How To Set Up The Perfect Tarp
- Posted by
Stan Pinnock
In this article I’ll be teaching you how to set up the perfect tarp – a task that can
sometime’s be tricky.
That’s because the tarp’s a versatile piece of equipment, and can be set-up a
number of different ways to
suit a wide range of settings and conditions.
sometime’s be tricky.
That’s because the tarp’s a versatile piece of equipment, and can be set-up a
number of different ways to
suit a wide range of settings and conditions.
You can use them to make a tent to keep out the wind, or secure them high
overhead in order to make a canopy to have a fire under in the summer.
How, where and when you put up your tarp is completely up to you – and
that’s the beauty of them.
overhead in order to make a canopy to have a fire under in the summer.
How, where and when you put up your tarp is completely up to you – and
that’s the beauty of them.
With summer and the warm weather upon us, now’s the perfect time to
spend a night under a tarp –especially if it’s something you’ve never done
before. However, that said, there can be a bit of a learning
curve involved which is why summer’s the ideal time for first-time tarp
users to try it.
spend a night under a tarp –especially if it’s something you’ve never done
before. However, that said, there can be a bit of a learning
curve involved which is why summer’s the ideal time for first-time tarp
users to try it.
In this blog I’m going to take you through my Top 5 tarp configurations,
teach you how to set up a tarp, and reveal a few of my expert tarp tips
and tricks. So let’s get cracking: There are three main systems for
setting up your tarp – ridgeline, fixed point ties and free standing.
Which of these you use will depend on
your environment and the elements you’re up against.
teach you how to set up a tarp, and reveal a few of my expert tarp tips
and tricks. So let’s get cracking: There are three main systems for
setting up your tarp – ridgeline, fixed point ties and free standing.
Which of these you use will depend on
your environment and the elements you’re up against.
For instance, If you’re out on the hills where there aren’t any trees you
will need to know how to set up your tarp on the ground in a free
standing set-up, using trekking poles or dedicated tarp poles to provide
height. The use of a ridgeline is a personal preference of mine and
essential for larger tarps, while small lightweight tarps can be setup
with fixed lines on either end, thus reducing weight in your pack. Let’s
take a look at some of the different options you have when it comes to
setting up your tarp…
will need to know how to set up your tarp on the ground in a free
standing set-up, using trekking poles or dedicated tarp poles to provide
height. The use of a ridgeline is a personal preference of mine and
essential for larger tarps, while small lightweight tarps can be setup
with fixed lines on either end, thus reducing weight in your pack. Let’s
take a look at some of the different options you have when it comes to
setting up your tarp…
How to set up a tarp in
different configurations:
The A-Frame
A tarp set up in the A-Frame configuration is ideal for use with a hammock
or when sleeping on the ground. It’s an arrangement that works well in most
conditions, is simple to set up and gives you plenty of cover from the elements
. It also provides you with more than enough room for a sleeping area and
work space. A 3m x 3m tarp will be enough for most people although larger
tarps will be required for a group shelter.
or when sleeping on the ground. It’s an arrangement that works well in most
conditions, is simple to set up and gives you plenty of cover from the elements
. It also provides you with more than enough room for a sleeping area and
work space. A 3m x 3m tarp will be enough for most people although larger
tarps will be required for a group shelter.
You can set up a tarp in an A-Frame at any height, and with the sides touching
the ground on cold nights. It can also be set up so you can stand underneath
it and have it as a kitchen or work area. However, remember to pay attention
to wind direction when setting out your tarp in an A-Frame and place a
closed side facing the wind otherwise it will funnel through your tarp at night.
the ground on cold nights. It can also be set up so you can stand underneath
it and have it as a kitchen or work area. However, remember to pay attention
to wind direction when setting out your tarp in an A-Frame and place a
closed side facing the wind otherwise it will funnel through your tarp at night.
The Diamond Configuration
A tarp in a diamond configuration provides a longer, central cover which is
ideal for use with a hammock. It’s a versatile configuration, giving good
usable space, but less side cover than the A-frame set up.
ideal for use with a hammock. It’s a versatile configuration, giving good
usable space, but less side cover than the A-frame set up.
A diamond set up can be arranged with two sides on the floor to provide
you with shelter from the
elements. However, problems can arise if the centre of the tarp droops. In windy
conditions your tarp can flap causing you a sleepless night, or pools of water
can form in saggy areas; so use of a ridgeline is best for larger tarps as it allows
the middle to be secured to the line.
you with shelter from the
elements. However, problems can arise if the centre of the tarp droops. In windy
conditions your tarp can flap causing you a sleepless night, or pools of water
can form in saggy areas; so use of a ridgeline is best for larger tarps as it allows
the middle to be secured to the line.
