Five Set-Ups for a Square Tarp — Camping, Hiking, Backpacking
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I own a tent, I own hammock — but still, my backpacking preference is often a simple square tarp. I understand that this is a personal preference, but for those lightweight-backpacking enthusiasts who don’t like being enclosed in a tent or a hammock, a square tarp might be something to consider.
There are many ways to set up a square tarp. In this video, I give a quick demonstration of my five favorite set-ups: A-frame, Lean-To, Wind Shelter, Lean-To with a Drip Peak, and a Diamond set-up.
I don’t include step-by-step instructions for any of the set-ups, but all are simple and easy to duplicate. For all but Diamond Set-up, which begins at the front, I begin the set-up by staking in the back end of the tarp. I then move to the front, first to one corner, then the other. The last step for any tarp set-up always consists of minor adjustments–tinkering with the placement of stakes and lines until the surface of the tarp is taught. (Admittedly, I was lazy about this last step in the video–again, it was for demonstration purposes only, and I wasn’t actually camping where I filmed the video.)
Thanks for watching!
****MUSIC****
“Backyard Throwdown” by Adam Thomas.
****EQUIPMENT AND EDITING*****
I filmed this video on a Canon Powershot G7X. I edited the footage with Cyberlink PowerDirector 14.
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email: EvansBackpackingVideos@gmail.com
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Those look great! Seems like that tarp is a tad small however. I just found your channel and subscribed!
Well done thanks.
I've been watching you for years now and this year I'm going to try tarp camping in Big South Fork. My first time. I haven't bought my tarp yet. I'm still considering my options. When I watch people with canvas/silnylon/polyester tarps, a lot of their set ups provide some sort of floor inside the shelter. I don't see people doing that with Dyneema fabric/Cuben fiber tarps. Is that because of the cost? Is it too fragile for that application? I already own a Cuben Fiber hammock tarp, the one with doors, but I'm nervous to try it. Just throwing $400 on the ground seems like blasphemy, although they do sell Cuben/Dyneema fiber ground cloths. Just curious about your thoughts on the matter. I'm aware of your experience and I trust your judgment. Thanks.
Evan, I’m interested in possibly trying this set up but my question is do you ever have issues with critters or animals approaching you during the night? I am Deaf so I would not hear something coming into my area. I worry most about snakes during warmer weather, seeking a warmer place to be during the night. I’m not sure if this is something I need to be concerned about.
The Plow Point is a great set up. Protects against wind and rain and is easy to do.
Your videos have convinced me that tarps are the way to go.Here in Texas it’s always hot & I will add a mosquito 🦟 Bivys.Do you have any suggestions for a particular Bivys?
If a huge storm is expected…do you ever use a flying diamond against a large tree (the bigger around the better) to help cover the open end? That would seem a good set up if no widowmakers are evident.
These are great for a simple setup with less gear to trek with. I will have to try the tarp without a tent. This will definitely save space in the kayak or backpack…
Thanks for sharing brother.
All i see is wet footbox in the diagonals if we used that low aclay in the end in australia – like in your storm setup in another vid – id end soaked with condensation in my country. It must be v cold where you are – here you cant risk touching tarp without wet.
still dont understand why nobody else but me is pitching the closed low tetra configuration
Your the tarp king.
I appreciate the info presented. Having a good tarp and taking the time play with it is the best way to understand your gear before hitting the field.
I noticed that these set-ups have one open end. If you're expecting rain with wind, how do you determine the direction the wind will be from?
Great videos Evan! However; I see most people on youtube put the pointy end of the poles up. I have started putting the spikes into the ground to avoid banging my head, eyes, what not on it, especially in the dark. Could be disastrous. Works just as well imo, just a safety suggestion. 🙂Otherwise, nice tarp demonstrations!
Enjoyed the video keep up the good work be blessed
Tarp looks about as durable as saran wrap
Great vid!
I like #5 the best, i know you use it a lot as well
Can you please explain the advantages and disadvantages of rectangle vs square tarp?
Great freaking video man. I'm interested in tarp camping something fierce but haven't pulled the trigger on it yet. Don't know why. Guess I'm just a scaredy cat. Lol.
Good video, good music! What tarp did you use?
awesome video sir 😇
The headbanging music was annoying.
Another question….What type of cord do you use for securing your tarp? Been checking out CMI tarred braided bank line. Are you familiar with it, and your opinion of it? Thanks for all your help.
All five are great designs. Another of your many talents. A question. How do you deal with insects during warmer seasons since a shelter has no insect netting? I do a tent now,
but seriously considering a shelter. Can't afford the cuben fiber, though it appears to be the ultimate best.
Thanks for the video, Evan. Didn't you just use a tarp when you hiked the BMT? Is a tarp effective enough in rain?
You're a legend- thank you
Good job. Very informative. I like.
Great sets Evan! Simplicity and functionality. Good stuff.-j.
Great informative video. Very cool set ups.
very good set-ups
Very informative video and not too long. I have to get a nice tarp,. I have a cat cut tarp for my hammock…Take care, Bluefin.
Some nice set ups man great video
nice! the diamond aka plow point is one of my favorites as well…atb…woods
next try the hammock set up. no worries about rain or snakes.
Useful setups. Thanks for the vid.
love the vids my man. thanx for your time and effort,Just subbed……keep in contact and keep them coming!
Great setups for the square tarp. You have chosen the ultimate light weight shelter. Enjoyed the video and it was very informative. Keep Hiking!
awesome video, love the setups you demonstrated, great share:)
Nice setups! I've always been partial to the A-Frame, but the diamond would be worth a try (it also never stops raining in these parts).
some great set ups Evan I will have to try some of them out.
Thanks for sharing! Great ideas i'll have to remember!
Excellent video! Everyone are great setups! I really like the modified leanto!
Love tarp set ups. I haven't tried number 2 yet, looks like a good one.