can anyone explain the art of using a tarp? for instance how do you keep the water from running under the tarp and you, when it is raining. How do you keep snakes and other animals from crawling up next to you? I am thinking of getting a tarp but I am kind of scared of one, I guess from lack of know-how. Please help
fatback
Tarps get alot of skeptical comments from those that are less familier with them. I’ve been there. Though I am no hardcore veteran of tarp camping, I have used them on many occasions…many times when it was raining cats and dogs.
The real key to keeping yourself from having a remake of "A river runs through it" is in the selection of ground you choose to pitch your tarp on. With tarping, its important to avoid the normal packed down campsites and dished out areas normaly found in designated campsites. The best places for tarping are on ground that hasn't been packed down by previous camping. This type of ground is like a big sponge and can absorbe several inches of constant rain. Even on the side of a sloping hill I have pitched a tarp on soft enough ground that the rain would absorb into the ground before it would run underneath. Once you actually witness this, its really hard to believe.
I have found that a tarp in rainy weather makes for a much higher camping “enjoyment factor” than having to be all enclosed up in a humid tent. With a tarp, it is easy to cook and still have plenty of ventilation if its raining.
You can see out all around you and feel like your outside and not all closed up…and still be warm and dry! Getting in and out of a tarp is as easy as pointing yourself towards the opening and simply walking out…no zippers to snag and no noise to wake others. With practice, a tarp is easier to set up in the rain…ever try to set up a tent in a down pour without getting the interior wet? Its a challenge to say the least.
As far as the critters making themselves at home with you…I have not heard of that being a huge problem. The main problems with tarps is bugs in the summer months. When in those months, a net tent underneath would be beneficial.
I just like tarps. The more I use them the more I like them. The more you get used to the feeling of being exposed and vulnerable underneath one at night, the more free and comfortable you will be outside. We come to the woods to be in the woods…not closed up in a tent.
P.S. Tents to have their place…though only under the most extreme of conditions.
Flatfoot
The reason most of the people use a tarp is a result of Ray Jardine’s book Beyond Backpacking (although some used a tarp before, most tarpers ditched their tents after his confidence in no walls spread through the hiking world). He now has a new book devoted soley to the tarp, it’s functions, and how to use one. You’re best off getting it from the source. www.rayjardine.com
Tha Wookie
I made a tarp (and net tent) based upon jardine’s book, The Ray Way Tarp Book. I have used the tarp in good weather, rain, and snow. I won’t use the tarp for all trips. There have been times when I would have preferred to have had my tent (primarily bad weather such as snow, setting up in the dark during a cold downpour, etc.)
But during moderate to good weather the tarp is a wonderful experience. I have not had problems with intruders other than bugs and worms.
Brian
cryptobrian
I agree with Flatfoot. You can’t beat the ventilation in and views from a tarp. I liken tarps to front porches - the rain runs off the edges of the “roof.” No condensation. You can sit up. You can cook. What’s not to like? Besides, I would have missed seeing that cute little black bear cub come to visit me in PA if I’d been trussed up in a tent. Happily, said cub decided to take a peek and then head back up to Mama, who was on the AT. Experience of a lifetime. As good as a stress test for heart health. Happy Tarping, y’all. Two Hats
Two Hats
i’ve spent something like 300 nights in four seasons under my tarp and and only had it fail me once. that said i think i actually let the tarp down because it fought to keep me dry as long as it could and in retrospect i did a poor job of pitching it. IMHO two things make tarping easier: treking poles, and truckers hitch. poles make set up a breeze and the truckers hitch at the fourcorners lets you get that puppy tight as a drumhead. practice in your yard or at the park till you can do it blindfolded, then sell your tent.
yeah sometimes animals find their way in, one night i was woken by a doe, chewing my hair for the salt, freaked me out at the time but it was so cool… would have never happend in a tent,
the matt