 i've got the DD 3m by 3m tarp which is a brilliant bit of kit, but find the square shape a bit limiting. Does anyone now of any websites or ideas to open up new ways of setting the tarp up?
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 A few set-ups here. You are only limited by your imagination. 
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now thats a rectangular setup, would a square one make much difference?
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No difference at all, Simon. In fact, a square tarp works better for some of the set-ups, especially the 'flying V'. I've got a 10' X 10' tarp myself, but haven't used it for a while. Edit. Thanks for reminding me about the tarp, i think i'll stick it in the Classifieds.
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| Edited: 13/01/12 15:12 |
I have a 2.4m square tarp and it is versatile. However I really only use two setups. Flying V - pin out one corner, lift the opposite up with trekking poles, paddle or suspend from a tree then peg out the otheer corners and guy out to make stable. Cave - Pin out the first edge loop in from the corner on one side (the back) andput your trekking pole in the central loop of the opposite edge (the front). Peg out the corners on the front edge to creat an A-frame there. Then guy out to keep it up. Next peg out the edges axcept the corners on the back edge, these are tucked under. You can then put a lifter in thee first spare ridge loop in from the back end using a larksfoot to attach the guy (tie a loop on one end then loop the rest through to go around the tarp's webbing loop). Then tie it out to a trekking pole and guy that out to lift up the back end giving more room. Those two setups work for me and I can set them up without thinking on my own. The cave is a real storm beater as I have been in quite some wind in that setup without waking. A mate in a laser comp couldn't sleep because her tent was taking such a battering. I even pitched that setup on a hill next to some atkos and the atko in front of me was having it windward end battered against the central hoop so much that I could see what was in that end against the fly!! My tarp was still in good shape!! I have used an A-frame but found I was a little cold in the wind. Also in good weather I use a lean to. This is simply an A-frame with the trekking poles put nearer one side which is lifted up. I use a leanto with a bit of tarp hanging down from the poles to drip water away from the opening and I just have a thought it is a better pitch that way. I hope this helps. Tarping is a great way to get out I reckon and it is always good to hear another person is willing to give it a go. I got into it because I couldn't afford a tent that was light and long enough to fit me in that didn't break the bank. For £50 I got a large enough shelter for me that I like to use. Bargain really.
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Cave - Pin out the first edge loop in from the corner on one side (the back) andput your trekking pole in the central loop of the opposite edge (the front). Peg out the corners on the front edge to creat an A-frame there. Then guy out to keep it up. Next peg out the edges axcept the corners on the back edge, these are tucked under. You can then put a lifter in thee first spare ridge loop in from the back end using a larksfoot to attach the guy (tie a loop on one end then loop the rest through to go around the tarp's webbing loop). Then tie it out to a trekking pole and guy that out to lift up the back end giving more room.
TP, do you have a photo of the Cave setup please? I'm having difficulty envisaging it - my poor understanding of your explanation - not criticism of the explanation.
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Sorry I don't. Got one of flying V and leanto but not cave. I think it is based on the tortilla pitch which there are youtube vids on. If you search for tarp setups there is one where this american guy is putting a tarp up in his back garden. A nice lawn!! I'll try and find the link. The cave is what I call it but it might have another name. The front pole is at thee edge of the tarp and the rest is pretty much suspended from their apart from the rear lifter which uses one of the suspension loops along the centre designed for using a central line to suspend it from.
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A 'cave' pitch is the same as the Trapezioid pitch on the link i posted? nO?
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Just seen Lillys post. Trapeziod = cave.
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Did say cave was my name for it. That was what someone called it when I was learning tarps. BTW mine doesn't come out that shape. It kind of looks more like a rectangular floorplan than the trapezoid shape. Plus it doesn't have the slight closing up of the front. It is more of a completely open A-frame opening at the front. You can raise and lower the front by lengthening orshortening the pole then pulling the corners and guys tight again. The sides near the back are quite low to the ground and indeed some pitches the tarp is actually pulled out a bit along the ground so it makes it more wind resistant as the gap is pretty much not there. The whole thing doesn't flap much if you re-tighten the guys and edge pegs before finally turning in for good. I tend to get out of my quilt some time after tea and after my last brew to do this then listen to music in my quilt until I drop off. It has become routine now like pitching the tarp in wind or rain. A couple of mins tops and I'm in shelter. Can't beat it!!
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I think it is a bit like this!! Sort of cave pitch
Brilliant, makes sense now, thanks.  A 'cave' pitch is the same as the Trapezioid pitch on the link i posted? nO?
Probably Mike - I hadn't followed your link, sorry.
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The trapezoid and cave pitches do look similar - thanks Mike.
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try here mate - http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/shelter/tarpology-setting-up-your-tarp-in-different-configurations.html
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