Tarp Setup Info

imported
#1

Hello all, I just bought a 5X8 sil-tarp and will be using it in conjunction with a bivy (ie Integral Designs Endurance or REI minimalist) and would love to see some pictures of peoples tarp setups. I am looking for ideas on different ways to set it up, how to set it up in the rain.

Also, in terms of wet weather, what do you look for in a tarp site? How do you keep water from flowing directly under your bag? Pooling right under it?

Any information you can provide would be great. Thanks!!!

PCT06(hopefully)

#2

Look for ground that absorbs water, like pine needles, thick leaves, sand, or gravel. (This is also more comfortable.) And look for ground that is slightly elevated so water doesn’t flow under. If you can’t find that, look for a slight slope so that water will at least flow from only one side (which you might deflect) and not pool.

5 x 8 is pretty tight. Are you relying on the bivy to cope with splatter and wind-blown rain?

Eric

#3

Ray Jardine’s Tarp book has some excellent info on tarp use.

Tha Wookie

#4

http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=66124

using whatever is available…

aswah

p.s. time to bake those god damned doughnuts…

aswah

#5

Eric,

I am relying on the bivy to keep my lower half dry, the tarp will mostly be covering my head, gear and be used to cook under, change, etc.

Thanks Wookie, I will check out Jardines book. You tarped the entire PCT right? Would you ever go back to a tent (even something light like a Shires TarpTent?)

Thanks for the pic ASWAH

PCT06(hopefully)

#6

First, keep in mind a 5x8 tarp (which I used on the CT ) is less forgiving of setups than an 8x10 (which I used on the PCT). PRACTICE SETTING UP YOUR TARP BEFORE GOING ON THE PCT!

Having said than, Sgt. Rock of Whiteblaze fame has a wonderful illustrated use of tarp use on his website:

http://www.hikinghq.net/gear/tarp.html

Though I saved weight, think will go back to an 8x10 tarp for future hikes. The 5x8 was a bit too snug. Maybe with a bivy sack…but I may as well go with the extra weight of an 8x10 if I went with bivy sack. 13oz for my 8x10 tarp vs 7.5 oz for my 8x10.

I am seriously thinking of using spinnaker fabric for an 8x10 tarp (weighs the same as my 5x8 silnylon tarp…more room!)

Mags

#7

Warning…may be scary. :smiley:

http://gallery.backcountry.net/Co03/agr

Mags