Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

Outdoor Activities => Northern Ireland Camping and Bushcraft => Topic started by: RedLeader on May 19, 2009

Title: Tarp Setups
Post by: RedLeader on May 19, 2009
When I can't get out for a day sometimes I like to set my DD tarp up in the garden and make No1 son his lunch outside. I was wondering if anyone has any links to good setups for tarps - specifically when you don't have an abundance of trees but do have a few poles.

Cheers
Title: Re: Tarp Setups
Post by: Mouldsy on May 19, 2009
Try this link, I think it will help you.
Davy.
Title: Re: Tarp Setups
Post by: Celt_Ginger on May 19, 2009
Davy, you prat, lol, you forgot the link ::)
Title: Re: Tarp Setups
Post by: RedLeader on May 20, 2009
Try this link, I think it will help you.
Davy.

Don't think your link pasted properly Davy. Can you stick it in again?
Title: Re: Tarp Setups
Post by: Mouldsy on May 20, 2009
Sorry about that, I hope this work's.
Davy.
[ Invalid YouTube link ]setting+up+a+tarp&aq=f
Title: Re: Tarp Setups
Post by: Wolf_Larson on September 24, 2009
What tarps like in strong wind ?
Title: Re: Tarp Setups
Post by: chris on September 24, 2009
depends how you set it up, if you have it set up lean to style with a crazy angle then the winds just gonna thump right into it, wheres if you have it A frame style into the wind then its just gonna whistle through it. I used to use them in conjunction with a shell scrape allowing you to get them super low to the ground resulting in a very strong set up. perhaps not an ideal way to use it while camping, but if your patient to begin with you can usually find a system/position for to suit any type of weather.
Title: Re: Tarp Setups
Post by: Wolf_Larson on September 24, 2009
So the lower the better in stong wind.
Title: Re: Tarp Setups
Post by: chris on September 24, 2009
in simple terms pretty much yeah.
Title: Re: Tarp Setups
Post by: 666_pack on September 25, 2009
have a look at this jonno.

http://hikinghq.net/gear/tarp.html ;D
Title: Re: Tarp Setups
Post by: Cardnim on September 25, 2009
Some good info there guys.

Before my hammock days, and in Winter, I use the "trapezoid" one from 666_packs link.
I can definatley vouch that it is solidly wind proof even in quite strong conditions.

On the hammock subject:
I always found that my DD Hammock (which is about 3m long) was too long for my DD Tarp (3m x 3m).
Even if you tied it right up as close as you could, a little bit of the hammock was always exposed at one or both ends of the tarp... not so good.

So, when I was out last month I set up my tarp in a diamond shape, rather than the usual A frame style.
With the diamond setup you get another foot and a half to play with, which keeps your hammock well out of any rain.
Title: Re: Tarp Setups
Post by: 666_pack on September 25, 2009
this is my set up ( it looks quite high but this is for sittin under if needs be it can be quickly lowered)

http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=mgallery;sa=media;id=89;thumb
(jonnos pic)
Title: Re: Tarp Setups
Post by: Cardnim on September 25, 2009
Looks good. The thing I reckon makes the biggest difference in windy conditions is stopping the wind blowing UNDER the tarp, and with your setup it looks as it you could do that really easy and quick by lowering it a foot or two.

P.S. You also win the award for smallest picture EVER!  ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Tarp Setups
Post by: 666_pack on September 25, 2009
but it's only a little tarp ;D

because of the bungies i can reach round and stick a few pegs in and lower the back of the tarp right to the ground without havin to get outta me bivvi bag.
Title: Re: Tarp Setups
Post by: Paul on September 25, 2009
but it's only a little tarp ;D

because of the bungies i can reach round and stick a few pegs in and lower the back of the tarp right to the ground without havin to get outta me bivvi bag.

I would suggest you get a bigger tarp that you can use either lean to style or ridge tent style. This will allow a greater range of uses. Personaly i never use bungees, i hate the things they are extremley dangerous and if you know a couple of basic knots you dont need them.
Title: Re: Tarp Setups
Post by: 666_pack on September 25, 2009
the tarp is just bis enough for an A-frame with me and my gear.
 I like bungies I find them quick and easy to use.
But it's all a mater off taste raelly.