Are you preparing for your next camping trip?
Facing unknown weather and packing a bunch of camping gears with no idea what to do?
No need to! If you can prepare a tarp when camping, it will allow you to face it whether it is a downpour or direct sunlight.
This guide will show you an easy way to cover your tent with a tarp to protect it from heavy rain, block the hot sun, and keep the inside cool.
Table of Contents
The Things You Should Know Before Start
Hanging a trap outside is a skill that needs to be learned, just like any other outdoor survival skill. Don’t wait until something happens and then improvise.
Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Learn How to Knot Tying
Make sure you know how to tie essential knots for securing the tarp and ropes. You can learn these knots on YouTube. Common knots include the square knot, bowline, taut-line hitch, and the trucker’s hitch
Tarp Rigging Techniques
Familiarize yourself with various tarp rigging techniques.
For example, you may need to know how to create ridgelines, and guy lines, and create a suitable configuration for specific needs, such as an A-frame, lean-to, or diamond pitch.
Practice setting up Knot Tying and Tarp Rigging in a controlled environment before your camping trip. Experiment with different configurations to become proficient in various conditions.
Knowing the Size and Shape of the Tent and Tarp
This is an essential step if this is your first time camping with a tarp. You should have a good idea of the size and shape of your tent and tarp. So you can position the tarp at the right height above your tent to allow.
Materials you’ll need
1. Tarp
2. Paracord or strong rope
3. Tent stakes
4. Carabiners or S-hooks
5. Guy lines
6. Tarp poles (optional, if no trees nearby)
Step-By-Step Guide to Put a Tarp Over a Tent （With tree or without tree）
It’s much easier to build a shelter when there are trees near your campsite.
Trees can provide natural shelter for your tent. You eliminate the need for poles, and trees are far stronger than artificially erected poles.
Here’s the step guide on how to use trees to set up a Camping Tarp.
Putting a Tarp Over a Tent With Trees
#1 Choose the Right Spot and Tree
You should look for two sturdy trees that are close enough to your tent but not too close.
Avoid low-lying areas where water can accumulate easily.
The two trees should be strong enough, at least 10cm in diameter, so that they will not sway when the paracord hanging the tarp is tightened.
#2 Setting up Your Tarp Ridgeline
Now you need to tie both ends of the paracord to two trees.
Before this, you already knew the height of the tent, so the height of the knots should be higher than the tent. Remember to leave a certain amount of space for your movement.
Besides, the height of your Tarp Ridgeline should be kept level. Then that can prevent the tarp from sliding due to imbalance.
#3 Lay Out the Tarp to the Paracord
Attach the tarp to the paracord by using carabiners or S-hooks(If without, use prusik knot instead). Make sure the sides of the tarp extend evenly on both sides of the tent.
#4 Securing Tent Stakes
Choose a suitable location for tent stakes, and clear the ground from any rocks that could hinder the stake placement.
Then insert the stake into the ground at a 45-degree angle, with the hook facing away from the tent.
Use a mallet or hammer to drive the stake firmly into the ground until only the hook is visible.
#5 Adjust for Tension to Eliminate Wrinkles
Connect bungee cord with Tent Stakes via Taut-line hitch.
Tighten the bungee cord and make any necessary adjustments until the tarp is taut without wrinkles
Repeat this process with the other three corners of the tarp.
What If There Is No Tree Around?
When there are no trees near the campsite, tent poles can be used to build a tarp shelter. There are two main styles, one pole and two pole tarp shelter, which is depends on the number of poles.
The following content will explain how to build these two shelters in a simple way.
Set Up One Pole Tarp
1. Check the Direction of the Wind
An easy way to determine the direction of the wind is to stand still and pay attention to the feel of the wind on your face.
Then turn your head slowly to detect from which direction the wind is coming.
This aims to set up your tarp at 90 degrees to the wind.
At the same time, try to ensure that the Tarp Ridgeline is facing the direction of the wind.
2. Clear the Campsite Ground
Clearing the ground removes things like rocks, branches, or uneven terrain that could cause accidents or injuries. Avoid rocks that might get in the way of using tent stakes later.
3. Spread Out the Tarp
Gently spread the tarp in place based on the previously determined wind direction.
