View Full Version : Using a tarp instead of a tent
ericrhett
05-22-2012, 14:44
Hi! I hiking Davenport Gap, TN to Hot Springs in 3 days in early June. Assuming the forecast is no rain, can I use a tarp instead of an enclosed tent? I know the temp will be ok (I checked) but what about bugs in that area of the AT? Are there any factors that should cause me to use a tent over a 3 sided, floorless tarp? Im a beginner so please, respectful, informative answers only.
Thank you!
Eric
flemdawg1
05-22-2012, 14:51
Are you going to primarily use the tarp to sleep under or were you planning to use the shelters? Can you confidently set up a tarp to stay dry if you need it? Bugs normally arent' a big deal on that area of the AT.
Grandma Gatewood used a shower curtain........ So yes.
quilteresq
05-22-2012, 15:23
I love my tarp more when it's damp and rainy. Much better ventilation, so things IN the tarp aren't as wet. I made a net tent to go with it, because the Whites aren't blessed in bug department.
coach lou
05-22-2012, 15:40
I use a Fly from a dome tent, 8'X3' piece of plastic, and a surplus [my supply battalion] mosquito net. I'm covered for whatever comes along
Tenderheart
05-23-2012, 12:07
I thru hiked with a tarp and can honestly say that I never got wet in a rain storm. Of course, the key is to not set up in a depression. As for bugs, all but mosquitoes go to sleep at night, and there is not that much standing water on the AT. IMO, a tarp is the only way to go. Mine was an 8 X 10 siltarp.
flemdawg1
05-23-2012, 12:17
Hi! I hiking Davenport Gap, TN to Hot Springs in 3 days in early June. Assuming the forecast is no rain, can I use a tarp instead of an enclosed tent? I know the temp will be ok (I checked) but what about bugs in that area of the AT? Are there any factors that should cause me to use a tent over a 3 sided, floorless tarp? Im a beginner so please, respectful, informative answers only.
Thank you!
Eric
Yeah, take the tarp. its only 3 days.
You can use it in the rain. That's what they are built for.
Of course, the key is to not set up in a depression..
What is the best area to set the tarp up in? My guess is the flattest you can find,...
What is the best area to set the tarp up in? My guess is the flattest you can find,...
I'm not a tarp guy but I would think a slight incline might be better than flat for drainage.
coach lou
05-23-2012, 22:12
I'm not a tarp guy but I would think a slight incline might be better than flat for drainage.
I concur, head higher than feet for me.
MuddyWaters
05-23-2012, 23:05
I prefers my tarp in the shape of a tent.
stranger
05-24-2012, 07:34
Tarps are fine but in June the bugs will be out so I would bring some type of bug net. The key to staying dry under a tarp is site selection, don't use established sites cause all the soil is compacted and water can run, try to find something on a slight rise, hill, bump, etc... Sometimes if you view the site from a distance it's easier to see this.
Tenderheart
05-24-2012, 09:32
[QUOTE=shelb;1291677]What is the best area to set the tarp up in? QUOTE]
Yep, as others have said, the ideal site is a slight mound with drainage in all directions from the center. And, of course, head slightly elevated above feet. You can't always find such a place in the real world, but you get the idea.
You can use a tarp for rain protection, but may need bug protection in the form of deet or netting of some kind.
MuddyWaters
05-24-2012, 21:50
You can use a tarp for rain protection, but may need bug protection in the form of deet or netting of some kind.
Yep, and my hexamid provides me with both. Coincidence??? I think not.
Yep, and my hexamid provides me with both. Coincidence??? I think not.
I also love my Hexamid when ground dwelling. Prior to the Hexamid, used to use a Gatewood Cape with NetTent when bugs were out. Both are good tarping options.
I did back in 78. Never again. Way to difficult to stay dry. Not sure if some of the newer ones work better. Today I use a small dome at under 3 pounds.