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[at-l] Tarps (fwd)

The following information about using a Tarp was posted to PCT-L. I
thought there would be enough interest to forward a copy to AT-L.
-Milt


---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sat, 9 May 1998 11:42:26 -0700
From: David Sinnett <tvrgdchld@juno.com>
To: pct-l-digest@saffron.hack.net
Subject: [pct-l] Tarps

Jerry McMillan wrote:
Lots of people have commented on the advantages of using a tarp instead
of a tent. I've never done this, but am interested in learning more.

Hey there,
I recently moved down here to southern WA from AK.  I've got 20+ years
experience in the woods, most of it under a tarp (well a poncho actually)
and unless the weather was extra bad I seldom had any problems.  I had
bought a surplus Army poncho and some cord when I was 7 or 8 and just
never kicked the habit.  Now I use an oversized backpacking poncho (the
kind that has the extra length in back to cover your pack) that way it
can serve double duty as static and moving shelter.  I also switched from
twine to bungie cords for the convenience and use my Leki's in the
corners (or one in the center - depending on the weather) instead of
sticks.  I didn't use a ground cover for ages, but I bought a bivy about
6 years ago and started using one to reduce the wear and tear on the bag.
 You've got to keep the ground cover slightly smaller than the area of
the overhead cover otherwise all the runoff will find it's way to your
butt or other low point.  I had bought the bivy to replace the poncho,
but in really wet weather the combo works great.  I don't have any
experience with two or more people using a tarp - I'm a loner.  But I'm
sure it can be done, if you try to accommodate two or more you might
cross that comfort level line and would be better off with a good tent.

But for a soloist like me here are some more suggestions:

You can buy a tarp that will work just fine (after cutting and adding
grommets) at REI, hardware store, etc.  But for my money (and my back) a
poncho gives the best performance by weight.  If you already have
raingear just buy one at any Army surplus store or catalog.   If not buy
one similar to mine, it won't offer you complete protection on the move
(it is just a poncho after all) but it serves me fine.  Campmor and many
sporting goods stores carry them.

I put it up rain or shine 'cuz who knows what the weather will be like at
2 in the morning.  You can raise one or two corners with poles in fair
weather for outstanding air flow and view.  If it's wet just lower all
four corners to the ground using a tent stake hooked over the bungie, or
even a log laying on the bungie at the corner.  Don't stake the corner
itself - you won't get in - but if you let the bungie stretch then you
can snake under one side.  Use one pole in the middle at the hood
(sinched) to support the roof.  You on one side gear on the other -
perfect.  If you don't have hiking poles and don't want them just use
sticks.  (I've used this setup in snow several dozen times (never
planned) and other than sagging under the snow's weight it always
prevailed.)

Try to set up under a group of trees, especially conifers.  They'll
provide better protection then a mama bear.  If you find a dry, clean
spot you won't really need a ground cover if you have a full length
sleeping pad.  Otherwise, just keep it smaller than the overhead in case
it rains.

The nemesis of any tarp arrangement is the wind.  If it's windy and you
can't bed down behind any natural wind break or cover - you lose.  But if
you stay low and in the trees (where all the fun is) you'll have few
problems.

I believe that using a tarp (or less) is absolutely the best way to share
some time with nature.  When using a tarp I always feel like I belong -
not like I'm visiting.  I know it has to do with the openness, but
there's more to it then just that.

My set up (when I use my bivy and the poncho) probably weights more than
many lightweight tents, but I don't care.  I affords me the flexibility
to sleep out in the open under the mosquitoes - I mean stars, or if need
be, adequately protect myself from the elements.  All for less than a
days pay.

Sorry, I made my first post a book.  I'll introduce myself better and
offer up some topics in a later post.

Dave

(Jerry, hope this helped.)

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