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Tarp as a shelter?
- Thread starter Whiskey River
- Start date
my poncho doubles as a tarp- 10 oz (+ 2 oz for guys/stakes) for rain gear and shelter- not too shabby
I always use a breathable bivy (mine is a MLD superlite)- water proof bottom, breathable (but water resistant DWR finish) top- has a built in bug screen in the hood- adds 5 oz to the mix. If it rains, inevitably in a small tarp you'll get a little splash coming in- the bivy takes care of that
I always use a breathable bivy (mine is a MLD superlite)- water proof bottom, breathable (but water resistant DWR finish) top- has a built in bug screen in the hood- adds 5 oz to the mix. If it rains, inevitably in a small tarp you'll get a little splash coming in- the bivy takes care of that
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2007
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- 7,395
On over-nighters, I bring my GI poncho and a wool blanket for shelter. If the bugs are bad, a smoking fire and a draped shemagh over my head do the trick. Here's a couple pics from the last time, no bugs to speak of:
Note: The ground was very spongy but I did add a few more pine boughs before I put down the blanket in the second pic
Note: The ground was very spongy but I did add a few more pine boughs before I put down the blanket in the second pic
Could I ask, what brand of hammock and tarp did you get? The more I hear about hammock setups, the more I want one.
Tarps are fine for certain situations, but they're useless in others. Tents excel in more situations IMHO. If I have to go light, I go bivy sac only. I personally never tarp camp as I don't see the advantage. I use tarps occasionally as "social space/cooking space" on canoe/kayaking trips. Don't get me wrong, I dig 'em, but only as a social shelter or cooking space away from the elements. I generally use a Moss Heptawing "tarp" when required. A super lightweight tarp is an awesome emergency shelter, for unplanned overnights, but I'm just not too keen on using them for planned camping excursions.
Tarp Advantages:
Lightweight, cheap, airy, feeling of spaciousness etc.
Tarp Disadvantages:
no reprieve from creepy crawlys/mosquitos, much more time consuming to erect, terrible in high winds, useless above tree-line [where I spend all my time], not super in heavy rain/bad weather, winter camping ... with lots of snow, [tents are warmer and can handle the snow loads].
A two person tent split between two people isn't too heavy - 2 lbs each. After a long hard day, I want to make camp fast, a lightweight 2 person tent can be erected in 2 minutes literally. The only time I was ever really uncomfortable [temperature wise] in a tent was in a jungle in Costa Rica. It was pouring rain, so the fly had to be on. The airyness of a tarp would have been nice, but then you would have had to contend with a CRAZY amount of nasty insects, small mammals, huge tarantulas, and incessant mosquitoes. Being sweaty in a tent, seemed like the better option!
Tarp Advantages:
Lightweight, cheap, airy, feeling of spaciousness etc.
Tarp Disadvantages:
no reprieve from creepy crawlys/mosquitos, much more time consuming to erect, terrible in high winds, useless above tree-line [where I spend all my time], not super in heavy rain/bad weather, winter camping ... with lots of snow, [tents are warmer and can handle the snow loads].
A two person tent split between two people isn't too heavy - 2 lbs each. After a long hard day, I want to make camp fast, a lightweight 2 person tent can be erected in 2 minutes literally. The only time I was ever really uncomfortable [temperature wise] in a tent was in a jungle in Costa Rica. It was pouring rain, so the fly had to be on. The airyness of a tarp would have been nice, but then you would have had to contend with a CRAZY amount of nasty insects, small mammals, huge tarantulas, and incessant mosquitoes. Being sweaty in a tent, seemed like the better option!
Actually Tarps have been used by Foresters long ago on overnight outings. My grandfather used one when he was in the woods. And thus the Forester design used is ideal for heavy rain and is as effective, actually better than a tent as one can have a warming fire on the front opening to dry clothing and to super heat the insides making it almost unbearably hot sometimes.
Using the Bombproof design, I've been in +50 MPH wind gusts with my Tarp with sustained winds in the 35+ range and blowing snow and multiple times I've been out when it was raining in sheets. The worst the weather the lower profile design you use. So with a lower design like a Diamond or Bombproof it mitigates the wind and rain. The hotter the weather the taller the design like a Hooch or Modified Whelan. I have about 12 different designs I use with my tarp so I can adjust according to the weather.
