Tarps

Tarps and Tying

The importance of tarp set-up

The first rule of survival is "Stay Dry!' And there is no easier way to keep a group dry on a rainy day out than with a tarp shelter. Natural Leaders meet rain or shine, and one wet days, especially cold ones, we often rely on tarps.

Tarp shelters also for large wet muddy group, and a fire!

While seemingly straightforward, the first few attempts can seem quite daunting, especially for those without practice or knowledge of knots.

But mastering this skill should be a high priority for any outdoor leader!

Tarp site selection:

As with any camp site selection - conduct an extra thorough check for hazards.

Widowmakers - standing dead trees, and overhead branches
Wasps & stinging ants (if endemic and in season) - ask designated participants to stand motionless and look for wasp activity in your prospective camp (the harder the rain, the more difficult it is to detect).
The middle ground is ideal
- High ground will have greater wind and lightning hazard, if these are factors.
- But bottomlands may flood or become swampy.
- Is there a slope available on the landscape as a wind block? A topographic map can tell you!
Evaluate drainage - where will rain water go when it runs off your tarp, or runs down from higher ground? Hopefully not into the campfire! If needed, you can sometimes also dig a small channel to redirect rainwater.

In addition to hazards, consider ease of set up and comfort:

Is there a good log for seating? Alternately, the group can find and make seats or benches from dryish branches.
Are there conveniently spaced trees to support the tarp?

HELPFUL KNOTS AND HITCHES

Tying a bowline:

A great knot for tying the line to the tarp, with no tension on the line. It is a poor choice for tying off a line under tension.

Tying a clove hitch to a stick:

The clove hitch is simple and very useful for tightly tying off a line that is under tension.

Note that if the tension fluctuates - sometimes tight and sometimes not - the clove hitch will loosen.

Tying a clove hitch, around the rope:

Another good option would be a taught-line hitch or the midshipman's hitch.

Extending rope, with a sheet-bend

How to properly coil the ropes:

TARP SET-UP:

Harvesting tarp poles:

Tarp angle:

Tarp height: the higher the tarp, the bigger your fire can be, but the less protection you have from the elements, especially if it is windy.

Hanging 1st upper corner on big tree, using a pole:

NOTE: Sorry about sloppy editing here -- one of my first attempts at a new craft & software. Hope to update soon with better version.

Main take-aways: