I wanted to include a few very useful links that pair well with this video. - The guyline/knot system I'm using here (Skurka): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-slOhlEmBwwY.html - Jupiter covering tarp configurations: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-w6y8ojas_Os.html - Swami's "Big Picture" tarp tips: www.thehikinglife.com/2016/10/five-tips-for-a-successful-tarp-pitch/
I pitched my first A-Frame tarp 46 years ago as an Air Training Corps cadet, then pitched one literally hundreds, if not thousands of times as a soldier. We called them hootchies. I still prefer the simplicity of a tarp when camping. This was a very well thought out and delivered tutorial on the topic. I learned a few things and had a couple of those head nodding moments when things you have known for decades either become clear or you just get some validation. Excellent video, very well explained. Thankyou.
I like the first part of the video where you see the basic method of getting the tarp up by yourself (without a helper). Two temporary pegs at one end and then you set up the first post. Great video, thank you !
This is extremely helpful and includes some good details I haven't found in the ~dozen other videos I've watched. Thanks for making this video to help me go from good to better.
I just pitched my first tarp about an hour ago in the front yard. YAMA Mountain Gear 7' 5" x 9". This video is very helpful and I'll re-pitch based on what you showed. Thanks.
GREAT you demo setup when it's windy... realistic; as we pitch w/ difficult environment. now more doable to do tarp camp. New Subs here. Hope you post more vid.
Great vid! I learned a lot. I like the way you have explained each element. I’m going to practice getting a better pitch based on these pointers this weekend. I’d love to see more videos!
I run a full ridgeline just above the height I want for the tarp itself, very very tightly between two trees. The tarp is hanging loosely underneath. Then I pull the tarp anywhere along that ridgeline to its full length using prussic knots or other ridgeline gadgets. In this manner the ridgeline itelf can be guitar string taut and yet the tarp is at any tightness I choose. If you carry a 50 foot piece of dyneema for the ridgeline. you will almost always find two trees that will work. Dynemma will also be ery low stretch and very very light. I want my expensive DCF tarp to last a lifetime if at all possible. Thanks for the video.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear tarps are so much better than Zpacks (given the money you’re connoting people ought to spend) and furthermore, line-locks on, at least, the four corners is also prudent strategy too. Lastly, the ridge line off of the trekking pole ought to have been done in two tie out points using a clove hitch.
Thank you for your video! Question: when using trees for the ridgeline, do you...a) run the ridgeline first without the tarp, then throw the tarp over the ridgeline? OR b) Thread the ridgeline through the loops on the tarp? OR c) have lengths of cord on the two ends of the tarp (same as if with trekking poles), and tie each end off to a tree? Just wondering which of these is best for an (as you say) "drum-tight" tarp pitch. Thanks!
