Basic tarp setup

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voodoo_simon
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Basic tarp setup

Post by voodoo_simon »

I know this sort of thing has been done to death but I need some help on a basic setup. Just bought my first tarp, so need to buy some cord to go with it but how much do I need?

To start with, I'll probably go with a basic A-frame setup or use old pieces of tent pole to create a high front end/low back end A-frame sort of thing as its a 1.5x2.5m rectangle

I was thinking of a general guide of maybe 6x2m lengths of cord, one for each corner and two to stabilise it?
tommid
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Re: Basic tarp setup

Post by tommid »

Buy a reel of arborists throw line in 2mm dynema. 50m will cost about £9 if you look on ebay. In my experience you wont need 2m on each corner a length for the centre when making an A frame and a small amount for each corner.
It is a lot better than para cord as it does not frey as much.
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Bearbonesnorm
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Re: Basic tarp setup

Post by Bearbonesnorm »

If you're going to use poles, then I'd suggest 2m lengths for the centre / ridges and 1m for the others. That should give you plenty of height options.
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TheBrownDog
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Re: Basic tarp setup

Post by TheBrownDog »

Dyneema is brilliant - one of my all time favourite camping products. Some folks dont use line locks - just pull the line tight and peg down, but I find they give you more options. If you go for dyneema, try these which are light and simple.

http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/shelt ... 104-5.html

I carry a lot of guylines - 4x2m, 4x1m and 2x3m - so 10 or more in all. They weigh nothing and take up no space, but give you a heap of options for tarp set up, like stringing it high between trees, snugging it up against a wall, pulling out the side lifters for more space or just synching the tarp down tight. And dont skimp on stakes either .... got 12 of them in my kit :roll:
I'm just going outside ...
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