How To Pitch A Tarp For Ultralight Backpacking
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- čas přidán 5. 03. 2023
- Hey friends! Today I wanted to walk you through how I pitch my ZPacks tarp for ultralight backpacking. We'll go through all the gear, knots, site selection, and two of my favorite pitches.
Thanks for watching and enjoy!
I originally learned this knot system from the legend, Andrew Skurka (not in person): • Guyline system & knots...
GEAR I TALK ABOUT
My Favorite DCF Tarp: zpacks.com/products/flat-tarp...
Bomber Stakes: geni.us/7vMxA (Amazon)
Cheap, strong guylines: geni.us/LuQm (Amazon)
Trekking poles: zpacks.com/products/zpacks-ca...
GEAR USED TO SHOOT THIS VIDEO
Waterproof camera backpack: geni.us/PAftnR (Amazon)
Lightweight, full-frame camera: geni.us/HyNJK (Amazon)
Wide zoom for vlogging:geni.us/jBbeUq1 (Amazon)
Mid zoom for b-roll: geni.us/PeuC (Amazon)
My mic: geni.us/fvbT0E (Amazon)
Lightweight tripod: geni.us/fFSFX (Amazon)
VNDs for shooting outside:geni.us/qkvC (Amazon)
#ultralightbackpacking #campinggear
DISCLAIMER: This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Doing so helps me make more videos like this. I appreciate you!
Contact Information: linktr.ee/timbschwartz - Sport
Playing around with different setups is the most enjoying thing with camping. Papa Hiker on youtube is a legend
Hey Marko! Thanks for the comment! Yeah, I'm lucky to be able to go out and mess around with gear in the woods be able to share it with other people. It's so enjoyable.
Always nice to see what other tarp users are doing and using for their setups. Great video. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Mat! Really been enjoying your channel, as well.
@@timbschwartz I’m glad you’ve been enjoying my channel too. Thanks for checking it out! I appreciate it.
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This is one of the best videos I've seen on this topic, thank you for clearly demonstrating the knots. I've struggled tying knots so much, I always just end up doing overhand knots all the time 😂. I know there's a better way. People talk about knots when backpacking but never tell you what to use where. Well done video!
Thanks so much for the comment! I'm glad you found it useful.
Look up some tutorials on the taut-line hitch. That is one that is generally used exclusively for guy-outs and stakes as it makes adjusting them much simpler than undoing the entire knot. The truckers hitch is also invaluable and i use it for clothes lines and ridge lines for my tarp and tents. Knots are fun!
@@maxenra Hey Matthew! Thanks so much for chiming in here. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the taught line hitch, having tried it both ways.
The cons of the taught line for me are:
1. Less precise tension, especially on non-stretch fabrics like DCF
2. No 2:1 mechanical advantage
3. You can only adjust to ~1/2 the length of your guyline (where the knot hits your the tieout on the tarp) before you need to retie
4. Difficult to use when the line is icy
Thanks again and have a great weekend!
For something like this, as long as you can do any kind of knot that won't give out under stress/wind, you'll be fine. Barring something where your life is literally in your hands like climbing or rescue, knowing different knots just makes your experience easier - faster to undo, make adjustments, more versatile, etc. As Tim said in the video, practice them a bunch at home until you can do them without thinking (teach them to someone else). Or barring that, if you find you just have a mental block, there are all kinds of small tools that can do most of the same functions for albeit for a few extra grams or ounces - the LiteOutdoors Ultralight tensioner, the Nite-Ize Figure 9 to name a couple. Heck, you can 3D print several of them if you have or know someone with a printer. But do learn the bowline no matter the direction you take.
edit: Zpacks uses a variation of those tensioners on several products, including the tarp, but I don't see many people using them that way. Mostly I see people do something similar to here where they make their own tensioning knot for the same reasons Tim outlined in the video, but they're built to the tarp.
Could you make another video? My wife keeps telling me I need to figure out how to pitch a tent or she's leaving me for the gardener. I'm not sure I fully understand her reasons but I just want to make her happy.
I came here just to make a similar joke 😂
Lol! I'm beginning to think my channel would get more traction if I made more suggestive thumbnails.
@@timbschwartz Being alone in the woods turns me into a prepubescent 13 year old.
@@Jimmy2Bits Happens to the best of us, my friend!
Alas, at my stage of the journey, my head making a suggestion 🙏 and the body replying with "you want to do what?" 😳. Not always though .. fortunately. Weeds are still at risk ..😏.
Fantastic job explaining the knot tying. My kids have always had trouble remembering how to tie these knots. Your concise manner of demonstrating has helped tremenously. Everyone should watch and learn from this video. Thanks again Tim!
Thanks for the kind words! I'm so glad that you found it helpful. I appreciate you!
The tautline hitch is your friend. Way better than the trucker’s hitch you’re using for the stakes. But the trucker’s hitch works well if you’re setting a ridgeline.
Hey Scott! Thanks for the comment!
Having used both, I prefer a trucker's hitch for all tie out points. The cons of the taught line for me are:
1. Less precise tension, especially on non-stretch fabrics like DCF
2. No 2:1 mechanical advantage
3. You can only adjust to ~1/2 the length of your guyline (where the knot hits your the tieout on the tarp) before you need to retie
4. Difficult to use when the line is icy
Thanks again for the feedback and have a great weekend!
This is the best video I've found on ultralight tarp set-up and the relevant knots. Thank you so much!
Thanks so much for the kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the video :)
Great tutorial, video. Great quality, very organized and well thought out.
Thanks
Thanks for the kind words, Mark!
This was great! I'm a moderately experienced backpacker who is looking to lighten my load and start experimenting with tarp camping. I had been intimidated with learning knots in particular, and your explanation is very clear. Thanks so much.
Glad it was helpful!
By the way, theres a trick I learned recently with the truckers hitch that makes it much easier to use. All you do is instead of going through the loop and then pulling tight. Just go through the loop a second time and then pull. When you do this, the line gets pinched on it self and works as a progress capture so all you have to do is pull and the line is set, no need to tie off. To release you just pull the free end in the opposite direction.
Thanks for the comment, Roman! First I'm hearing about this but I just watched a video explaining how it works. I'll give it a whirl!
@@timbschwartz Two loops thru the truckers hitch 💪This works the best for me.
THANK YOU for the knots lesson. I so needed that.
New subscriber here! Phenomenal tutorial for any beginner, thanks for being so thorough and structured with your explanations.
Hey Zac! Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it!
Good video! tarps a such a good a versatile shelter! I'd love to see more of your tips with tarps :D
Thanks so much for the kind words, Joel! Lots more videos on the way.
Thanks man, great learning video. Good attitude, keep up the good work ✌️
Thanks for the kind words, Matthew! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Great video! We'll be practicing knots for the rest of the day 👋
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Really enjoyed this. Some useful knots to learn!
Thanks so much for the kind words, Craig! Glad you enjoyed it!
Nice. Tarp camping is definitely the way to go!!
Thanks! Yeah I looove being under a tarp.
Very nice! Great video work. I've been using those knots often on my shelters ever since first seeing Andrew Skurka's video demonstrating them. Keep up the good work.
Gotta love the Andrew Skurka tips!
Thanks so much, John! Yep, I learned from that same Skurka video many years ago, than added my own flavor over time. That dude is a legend! Been considering going on one of his guided trips.
Excellent! Very well explained. Thanks!
Thanks for the comment, Eric! Glad you found it useful!
Use them all the time...desert or harsh winter conditions. Always some elastics on the four corners between the lines, so you will survive typhoons as well all others can be tight direct. But we all do it different...
Thanks for the comment! Haven't tried using elastic, but it's interesting to think about.
I've been looking for this exact video! Thank you!
Thanks for the comment! So glad you found it helpful!
Great tutorial! I never considered tying a trucker's hitch to the corner takes. I'll give that a try. Thanks!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Mark!
Nice video. Well done. I've rarely slept under a tarp. But I have used them for dining flies when afternoon monsoon rains hit in NM & CO. I will tie a small bowline knot (loop) to attach the cords to the tarp but I will girth hitch the loop to the tarp rather than tying them to the tarp (even tho using the slipped bowline is a nice touch). If I'm attaching the tarp to trees, I'll use a Siberian Hitch on one end and a Trucker's Hitch on the other. The Siberian Hitch is a slip knot as well.
Thanks for watching, Carl! Just looked up the Siberian hitch - will need to give that a shot at some point.
Super tutorial, thanks so much! Very clear and understandable.
What gorgeous woods you have there! We have so much beetle kill here in SW Colorado that when I see live trees, it looks like a fantasy forest.
Hey Jessica! I'm glad it helped! I had you in mind when I went through the knots. Yeah the woods are particularly nice this time of year :)
@@timbschwartz Thank you! This is extremely helpful to me and perfectly filmed. I can see everything you're doing.
Much appreciated! I will be using these knots for sure. I'm so glad your channel came up.
Really awesome variations on those knots. Very helpful🙏
Thanks so much for the kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome video man thanks for making!
Thanks so much for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
Hope you have an awesome trip. Thank you for the vid 👍
Thanks for the kind words, Chris!
What a great ass video. I even learned a bit about your initial set up of the Trucker's hitch. That slip knot at the start--perfection. And as many times as I have used that knot I just used and overhand on a bite. I like you method 100 Xs better. Thanks. Dam, I am glad I subscribed.
Thanks for the kind words! I'm so glad it helped you out.
This was GOLDEN! Thank you so much. Super helpful.
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind words!
Thank you.....I know two of the three knots! I really enjoy my tarp. I add a lightweight ivy in buggy conditions..
Thanks for the comment! Tarp camping is amazing, and I'm glad you enjoyed the video! The addition of a bug bivy can be crucial depending on conditions - good thinking.
Love the cinematography
Love the 4 runner
Great video
Stay happy healthy and fluid
Thanks so much, JD! That means a lot. You as well, my friend!
The first tarp setup vid I saved in my favorites. Thx!
Thanks so much for the comment! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Another great video 👌
Thank you so much, Melanie! I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
I'm so glad i'm not the only one who has to go around and move stakes to get everything just right lol. The only thing I do differently is that I stick to taut line hitches for my guy lines and reserve truckers hitch for ridgelines. truckers hitch just always feels like overkill for guylines to me. I also use a bowline knot like you for my guys, however instead of tying it directly to the tarp loop, I stick the bowline in its entirety through the loop and then run the line through it. I think it might be called a larks head or something like that. That way the bowline never needs to be retied even if I want to move the guyline to a different tie out. Excellent tarp work man!
Thanks so much for watching! Yeah the main reason I prefer the truckers' hitch is that I find it faster to tie if I want to make the lines super short or whatever. I also really like how tight I can get the whole shelter with them, but it's totally personal preference and to each their own.
The larkshead works really well for that application!
I appreciate the kind words!
Nice breakdown of the knots. Really great qaulity video! Just subbed.
Thank you so much!
I've been tarp camping the California Sierra Nevada the last four summer/fall seasons . i usually do three weeks but I did 5 weeks this past season.
this is probably the best tarp video on you tube.
I agree100% 10'x8' minimum and site selection are important.
i use zing it for my Ridgeline and tie outs. I am able to use trees 90% of the time but use my poles as well. i have an alien loop titanium clip on one end of my ridgeline and I use a truckers hitch on the other. for clipping on my tarp and bug bivy i ditched the prusik knots for nama claws by nama gear.
i love tarp camping. when it rains I am able to configure the tarp to drain the water away from me. i have always stayed dry when tenters were swamped.
Thanks so much for the kind words!
Excellent content my dude
Thanks so much, Will! I'm glad you liked it. Have a great week!
thank you for sharing techniques to build shelters that are simple and attractive.
You're very welcome! Thank you for the kind words!
Your A frame method works really well . Thank you
Thanks for the comment! Glad you found it helpful.
Great video and very informative!
Glad you liked it, Dave! Thanks for the comment.
Great video man
Thank you for watching, Justin!
Great video and sounds quality. Tarps are just so versatile and the way to go. I like using a clove hitch for all my tie outs tho, it's a lot quicker and easy.
Thanks for the comment, Andy! Just subscribed to your channel - really like what you're making over there. Interesting - would need to play around with that a bit.
@@timbschwartz That's awesome, thanks for checking out my channel. I've been trying to make better quality videos with quality editing, camera, audio + good content.
The clove hitch is honestly one of my favorite knots. I use it often rock climbing but also when setting up my tarp. I used the hitch when I biked the Colorado last summer with the HMG tarp. There's so many good knots out there so to each their own right.
@@AndyOnTheMountain Sure thing, man!
Yeah totally agree - everyone has their favorite knot haha.
While I will need lots of practice on the knots, I do appreciate your organization, clarity, and specificity. Well done.
Thanks for the kind words!
Hi from Northumberland, nice video, the way you showed the knots will be so easy for people to follow, you have great places to camp/bivy
Cheers
Thanks so much for the kind words, Adrian! Northumberland looks beautiful as well.
Great job. Thanks for tips.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Andrew!
@@timbschwartz You're welcome!
Thanks for explaining, it is very helpfull!
Thanks so much for the comment! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks, Tim for showing how to simplify tying knots! They are essential to doing many things outdoors and it's something people should practice so they can do it in their sleep. When you're out in the back country and in the middle of an emergency, you don't want to look for a video on how to tie knots, LOL! 😁👍
So glad you enjoyed it, Debbi! I completely agree with you - practice makes perfect!
..Learn how to tie a taut-line hitch for the stake end ,, can be tightened if winds and stretch loosen the lines ...
@@rockytopwrangler2069 My NEMO tents have adjustable straps but this is a good knot to know how to tie if the straps break and I need to improvise. Thanks for the tip! One of my favorites is just a plain square knot and for adjustable lines, I use the fisherman's knot (for my EDC neck knife). 😁
Very helpful!
Thanks so much, Cord! I'm glad it helped you out.
really great video, nicely put together and really simple techniques, thanks for posting. Good luck with the channel, subscribed 🙂🇺🇸🇦🇺
Thanks so much! I really appreciate you saying so, and I'm glad you enjoy it. And thanks also for the sub - so happy to have you along for the ride!
Well done 👍
Thank you so much!
When you said moving knots and the Bowline was included, I was, ??? But the trick with the loop to complete it is Beaut!!! Truckers knot, I know from canoe tie downs 60 years ago, again the loop, perfect! Thanks for video!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment :)
Great video! I love a tarp setup. Crow
Thanks for the kind words! Yeah I love a good tarp setup as well - best way, to camp in my opinion!
Aside from non stretch line, which I totally understand, have you used “elastic” type pieces?
Something that would allow for high wind per day and still remain taught. Good video and examples of knots.
Hey Timothy! Thanks for the comment. I haven't used elastic on my tieouts but have heard of folks using them to keep silnylon shelters from sagging. My concern with using them with the configurations in the video would be that the additional stretch introduced by the elastic would be enough to take tension off of the trekking pole and have it kick out, bringing the whole shelter down with it. I've found that using natural anchors (roots, trees, etc.) plus the knot system I go through results in a pretty bomber setup.
That said, I'm always open to new ways of doing things. Let me know if it works for you!
