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?
Basic tarp setup
Moderators: Bearbonesnorm, Taylor, Chew
- voodoo_simon
- Posts: 4395
- Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2013 9:05 pm
Re: Basic tarp setup
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.
It is a lot better than para cord as it does not frey as much.
- Bearbonesnorm
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- Joined: Sun Jun 05, 2011 8:53 pm
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Re: Basic tarp setup
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.
May the bridges you burn light your way
- TheBrownDog
- Posts: 2108
- Joined: Thu Mar 14, 2013 8:46 pm
- Location: Chilterns
Re: Basic tarp setup
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
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

I'm just going outside ...