5 of the Best Ultralight Tarp Shelter Set-Ups using 2 Trekking Poles - Wild Camping

This video shows how to set up 5 different ultralight tarp configurations using a 9 x 5 foot silnylon tarp and 2 trekking poles. Shows pitching techniques for 5 set-ups in order of weather resistance; The A-Frame, The Lean-To, the Closed End Lean-To, the Flying V, and the Cave. Tarpology !!
The tarp is the 'solo tarp' from www.backpackin... where you can also buy dyneema guy line, mini line-locks, shock cord and pegs.
Music by: www.bensound.c...

[@grumpyoldman6767]

If you use the elastic shock cord loops at all tie out points you won’t need to retension your lines when it rains.

[@bradleycarroll2024]

thank you for this video. I think the elasticated cords gust absorbers might be the game changer I'm looking for. Had a corner rip on my last outing.

[@SummitandCamp]

Yep that happened to me too … before I started using the shock cord.

[@RobFishYT]

Best 9x5 Tarp setup video on the internet. Thanks!

[@SummitandCamp]

Thanks Rob. Much appreciated.

[@clsch7513]

Great video and very helpful tips! I want to add a small tarp to my rucksack that is light enough and large enough to shelter the grandkids and myself if needed from the rain and this video is exactly what I needed.

[@SummitandCamp]

Thanks for the feedback. Great that you found it helpful. Happy tarping !

[@billyaitken1713]

⛺️👏👏👏, being ex-army I could never figure why the civilian tarp world doesn't use bungees as they take the impact out of gusts. I've utilised spare shock cord from renewing fibreglass tent poles on the loops of my DD tarp, to add that element of flexibility. Nice video with good content 🎥👍.

[@SummitandCamp]

Thanks Billy. Totally agree. I learnt this lesson when my first lightweight 1 man tent had a guy point tear off in a gust. Always use shock cord now.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

Thank you for the many thoughtful details in this video. I will be referencing this when my 6 x 9 tarp comes, so I can practice pitching it.

[@SummitandCamp]

I’m glad you find it helpful Jeffrey. Let me know which set up you will be using 👍

[@williamwoolverton6925]

Great video. I wish you had a printed guide to sell of these shelters layouts. Thanks for sharing!

[@SummitandCamp]

That’s not a bad idea 🤔 Might write up the set ups and post them on the website www.summitandcamp.com

[@Adventures_with_Sog]

Very informative, thanks 👍

[@PhilCherry3]

I've enjoyed your tarp set up videos over the last few years. I used your earlier videos as training tools when I first began experimenting with tarp shelters. I see you are using a 9x5 tarp for your setups. I came to favor larger tarps to create more living/operations space for my camping needs. I have used a Kelty Noah 12 with a cat-cut design but now favor my DD 4x4 square tarp. I'll eventually add a DD 3x3 tarp to my collection to handle those events where I don't think I will need the larger foot print of the 4x4 tarp.

[@SummitandCamp]

Thanks Phil. I agree that larger tarps are much more versatile and probable best for many scenarios but I just love the minimalist feeling under a small tarp and just 250 grams is also very attractive when lugging kit up into the mountains. Take care & best wishes. Steve.

[@maggiewagmore8778]

Very nice video for rectangular tarp users. Thanks!

[@SummitandCamp]

Thanks for commenting Maggie. Glad you liked it.

[@yaroslavbozhkov1567]

Great tutorial. Thanks a lot and the best wishes. ❤

[@SummitandCamp]

Thanks. All the best.

[@ChiangThomas]

Great video.

[@SummitandCamp]

Thanks

[@justinrobertsendoftheage]

Nice Video. Thanks alot, Yah Bless

[@SummitandCamp]

Thanks Justin

[@Mid76]

Cheers for this. I like the updates and can't wait to get out to use them.

[@SummitandCamp]

Thanks Garry. Much appreciated. Hope they work well for you.

[@stuart0604]

just what i was looking for thanks :)

[@antoinepierre123]

Thanks for sharing.

[@easydexter]

Thanks so much for these tarp set up videos. They are probably the best I have found. Definitely the most relevant for me as I’m currently transitioning from a tent to a 9 x 6 tarp. The A frame looks so luxurious pitched that high, will definitely be opting for that one on the not so windy nights. One question, what are the advantages of using the loop to connect to the corner tie out points instead of just putting the cord through the tie out and securing with a bowline knot? Thanks for your help!

[@SummitandCamp]

Hi Dexter and thanks for commenting. Sorry about the delayed reply. The loop of shock cord is really just to provide some ‘give’ to protect the attachment points from tearing them off in a sudden gust of wind. Ive had that happen before and so the shock cord essentially works a shock absorber.

[@SummitandCamp]

I’m so sorry about the very late reply. Just going through my comments and noticed your unanswered question. It’s to provide a buffer in strong winds. Without it you run the risk of the attachment point tearing off. Yes … it’s happened to me & I learnt my lesson.

[@xGorexGirlx]

Thanks for the video. Well done.

[@SummitandCamp]

Thanks James. My tarp videos needed updating. Glad you liked it 👍

[@freedomofabird]

Excellent thanks

[@SummitandCamp]

Thanks for taking time to comment. Glad you liked it. Steve.

[@upmostbeast2321]

Nice video. Have been thinking of trying out tarp camping but I am nervous about the protection. I am 6ft and it seems like you dont have much room to spare length wise for any of the protected pitches. What would you advise for me between 9x7 or 10x8 for a first tarp? Trying to decide between the liteoutdoors 10x8 or borah gear 9x7. The deciding factors for me are size and fabric (Borah gear uses silpoly which I prefer)

[@SummitandCamp]

Hi & thanks for commenting. It depends on what type of setup you will be using. For the cave I would definitely suggest a bigger tarp. 10x8 would be fine. For the others I would go smaller. 9x5 would be fine for a 6 footer but if you want more space then I’d go 9x7. Silpoly is fine but will sag a bit when damp. DCF is great but expensive. For the first time out pick a calm forecast and enjoy the exposure.

[@danielobrien5720]

This is such a great video and I saved this for when my tarp comes in. I am switching from a tent to tarp setup for a multitude of reasons but the main one is the flexibility that tarps can provide. I was wondering how you tie off your trekking poles when they are not in the grommet and I was also wondering how you tied off your bamboo poles when providing extra space? Also, do you use linelocs to tension your guylines as you make it look really easy. Sorry for all the questions but I cannot wait to get my tarp after watching this.

[@SummitandCamp]

Hi and thanks for your comment. I just loop the guy line around the pole tip or bamboo cane a few times. Twice above and twice below the standing line is plenty sufficient. Yes I do use mini line locks to adjust line length and tension. Hope you have a great time with your tarp. It can open the door to some of the very best camping experiences.

[@danielobrien5720]

@@SummitandCamp Awesome, thank you so much for the help and this video.

[@craignewton3190]

Hi, thanks for posting. What brand of tarp are you using? Or is it a custom job?

[@SummitandCamp]

Hi and thanks for commenting. All details are in the video description.

[@DeeMoback]

Exactly

[@edwardpage9996]

how many guy lines do you take with you and how long?

[@SummitandCamp]

Depends which set up. 6 x 3 meter lengths of 2mm dyneema with mini line locks will cover you for the A frame and the lean-to’s. The Flying V only needs 3 x 3 meter lengths. The cave 4x3m. You get away with shorter lengths for the lifters if using short bamboo canes.

[@chrisltracey]

Great video.

[@SummitandCamp]

Thanks Chris