The Lean-to
A one sided tarp set up, or Lean to, can be great for summer use or if you’re
using an open fire for warmth. It provides a good sleeping area but one
draw-back is there’s not much work space.
using an open fire for warmth. It provides a good sleeping area but one
draw-back is there’s not much work space.
Another problem with this arrangement is it can prove problematic in strong
winds, as it will act like a sale and bow out considerably due to the large
surface area.
winds, as it will act like a sale and bow out considerably due to the large
surface area.
Ground tent
Now these are great options for when you’re out on the hills. They provide
you with the maximum possible cover, and can be set up to be free standing
with walking poles or sticks to support the tarp. What this means is
lightweight camping anywhere that takes your fancy.
you with the maximum possible cover, and can be set up to be free standing
with walking poles or sticks to support the tarp. What this means is
lightweight camping anywhere that takes your fancy.
You’ll require extra tent pegs for a ground tent set-up too, so make sure you
pack more than you normally carry. These are the most complex of
configurations and there are a couple of different ways to go about it, but
they’re worth practicing. For now though, let’s stick to the basics…
pack more than you normally carry. These are the most complex of
configurations and there are a couple of different ways to go about it, but
they’re worth practicing. For now though, let’s stick to the basics…
How to set up your tarp – The Basics:
When using one of the more basic configurations from the examples above
(the A-Frame, Lean-to or Diamond Configuration), the first thing you need
to do when setting up a tarp is identify a potential site. Ideally, look for
somewhere with flat ground between two trees, with enough space in between them to
secure your tarp.
(the A-Frame, Lean-to or Diamond Configuration), the first thing you need
to do when setting up a tarp is identify a potential site. Ideally, look for
somewhere with flat ground between two trees, with enough space in between them to
secure your tarp.
Once you’ve identified a potential site carry out a few quick checks to make sure it’s
safe. Check the trees you’re securing your tarp to aren’t dead and liable to come
down on you in the night, and sweep the area for any potential hazards. Look for
loose tree limbs above you that could fall on you and avoid anything that looks
questionable.
safe. Check the trees you’re securing your tarp to aren’t dead and liable to come
down on you in the night, and sweep the area for any potential hazards. Look for
loose tree limbs above you that could fall on you and avoid anything that looks
questionable.
Finally, check the ground for potential trip hazards by creating a clearing on the
floor (a root sticking out of the ground can make for an uncomfortable night’s sleep).
Once you’re happy you’ve found somewhere safe to set up your tarp the process
follows a basic procedure:
floor (a root sticking out of the ground can make for an uncomfortable night’s sleep).
Once you’re happy you’ve found somewhere safe to set up your tarp the process
follows a basic procedure:
• Set-up your ridge-line
• Attach your tarp to the ridge-line
• Add tension and adjust the ridge-line
• Secure your tarp’s corners
• Peg out the remaining guylines
How to create a ridge-line:
I recommend a 10m cord from DD Hammocks for all ridgelines and suspension of
tarps. It’s 6mm thick and very strong. Although it’s a little heavier than para cord,
it won’t cut into your hands and your knots pull out easier. Also, it allows you
to use Prusik knots in conjunction with your ridgeline, as they run
more easily on a cord thicker than that used to tie them, while still locking as intended.
tarps. It’s 6mm thick and very strong. Although it’s a little heavier than para cord,
it won’t cut into your hands and your knots pull out easier. Also, it allows you
to use Prusik knots in conjunction with your ridgeline, as they run
more easily on a cord thicker than that used to tie them, while still locking as intended.
When tying your ridge line, I recommend using a Siberian hitch to secure the
line to the first tree and a trucker’s hitch to provide easy manageable tension
at the other; both of these knots are quick release making packing your tarp
away quick at simple. And both knots can be used with fixed lines attached
to your tarp if you don’t want to use a ridgeline.
line to the first tree and a trucker’s hitch to provide easy manageable tension
at the other; both of these knots are quick release making packing your tarp
away quick at simple. And both knots can be used with fixed lines attached
to your tarp if you don’t want to use a ridgeline.
Two Prusik knots (created using para cord or proper Fixed Loop Tarp Fasteners)
left attached to the ridgeline and small carabiners on the tarp allow the tarp to be
attached to the ridgeline quickly and provide tension through the middle of the
tarp stopping it sagging in the middle. I always tie a knot in the centre
loop of my DD tarp so I can adjust the sag in the middle.
left attached to the ridgeline and small carabiners on the tarp allow the tarp to be
attached to the ridgeline quickly and provide tension through the middle of the
tarp stopping it sagging in the middle. I always tie a knot in the centre
loop of my DD tarp so I can adjust the sag in the middle.
