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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 มิ.ย. 2024
- There are hundreds of ways to setup a tarp. Here are a few tips I like to use when setting mine up and five pitches for one of my favorite backpacking shelters.
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Do you prefer a tarp as your shelter out on the trails? What are your favorite pitch configurations? Leave it in a comment below.
You and Jupiter and Even, and Poppa Hiker. You guys really know your stuff!! Totally impressed. Totally
@jhonyerm0 I’m humbled to be included with those guys. Thank you 🙏. Thousands of miles of experience out on the trails and I’m still always learning something new. It’s all part of the fun and personal growth as a hiker. The flat tarp is my favorite shelter out of everything out there. Happy to share my experiences, tips and honest feedback with you. Thanks again.
I'm familiar with papa hiker, but do you have a link for Jupiter and Even? Cheers?
This summer ill be doing a 4 month throughhike through europe, ill be using a tarp and ive been testing it out, but this video definitely added a bunch more info and options into my mental backpack :)
@llamalady Awesome! Happy that my video helped. Hope you have a great hike!
Love that half-pyramid set up! Thanks for the video. It is very informative!
Me too Si! The Half Pyramid is one of my go-tos! Thanks for watching.
Lots of good options! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks PTL! These are just the beginning! The setups are endless.
Great video, very clear and concise instructions. 👍
@reginalynn9856 Thanks for watching!
very nice. enjoy seeing what others are doing with tarp setups. :)
Thanks for watching Joe!
Very informative! Thanks! 👍
Thanks Kettle Camping!
Thx for the ideas 🤙
@PatagoniaTrekking Thanks for stopping by the channel and scoping out my video. I appreciate it. Enjoy the tarp setups! 👍
Very informative and yes I am inspired and now I need to spend money on a tarp 😀
Thanks Nigel! A lot of great tarp options out there. Enjoy!
Informative and beneficial video
Great video.
Thanks Livin'Large!
Hi from the uk, great video, I love tarps, nice demo of some set ups, As for me,trouble is the Cheviots are so windy I mainly have to use my tarps in the Forest,
New sub cheers
@northumberlandmountainhopper Tarps definitely still have some limitations along with its benefits. Any shelter will though 🙂. Exposed locations can be one of them for sure when it comes to a tarp. Thanks so much for watching my video and for subscribing to the channel.
i've been transitioning to a tarp over the last few years. i'm using a Yama Mountain Gear 7x9 sil poly tarp. like you i practice on my property with different set ups before hitting the trail. the 2 set ups i use are the A-Frame and half pyramid. when using the A-Frame i like to run a ridgeline between 2 trees and use a pursik loop to secure the tarp. but when it's bug season i still use my TT Protrail. i can't sleep in a bivy!
surfandstreamfisher Thanks for sharing. I've heard good things about the Yama tarp, but haven't used one. I purchased a Dyneema hammock tarp with doors from LiteAF a couple years back (seen in this video: th-cam.com/video/l5fjkbkNIgo/w-d-xo.html) that uses a Prusik on the Ridgeline for adjustments. It's been a game changer for aligning the tarp with my hammock when setting up. The bivy can be a challenge. They aren't for everyone and I prefer a tarp on its own when possible. My custom Borah Gear Dyneema bivy has been excellent though and the Argon fabric for the upper breathes well and doesn't feel too restrictive.
Yass 👏
😊Thanks
Thanks for watching @quinntheeskimooutdoors6234!
Would having 10 ft guide lines cut for each tie out be a reasonable solution to cover most/all situations. Thanks for taking the time to post your experiences.
@jerryg957 That is an option, but the length could feel excessive with certain pitches. At least it would for me. There’s no right or wrong though. I’ve found 8’ ridgeline (x2), 6’ corner (x4), and 5’ mid (x2) to be plenty most of the time. If I ever need extra length I like to tie two of those precut lines together using a sheet bend. Or with some additional line I might have on hand. Thanks for the question and for watching my video.
Thanks@@matjobin
I do love using my DCF 9x7 tarp and I've been experimenting with it on trail for about a year. One big question I have, as I have not perfected yet, is how to set up in very high, gusting winds and some rain. There are times when I have no choice but to be a bit exposed, either above tree line on on a ridge where its difficult to get below the ridge due to deadfall, etc. I tend to set up as low as possible in storm mode, but the gusting wind will still try to take my tarp in a "sail-like" manner and rip out stakes. Tying off to trees and rocks help, but I've had problems. If I set up a wall, such as your second configuration, and the wind changes during the night, I've had that wall flatten up against me in the bivy. Generally, I can deal with this, but it has gotten hairy, especially if there's a tiny bit of snow load coming down and I need to periodically knock snow and ice off the tarp throughout the night.
