I've just got my tarp set-up sorted out and plan on giving it a try for real sometime soon. I've pitched it in my garden for the moment so I could try a few things out - there are a few pics online here
At the moment it's pitched low to the ground as I'd expect to do in bad weather or strong winds however, as the tarp is small, that doesn't leave much room inside (although it's no worse than my little Gelert Solo tent).
If the weather is better (as it is today) how should I pitch the tarp? I've got some paracord so was thinking about attaching a length of a foot or two to each of the peg points at the corners and down the sides so that it could be pitched off the ground. I'd normally be using walking poles in practice so I'd have more flexibility with pole height.
Is that the best method or can some suggest anything else?
It’s good to practice different ways of pitching your tarp like you are so then you know how to set it up quickly. For warmer/better weather I would want increased ventilation so have more air space below the tarp or only have in protecting one side.
The paracord on the corners is a good idea I think so you can peg the edges higher above the ground.
Theese links below might also help; outdoor idiots tarp guide has some useful info but is mostly about the standard A-frame shape.The backpackinglight tarp photos show several different ways of pitching a tarp and they also sell a DVD about tarp pitching.
Stephen just had a peek at your photos, which tarp is it that you have in the picture and how did you get the poles, did they come with it? Also how much does that weigh and which bivi bag is in the piccy? Ta
Jamie - I don't know what make the tarp is as I bought it used via Ebay. It looks professionally made however it doesn't have any manufacturers markings on it. It seems to be a similar shape to the Go-Lite Lair 1 (tapered to the foot) but is a bit smaller and the bottom end isn't closed off. It's very light at about 300g including the cords etc.
The poles came with the tarp but I was told they are Hampton ones - they seem pretty light (ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk do them and they list the weights as 40g for the short one and 90g for the longer one) but I wouldn't normally carry them as I'd use walking poles instead.
The bivi bag is a cheap Gelert one and weights about 300g.
URC & Pete - thanks for the links, they're very useful.
I re-pitching the tarp earlier this evening with a foot or two of para-cord on each of the pegging points and it certainly increases the space inside significantly by having the edges of the tarp off the ground. It should be more flexible as well because I could pitch the windward side to the ground in wet conditions and have the other side more open.
