection from fewer sq. ft. of nylon (or whatever) so they tend to be lighter. The Oasis, from Six Moon Designs looks very good to me. The only thing that could make it better is if it was made of spinnaker cloth and used fewer stakes (impossible I know - the fewer poles, the more stakes is the rule). It will protect you from bugs (most, especially if you spray the netting with repellant), and you can choose how much ground protection you need, durability wise.
My first pick, all things considered, for a solo three season shelter is the Moment, followed by the Lightheart Tent (I haven't used the former, but the latter requires the use of trekking poles). Both of them have more protection than a tarp and are easier to pitch, with bug protection, and are not that much heavier than a large enough tarp for protection from extreme weather.
If you are interested in trying out a hammock, just go to campsaver and pick up a $20 hammock to try out
http://www.campsaver.com/itemmatrix.asp?GroupCode=tth0002&MatrixType=1
or if you are into MYOG then go that route with walmart $1.50 ripstop.
I would say 8x10 minimum for a tarp, 10x12 is what I like.
Go to lowes and get a normal wt 8x10 polytarp and camp out with it a few times
especially in the rain. Dont forget the drip lines.
They weigh about 1.3# and cost $8.
I tried one over a hammock and decided I needed a 10x12. Thats big enough to make a tent to the ground with closed flap doors over a hammock. Very cozy.
Spend $ on a silnylon tarp when you figure out what works for you.
10x12 on a ground setup is huge and big enough to pitch in a teepee.
Some shaped tarps with bug netting shelters:
http://www.alpinlitegear.com/
I still think a light tent is a better idea.
Of course, hammocking can't be beat if you're comfortable with it (YES, YOU CAN SLEEP ON YOUR SIDE!! :))
Also, be aware that, if you want effective bug protection your bug shelter should be big enough that you don't end up with your body contacting the mesh anywhere (they can't bite through the fabric).
Moving on.....
GeneralLee10
01-28-2010, 12:59
I mite have missed it somewhere in this thread so excuse me if I did. How many of you have a problem finding soft enough soil to stake out your tarps? I found this to be some what of an issue the last time I was out. It seems as if there was a rock almost every time I tried to put my stake/s in the ground:mad:. Which is making me think more about a free standing tent now instead of a tarp or a tent that needs to be staked out.
What kind of stakes are you using? If you are using those generic aluminum stakes, they never go in easy. I use those UL titanium takes that are very narrow and they go into the ground very easily. Occasionally, I hit a rock, but if I move the stake an inch or two, it usually goes right into the ground. Obviously, if you are using a guyline then you have more flexibility in where you can position the stake then if you are staking the tarp directly to the ground.
OK, after much dilly dallying, I finally got a snowpeak penta tarp. Yes, I know quite a long process especially since I hit the trail in two days. So far I like what I see and seems to be exactly what I was looking for, so here's my latest question.
The front is held up by one trekking pole and the tarp slopes to the back. A few feet in there is not muchroom between the ground and the tarp. Would it damage the tarp if I used my other pole part way back to elevate the roof some? Of course I would put the tip of the pole into the ground, and use a shirt or something to cushion the handle against the tarp. I tried this out and it worked, but I didn't know if it would damage the tarp over time.
You can attach a guy line to a trek pole and anchor it. You run it from a tieout to your pole and wrap it around the pole and then run the rest of the line down to the ground and stake it. The advantage of this is you can loop the line around the pole somewhere low rather then having to use the full pole length.
there's always rocks and logs around to anchor to if you can't get into the soil. don't let that crap hang you up bro. enjoy the woods
Thanks. Leaving for Damascus in about 45 mins. Woohoo!
MissHailey
04-19-2012, 12:53
I always take a 10x10 Blue Tarp (http://www.tarpsplus.com) with me when I go backpacking, they are lightweight but durable! And on a even nicer note they are really inexpensive!! I hope you find the answer you are looking for!
I've used an 8x10 Equinox tarp and a golite poncho tarp. These are my tips:
1. Set up in your back yard. Look up various pitches online and test them out. When you find one or two you like, practice those a few times so you will remember how to do it.
2. When you find one pitch you like the best, leave for your trip with the guy lines attached already. Then it's faster to set up.
3. Set up your tarp and be prepared, especially if it's an 8x10 silnylon tarp, to tighten the lines an hour after set-up and at least once more in the middle of the night. I use little plastic thingies on the lines to make it easy to tighten the lines.
4. When you set up the tarp, let the wind guide you as far as what direction to point it. If your setup has a back and a front, face the back into the wind. If it's an A-frame it'll suck if the wind is blowing at one side, bowing it into you.
5. I find that being sheltered under a tree is both good and bad. It's warmer and provides a little protection in rain. But when the rain stops, the tree keeps raining on you.
6. If you forget the stakes or otherwise can't use them, you can insert thin long sticks into loops at the ends of the lines then place large rocks on top of the sticks.
7. Bring a few extra lines in case you get into a situation where you have to improvise some crazy-ass tarp set-up and have to tie the lines in extra crazy places. This came in handy for me the time we had to set up in 55mph winds partially under a boulder with a small manzanita tree for support. I created a really crazy set-up but stayed dry and out of the wind and rain.
Kerosene
04-19-2012, 17:01
I always take a 10x10 Blue Tarp (http://www.tarpsplus.com) with me when I go backpacking, they are lightweight but durable! And on a even nicer note they are really inexpensive!! I hope you find the answer you are looking for!At 4.0 oz per square yard (9 sq ft), a 10x10 Blue Poly Tarp would weigh in at 44 ounces. Not what I'd call light in any sense of the word, but they certainly are cheap at only $7.00!
I have an Oware AsymTarp1, TiGoat Bug Net Bivy, Gossamer Gear Polycro groundsheet and NeoAir for my UL backpack.
If you have access to a thread injector (AKA sewing machine) or a friend that has, Six Moon Designs has their Meteor Bivy pattern and sewing plans available to download for free and making a tarp is an even easier first project for DIY.
If you want a hammock, my first hammock was the Grand Trunk Travel hammock. I substituted lightweight lines and tree hugger straps. This simple design hammock may be the easiest first sewing project.
The "blue tarp" is so bulky to pack... I would not. It may discourage you from backpacking. At least, DIY the tarp.
I'd say a 6x10 oware if I were trying a.t. solo. nobo.
You mean 8'x10'?
I like the Ray-way of pitching A-frame style and it is something you have to practice in the back yard to get the hang of it. There's always some guessing about which way the wind will blow and all I can say is that it is better to not let the wind blow through end to end if it is raining hard. The attached image is a Ray-way pitch, set high, with a 7'x9' tarp.
I avoid the bare spots at campsites unless they are clearly elevated, (which they almost never are). These spots are bare because they flood with water which carries off the debris. So a spot that is full of pine needles & cones is better than bare dirt. Tall grass isn't too bad except for the bugs and humidity.
I used a Golite Lair tarp before I switched to a hammock, but they don't make them anymore. They were easier to pitch. See Lair 2 setup (https://sites.google.com/site/hobbyhintstricksideas/Home/cozies-kettles-stoves-etc#TOC-Shelters)
There are some really bad tarp pitch ideas on Youtube. My advice is avoid any of the neat looking "fold-over" pitches because they trap water/condensation. My 10' x 11' cat tarp weighs 13oz and provides plenty of room for me and the dogs.
http://mysite.verizon.net/restoq6v/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/End1.jpg