Good video. Something that has always worked for me and avoids trying and untying knots in the dark and/or with wet cold fingers is to pre-tie most of the knots. Tie an overhand or figure 8 loop long enough to slip through the tarp loop. Tie a taut line hitch with a loop at the other (stake) end. If you use the same pitch you can just leave the lines attached. If you change lines, just run the line loop out through the current tarp loop and reinsert through your new tarp loop. No tying or retying needed. No doubt the truckers hitch really allows you to crank down on the tension, but I find the taut line hitch works just as well. With a tarp that large, for the lean to, I move my poles back one loop an the tarp and stake out. Then stake out the “hangy down” remainder out at a 45 degree angle for more front coverage and better wind resistance with a steeper back wall for more space. For bad weather, a half pyramid woks well and pitches super fast.
Glad you enjoyed it! I can see the positives of the taut-line and keeping things pre-assembled, but at this point its muscle memory haha.
I agree! I'd love to do a modified lean-to like you describe, but my tarp doesn't have mid tie outs on the shorter sides, so I'd need to do a long lean-to, which always seemed a bit wonky to me since you can't tuck into the sheltered end if the weather turns. It's one of a couple minor quirks out this tarp that I think could be improved.
Thanks for commenting and watching!
I feel your pain! It took me a few tarps to figure this out you cannot have too many perimeter loops and pull outs on the tarp. Since tarp pitching is all about versatility - you would think manufacturers would get it. Some don't. It doesn't weigh that much more and make the tarp infinitely more flexible and useful. Keep up the good work!@@timbschwartz
👍👍👍
Very nice and well demonstrated.
Knots and muscle memory. I keep a short length of cord in my pocket. I rarely need to drive as the Transport Infrastructure here in Switzerland is excellent. Thus, besides having a forest practically on my doorstep, I can get to just about any forest I wish without too much 'yomping'. Waiting for and during a commute, the Cordage keeps idle fingers occupied (my mobile phone stays in my pocket / pack and not glued to my nose 😏) .. the mentioned knots being on the agenda amongst other. I can now do them almost without having to 'think' about it.
Guy Line tie-outs .. especially with the Trekking Poles. I sometimes, depending, like to use a 'double cord' on each, the Clove Hitch being in the middle of the length of cord .. going out at 90° to one another. I find this gives the poles more lateral stavility. Something I picked up many moons back camping / caravanning.
Birds .. never a problem. Even after 73 Summers, I love them .. feathered or not 😁.
A very useful share .. thanks. Take care ..
I'm slow glad you enjoyed it! That's a great tip for being able to practice knots on the go, so thanks so much for the comment. Enjoy the rest of your week!
@@timbschwartz 👍
Trekking poles the other way up maybe - to stop any rain or condensation and dirt from running down the polls and into the joints. Good comprehensive coverage of knots :-)
Thanks for the tip! I normally do it handle down so they don't sink too far into the ground, since it's always so wet here.
@timbschwartz I want to express my gratitude for the insightful video! The demonstration of knots was particularly helpful. While I've gained a solid understanding of their structure, I find myself craving a closer look at their practical application. Specifically, around the 9:13 mark, a detailed close-up and an explanation of the dynamics when manipulating the knots would be immensely beneficial. It might be intuitive with hands-on experience, but from the video alone, I'm struggling to envision how these knots translate into effectively adjusting a tarp. A follow-up video, perhaps delving into common mistakes and troubleshooting, would be an excellent addition to further enhance our learning experience. Thank you again for the valuable content!
So glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for the feedback!
Nice one cheers!
Thanks so much, James!
Lots of good info. I still like my mid. Four stakes and a trekking pole. Out of the rain in 2 minutes or so. I met a family of four with a big dynema mid on the AT a couple of years ago. Very high winds but they did Ok. I had a cheap North Face Stormbreak 3 for me and my two kids. Heavy but really kid proof. We each carried a part. One had the tent body, one the fly, one the poles. It’s too heavy but I only section hike. It’s been tough. I had a problem with the mid in snow. Need better pegs in soaked ground.
Thanks for watching! I've always liked the concept of a mid, but I've found that I need to size up with a traditional mid here in the PNW since its so wet and I don't want to be bumping the walls. I've recently started using a Zpacks plex solo, which is not quite a mid, but similar concept with the single pole design.
Sounds like you have a good system for breaking up the weight! All that matters is that you're having a good time.
For what its worth, I'm a huge fan of the full sized groundhogs when holding power is a concern.
Tim, great video, very helpful thanks. I haven't used a tarp for years but would like to get back to using one. The Zpacks DCF tarp looks great. However, I understand that DCF has little or no give, unlike Silpoly that has some stretch. If this is the case, do DCF tarps lend themselves to things like tarp tents etc? Many thanks.
Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, it has no stretch (in the practical sense.) I've never made a tarp tent with it as I like to keep things open for the sake of managing condensation, but I've seen folks do it and it seems to work fine. The nice thing about it - from what I've seen in other videos - is that the lack of stretch means that you don't have to worry about permanently stretching out the material in a weird spot, which apparently can be an issue with materials like Silnylon. Again, just what I've seen but I don't have any real world experience with that configuration.
