Anyone have pics of different ways to string up a tarp

myright

myright

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I'm looking for different configurations for stringing up a tarp for overhead cover. I've got a 10x10' tarp that I will use this weekend to give us room to gather under incase it should rain.

The only way I've ever strung one up is so it looks kind of like an A frame but longer in the back. I'm interested in seeing if there are easier and/or better methods to use.

Any pics of something different?
 
Althought I've not captured any photos of an "overhead" design here are a couple using a proprietary 10' x 10' in various set ups as practice for different classes I've attended.


whelan1.jpg


Front view of a Modified Whelan - Named after Col. Townsend Whelan

whelan_back1.jpg


Back view of a Modified Whelan with Shears

whelan2b.jpg


Another Variation of the Modified Whelan Sides are pulled out rather than tucked in and the fly is extended out with a hikers pole.

stove.jpg


Cooking inside a Mod Whelan - in extreme cold - let's say hovering 'round zero!!! One of the benefits of a Tarp is you can have a reflective warming fire which this student has just started and is just out of the camera's view. The fire is reflected back into the tarp shelter and makes it extremely cozy! Here he is cooking his breakfast on his alchoal stove. Once the warming fire is going then he started removing his outer layers even in near zero temps. Can't do that in a tent!

bombproof.jpg


Bombproof Front View

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Bombproof Back View
 
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hooch1.jpg


A "Hooch"

This is a 5' x 8' silnylon tarp set up. Low profile with lots of visiblity. The school where this is taught teaches an amazing faster way of setting this up that can be set up or tore down in under 1 minute.
 
There are many ways to run an "overhead" but one suggestion is to look at and make a similar design like the Forrester or Mod Forrester design shown above...and run a ridge line higher and then do like we did with the Forrester only attach the the back loop to the ridge line which in this above photo is staked down. Then tie off the side lines and add a slight pitch so the rain will run off.

I hope this helps...
 
I do not have a square tarp, but have been wanting to get one to try this pitching method for really wet weather. I used cardstock to make this mock-up.

Here is a shot from above
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What you do is lay the tarp out and stake out the two back corners. The two sides are pulled taught, but instead of being square to the back, move them in towards each other. If you move them all the way together, you will have a totally enclosed tetrahedron, or three-sided pyramid. This would provide great coverage from hard rain, but you would probably want to use little sticks to lift up the bottom of the tarp on the leeward side for ventilation.
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If spread slightly, you can make a covered entrance. Support is a single pole in the center or line from above and a line or poles to support the entrance.

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Remember, this shelter would be ten ft long on each side. Center height should be plenty to sit up in while waiting out a storm, and there would be plenty of room for at least two to sleep. If you try this one out, pleas take some pictures and tell us how it worked!

-- FLIX
 
Thanks for the pics and info everyone. I found a tarp that is a bit larger than a 10' so I'll be able to play around a little bit the configuration.

Awesome pics Quirt, thanks.
 
This is a great thread.

The pictures should be added to Klippe the wilderness wiki.

The tarp I used for a long time was the british army basha, 6''-9''.
It has ripstop nylon dpm IR resistant material on the outside and heavy green rubber material on the inside.
 
Quirt, those are great pictures! Thanks. BTW who makes the tarp in the pictures? It looks like the ones Piragis sells.
 
It is a 10' x 10' Forest Green Lightweight waterproof tarp. Comes with cordage for corners and sides. Has sewn loops instead of eyelets or grommets so they don't pull out or tear out, on all 4 corners, in the middle of each side, and on the inside and outside center. I've personally used my tarp in some extreme weather - near zero, blowing snow sideways , and 35+ MPH winds. Works like a charm. Also have used it in soaking Pac NorthWet rain and stayed dry.
 
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Quirt, thanks for taking the time to post photo's. They will help me a bunch!
 
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