Tarps - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

Except for the fact that it is very light weight I’ve always wondered how a tarp is such a great shelter. Tell me how do you keep dry and the rain stay out especially with no floor. Even if it is pitched at an angle and low without a floor I would think everything would be soaked in rain. During dry weather even if it’s cold I can see the tarp being a great weight saver in the shelter area though. This may be my ignorance talking since I have never used one only seen them in journal pictures.

Marietta

#2

The easiest way to stay dry in a tarp is finding the right camp site. and direction of the wind so it does not blow the rain in on you. I recommend a wooded camp site. I have seen one of my friends use just an army tarp and stay dry on a weekend where we had 4 inches of rain come down on us. If you can afford it though Hilleberg makes a shelter 2 lbs 2 oz counting stakes and guy lines that is great but very pricey and room for two and it has two doors and a floor.Called the Rajd pronounced ride.

frog

#3

If you haven’t already, look at the tents at tarptents.com. They are light weight shelters that will protect you from bugs and have a floor option.

Margaret

#4

The real secret to tarps is the large rain shedding area. The rain gets shed a couple of feet away from where you’re sleeping, instead of a couple of inches normally seen in a tent. You need to pitch in an area where the rain won’t drain down into where you’re sleeping. I’ve never been dryer since I started using a tarp or tarptent. I’m also a huge fan of Henry Shires products at tarptent.com.

Garlic

#5

Rain isn’t the problem - bugs are. Like everything else, you have to learn how to use them. I’ve tried a tarp on a couple trips (the longest was about three weeks), but found I like my admittedly heavier, but more comfortable hammock.

Bear Bag Hanger

#6

Do not forget to make them taught and to use the guide lines in rainy conditions.

stealth Blew

#7

I’ve a Hilleberg Atko tent. It’s a solo with a good size vestibule at just over three pounds. A great feature is to take out the inner “sanctuary” and it leaves a roomie tarp, with a piece of tyvex groundcloth to help keep out the critters. My night home for the Long Trail this year…

fishngame

#8

That’s the sacrifice…Weight for comfort. If it rains everynow and again and ya get wet, who cares. I thru hiked with a small integral designs tarp. I’d have to agree with Bear Bag and say the bugs will eat you and that is the worst part about a tarp!! make sure to take deet if you use a tarp!

hoof