He finally gets to the point @8:30 in the video. You’re welcome.
Thanks for comment and help with time-stamping, Tony!
For anyone else that would like to skip around:
0:36 Required Gear
2:22 Knot Tutorial
4:03 Site Selection
7:55 Tarp Setup / Lean - To
10:00 A Frame
Have a good one!
@@timbschwartz I must say, I respect the classy reply to my snarky comment. Shamefully, I am a product of these new CZcams shorts where I get the idea in 30 seconds or less. It’s made me impatient and that is a step backwards for me in character development.
Thanks for taking the high road when I clearly took the low one. I forget sometimes, there is a real person behind these videos and you took the time to produce quality bushcrafting content that teaches a nearly forgotten skill set.
My apologies. 🔥
Don't sweat it, my friend! The comments help me improve. I really appreciate the follow up, though!
To me, the Clove Hitch is similar to a Constrictor knot ( people called it the "X" knot ) ! My favorite shelter is a Tarp Tent with flooring .
Thanks for watching! Great point - it is similar, although a clove hitch should be a bit easier to untie. I admit though I haven't really messed around with the constrictor knot. I've always wanted to try a configuration with a floor! I feel like I'd shred my thin DCF tarp doing it, so I'd need to get something a bit more durable.
Rolling hitch (taut line), or even lark’s head knot, is MUCH better for stakes on a guy line, imo. But trucker’s hitch is great for tightening ridge line. Again, jmo. Great video though. They all work. I believe knot tying is in the top 3 skills you need to know to survive outdoors.
Thanks for the comment! I put together a short on this topic:
czcams.com/users/shortseddu4NQfyps
The main point is that I'm often changing how I set up my tarp, which requires re-tying the knots on the lines. I find the truckers' hitch to be faster to tie and tighten than a taught line. If I were to always set it up in an a-frame, for example, I'd probably use them more often.
Totally agree with you on knots! It's a dying art haha.
Nice video. Would be interested in more set up variations 😊
Thanks for the comment, Michael! I appreciate the feedback. Would love to do a follow up on this video at some point with more creative setups. It's more about making it all fit in a video that isn't 40 min long. Are there any other specific setups that you'd like to see one day?
Awesome! I have the same tarp. How did you switch the line-locks out for loops on your Zpacks tarp?
Hey! Mine actually came like that, before they put linelocs on them. I suppose you could clip them if you were so inclined.
You are such a great communicator. Very clear instructions great visuals. I would like to ask less repetitive background music or at a lower volume. It got pretty tough stay tuned in to the script. Minor complaint, really excellent video and I appreciate it.
Thanks for the comment and kind words! I'm glad you found it useful, and I appreciate your feedback on the music.
Good tutorial. Just a thought, you pre-tie bowlines on each line and then when pitching just feed the bowline through the tarp loop and slip the standing end through the loop of the bowline until tight. Doing this saves time trying knots, is easier in the dark, limits the time your fingers fumble in cold and wet conditions.
Hey! Thanks for the comment. Totally! That's actually something that I do when I'm out fairly often depending on how close I put the sides to the ground. The issue that I run into when making tutorials like these is that if I include lots of different options for how to do things, it can be a bit confusing for people who are learning this stuff for the first time. I completely agree, though!
Actually, I think I misunderstood as I'm reading this again - I originally though you meant feeding the standing end through the bowline loop instead of a slip loop for the truckers hitch.
Do you mean creating the bowline then essentially using the loop as a larkshead to attach it to the tarp? If so I actually use to have them on my tarp like that, but I found them difficult to remove in the cold/wet if I needed to reposition lines, which is why I opted for the bowline with a slip loop.
Everyone's different, though!
@@timbschwartz Your original thought was correct: I throw the standing end through the bowline creating a larkshead. I find them easy to move around of needed and I remove them each morning. Sometimes I just use a fir cone as a pin in the bowline against the tarp loop, but that gets into too many details for people just learning about tarps, along with rarely carrying stakes in woodlands since every stick on the ground is a potential stake haha
@@timbschwartz PS Hope I run into you sometime on the Mt Hood or the GP.
@@memathews Ahh gotcha. Yeah it may be an issue of line thickness - I tend to find myself picking at it quite a bit with my nails to get the larkshead apart. I like the fir cone idea! I'll need to take a crack at that.
If you get a chance, try a beaked tarp. A little extra fabric on each end makes a huge difference in storm coverage. Ray Jardine tarps are a good example.
Thanks for the suggestion, Eric! I'll try to give one a shot at some point.
Hey Tim, I've really enjoyed your vids, thanks for putting them out. I'm looking to get back into backpacking after a long hiatus and am researching gear like crazy. I really like the idea of tarp camping, but am slightly concerned about wind. Obviously site selection is critical, but if its super windy doesn't it affect your quilt/bag's ability to keep you warm? Seems like once you start adding a mesh net or a bivy sack you might as well get a tent (weight wise). Cheers!
Hey Billy! Thanks for the comment. You've sort of nailed it here - I tend to sleep a bit on the cooler side so I sometimes struggle with the breeze stealing warmth from my sleep system, and with new tent fabrics you can get something that's roughly the same weight as a tarp + bivy that's a true 4 sided shelter. You can still end up lighter with the tarp and bivy combo, but the difference is pretty negligible in terms of weight.
