Many campsites need a tarp setup irrespective of the weather conditions. These tarps are important to protect dwellers from getting wet by the rain or beaten by the scorching sun.
However, setting up a tarp is complicated because there are many tarp designs. Also, it is not easy setting up a tarp over a picnic setting or with very few trees close by.
You can hang a tarp camping by getting the materials necessary for your tent or tarp and also following some useful steps stated in this guide.
This guide aims to discuss the best ways to set up a tarp capping using the available methods, how huge a tarp should be for your campsite, the best tarps for your tarp camping and the cost of a tarp.
Can You Camp With Just A Tarp?
While tarp is an important material for camping, you can’t camp with just a tarp. Tarp camping lets you reduce the gap because it allows people to camp without demanding much financial investment.
Asides tarp camping, you could also use Tent for camping. While tarp camping is more compact, tents are bigger. When talking about various weather situations like snow, sun and rain, tarp camping seems better because it is more durable and has better internal humidity.
Aside from tarps, here are some important things you need for camping:
- Tent: Getting a tent where you and your friends can stay while camping is very important. Tent serves as a haven and should be of good quality to be able to cope with any weather conditions in the woods.
- Sleeping bags: Sleeping on leaves and moss might be fun to some, however, you won’t be warm when the sun sets. Temperatures in camps can drop highly at night, sometimes as low as 21 degrees. Also have it in mind that there are many harmful insects which might have access to where you sleep. To avoid sleeping uncomfortably, you should go to the camp with a sleeping bag for everyone.
- Sleeping pads: Asides, sleeping bags for camping with sleeping pads is important. These pads are useful because they make your sleeping surface more suitable and help you to survive cold temperatures.
- Camping pillow: Having a good pillow while in camp is very good. It makes you rest your head during a nap and reduces headaches. If you are going with kids, please take small pillows.
- Headlamps and Torchlights: Visibility is important when going to campsites, especially when it is in the woods. Try getting some flashlights and good batteries, which can help you when moving around.
- Camp chairs and table: Always go with some form of flexible furniture when going to camp. It shouldn’t be much, but something that will fit perfectly into your tent.
- Compass and map: If it is necessary to camp or hike in remote locations, always go with a map, GPS and compass. There are some irregular changes in solar position which makes certain landmarks very unfamiliar. Many campers who don’t go with compass or maps have found themselves getting lost for days. Wandering off in strange locations without a map is very dangerous.
- Fire starter: There is no camping without starting a fire to keep us warm. You will definitely need a fire tool to start one quickly. You can use flint and steel, cigarette lighters, matches or a magnesium fire starter. Ensure these fire starters are in twos in case one gets faulty. You should take some kindling materials like papers and dry barks.
- Toiletries and first aid materials: Campers shouldn’t forget to park some toiletries, drugs and medicines while camping. It is possible to be stung by bugs or insects, also hygiene is very important. If your camping doesn’t exceed two days, you might want to skip bath, while still staying fresh. Getting good body wipes, deodorant, and tissue papers will do.
- Camp cooking utensils: For those who wish to stay for a while when camping, packing some portable cooking materials will suffice. Deep fryers, oven and toaster are ideal suggestions because they are smaller and will cook basic meals.
- Food: There are a plethora of canned food items you can get before leaving for the camps. These meals will keep you ready for all your activities during camping. Bread, sausages, beans and cereals are nice suggestions.
- Games: Camping is meant to be a place to have fun and enjoy company. It is important to carry some board games like monopoly, draught and chess. You can also have some card games like solitaire and qhot. It offers some form of comfort.
- Firewood: Another crucial thing aside from tarps you need while camping is firewood. This is to provide some form of heat and cooking method in the woods. The type of firewood you will choose will depend on your campsite and other factors.
You could also consider bringing hammock video games, and reading materials to use while in camps.
How To Hang A Tarp Camping?
Getting your tarp camping hanging right is important because it prevents your tarp from getting spoilt anyhow. There are several ways to hang a tarp based on the tarp designs you get.
What you will need
While setting up a tarp, you will need some materials which include:
1. Rope
Try to get about three sets of rope in different lengths and categories. You will need the rope tied around the trees at different ends to keep it in a personal position.
Because of the distance of some trees, it is ideal to get about 120 feet (35 meters of a good nylon static rope. Another type of rope you will need to get are the ones to tie down the tarp to the ground.
These would be thinner than the first and must be equal length. They should be around 70 feet of 1.9 reflective rope.
