- Joined
- Jan 28, 2007
- Messages
- 1,236
I will try to find more and better pics later but I am having some trouble with my camera - can't find the battery pack!
Here is a vague, sketchy image for you:
Now what I would generally do is set the tarp up about like that - that's the MEC one I was talking about earlier btw - maybe about an arm span back from the fire. But sometimes I've been a little closer and often a little further back.
My main concerns are as follows:
1. flat ground
2. a couple of trees not more than about 40 feet apart, for the ridgeline (although there are plenty of ways around this, there are so many trees here it's never been an issue)
3. if possible, I would like to have a fire close by. BUT! That entails the following:
a) solid rock or non-organic soil to put fire on if possible
or
b) a careful dig down to make sure I am not starting a root fire.
or
c) a recently and frequently used fire site that could not possibly contain roots!
d) plently of water close by to ensure I can put the fire out properly. That is a big job that doesn't get talked about much on here...maybe should have its own thread.
If I can get all that in one spot, which is usually not that hard, I will put the fire about six or eight feet back from one of the "sides" of the tarp - i.e. the ridgeline can't go over the fire. Sometimes I set up with the ridgeline lengthwise, sometimes (as pictured) shortwise. Lengthwise and low to ground for rain, shortwise and high for heat...there are lots of ways to set up a tarp but none of it's complicated. Get one! I love them.
Here is a vague, sketchy image for you:
Now what I would generally do is set the tarp up about like that - that's the MEC one I was talking about earlier btw - maybe about an arm span back from the fire. But sometimes I've been a little closer and often a little further back.
My main concerns are as follows:
1. flat ground
2. a couple of trees not more than about 40 feet apart, for the ridgeline (although there are plenty of ways around this, there are so many trees here it's never been an issue)
3. if possible, I would like to have a fire close by. BUT! That entails the following:
a) solid rock or non-organic soil to put fire on if possible
or
b) a careful dig down to make sure I am not starting a root fire.
or
c) a recently and frequently used fire site that could not possibly contain roots!
d) plently of water close by to ensure I can put the fire out properly. That is a big job that doesn't get talked about much on here...maybe should have its own thread.
If I can get all that in one spot, which is usually not that hard, I will put the fire about six or eight feet back from one of the "sides" of the tarp - i.e. the ridgeline can't go over the fire. Sometimes I set up with the ridgeline lengthwise, sometimes (as pictured) shortwise. Lengthwise and low to ground for rain, shortwise and high for heat...there are lots of ways to set up a tarp but none of it's complicated. Get one! I love them.