The real question to ask is, would you rather a tent with a set footprint, or do you want the ability to plop down wherever and versatility to ditch the overhead protection on clear nights? If that doesn't matter much to you and you're just trying to save weight, then a lightweight tent like a Plexamid may be a better option, although a sil tarp and bivy would come in at about half the price.
Hope that helps - its really more a matter of personal preference than anything else.
You really like TOGR channel. You’ve used their creative filming style.
Love me some TOGR!
Thanks for this video! It is exactly the information I was searching for.... I was just wondering, is there a higher risk of tick bites by sleeping this way? (Or do you have some sort of preventive way of dealing with them?)
Hi Petra! Thanks for the comment, and glad you found it useful! Tick bites are serious business - it's not a huge issue where I live but if its a concern for you you could pair your tarp up with a lightweight bivy like those from Borah Gear or Mountain Laurel designs, or at the very least use some sort of bathtub floor to make it a bit harder for the them to get to you. You could also give your gear a good blast with permethrin to keep them at bay.
@@timbschwartz Thanks a lot for the suggestions! I will definitely consider them, as there are a lot of ticks in the area where I live. So thanks again!
Nice video. The zpack tarp is not square and a bit smaller than some. Would you recommend a pitch where some of the tarp can be used as groundsheet? Ideally with some weather resistance.
Hi! Thanks for the comment. I wouldn't use this tarp in a configuration where it's being used as a groundsheet - it would quickly shred the .55 DCF
@@timbschwartz Hi, Thanks for reply, a great channel. Yep the zpack tarp is thin, not like the usual DCF groundsheet material. But I am only carrying the tarp as insurance for occasional use in case I can’t find accommodation and am marooned between my planned stays on an extended through hike. Hence I want this insurance to be as light as possible, avoiding the extra weight of a ground sheet. I find DCF to be a really good groundsheet material, it’s 100% watertight and so far no problem with shredding. Also if it is punctured it’s very easy to repair with a piece of tape. My duplex groundsheet is still going strong after years of use without a footprint. I agree DCF is not good with repeated abrasion, like when a tent edge flaps in the wind against a rock, or a rucksack base which drags on the ground, but for an occasional groundsheet think it’s ok even when thin. I have seen a pyramid pitch incorporating a fold under groundsheet using a 10x10 dd tarp but this is bigger and has more tie outs, I can do a C pitch but that’s more open. Guess I will just have to experiment.
Hey great video for pitching a tarp. I wonder if you can speak to the difference between the zpacks tarps as compared to HMG. HMG is crazy expensive but the versatility of the additional tie outs keeps me looking at it. Did you ever wish you had the additional tie outs? Thanks again
Hey Neda! Thanks for the comment. I haven't used the HMG tarp, but I'm pretty familiar with it. A few things to consider:
Yes, the HMG is $50 more expensive for the equivalent size (8x10 HMG vs 8.5x10 ZPacks), but it's .8oz DCF as opposed to .5oz so you'll see a significant increase in overall durability. The .5oz DCF of the ZPacks tarp is a bit like sleeping under tissue paper.
Also, like you said the HMG has a bunch more tie outs which could be helpful depending on how creative you like to get with your pitches. To me, the extra $50 here seems reasonable given the more robust materials and more elaborate construction. Keep in mind though this will add to the overall bulk of the shelter in your pack.
As far as the tieouts go, I do sometimes wish that I had a tieout somewhere on the ridgeline so that I could more easily raise the foot end of a low A frame. Also, additional tieouts on the short end would be handy to get a peak on a lean-to. With the former, you could buy come stick on webbing loops and it would work, but they'd probably come off at some point.
If you aren't married to the idea of DCF, you could think about hitting up Jared at Simply Light Designs and having something made to your exact specifications out of silnylon or silpoly for significantly less money.
Hope this helps
@@timbschwartz Thanks so much for the info. I have no clue if tarp camping is for me but I love the idea of taking it in addition to the tent. I'm a bit obsessed with rain of late. I love the idea of an instant shelter to just get out of the rain....and maybe transition to tarp camping. I didn't realize the dcf weight difference. I think zpacks will work better for my idea, maybe even the 7 x 9 just for bulk...never easy but always fun to shop.
Cheers
Personally, I love my HMG tarp. I bought it during a Black Friday sale if I remember correctly. As per anything dyneema, it’s gonna be costly.
Love Zpacks, as I use their duplex and Nero 38l pack, but the HMG tarp had more going for it, at an acceptable weight penalty. I haven’t fully embraced tarp camping yet, it’s still just something I play around with. Another reason I went with the heavier material….it’ll ultimately be more forgiving of abuse and mistakes. My biggest issue is finding the proper bug protection for use under the tarp, and I may have found it with the Borah Gear bivy I’ll be trying on the TMB this summer.
Tick pressure back home is too harsh for me to risk getting alpha-gal by cowboy camping under the tarp.
Since you're using Zing-It, any thoughts on burying the ends within themselves? Seems like that would keep the ends from fraying. I wouldn't think that the extra thickness would cause any problems with the knots you're tying.