The other question is what kind of knot do you use for attaching your line to your trekking pole securely? I tend to just wrap my line around the tip, but it doesn't always hold well as I'm trying to get it all guyed out. I'd like to set everything up and look like I know what I'm doing, but more often than not, I feel like I'm in an episode of the 3 stooges. lol
All of that said, I really like your different configurations and will practice with some new variations you've shown. It would be helpful to know the how you determine where to place the different ends or walls of your tarp dependent upon wind gust or direction. My most recent experiences have been fine, but I've had to redo the tarp when the winds suddenly change later in the evening.
Thanks for the video!
Nice Linda! The 7x9 tarp in my video is one of my favorite tarps. For windy conditions I'll face my back to the wind and let nature help with the setup by pulling out the other end of the tarp. I'll stake out the side closest to me and then work on the pitch I have chosen. In very windy conditions I would start the same, but keep low to the ground when setting up and continue to hold the loose opposite end of the tarp until I get to staking that end out. I'll always setup near some type of natural wind block or in an area that isn't exposed, in a valley, or in a summit. On a thru-hike, I'm usually thinking through my setup and scouting out a location with my map and observations around the last hour of my hiking for the day. During this time my observations will also include things like wind direction, conditions and what pitch would work best. On shorter backpacking trips, I'll still apply this but my research before my trip will remain a little more unchanged due to the shorter timeframe. For the knot, I like to use the clove hitch with the guy line line and trekking pole. It's quick, simple and secure. There's also nothing to untie the following morning. Just widen the two loops to the hitch, slide the anchor (or trekking pole) out and you're all set. I'll follow the aforementioned for which pitch to choose. I also find a lot of joy in researching before my trip or mileage for each day so that helps with my decision. The half pyramid may take away from some of the wild experience, but it can help greatly in varying wind directions and stormy weather. The limitless options allow for a lot of unique and creative ways to setup which is one of the things I love about tarps. Enjoy! Thanks for watching!
Excellent opening paragraphs, there's no doubt about it learning a few knots have changed my, cycling 🏕️ 🥾 confidence.
Thanks @johneric3886! Knots can be a lot of fun and super helpful in the varying locations out on trail.
I like your style/presentation and information. New subscriber. Doing my research for 1st hike next mo. on AT/NC 100 mi section. Committed to tarp as shelter. Query: what types of stakes do you use/recommend? and what type of "guy line" do you recommend (is that important?). Thank you in advance.
@PerpetualWalkerJoe Thanks so much and thank you for subscribing. I’m a big fan of nail stakes like the Zpacks Carbon stake. Easton nanos are great too. Easy to clean and they have a good amount of holding power. I’ve tried shepherd hook stakes and have always found them to bend easily. Though they have their place for certain locations. For guyline, it could depend on whether or not your tarp uses linelocs, and if you decide to keep them. My Zpacks tarp in this video uses Lineloc V which allows a thin 1.3mm guyline. I have a MLD tarp which had Lineloc 3s which wouldn’t allow anything thinner than 2mm line, until I made some modifications. For everything but winter (and exposed locations with strong winds/snow), I’ve been happy with 1.3mm line. It might be a bit difficult to tie for some, but I haven’t found it to be too troubling. So it can definitely have some importance. If you go with a tarp without linelocs, you can use a bowline and taut line hitch which will allow for easy adjustments. I use that with my square tarp. Have a great hike on the AT!
Good info. What mic are you using? Audio is very clear.
Thanks Wolfe! I actually didn't use a mic for this video and only adjusted the volume when putting the video together. A recent rainstorm had passed and more was on the way as I was filming so the moisture laden atmosphere could have helped amplify my voice too.
You might want to consider adding cord loops to your tarp where you normally place your trekking pole(s) for the purpose of hanging your tent from above by about 8 different methods I trust you are aware of owning a tarp.
Thanks Stuart. I do have loops on the tarp and find them to work well with the shock cord on my bivy when I am using it.
Hey Mat. I picked up the Zpacks 7X9 over the winter - coming from the HMG tarp. The 1/2 pyramid will likely be my goto pitch except for heavy rains. What have you found to be the best trekking pole height for this pitch?
@BearTrekAdventures Nice! It can be a little bit of an adjustment between the two tarp shapes, but not too bad. I usually setup half pyramid with a trekking pole or stick at around hip height. So for me it’s around 45” or so. If it starts to rain, I’ll just loosen my clove hitch, lower the tarp, tighten again and adjust the guylines as needed. Enjoy!
@@matjobin Thanks appreciate the info 👍
"Liked" the video.
Also curious to what Tarp you were using in this video?
Thanks David. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Sorry, that must've been missed in the video. I thought I had mentioned the tarp in the video is the Zpacks 7x9 tarp.