2. Ground Stakes
These are materials needed to keep the ropes tight in their anchor points. To ensure your tarps are set up well, use about 3-4 ground stakes. Note that some tents come with additional stakes which you can use if it suits your setup.
3. Knife
You will need a knife for shaping the stick’s end so that it can fit perfectly into the grommet hole around the tarps. Ensure you choose the best camping knives which can handle different types of cutting.
4. Wooden Sticks
For better propping of tarps and getting a stick forage. These wooden sticks should be about a foot longer than everyone in the campsite and they must not be too slim or else they will break down under heavy pressure.
Steps To Hang A Tarp Camping
Here are the necessary steps to take while hanging a tarp camping:
Step 1. Choose a spot for your primary rope
Search for the best place for setting up your tarp among the woods. Kindly change the position of your picnic table to accommodate the trees.
When you are trying the primary ropes, make it high so that many heads are under the tarps. Check to be sure it’s tight and won’t sag later.
Step 2. Put Tarp over Rope
Similar to what happens in clothing lines, hang the tarps on the primary rope. Ensure it is centered over the picnic tables. Tie the tiles so that it is positioned well to the grommets on the four corners.
Step 3. Fix Secondary lines to stakes
Then tie each secondary rope to the ground stake. Use a huge stone or rock to press each stake to the ground firmly.
Ensure the stakes are angled so that the tips are pointed forward. When completed, it should look like an ‘A’ shape. These ropes should not be too tight yet.
Step 4. Support all tarp corners with sticks
Slice four sticks and ensure the lengths are at least a. Foot higher than all campers. You can use the knife to shape the tips so that they can fit perfectly to the ground. Then put each stick tip inside the grommet and tighten the secondary rope.
How Big Should A Tarp Be For Camping?
Choosing how big a tarp should be for camping depends on the following:
1. Purpose
The size of your tarp should be based on what you want to use them for. If it’s for ground waterproofing, then you need to measure the floor and dimensions. It could be about 5 to 7 feet long for this purpose.
However, if you are using it as a form of hammock, your tarp should be at least 3 feet long.
2. Weight considerations
When choosing how big your tarp should be for camping, check how heavy it is. This won’t have been a problem if it has been used to cover equipment, however if it is for a hiking or beach camp trip, consider the complexes in moving them around.
3. Maintenance and storage
Since campers won’t use their tarp everytime, it will need to be stored in a good place when not in use. Small and average size tarps are simple to fold, however bigger tarps are difficult to store. Cleaning can be an issue for bigger tarps than smaller ones.
What Type Of Tarp Is Best For Camping?
There are several tarp types which you can use while camping. Here are the best types for camping:
- Summit Escapist Waterproof Tarp: This is a top tarp which is lightweight, flexible and simple to use. It weighs about 250 grams and should take two people. There are bigger models which are comfortable for larger families.
- Fjallraven Abisko Tarp: This tarp is made from good triple silk polyamide because it is lightweight. The major cons of this tarp is that it tears easily. It comes with 14 reinforcement loops and two central points because the materials are stronger.
- Hennessy Hammock Hex Rainfly: This tarp is designed for campers who want a reliable camp shelter. The average model is made for two people and works well to prevent rain and wind.
- Rab Siltarp 2: This tarp type is a flexible, compact and great wet shelter that can accommodate up to four people. The materials are durable and 100% waterproof.
- Terra nova adventure tarp: Campers who want a tarp which provides a good solution to heat and pleasant sleeping conditions will love this tarp. It is made from strong polymers and can take 1 to 2 people. If you are going in groups, you can choose a bigger model at good rates.
- Warbonnet mamajamba tarp: Warbonnet are known to produce suitable materials for camping. They have great tents and camps which you can pick at a cost price. The Warbonnet mamajamba tarp is one of the best tarps around and is a great material to use during camping.
- Aqua quest guide camping tarp: Ths aqua quest camping guide is an ideal to use when camping during rainy and dry seasons. If set up properly, it can be a good choice to use during camping. It can accommodate about three people and offers nice air flow.
How Much Does A Tarp Cost?
The cost of a tarp depends on the size, materials and features. A small blue resistant poly tarp costs around $15 to $150, while a heavy duty fully PVC vinyl tarp should cost from $40 to $500. An average colorful tarp will cost about $110 to $150.
Conclusion
Campers need to know how to hang a tarp to ease their stay while camping. However, while going camping, you will need more than just a camp, you will need a tent, first aid, flashlights, clothes, and cooking utensils.
There are some materials needed to hang a tarp camping like rope, ground stakes and knives. There are many tarp types that are good for camping and they come in various sizes.