Hey Kevin! I haven't tried it, but I don't see why not. I normally just melt the ends, though.
Good video. One small advice, instead of using the trucker's hitch I would use the taut-line hitch, since you don't need to apply too much force on the line. Cheers!
Hi Miguel! Thanks for the suggestion! Having used both, I'm personally not a huge fan of the taught line hitch. The cons for me are:
1. Less precise tension, especially on non-stretch fabrics like DCF
2. No 2:1 mechanical advantage
3. You can only adjust to ~1/2 the length of your guyline (where the knot hits your the tieout on the tarp) before you need to retie
4. Difficult to use when the line is icy
Have a good one!
@@timbschwartz I've had good results with the taut-line hitch, but it's true that I haven't used it much and not in the conditions you're describing. So I will take into account what you have said. Thanks for responding. Regards!
Man I ve yet to come across ground in the wild that allows such nice penetration of stakes. Fantastic presentation though.
Thanks for the kind words! I'll be honest, I hunted around quite a bit to find good ground for the video... you don't see my first attempt where the tarp blew away because I couldn't get the stakes in far enough. Have a great week!
Get outta town !
A freakin quick release bowline.
First time l've seen that & why didn't l think of that?
👍✌🇨🇦
Glad you found it useful! Thanks for the comment!
The truckers hitch is too complex for the purpose of staking. Use a taut line hitch instead. It's instantly adjustable.
Thanks for the comment, Mark! Would have to disagree here, though - a taught line hitch doesn't give the same mechanical advantage for pulling the shelter drum tight, and it can only adjust the half the length of cord before you need to retie it, which makes it a pain for when you want to stake our shelter low but still have it be adjustable.
Adjustable guy line hitch with a slip loop should be plenty! Try using some slightly thicker cord for more friction to hold your friction knots in place
@@dancreed I see Samson also makes the same line in 2.2mm vs the 1.75mm at the link in the description. Is that a better diameter for improved friction and holding power?
@@wanttogo1958 I have just clicked the link and read the description…
“A special slick coating allows Zing-It to easily glide over the roughest bark.”
There’s the issue right there
I don't think it's complicated...IMO
2:46 Sorry if you already have, ever tried the perfection loop instead of the bowline? The cord is managed differently allowing for even tension on both sides of the knot. And the tag end isn't right in the middle of the loop like it is with the bowline.
Hey James! Thanks for commenting. Not sure which knot you mean - looks like it got deleted from your reply.
@@timbschwartz deleted? weird.
The perfection loop is often used in fishing to form a loop at the end of the line for attachment of something else such as another line rigged to a bait, for example. As James noted, the end of the line stands clear of the loop you formed. I’m not sure it is as easily undone as the one you demonstrated but if you want your loop to be more or less permanent then that aspect of the perfection loop vs your choice makes little difference.
Hey James! I Haven't tried it. Thanks for the tip!
@@wanttogo1958 It's about as easy as loosening a prussic/prusik/prussick knot. (I dont know how to spell)
What trucker's hitch instead of tautline hitch? Tautline is more easily adjustable?
Hi! I actually find that I can get greater adjustability from a trucker's hitch. I put together a short on this topic that you can check out when you have a moment czcams.com/users/shortseddu4NQfyps
You can simplify your system by just tying the loop part of the Trucker’s hitch and putting a stake directly through it. The distance from corner tarp to stake is usually obvious when your pulling the corner out, and not really impacted by an extra inch or so in either direction.
I also put an overhand loop on one end of all my guylines and then just loop that through the corner point and then pull the working end of the cord through the loop. This makes the guylines easily removable without ever having to retie a knot.
Just makes for a more straightforward setup IMO.
Thanks for the comment, Andrew! The slip loop that starts the trucker's hitch will collapse unless both the loop and the standing end of the line are under load, so you'd want to use a different knot - maybe an overhand loop - if you were going to stake through it directly. That said, you'd lose the ability to easily tension the line which is part of the appeal of this system.
I've tried using a larkshead as you've described, but I find that I have a hard time picking it apart in cold weather if I need to reposition the line, so I prefer something with a slip loop. The bowline has the added benefit of creating a loop that can be used for the truckers hitch (rather than tieing an additional slip loop) so it makes setup a breeze.
Have a great week!
@@timbschwartz your point about taking apart knots in cold and/or wet conditions is spot on. It took me a stupid amount of time to find cordage that holds knots yet is easy to untie and doesn’t knot on itself. I have settled on the reflective guy like that Hammock Gear sells. 1.75 oz for 50 feet, so not the lightest option, but the performance I get from it is well with the extra weight, which in the end is less than an ounce when compared to other options I’ve tried anyway.
@@timbschwartz I get that the slip loop will collapse. Let it collapse with a stake through it - the stake will stop the collapse. Then put the stake in the ground. In the morning, you just pull the stake out of the loop and pull the guy line on both ends, collapsing the loop entirely.
Because you’re using a Dyneema tarp, you’re not going to have to adjust the stake position once it’s set.
