Monday, September 27, 2010

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!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

If you are interested in sleeping light check out the tarptent.com Of course can buy one or I made one out of the pattern online. If you have someone that is good at sewing @$50.00 gets you less 2lb tarp with no bugs as well. Keeps me dry in heavy rain and good in wind! good luck

Anonymous said...
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My name is Stephen said...

hmmm, I've looked at that site, but $200-$400 vs $35, right now I'll stick with $35.
I know someone who can sew, but she is in school, so I'm not going to ask!
Thanks for the ideas though.

Anonymous said...

Sounds good let me know if you have any questions if you decide to try to build one. Found your site after realized we met on Parris Mtn.. take care
Jamie Pittman

Anonymous said...

If you get the urge to go with a bivy, I'd suggest this:
http://sirenbicycles.wordpress.com/2008/07/06/tyvek-bivy/

I've been using mine for about two years now without a complaint. And I think I spent about 12 bucks on it, total.

Nolan LaVoie said...

Ive been using tarps for years with no bivy and I never get wet. Slept in blizzards, hurricanes etc.. and stayed bone dry. Let me know I can show you a few tricks!