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rain tarps
Posted by: old_user on Feb-17-10 2:26 PM (EST)

Rain tarps are critical to having a great wilderness experience. The standard tarp that is purchased at an outdoor store can be significantly improved with a few modifications. I would suggest to anyone planning on doing even a few trips per year to take a look at Cliff Jacobson's books and DVDs on how to "trick out" a raintarp. Its worth the effort. If you are going to do a lot of tripping, then spend the money on the high end tarps sold by MSR that are specially designed to stand up in big winds. They aren't cheap but the flexibility and toughness that you get is well worth the money.

Table of Contents

rain tarps - old_user - Feb-17-10 2:26 PM
- rain tarps - JandRNeal - Feb-17-10 3:58 PM
  - Tarp setup - wotrock - Feb-17-10 5:17 PM
    - tarp rope - old_user - Feb-17-10 5:19 PM
  - Keeping tarps from flapping in the wind - Ralph - Feb-17-10 10:07 PM
    - Tarp tie down - old_user - Feb-18-10 9:28 AM
      - Rain Tarp sources - old_user - Feb-18-10 10:45 PM
        
        tarp suggestion - old_user - Feb-19-10 9:29 AM
        
        Rain Tarp - old_user - Feb-19-10 7:06 PM
- Tarps and Fire - Oaker - Feb-23-10 12:40 PM
  - fire under tarp - old_user - Mar-05-10 8:24 AM

Messages in this Topic

  rain tarps
  Posted by: JandRNeal on Feb-17-10 3:58 PM (EST)

I carry an extra rope and tie it as high as I can between two available trees, and then hang the tarp over this rope. This works well as you can either divide the tarp evenly over the rope, or allow for extra on the windward side if needed. Then tie down the tarp all around (I bring old tent stakes along for this purpose) and it works great!

  Tarp setup
  Posted by: wotrock on Feb-17-10 5:17 PM (EST)

Kevin,

It looks like you are using that cheap polyprop rope. Get yourself some good stuff!! lots of different braided ropes out there at a reasonable price. Hold the knots a whole lot better than that cheap yellow stuff.

  tarp rope
  Posted by: old_user on Feb-17-10 5:19 PM (EST)

I agree about the quality of rope but that's what I had and could afford at the time we set the tarp up. Most corners had good rope though.

Kevin

  Keeping tarps from flapping in the wind
  Posted by: Ralph on Feb-17-10 10:07 PM (EST)

I find a good way to keep a tarp from flapping in wind is to tie the lines moderately tight, then hang fuel or water bottles, or any moderate weights, on the tarp corners where the line is tied to the tarp. The hanging weight buffers sudden movements from wind gusts. Also holds the corners down so water doesn't collect on the tarp.

  Tarp tie down
  Posted by: old_user on Feb-18-10 9:28 AM (EST)

Attaching water bottles to the rope is a great idea.

Thanks

Kevin

  Rain Tarp sources
  Posted by: old_user on Feb-18-10 10:45 PM (EST)

Any ideas on a good economical rain tarp for occasional paddle & backpacking trips. I realize the MSR tarps are very good. Just looking for something a little less expensive. I have read several articles recommending loops and not grommets. Any suggestions and sources would be great. I would be using this mainly on scout trips. Thanks a million.

  tarp suggestion
  Posted by: old_user on Feb-19-10 9:29 AM (EST)

In Canada we have Mountain Equipment Co-op. They have excellent tarps. Eureka Canada also sells a good quality tarp for the money. For loops, I just attached strips of small bungy cord to the ends but most good tarps have that already, or at least nylon loop material where you can attached the bungy.

Kevin

  Rain Tarp
  Posted by: old_user on Feb-19-10 7:06 PM (EST)

Thanks for the suggestion. I will check them out.

  Tarps and Fire
  Posted by: Oaker on Feb-23-10 12:40 PM (EST)

The value of having a fire beneath or beside a tarp is self-evident especially in foul weather. Does that lead to holes in nylon or sylnylon tarps? How can such holes be avoided?

  fire under tarp
  Posted by: old_user on Mar-05-10 8:24 AM (EST)

Some tarps oome with a type of fire-retardent which resists sparks bring through. But I simply make sure the tarp is at a high enough angle above the fire and don't built a large fire as well.

Kevin

	rain tarps Posted by: JandRNeal on Feb-17-10 3:58 PM (EST)
	I carry an extra rope and tie it as high as I can between two available trees, and then hang the tarp over this rope. This works well as you can either divide the tarp evenly over the rope, or allow for extra on the windward side if needed. Then tie down the tarp all around (I bring old tent stakes along for this purpose) and it works great!

	Tarp setup Posted by: wotrock on Feb-17-10 5:17 PM (EST)
	Kevin, It looks like you are using that cheap polyprop rope. Get yourself some good stuff!! lots of different braided ropes out there at a reasonable price. Hold the knots a whole lot better than that cheap yellow stuff.

	tarp rope Posted by: old_user on Feb-17-10 5:19 PM (EST)
	I agree about the quality of rope but that's what I had and could afford at the time we set the tarp up. Most corners had good rope though. Kevin

	Keeping tarps from flapping in the wind Posted by: Ralph on Feb-17-10 10:07 PM (EST)
	I find a good way to keep a tarp from flapping in wind is to tie the lines moderately tight, then hang fuel or water bottles, or any moderate weights, on the tarp corners where the line is tied to the tarp. The hanging weight buffers sudden movements from wind gusts. Also holds the corners down so water doesn't collect on the tarp.

	Tarp tie down Posted by: old_user on Feb-18-10 9:28 AM (EST)
	Attaching water bottles to the rope is a great idea. Thanks Kevin

	Rain Tarp sources Posted by: old_user on Feb-18-10 10:45 PM (EST)
	Any ideas on a good economical rain tarp for occasional paddle & backpacking trips. I realize the MSR tarps are very good. Just looking for something a little less expensive. I have read several articles recommending loops and not grommets. Any suggestions and sources would be great. I would be using this mainly on scout trips. Thanks a million.

	tarp suggestion Posted by: old_user on Feb-19-10 9:29 AM (EST)
	In Canada we have Mountain Equipment Co-op. They have excellent tarps. Eureka Canada also sells a good quality tarp for the money. For loops, I just attached strips of small bungy cord to the ends but most good tarps have that already, or at least nylon loop material where you can attached the bungy. Kevin

	Rain Tarp Posted by: old_user on Feb-19-10 7:06 PM (EST)
	Thanks for the suggestion. I will check them out.

	Tarps and Fire Posted by: Oaker on Feb-23-10 12:40 PM (EST)
	The value of having a fire beneath or beside a tarp is self-evident especially in foul weather. Does that lead to holes in nylon or sylnylon tarps? How can such holes be avoided?

	fire under tarp Posted by: old_user on Mar-05-10 8:24 AM (EST)
	Some tarps oome with a type of fire-retardent which resists sparks bring through. But I simply make sure the tarp is at a high enough angle above the fire and don't built a large fire as well. Kevin