Tarp tents

[abiggs]

I have been reading up on tarp tents lately. When I hike/camp, it would be nice to leave my tent behind and simply bring a tarp. Does anyone have pics they can post? Anything from plain blue tarps to elaborate set ups, I'd like to see them all.

 

[RokJok]

Here are some links for you, especially the first one.

http://www.tarptent.com/index.html

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/tarptent/

http://www.thru-hiker.com/workshop.asp?subcat=3&cid=4

http://theory.lcs.mit.edu/~e_lehman/Ultralight/shelters.html

http://www.fallingwater.com/pct2000/gear/tarptent.asp

http://www.backpacking.net/makegear/tarptent3/index.html

 

[lancelot]

here's one more link that details some tarp shelter basics (specific knots to use, etc.)

http://www.outdooridiots.com/features/200606/pitchingatarp/pitchingatarp.asp

 

[Ming65]

Here's my rig

although recently I've switched back to a conventional tent. The tarp is a very handy piece of kit however, and I'll still be using it from time to time.

 

[DOC-CANADA]

The beauty of this is that you can have a fire inside.

Doc

 

[Blue Sky]

Another link for you to check out:

http://www.equipped.com/tarp-shelters.htm

Some good ones in there, if you sift through them a little.

 

[Tony Turner]

Doc, is that a couple of tarps or just one big one?

 

[ajcz]

i have designd my own 10' by 10' silnylon tarp with beaks on the ends and figured out how much material i would need but cant figure out where to get it cheaply or where/how to reinforce it for gromits also do i need to seal the seams up with something?

 

[salex]

I've purchased from these guys (they're about 1/2 hour from where i live), and they were really helpful:

http://owfinc.com/Fabrics/fabricmain.htm

to seal, use mcnett sil net seam sealer.

http://owfinc.com/Hardware/Shardware/seamgrip.asp

have fun!

edit: also, most people sew ribbon loops into the seams for tie-outs...

 

[Quirt]

This is what I use...completely H20 proof, rugged, and user friendly. Is made by the same folks who custom create gear for spec ops and the alphabet boys in DC.

Multiple heavy duty sewn loops instead of eyelets on all four corners with one in the center of all four sides plus one on the top and one inside to hang a candle lantern or flashlight. I've used it in rain, snow, and 35-40 mph winds with no problems. One rugged piece of kit.

http://www.ofagear.com Look under Wilderness Survival and you'll find it there.

 

[ajcz]

any one got any other sources for silnylon?

 

[abiggs]

Good stuff, thanks guys. I'm curious, has anyone done anything with a plain blue tarp that you find at a hardware store? I have some ideas, but I want to see if anyone else has used them, and if it did the job. I like the idea of taking simple everyday things into the woods for survival. I'm not knocking those who do it, but taking $1000 worth of equipment into the woods for a "roughing it" campout just isn't my thing. Again, no offense, it's just not for me.

 

[Quirt]

My issues with hardware store tarps are

1. The eyelets rip out easily - sewn loops don't
2. They are noisy which if you're attempting to have a low residual presence or just plain want to sleep in peace 'n quiet they suck
3. Bulky to pack and carry
4 Can and will rip, tear, and can get holes in them easily
5. Heavy to carry
6. Take longer to dry than the other materials already mentioned - I hate putting them back into my pack...the other materials tend to dry in a light breeze

 

[DOC-CANADA]

Doc, is that a couple of tarps or just one big one?

I think we used 3, Tony.

Doc

 

[Tohatchi NM]

If you like cheap gear, I'd go with a standard nylon tarp over silnylon. Blue tarp would be fine, in terms of shelter. It would be bulkier and less durable, though.

See stuff here, for examples:

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/s...command=text&ip_text=tarp&image.x=0&image.y=0


Silnylon is pretty nice. Nylon is nice. Blue plastic gets the job done. Nylon is about 2x the cost, and is worth it, IMHO.

 

[ajcz]

i want a well wearing waterproof fabric that is lightweight any ideas?

 

[Buddiiee]

goretex no honestly, all i do is either use my brit basha, or i go to the local fabric store, and buy stuff for that trip specifically. if its dry, i buy accordingly. if i dont want to stand out, i buy something subdued in colour if they have it. otherwise, i just paint it before i pack it up. if i want something for comfort though, i usually buy huge cuts of ripstop nylon, and fold my corners over like 3 times, and punch heavy eyelets in em. bam, instant tarp.

 

[pict]

I do alot with regular US Army ponchos. When combined with a bivy or a second poncho they make a ggreat one or two person shelter.

Two poncho shelter set up in lowland scrub.

During rainy season when we will be using the ponchos alot and have to cope with a deluge of water we carry large black plastic tarps for use with the hammocks.

Edited to add: If you plan to use plastic sheeting of any type pack a supply of duct tape for repairs and reinforcement.

Mac