In super extreme weather I make a wooden frame out of willow or lodgepole pine and lash the tarp to the perimeter of the wooden frame and secure the frame to a sturdy/healthy tree that can ride out the storm. No rain, snow and very little wind get's inside. I can chose to have a fire or not depending upon conditions.
Using the Bombproof design, I've been in +50 MPH wind gusts with my Tarp with sustained winds in the 35+ range and blowing snow and multiple times I've been out when it was raining in sheets. The worst the weather the lower profile design you use. So with a lower design like a Diamond or Bombproof it mitigates the wind and rain. The hotter the weather the taller the design like a Hooch or Modified Whelan. I have about 12 different designs I use with my tarp so I can adjust according to the weather.
In super extreme weather I make a wooden frame out of willow or lodgepole pine and lash the tarp to the perimeter of the wooden frame and secure the frame to a sturdy/healthy tree that can ride out the storm. No rain, snow and very little wind get's inside. I can chose to have a fire or not depending upon conditions.
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Tarp and DD travel hammock, in cold and warm weather. http://www.ddhammocks.com/products/hammocks/travel-hammock
You can also camp on ground with this one, if there are no trees.
You can also camp on ground with this one, if there are no trees.
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wildmanh
Part time Leather Bender/Sheath maker
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- Jul 9, 2000
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- 7,764
I've used a tarp as a shelter for years. Mostly for protection against wind and for shade durring the day. Sometimes I've taking a half of a Shelter-half and space blanket. I sleep under the canvas half and the space blanket is more door. Works really well at reflecting heat back at you. Durring the day I'd turn the space blanket over (shiny side out) to keep out some of the heat.
Years ago I did a lot of backpacking and sometimes would split a tent with someone, or just bring a tarp. The last time I went backpacking the first time I was in college, I brought a Blue tarp, space blanket and rope. The setup only weighs around 2.5 pounds, packs small and works relatively well.
This coming weekend I'll be backpacking Mt. Nebo here in central Utah and will be bringing a tarp, space blanket and some rope. Normally I do an A-frame style shelter and as long as I have the openings away from the wind, it works well.
But if I expect a lot of wind, rain, or snow I'll bring a tent. There is something comforting about having a roof, floor and walls around you when the weather is really poor.
Years ago I did a lot of backpacking and sometimes would split a tent with someone, or just bring a tarp. The last time I went backpacking the first time I was in college, I brought a Blue tarp, space blanket and rope. The setup only weighs around 2.5 pounds, packs small and works relatively well.
This coming weekend I'll be backpacking Mt. Nebo here in central Utah and will be bringing a tarp, space blanket and some rope. Normally I do an A-frame style shelter and as long as I have the openings away from the wind, it works well.
But if I expect a lot of wind, rain, or snow I'll bring a tent. There is something comforting about having a roof, floor and walls around you when the weather is really poor.
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2007
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- 9,786
I'm interested in using a tarp in winter and am intrigued by the use of fire to help warm you up. Question though, do folks use high end e.g. silnylon tarps in conjunction with fire? I'm thinking of spark holes and the like. Or if you know you will be using it with fire do you go with a cheaper tarp like the hardware store blue nylon deals?
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2007
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- 2,150
I tarp year round in Scotland in any weather, I don't even own a tent.
The good:
Lightweight
Simple to use and repair
Multiple setup configurations
Doubles as an emergency stretcher
The bad:
Careful siting is needed to avoid weather entering the tarp (wind, rain, snow etc)
No ground protection
No protection from bugs (midgies are a nightmare here so a head net must be employed)
The good:
Lightweight
Simple to use and repair
Multiple setup configurations
Doubles as an emergency stretcher
The bad:
Careful siting is needed to avoid weather entering the tarp (wind, rain, snow etc)
No ground protection
No protection from bugs (midgies are a nightmare here so a head net must be employed)
Mistwalker
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2007
- Messages
- 19,000
I really don't enjoy camping during bug season just because of the choice between heat and humidity and sweating or kazillions of mosquito bites, when I am out in that time of year it is more work than fun and I only go when it's worth it. I'm thinking of a hammock, tarp, and mosquito netting for those times.
Times like that though are good times to combine tarp and tent if you can. Set the tent up under the tarp instead of using the fly and you can get more air.