Pegging Out Your Tarp’s Guy Lines:
Most tarps come with guy lines ready to attach with plastic tension devices.
These normally work fine, but in time, can break or slacken off. Replacing
them with longer cord and a sliding knot or upgraded
device can give greater diversity and rigidity to your tarp and set up.
These normally work fine, but in time, can break or slacken off. Replacing
them with longer cord and a sliding knot or upgraded
device can give greater diversity and rigidity to your tarp and set up.
There are many mechanical devices you can use to quickly adjust the tension
in your guy lines. Nite Ize make a simple solution called The Figure 9 Carabiner,
they are stronger than a plastic alternative.
in your guy lines. Nite Ize make a simple solution called The Figure 9 Carabiner,
they are stronger than a plastic alternative.
But as with any piece of kit Figure 9 Carabiners and plastic attachments can be
lost or broken, so it’s worth knowing how to tie a knot that can slide and provide
tension. Knowledge costs nothing and weighs nothing, so learning how to tie a
Taut Line Hitch is time well spent. There are other more complex knots
but the taut line is simple and works well. Other alternatives include:
lost or broken, so it’s worth knowing how to tie a knot that can slide and provide
tension. Knowledge costs nothing and weighs nothing, so learning how to tie a
Taut Line Hitch is time well spent. There are other more complex knots
but the taut line is simple and works well. Other alternatives include:
Top tips for putting up a tarp while
camping:
1. How to avoid a saggy middle: Tying a simple over hand knot in the centre
loop and clipping it onto the ridge line will avoid a saggy middle.
loop and clipping it onto the ridge line will avoid a saggy middle.
2. Sand bags: On a beach fill stuff sacks with sand and bury them to provide a
good anchor for guy lines, the higher the wind the deeper you will have to bury
them.
good anchor for guy lines, the higher the wind the deeper you will have to bury
them.
3. Opening up the tarp: You don’t always want your tarp to be pitched flush
to the ground. In betterconditions you can open one (or both) sides up. Loop
the guy line around a stick or walking pole to raisethe side of the tarp before
pegging it into the ground. Adjust the height so you can see out from under the
tarp, you will let more light in and be able to enjoy nature even more!
to the ground. In betterconditions you can open one (or both) sides up. Loop
the guy line around a stick or walking pole to raisethe side of the tarp before
pegging it into the ground. Adjust the height so you can see out from under the
tarp, you will let more light in and be able to enjoy nature even more!
4. What to do if a tether point breaks on your tarp: wrap the fabric around a marble
sized pebble or pieceof wood and use a constrictor knot around it to attach the new
guy line to the tarp.
sized pebble or pieceof wood and use a constrictor knot around it to attach the new
guy line to the tarp.
5. Before you set up your tarp look up. Look for hung up trees, dead wood or anything
else that could fallon you in the night. I once set up my camp below a wood peckers
nest, this was great to watch but at 4amwhen they decided it was time to get up I
wasn’t so impressed.
else that could fallon you in the night. I once set up my camp below a wood peckers
nest, this was great to watch but at 4amwhen they decided it was time to get up I
wasn’t so impressed.
6. Weave sticks and branches at one end of your A-Frame tarp set up to reduce air flow
through the tarp, this can make it feel several degrees warmer inside and greatly
improve your nights sleep.
through the tarp, this can make it feel several degrees warmer inside and greatly
improve your nights sleep.
Try A Tarp For Yourself:
There’s no better way to get close to nature than with a night under a tarp. It’s a totally
different experience to spending a night in a tent. And a greater connection to nature
isn’t the only reason peoplelike wild camping with them. They’re versatile, light and
have a number of different uses – all of whichmake them a great choice for anyone
serious about spending time outdoors.
different experience to spending a night in a tent. And a greater connection to nature
isn’t the only reason peoplelike wild camping with them. They’re versatile, light and
have a number of different uses – all of whichmake them a great choice for anyone
serious about spending time outdoors.
For instance, if you’re backpacking and want to save weight, or if you don’t have the
space for a tent and poles in your pack, a tarp is the answer. They can be slung up
over a hammock, used as protectionfrom the elements while you hunker down for
lunch, or used alongside a tent to create sheltered cookingor kitchen areas.
space for a tent and poles in your pack, a tarp is the answer. They can be slung up
over a hammock, used as protectionfrom the elements while you hunker down for
lunch, or used alongside a tent to create sheltered cookingor kitchen areas.
And of course – they work great as your primary shelter. So
take a look at A&B’s great range of tarps
and open up a whole new world of possibilities for your wild camping trips this summer.
take a look at A&B’s great range of tarps
and open up a whole new world of possibilities for your wild camping trips this summer.
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