Repeat, remember to set up your tarp at 90 degrees to the wind.
4. Set up the Main Tent Stakes
The first tent stakes should be in a straight line with the Tent Pole. They determine the direction of the Tarp Ridgeline.
5. Erect Your Pole
Carefully erect the tent pole so that it forms a vertical right angle with the Tarp Ridgeline and the ground.
Use a Paracord on the other side of the tent pole to fix it to the tent stake to stabilize the tent pole.
6. Set up the Other Tent Stakes
Depending on the size and height of the tarp, set up the other two tent stakes.
If you want the tarp shelter to have ventilation, you can set the tent stakes a little further away. If you want to prevent rain, you can fix the tent stakes to the ground to the two corners of the tarp.
7. Attach Trap with Stakes by Guy Lines
Attach the tent stakes and tarp with guy lines. Adjusting the tension of guy lines as needed until the tarp is flat and wrinkle-free.
Set Up Two Poles Tarp
1. Check the Direction of the Wind
In addition to using your body to check the wind direction, you can also observe the movement of leaves, grass, or other lightweight objects in the area. They will indicate the direction in which the wind is blowing.
2. Spread Out the Tarp
Spread the tarp according to the wind direction and at 90 degrees to the wind direction. This will prevent high winds from shaking the tarp shelter.
3. Tie Guy Lines to Each Trap Corner
Tie Guy Lines to the four corners of the tarp in advance and spread it out.
Reserve enough length for the guy lines to facilitate determining the position of the tent stake later.
4. Set up Four Corner Tent Stakes
Determine the position of the tent stake based on the length of the guy lines.
Use a hammer to firmly drive the stake into the ground, ensuring that the stake into the ground at a 45-degree angle.
5. Attach Two Guy Lines with Stakes(One side)
Connect the guy lines on one side of the tarp to the tent stakes, leaving the guy lines on the other side unfastened for now.
6. Erect Two Pole and Lift the Tarp
Raise the two tent poles slowly, adjusting the footing of the poles to achieve optimal stability for the tarp.
On the other side of the two poles, you can use the other two tent stakes and paracord to fix the poles, which can prevent the lateral wind from causing the tarp to shake.
7. Attach Other Two Guy Lines with Stakes
Fixing the last two corners of the tarp is no different from the previous process.
When finished, adjust the tension of the guy lines and make sure the tarp surface is flat.
FAQs
Q: What type of tarp should I use?
A: Look for a durable and waterproof tarp that is large enough to cover your tent and extend beyond its edges. Consider the material, weight, and size when selecting a tarp.
Q: How do I attach the tarp to my tent?
A: Secure the tarp using guy lines and stakes. Attach the guy lines to the tarp’s grommets and stake them into the ground, ensuring the tarp is pulled taut.
Q: Should I create a ridgeline for the tarp?
A: Yes, creating a ridgeline helps provide a secure structure for your tarp. It allows water to run off and prevents pooling.
Q: How do I prevent the tarp from flapping in the wind?
A: Use guy lines to secure the tarp and prevent flapping. Adjust the tension of the guy lines to keep the tarp tight.
Q: Can I use driplines with my tarp?
A: Yes, driplines can be used to divert water away from your shelter. Attach a length of rope or cord to the ridgeline and let it hang down to redirect water.
Q: How do I ensure a stable setup?
A: Peg out the tarp and adjust the tension of the guy lines to ensure a stable setup. Make sure the tarp is securely anchored to the ground.
Q: What should I consider regarding wind direction?
A: Take note of the wind direction when setting up your tarp. Position the tent and tarp in a way that minimizes the impact of strong winds.
Q: Can I practice setting up the tarp before my camping trip?
A: Yes, it’s a good idea to practice setting up and taking down your tarp before your camping trip. This helps familiarize yourself with the process and ensures a smoother experience.
Final Thoughts
Through the above step-by-step guide, you should be able to learn How to put a tarp over A tent from scratch.
Outdoor conditions are unpredictable, and with adequate preparation and practice, you can quickly build a shelter on top of your tent using a tarp like a pro, regardless of whether there are trees or no trees nearby.
Enjoy your outdoor adventures!