On something like Silnylon, I either move a few stakes further out for more tension, or I pitch the tarp with my trekking pole at a slight angle, and straighten the trekking poll a bit before I go to sleep. If I move the stakes out, I still use the initial loop I created.
Straightening the pole gives more lift to the tarp and tightens out any sag that occurred in the fabric since the initial pitch.
I never find I have to adjust a SilNylon pitch more than once. It seems like the material only stretches once.
The knot described sounds like the marlin spike hitch.
@@hanelyp1 I think you’re correct, at least it’s very similar, looking at pictures of that knot using Google. I don’t know knot names. I discovered my own knots, and know them through muscle memory.
If I’m holding a cord horizontally in front of me with two ends hanging down, I’d bring the right side over the center, making a letter P, with the bottom straight part of the better P being the right end of the cord hanging down. The left end of the cord runs into the P, under the loop part of the P.
Next I fold the loop part of the P towards the left, with two or three fingers of my right hand in the loop, and with my left hand holding the two loose ends of the cord, grab the cord that was left of the P, and pull it through the loop. I put my stake through this loop.
👍
Out of curiosity, why do you chose to use the trucker’s knot instead of a simple tautline hitch? They are easy and tension well without having to undo them to re-tension or loosen. I do like the trucker’s knot for really pulling tension to tie down my canoe, etc., but for my tent/tarp guy lines I prefer the tautline. Your thoughts? Otherwise a really well done video.
Thanks for the comment! I made a video going into detail on this topic - check it out when you get a sec:
czcams.com/users/shortseddu4NQfyps
@@timbschwartz good points. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
I live in Florida and camp near springs . I want to use a tarp set up but am scared of snakes 🐍 , is it relatively safe to sleep on the ground In water moccasin and rattlesnake places ? Will they leave me alone ?
Hey! I grew up in PA with lots of rattlesnakes, but wasn't a tarp camper then. We don't have poisonous snakes where I live now. My instinct says that they have no desire to bother you while you're sleeping, but please don't take my advice on it - see if you can find someone local to your area that can offer some guidance, or reach out to a ranger station.
Also make sure that there's no dead trees at your camp spot...a strong wind could push it over onto the spot and on you.
Great point, David!
Really good presentation. Background music is a nice touch but a little too loud. Looking forward to future vids.
Thanks for the feedback! I've toned it down quite a bit in more recent videos haha
Using a streachy cord has the advantage of being a shock absorber in a windy environment. Your tarp wil be less lightly to get shread in high winds, snow loading etc...
I prefer a taught line hitch more easy to adjust.
Thanks for the comment! Never had much luck with either a taught line or stretchier line, but to each their own, of course.
For the knots, I don't feel like I can get the same amount of tension as with a truckers hitch, and if I decide I want to go from a high pitch to very low, but not staked directly to the ground, I need to retie the taught line since it can only tighten until the point the knot hits the webbing on the tarp, where as the truckers hitch is more or less infinitely adjustable.
Also I find I get too much sag with stretchier line, and my concern would be a pole kicking out in the wind when the line stretches.
Have a great week!
What do you do about mosquitoes?
Thanks for the comment, Logan! I use either a bug bivy or a net in those cases, but there's only a couple months out of the year where its an issue here. I'm currently editing another video where I discuss this in more detail and it will be up this week.
@@timbschwartz Awesome! I eagerly await your video on the subject.
How many dollars worth of gear is that. I use a $12 tarp sometimes a poncho $2 worth of para cord and some sticks I find.
I prefer a ridge line and 2 prucie knots. Also like a walking stick over ski poles. I don’t get the ultra light community maybe because I chose camping hiking over expensive gear.
That cord looks like it would be horrible if it gets a knot. I personally think your setting yourself up for problems with that thin line. I’ve seen some crazy things happen.
He said this is for ultralight backpacking. The gear you’re talking about is anything but.
@@captyonah1378 ultra light is just a marketing gimmick to sell overpriced junk.
Look at all that fancy gear... is this how silicon valley types camp? 😂
Haha! Yep, nothing but luxury over here. Thanks for the comment, John!
Great instructional video but please omit the music or lower volume in your post editing. Distracting.
Thanks for the comment, Eric! I appreciate the feedback and I'm glad you find the rest of the video informative.
Tried to make that knot the exact same way 100 times and not once did it work. Why the hell are knots so hard!
Which one are you stuck on! It only looks easy-ish when I do it because I've practiced them hundreds of times and I can re-record when I mess it up haha. They do take a bit of practice, but they work well when muscle memory finally takes over.
Schwing
or you could just use some bungie cords none of this tention stuff just bungie to tarp to peg job done
Appreciate the info! Personal preference, the background music got really annoying, maybe dial it back or not use it.
Thanks for the feedback, Jason! Been working on the sound mixing quite a bit for that reason. Feel free to check out some of my more recent videos - I think it's gotten better.
Private school/Mi7.
which sense going ultralight after such a huge car ?!?!?!
It's those Cascade winters! The more clearance, the better :)
Useful information and interesting, but please, please lose that noise.
Thanks for the feedback, Jim!
Please turn the music down
The music makes it so difficult to focus on the information. Couldn’t watch it. Sorry.
Thanks for your feedback, Angie!