How to pitch a tarp without trees?

If you only have fixed points on the ground, use poles . First attach the tarp relatively loosely to the pegs or other fixed points on the ground, then slip the poles under the tarp to prop it up and get it in position.

What is a backpacking tarp?

A backpacking tarp is one of the most versatile and lightweight pieces of outdoor gear . Your tarp can become a super ultralight shelter, an emergency bivy, a wind wall, a shade patch, the tent's front porch, a dry spot under which to take a lunch break, or a roof over the communal kitchen area while group camping.

What is the best way to tie down a tarp?

If you want your tarp to be secure and durable, you will want to use something more flexible. Ball bungee cords or bungee tie downs are the best options. Bungee ties are elastic, which allows them to move freely with the wind. That flexibility greatly reduces the chances of your tarp tearing.

What is the best knot for a tarp?

The Adjustable Guyline Hitch , sometimes also called the Adjustable Line Hitch, is one of the most useful knots for tarp camping. This versatile knot allows you to adjust tension of guylines, giving you the flexibility to set up a secure, well-tensioned shelter with ease.

Is it OK to pitch a tent under a tree?

Basically, you should not pitch a tent under a dead tree or in the middle of an area with fallen trees. Typically, if there is a cluster of fallen trees, it is indicative of soft ground and there is a higher possibility that more branches or trees could come down.

How to set up a tarp in the wind?

Couple things: Use a sheltered campsite. Pitch tarp in a favorable direction. Pitch tarp low/in storm mode if needed. Use an inner or a bivy to block wind. Put stones or a log at the corner the wind blows in. Dec 18, 2020

What is a backpacking pee rag?

A pee cloth is a 'leave no trace' toilet paper option for peeing . Simply pee, and use your Kula Cloth to pat dry - no TP left behind!

How do I keep my tarp from blowing away?

I use a screw gun to screw 3-inch vinyl squares (cut from siding scraps) through each grommet on the tarp and into the logs . I use two pieces of vinyl for each screw. If I need to attach the tarp at a point without a grommet, I can put a screw with the vinyl squares through the edge of the tarp or double the tarp over.

How do you anchor a tarp to the ground?

If you need to anchor your tarp into dirt or sand then you can use GroundGrabba spikes in conjunction with a tie down strap or snap hook carabiner hooks through the grommets . This allows the tarp to be secured but also unhooked when needed. ALCO supplies anchor straps if the tarp is not near the ground.

4 Ways to Pitch a Tarp That Every Backpacker Should Know (2024)

For versatility and affordability, nothing beats a tarp. With an 8-by-10-foot piece of nylon, some paracord, stakes,a trekking pole, and a little ingenuity, you can make a shelter to withstand any weather.

Updated May 11, 2023

Zoe Gates

Body Bag

This configuration is similar to the classic A-frame, but trades a narrower interior for built-in groundcover.

4 Ways to Pitch a Tarp That Every Backpacker Should Know (2)

Tie a ridgeline at waist height between two trees. Drape the tarp over the ridgeline lengthwise so that two-thirds hang on one side.

4 Ways to Pitch a Tarp That Every Backpacker Should Know (3)

Match opposite corners on the side of the ridgeline where one-third of the tarp hangs and stake them out.

4 Ways to Pitch a Tarp That Every Backpacker Should Know (4)

On the opposite side, stake out grommets to create a taut triangle with a floor. Adjust the height of the ridgeline to optimize tension .

Diamond

One tree, one ridgeline, and three stakes:That’s a recipe for excellent wind protection.

4 Ways to Pitch a Tarp That Every Backpacker Should Know (5)

Secure a 20-foot length of paracord around the tree at waist height and stake out the free end of the cord at least 14 feet from the base of the tree into the wind.

4 Ways to Pitch a Tarp That Every Backpacker Should Know (6)

Drape your tarp diagonally over the ridgeline. Secure the top corner near the tree and stake out bottom corner where the ridgeline meets the ground.

4 Ways to Pitch a Tarp That Every Backpacker Should Know (7)

Stake out the two perpendicular corners on either side.

Holden Tent

No tree, no problem. This floorless and breathable setup goes up in minutes on a single trekking pole.

4 Ways to Pitch a Tarp That Every Backpacker Should Know (8)

Lay tarp flat on level ground and stake out the long edge on the windward side.

4 Ways to Pitch a Tarp That Every Backpacker Should Know (9)

Prop a trekking pole under the center of the other long edge as a support. A sturdy, waist-high stick will also work.

4 Ways to Pitch a Tarp That Every Backpacker Should Know (10)

Stake out front two corners adjacent to your trekking pole.

The Jordy

Its construction is more complex, but this single-pole setup has a floor, vestibule, and a closeable door.

4 Ways to Pitch a Tarp That Every Backpacker Should Know (11)

Lay your tarp flat with the long edge in front of you. Stake out the left corners and the midpoint of the front edge. Grab the back-right edge and pull the tarp over itself.

4 Ways to Pitch a Tarp That Every Backpacker Should Know (12)

Wrap and tie your trekking pole under the midpoint of the new top edge and stake it out in front of the front-left corner.

4 Ways to Pitch a Tarp That Every Backpacker Should Know (13)

Stake the remaining front-left then front-right corners (the front-right corner is your “door”). Pop out the side by tying a guyline to a loop and staking it to the ground.

From 2022

4 Ways to Pitch a Tarp That Every Backpacker Should Know (2024)

For versatility and affordability, nothing beats a tarp. With an 8-by-10-foot piece of nylon, some paracord, stakes,a trekking pole, and a little ingenuity, you can make a shelter to withstand any weather.

Body Bag

Diamond

Holden Tent

The Jordy

FAQs

4 Ways to Pitch a Tarp That Every Backpacker Should Know? ›

How do you pitch tarpaulin? ›