Tarp Tent

I experimented with setting up a tarp for shelter in the backyard yesterday evening.  I set it up several different ways using trees, tent poles, stakes and nylon line.   After about 5 different set ups, one that I really liked,  but used 4- 18 inch tent poles,  and the advice from a friend, I settled on two corners suspended with nylon line to trees, and two corners staked in the ground.

The rain was coming straight down, so I didn't worry to much about it blowing in , and left a little more room than I might if the wind was blowing.

After tinkering with it a little more, I laid a groundsheet down and a sleeping pad.  I crawled in and had my first experience under a tarp. 

As opposed to a tent, which is zipped up tight when its raining, I was able to look around, even though it was pouring, and still stay dry.  I could definitely see the need for a bivy if there was any wind at all.  But on this night I was dry.

I decided to put it to the test and after the family went to bed, I got my sleeping gear and headed out for the night.   The only issue with sleeping in the backyard in a lightweight camping set up, is that my bed is 50 feet away.

I slept fairly well and stayed dry,  but when I woke up at 1 am, I succumbed to the call of my warm bed....

I went out this morning to take a look.  I realized that the center seam is not taped and therefore there was a line of water right across my sleeping pad.  I'll have to dry it out and seal it,  then try again.  I think I'm going to like this set up.  Adding a lightweight bivy will help too.

Next step: bivy shopping.

Have a great day!