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- Nov 19, 2008
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- 3,377
As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I use an 8 X 10 tarp when I day hike. I take along a baggy with cordage and other gear.
This is one way I can set it up, and I use this method when the weather is bad. It is enclosed on three sides. The ThermaRest closed foam pad keeps me off the ground, and dry.
This is one way I can set it up, and I use this method when the weather is bad. It is enclosed on three sides. The ThermaRest closed foam pad keeps me off the ground, and dry.
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- Jan 6, 2005
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- 9,680
I like using tarps in conjunction with a fire for winter shelters...
desmobob
Basic Member
- Joined
- May 5, 2003
- Messages
- 2,492
I like tarps, but I like tents, too. And bivy sacks are cool as well....
I have two sizes of the Kelty Noah's Tarp (9' and 12'). Their true catanary cut design keeps them stable in windy weather but sort of limits the set-up options as opposed to a plain rectangular tarp or rectangular tarp with cat-cut sides.
I use a small, light piece of plastic sheeting and a foam Ridgerest pad for ground protection. The open, airy feeling is really nice in some situations but in other places, I'd rather listen to the Eastern Coyotes howl from inside my tent.
If it's buggy, rainy or very cold, I like a tent. My Big Agnes Seedhouse 1 weighs the same or less than the tarp gear and I honestly think it's easier to set up a lot of the time.
I have a Integral Designs Salathe bivy that is a nicely thought-out design with quality construction. It weighs a little over two pounds, which sounds very attractive, but I really like to use a tarp with it to provide coverage for gear (backpack, cooking gear left set-up, etc.) if there's a chance of rain, so the weight savings disappears in a hurry.
For another option, I just bought an ENO hammock. I didn't want to fuss with all the necessary additions for cold-weather hammocking, so I won't try camping out in it until next spring/summer. It will require carrying a tarp, so there is no real weight savings over a tent or using just a tarp. Hopefully, the comfort factor will negate any weight penalty!
Stay sharp,
desmobob
I have two sizes of the Kelty Noah's Tarp (9' and 12'). Their true catanary cut design keeps them stable in windy weather but sort of limits the set-up options as opposed to a plain rectangular tarp or rectangular tarp with cat-cut sides.
I use a small, light piece of plastic sheeting and a foam Ridgerest pad for ground protection. The open, airy feeling is really nice in some situations but in other places, I'd rather listen to the Eastern Coyotes howl from inside my tent.
If it's buggy, rainy or very cold, I like a tent. My Big Agnes Seedhouse 1 weighs the same or less than the tarp gear and I honestly think it's easier to set up a lot of the time.
I have a Integral Designs Salathe bivy that is a nicely thought-out design with quality construction. It weighs a little over two pounds, which sounds very attractive, but I really like to use a tarp with it to provide coverage for gear (backpack, cooking gear left set-up, etc.) if there's a chance of rain, so the weight savings disappears in a hurry.
For another option, I just bought an ENO hammock. I didn't want to fuss with all the necessary additions for cold-weather hammocking, so I won't try camping out in it until next spring/summer. It will require carrying a tarp, so there is no real weight savings over a tent or using just a tarp. Hopefully, the comfort factor will negate any weight penalty!
Stay sharp,
desmobob
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2006
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- 5,944
Super cool Rick.
When I was in the infantry all I ever used was a poncho when out in the field rain or shine and in super cold all the way to super hot and humid with Mosquitos I did use a "puss pad" most of the time and after a while got a skeeter net to go with it but it's light and can be used in many different ways so like as was mentioned earlier unless I'm with the family it's tarp (or rather ponch) al he way
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2006
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No where near as nice as Ricks setups... But here are few I used over the past year
this is my poncho at the DP gathering
plain jane 10 dollar tarp this past Feb
poncho this past fall
this is my poncho at the DP gathering
plain jane 10 dollar tarp this past Feb
poncho this past fall
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2007
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- 822
Back in my tarp days, it was pretty simple...just made a lean to with the back toward the prevailing wind, and a fire out front. ( http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...=7L6NTIzNKoKosAPa373kBA&sqi=2&ved=0CBYQ9QEwAA ) The wind carries the smoke and sparks away from the shelter, so there was never a risk of burning it down. And, always a second smaller tarp for the ground.
But, that was when I was young. I have outgrown all this sillines. Lived and learned and just carry an ultralight tent these days!