Mat,
I just got an 8x10 Hyperlite tarp. How many cords should I cut out and at what lengths? I don’t have a backyard so will go on a short trip with my tent and tarp so I can test it out. Thanks for suggestions. I don’t want to waste cord and hope to do what I can at home before the trip.
@RC-qf3mp Nice! Congrats on the new tarp. I’ve never needed more than 50’ of cord for my tarps. I use 8’ (x2) for the ridgeline, 6’ (x4) for the four corners and 5’ (x2) for additional side tie-outs. If I ever need extra length somewhere, I’ll join two parts of the line together with a surgeons knot. Bowline, clove hitch and taut line hitch are the other three I like to use. It’s ok to not have a yard. Practice the knots indoors and have fun with setting it up in a room if you have the space. A little creativity goes a long way. I’ve used weights, table legs and Velcro in the past. Good luck and enjoy!
@@matjobin thanks. Yes, I’ll practice inside to the best of my abilities… without breaking anything!
Great video! I'm thinking of transitioning to a tarp (until I can afford an xmid :p). I also use fixed-length z-poles. The clove hitch provides enough friction to attach it anywhere along the length of the pole? Intuitively I'd be worried about it slipping, but I guess if it's tensioned enough it won't. I was interested in trekking pole cups that e.g. Zpacks sells, but since my poles are fixed, those have limited use.
On that note, how are you tensioning your guylines? Linelocs or similar?
@Jhollowed25 Thank you! Nice! (I've owned and used an older X-mid. It was a nice tent though it had it's benefits and drawbacks like everything else =)). With a thick enough line for the tarp, there shouldn't be much trouble using a fixed pole. I've always found the clove hitch to have enough friction to prevent the line from slipping. I haven't tried the trekking pole cups you mention, but that's mostly due to me wanting to keep things simple and not worry about an additional item or two in my pack. The additional tension points varies with my tarps. I use some that have a lineloc 3 or micro-loc (Zpacks ones). For tarps without any tensioner I like to tie a bowline near the loop for easy line movement when adjusting the angles for staking it out, and I'll use a taut-line hitch to adjust the tension to each line.
@@matjobin Thanks! I did some more research and think I will also prefer a simple setup involving only knots and hitches. For. a flat tarp (say 7x9), what's your go-to cord lengths, and cord diameter? Thanks again, loving your videos and it's cool you angage with comments
@@Jhollowed25 I've never really found myself needing more than 50' total. I use 8' for the ridgeline tie outs, 6' for the corners, and 5' for mid-edge tie-outs. If I need more length for a tie-out, I'll use a sheet bend to connect two of the pieces I already have. I've been happy with 1.3mm for 3-season use. In the winter or colder months, I use 2mm because I find it easier to work with in those conditions and with gloves on. Anything thicker than 2mm, the weight starts getting closer to the weight of a dyneema tarp. Thanks, I'm happy to help and enjoy engaging with the community on here. Enjoy the tarp!
Hi again Mat! Finally got my tarp, so I've been revisiting this video. One more question: for your half-mid, was your pole simply placed underneath the tarp ceiling? It didn't look like you were using a clove on the pole like you were for your other pitches. Thanks!
@@Jhollowed25 Awesome! I used the clove hitch to setup the half pyramid, but you could simply place the pole under the fabric too. If setting it that way often, I’d place a sock between to the pole and tarp or reinforce the area with a Zpacks Dyneema patch to help prevent any excessive wear. Here are a few more pitches that I like to use with my 7x9 flat tarp too: th-cam.com/video/Tiv2G9S_hks/w-d-xo.htmlsi=8HDZaPDceEUd_LLT. Enjoy the tarp!
Ok, I’m going to get a tarp. Which tarp should I get? Money isn’t an issue, and I’m shorter than you and don’t need extra length or size. I heard somebody say to go with a bigger tarp, since you get more room for error. I’m torn between zpacks 7x9 or 8x10. Or maybe a square tarp is better? Most guys I respect online seem to have a rectangular tarp… so which size would you recommend and why do you prefer rectangular tarps for yourself?
Thanks!
@RC-qf3mp Nice! I would consider getting one of those low cost blue multi-purpose tarps to try things out before investing in a higher priced tarp. Or Simply Light Designs, Borah Gear, Etowah Gear are all great cost effective options too. It would allow in making sure a tarp is right for you and also in finding which size you might prefer. A larger tarp definitely provides more room for error, but too big of a tarp can be difficult to setup or find suitable campsites with at times. There’s no right or wrong with shape of square or rectangular flat tarps. Square can be easier for hikers to visualize everything before setting up, and can provide more symmetric pitches than rectangular. If I went with rectangular, I would probably go with 8x10 to start. It would be a little more forgiving in A-frame when raining. If I went square, I would go 9x9 or 8.5x8.5. I use a 8.5x8.5 or 9x9 in winter if I want to setup my tarp as a pyramid tent. You can see my 9x9 square tarp here: m.th-cam.com/video/4fFJny7essk/w-d-xo.html
For 3-season, I prefer rectangular. 7x9 has worked best for me and feels like a palace. It works well with my bivy and still allows for plenty of pitch options.
