Tarp set-ups w/ the Emergency Heat Blanket

cmgray

cmgray

Joined
Jan 30, 2008
Messages
437
Alright so I was walking through my local sporting goods store and found these Tarp Clips. I wondered how well would these work for setting up different tarp configurations. So I took my Heavy Duty Space Blanket, 2 Tarp Clips, Paracord, and stakes(I didnt carve them from wood, I had limited time for daylight). First by placing the Tarp clips in the center, I created a standard A frame.
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Then I reconfigured the clips a third of the way down, and created a modified lean-to, with an awning. My little helper
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Then the standard lean-to:
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A close up of the clips and them attached to the outside of my Maxpedition Pygmy II
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I plan on posting two additional setups tomorrow if ya'll are interested.
 
i'm interested in seeing what else you can think up...

i have similar clips...i started carrying them with a large sheet of plastic so that i could rig up a tarp whenever i needed one...but then i figured out that carrying a regular tarp was lighter and easier.

i hadn't thought to use the clips to make that A-frame style setup, it would work better than just stringing it over a ridgeline like i have been doing...but then when i pull the corners down the sides come in a little when the line sags...

those heavy duty space blanket tarps are good, but i wish i could get it in a bigger size...then i could use one comfortably for a shelter. i'm a tad tall, and i just barely fit under one, and in the rain i get wet.

good use of the clips though, i'll have to break mine out and play with them some more soon...
 
Hey Siguy, Yeah Im only 5'9", and in a 72 hour survival situation, Im just looking for some shelter. I like the blanket, I think it will act as a great heat reflector when used with a fire. I like the ridgeline set up too. I think of these clips as an alternative to tying the prusik knot.
 
in a survival situation i would be happy to have one of these over nothing, don't get me wrong (that's why i often carry one)...but in terms of regular backpacking/camping, i'm aiming for a larger tarp (looking at a 10x12' siltarp)
 
Oh yeah I got what your saying. When I go camping I prefer a small one man tent. We got huge mosquitos here in Texas. By the way the knives you sharpened for me are doing great.
 
Barber, Ill measure its length tomorrow, I think you would be ok in the A-frame and standard lean to, but that may be it.
 
barber, if i'm right they are advertised as 7x5', but it feels much smaller in the rain...
i'm 6'1" and it feels pretty cramped for me, i imagine with you it wouldn't be that great either...

they are great tarps though as long as it is not your only shelter or to carry if the weather is supposed to be clear.
 
Weather will or Not:p
Drop in Temps
Rain/Snow high/Low elevation.
Fog/ Mist will soak just as bad as Rain.
Dust/Sand gets in Everything
Wind Sucks the Heat/Moisture from your Body
Water will find the Way to get you:D
http://roso.epfl.ch/dm/murphy.html
So get ready and Smile and have a sense of Humor and make the most of it.
 
Yes! please post more pictures, I was just out working with my tarp, but it got dark to fast to finish setting it up.
 
"Weather will or Not"
that's typically what i say when asked what the weather is supposed to be like...
it doesn't matter what it's supposed to do...it will do what it wants.

but in reality weather forecasts are helpful and can give you a good idea about what to expect...but i agree that they are no excuse to not carry certain precautions with you.
 
Leave your tarp out for a while and see how well they hold up in a breeze or wind. The appear to be slick in calm weather...but we don't always get the weather we ordered.

If it is a bombproof system then let us know ...then I'll try 'em!!!
 
thanks for the feedback. I understand that the situation isn't ideal. I camp mostly in a small one man tent. But I thought for the weight, ease of setup even in the breeze today it was worth mentioning. I know of a couple more setups. At least one is more weather resistant. Remember site selection is very important when it comes to tarps.
 
Hey Bushman. My wife bought me one of your modified machetes for our anniversary. Man are they awesome. Thanks man. Back on topic now.
 
:) right on!

i would be very curious to see how those tarp clips affect the tarp material after say 5 setups and takedowns. I kinda hate gromets on tarps, so this is intriuging.
 
siguy said:
i hadn't thought to use the clips to make that A-frame style setup, it would work better than just stringing it over a ridgeline like i have been doing...but then when i pull the corners down the sides come in a little when the line sags...
Click to expand...

Hey siguy,

That's the reason I find, if possible, it's better to use a ridge pole, old dead sapling, that kind of thing - no sagging, and definitely removes a lot of stress on the tarp and the lines. Just remember to tie a 'drip-cord' at each end of, and just under the tarp.

Also, if you can, use a larger tarp. Rain doesn't always fall straight down. :(

Doc
 
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