Any tarp campers?

R

readyme

Joined
Oct 4, 2004
Messages
762
I am looking at getting a sil nylon tarp for lightweight backpacking.
It seems to me that the 8x10 is the standard size.
Can you provide any tips or info that I should know...specifically regarding different ways of setup.
I am having the tarp custom made, so is there anything I should specifically ask for?
 
You went with a good size, I bought one that was 5x7 and I wish I would've went with 8x10.... it works great but the extra room would come in handy.


Eli
 
8X10 is a nice size. Large enough for two people even when it rains. Mine is roughly that size. I wouldn't want it any smaller and I don't want to carry a larger one.


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I love tarp camping, and in my mind a tarp is the ONLY shelter choice. I've been using one year round for the last 2-3 years and have zero desire to ever sleep in a tent again. I've slept on thick blocks of ice on the side of a glacier surrounded by snow up to my shoulders with just my tarp keeping the wind and snow off me (pegging it down is tricky in this situation.. lol). They work.

I greatly prefer a square tarp. 9'x9' I think would be my sweet spot. Right now I use an 8'x10' because it is the most commonly available size, but a 10'x10' would be pretty easy to find as well. Anything in that region will very comfortably sleep two people, and can easily be configured for more. I always hunt, fish, and do general backpack-y things with my girlfriend, so carrying a simple tarp is the easiest way of sleeping two people. I typically like to bring one of those reusable emergency blanket / space tarp things as a ground sheet and fire reflector.

Here's my two person overnight set up. Everything seen fits inside my little Kelty MAP pack, minus my girlfriends sleeping roll and pillow -- I make her carry those.

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Unrelated topic, but take THAT, popular youtube gear reviewer who says the Kelty MAP is "only" a day pack! I've done three days out of it, and have done countless overnighters... carrying shelter for two. If I carried a light weight sleeping bag for one person (wool blankets are extremely bulky), and a smaller silnylon solo tarp, it would be even easier. But I digress.

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Bottom line: Tarps are amazing if you don't mind being a little bit more "exposed" than a tent. I actually prefer it. No condensation problems, and I can see everything around me.
 
Take some nylon mosquito screen to tuck around your face when you sack out. Tarps are great, but not in bug country.
 
I'm sort of a tarp camper, more like a trash bag camper. So many ways to use a tarp. I'd say you got a good size!
 
Tarps are OK in certain situations. When camping in timber and the bugs are manageable, they are very nice. I dislike camping with them in open country. Usually just use the tarp in winter now. Have an 8x10 but it seems to me a 10x10 would be a bit nicer. Makes a few more setups a bit easier and the extra room would be appreciated.
 
I have been using a 10X10 BCUSA tarp for several years now. It performs well. I use a smaller 5X7 BCUSA MEST tarp as a ground cloth, and for just putting up a quck shelter against wind and rain.
BCUSAtarp.jpg
 
Thanks for all the input guys.
What is everyone's favorite setup style?
I saw an A frame style and a "flying V" style....what else do you guys use?
 
"flying V" style
All it needs is one stick or walking stick
And works well without trees ...
 
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