Great video. Some questions:
1) is your Dyneema zpacks tarp durable enough for configurations where you use part of the tarp as a ground sheet?
2) I have a great but expensive down quilt. I’m terrified that as I learn tarps, I’ll mess up and get everything soaked. So I am thinking of getting a pool tub type groundsheet. Are those worth it? Any you recommend? Or is it not a legitimate fear?
3) do you dig little trenches around your tarp site so water can flow away?
Thanks RC! I’ve used my 0.5 oz/yd2 tarp a couple of times in the configuration you mention, but I was very careful with it too. Depending on the location, a .75 oz/yd2 would be a better tarp fabric option if that was the intended frequent pitch or a 1 oz MYOG tarp (or something else for a groundsheet).
In my experience, it takes a lot to get a down quilt fully soaked these days compared to down products of the past. Depending on the tarp size/shape/pitch, a hiker can easily get a lot of coverage when setting up the rest of camp. It’s one of the benefits of using one instead of some tents. Bathtub groundsheets can help keep things a little cleaner and contained, while also helping prevent potential splashback in rain. They aren’t necessary though and site selection can help just as much. A great cost effective groundsheet option to start would be Tyvek. It only weighs a little more than DCF, has a similar water resistance, but will offer more puncture protection. It won’t be bathtub shaped but a larger size should help keep things cleaner and ease the mind. SMD and Zpacks both sell them for around $20. I haven’t personally used many bathtub groundsheets, but I do own and have used a Zpacks one with my Hexamid Solo tent which you can see here: m.th-cam.com/video/7eH8k58yCZE/w-d-xo.html (skip to around the 13 min timestamp). It’s always a valid concern with gear getting wet, but don’t let it get to you too much. A 7x9 tarp or larger, a good size Groundsheet and good site selection will help greatly.
I don’t dig trenches or alter anything around my campsite. I try to limit my impact and make it look like I was never there. Not every campsite has been perfect over the years, but it always gave me the rest and recovery I needed to keep hiking the following day. Good site selection is key to this too. I’ll avoid depressions in the ground, setting up below a hill, at a lower elevation, or on hardpack ground. I’ve found soft ground to help greatly reduce spalshback and also natural materials like pine needles or leaves. Enjoy the tarping!
@@matjobin everything I needed to know. Thanks Mat, saved me time and money and safety. Jardine mentions he’d dig small trenches at times and then fix them before leaving camp. Whether that’s leave no trace is debatable, but I’m glad to here you can avoid getting gear wet with other techniques. Very helpful answer. Thanks!
@@RC-qf3mp Always happy to help. I love Ray Jardine’s books! His tarp book is fantastic and helped me in finding and developing what works best for me. I prefer to hike all day and only use camp to rest/recover when I am solo, so the less time and effort needed at camp can be beneficial for my hiking style too 🙂
@@matjobin have you tried a ray-way tarp? Are those actually popular or is there a reason why you and others don’t use the Ray-way tarp? I’m reading his tarp book now.
@@RC-qf3mp It’s a great book and Ray is a huge influence on the ultralight backpacking community. I’ve really enjoyed his books and Mike Clelland’s books too. The Ray Way tarp is a classic. I can’t speak for other hikers, but one of the reasons I use and prefer a flat tarp is for the versatility. With a flat tarp I can pitch it in various configurations to address the conditions, landscape or whatever my preference for the night might be. The Ray Way tarp is shaped and provides ease of use and good coverage in weather with the beaks on each end, but it’s limited to more of an A-frame pitch. So it loses some of the versatility.
How much string do I need for a tarp?
@whereisthemessiah It depends. For the tarp in my video, I always like to carry two 8' sections for the ridgeline, four 6' sections for the corners, and two 5' sections for the sides. I've never needed anything more than 50' total. If I need one of the sections to be longer than what I have, I'll tie two together using a sheet bend knot. For my larger winter tarp, I like my lines to be a little longer so I can tie-off to deadman anchors if I’m using my tarp instead of a tent.
Not so sure you can say something both has good airflow and protects you from wind, bud. An A frame is great and all but wind protection isn't a strong point. I think a square tarp is always best for options
well at least you are smart enough to "Not" camp in a pine riddled area. Using 2 light weight traps really up's your advantages rather then a tent
Your vocal infections are identical to Jupiter.