Would like to try tarp camping - need a LOT of information.

Diomedes Industries

Diomedes Industries

Joined
Mar 19, 2007
Messages
7,440
I would like to buy or even make a tarp for tarp camping. However, I want to read / watch as much as I can before doing so. What do you recommend that I read?

Please post up anything that is in depth - and DIY's with pictures are very welcome.

TF
 
ok mate all you do is go out and buy a 6x4 foot tarp and a roll of para cord, tie on a 5 metre length of para cord to each corner of the tarp, then tie on a 5 metre length to the middle of the 4 foot side so you end up with 6 strings 3 of each 4 foot end.

find a couple of old tent poles and six pegs and you have a tarp shelter, you can also string it up in the trees
 
Last edited:
Try to find the video of Cliff Jacobson - forgotten skills.

Good basic skills with tent that can transfer to tarps.
 
BCUSA sells a nice Sil-Nylon tarp, once you decide to buy. More important than info, is just reading a few diagrams and getting out there and playing with it. You can do it with or without a hammock and in various sizes and configurations involving one or two tarps.
 
buy a 6x4 foot tarp
Click to expand...
Whoa! Talk about the bed of Procrustes.... You are a tall forker like me. 8x10' would be more reasonable. You want it to extend well past your head and past your feet too, so the rain doesn't slant in on you.
 
I guess 'poncho camping' is along the same lines so I can give some (very) basic tips based on my limited experience.

Location, sleeping pad, and weather are pretty big things to consider.
If you find a spot with nice, level, spongy ground during a nice warm night, you're golden.
If you are like me and camp in rocky areas with lots of unexpected chilly nights, you'll want to make sure your bedding is good. I like pine boughs with a sleeping pad and either a good wool blanket or a sleeping bag, depending on the time of year.
If there's a chance of rain, be sure to pick a spot that isn't going to turn into a stream in the middle of the night and even a mist in light wind can soak you completely in minutes.
Depending on how you set up your tarp, make sure it's well-secured because it may end up with sagging due to stretching or a loose stake/knot.
When you're first trying tarp camping out, bring a backup shelter (small tent) if space permits or at least a heat sheet in case your first attempt is unsuccessful or your shelter falls apart at 2 am. Packing extra layers is a good idea.
Start out in warmer weather, if possible.
Bring extra cordage and duct tape.

This is all mostly based on a simple one or two-sided poncho shelter and I have almost no experience with other forms of tarp shelters so your mileage may vary. I must say that I prefer this form of camping over a tent so I hope you have good luck with it.
 
Cougar Allen said:
Whoa! Talk about the bed of Procrustes.... You are a tall forker like me. 8x10' would be more reasonable. You want it to extend well past your head and past your feet too, so the rain doesn't slant in on you.
Click to expand...

good point, im short so 6x4 is good for me I didnt consider you big fella's, I will add get a tarp that is gona be big enough to cover you
 
Cougar Allen said:
Whoa! Talk about the bed of Procrustes.... You are a tall forker like me. 8x10' would be more reasonable. You want it to extend well past your head and past your feet too, so the rain doesn't slant in on you.
Click to expand...

That is what I thought. I need to upgrade my tarp though.

Keeping my eye on this thread.
 
ok I just measured my millsurp tarp and it says 1 man 6x4 fly/shelter on the label, I measured it and its actually 8x5, make sure you get one big enough to comfortably cover you and your pack. I wonder where they get 6x4 from, I suppose thats the army for ya
 
I used an US Army poncho with some tent pegs, 550 cord and a walking stick (a branch would do)
I carried a blanket in the summer and sleeping bag and mat in the cooler fall weather.
I did not use a poncho in the sub-zero snow.

I learnt by playing with the poncho.
It is not rocket science.
I tended to keep the poncho much lower to the ground than most folk show.
It kept off very heavy rain better.

Enjoy
 
I know you asked for reading but how about some watching... IA Woodsman has a ton of great vids on his youtube channel maybe not all about tarps but just great info all around. Other than that if you go over to BCUSA (I know your a member) and search for "BCUSA Tarp Shelter Thread"... you will see a bunch of different ways to set up a 10X10 tarp. I would link it but I'm not sure if that would be ok or not.

Ski
 
Talfuchre said:
What do you recommend that I read?



TF
Click to expand...

Backpacking forums. Just google it, there are 3 or 4 good sites that will give you more reading than you can handle.

I would suggest figuring out how you want to pitch your tarp before buying, as some tarp designs are better suited for different pitching styles.

Also, you might be interested in tarp tents, that allow you to put a bug net inside, like the six moon designs Haven, or Gatewood Cape. These you can pitch as just a tarp, or as a double wall tent, or as just a bug net, for those nice nights. And they use your hiking sticks, so you don't have to carry the added weight of tent poles.

Hiking sticks will also give you more pitching options should you choose just a regular tarp.

ETA: You might also look into kelty triptease in place of paracord. It's much lighter, stiffer (ties knots better, doesn't get tangled), and is reflective so you don't trip over it and tear down your tarp in the middle of the night.
 
Read Ray Jardine's book "Beyond Backpacking".
Take the tarp for an overnight trip while also carrying a tent, in case the tarp doesn't work out or still needs work.

Cheers
Craig
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top