[pct-l] Tarp tent vs. traditional tent

[Steel-Eye]

Good morning, Austin,

Here is one of the many ways to pitch a tarp:  http://royrobinson.homestead.com/PonchoPlans.html

I generally pitch mine like a pup tent using hiking poles.  The head end pole is left at hiking length and tied to the center of an end of the tarp, while the other pole is shortened to minimum length to support the foot end of the tarp.  I like to pitch the foot end tarp corners against the ground, while the head end corners are above the ground 8"-10" for greater head-height, better ventilation, and improved visibility.  If the wind seems a problem, I use the poles at equal length and pitch the corners and edges against the ground.  If the situation is right I guy one, or both, ends to a tree rather than use poles.  

Steel-Eye


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Austin Williams 
  To: pct-l at backcountry.net 
  Sent: Monday, February 18, 2008 3:51 PM
  Subject: Re: [pct-l] Tarp tent vs. traditional tent


  I use a homemade Tyvek tarp.  Stronger than sil-nylon, less weight than nylon, and cheaper than both combined.  I added on plastic eye-holes to run ropes/pegs through.  I love it.  I also use a 3ft wide piece of tyvek for a ground cloth.  But for the life of me I can't figure out how to set them up with my trekking poles.  I've tried every which way imaginable.  I don't know how anyone does it.  I have to use a tree (preferably two) and do it the "old fashioned way" (lean-to style).

  Anyone out there with an engineering degree that can explain how to use trekking poles to set up tarp? lol.

  As far as the bugs... I use mosquito netting over just my face.  I guess they just don't bother me that much.  I just try be "Zen' about them.

  Worth the weight difference?  I think so.  I only weigh 133 lbs, so damn near any weight is a significant fraction of my body weight.  :)  Admittedly, there are times when a four-walled tent sounds mighty comfortable.  But those times *never* occur during my 14 hour hiking days (at least not for me).  They usually occur on the rare nights when the wind is blowing the rain under my tarp horizontally because I pitched it in a bad area facing the wrong direction... haha.

  Just remember that when on a hiking trip, you'll be carrying it about three times more often then sleeping in/under it.  So, I always take my tarp on hiking trips, and my tent on camping trips.

  My 2 cents.

  -Austin



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