My Top 3 Tarp Shelters: Best Setups for Tarp Camping

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you for your time and interest! Please SUBSCRIBE and RING the BELL BUTTON to stay notified of upcoming videos. Please see LINKS and ADDITIONAL INFO in the description box. GOD BLESS!

[@jodyklocko6696]

Great tutorial, appreciate your time,knowledge in helping others do better outdoors, ! Love the equipment layout prior to set up. Filming and explaining is super clear at a pace I can keep up with, !

[@bulldaagg]

hi where can i get tarps

[@TomKirkman1]

Put the ridge at 45 degrees to the wind. If you go head on at 90, you will have a low pressure area at the front of the tent that will suck in smoke from any fire you build. At 45, you get roughly the same protect from wind and rain but the wind will come across the front a bit and pull any campfire or cooking smoke away.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Very good points and information to share! I always try to consider the 5 W's system and this would definitely fall under the "wind" category as the angle of shelter relating to prevailing winds and smoke in camp can make a big difference in your overall experience! Thank you for tuning in and sharing good info! Take care.

[@TCat-ve9qi]

Man corporal was right, your explanation and delivery in unmatched. When I come to the Pathfinder school I’m jumping on your schedule!

[@DonHavjuan]

I love your tarp over your hammock demo ... with the hammock sticking out where it will get wet. It's like you've never actually been camping at all.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

So there wasn't a hammock demo in this video. There was a split second "B" roll clip of me camping in FAIR weather with zero percent chance or rainfall so, yeah I didn't sweat that too much. I have camped in a hammock with no tarp on occasion in such conditions. If you found any value in the video, Imagine if you commented that instead of a the 2 second image you didn't like.

[@ljbbushcraft6640]

That's a good idea having the superlight version for hammocking but the thicker one for ground camping, that makes sense. Thanks for sharing.

[@doctorbea]

Brother, this video is OUTSTANDING!!! I'm just now experimenting with getting out from under my hammock tarp, into a more ground level camping experience. This has been the ultimate tool to open my eyes to some solid possibilities. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I am so glad this was helpful for you! I appreciate your time, interest and kind words! Take care.

[@spfb]

A lot of great setups there!!! I have over the years done my share of different tarp setups. Now that I am getting older i dont leave the house with out my Hammock!!!! I still put a tarp over it, but just dont do the ground sleeping anymore. Only in a emergency! If you get what I m saying. Great video as always..

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I am right there with you! I MUCH prefer sleeping in a hammock with a tarp over an usually an A frame style set up is my preference. Thank you for tuning in and commenting my friend!

[@Joker96G]

Excellent video! Very thorough and informative. Thanks for sharing this!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

@@Joker96G Thank you so much for your kind words my friend!

[@kevinmullins641]

Great video, super helpful and can't wait to get out and try all this.

[@MichaelTheophilus906]

My best tarp set-up is the one I put over my tent to keep the rain from getting on the tent. Makes good shade, too.

[@johnbush2811]

I found you through Corporals Corner. I can always use another excellent resource.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for coming over! I appreciate your time and interest!

[@DOUBLETAP-xc8qu]

Thank you for the skills. It is always good to see these even if you've seen before because there is always something new to learn. We just got home from a long awaited camp that we were not missing for anything, even the torrential downpour that followed us. My husband got to work putting up any tarp we had in any configuration he could think of. He saved the trip. I love the plow point and the lean-to. They're so versatile.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I am glad you were able to get out and spend some time camping! I hope you guys had a great trip. I am glad you guys had the tarp handy. It sounds like it saved the day. thank you so much for taking the time to tune in and I cam glad you enjoy this one. Take care!

[@mrhallphotography]

Something no one seems to mention, place you shelter to the east. Weather typically moves west to east in the Northern hemisphere. This prevents keeping the weather out, and you dry.

[@RattledEditor]

finally this was addressed, thank U so much!!

[@markh5889]

Thanks Matt for a very informative video. Looking forward to more.

[@tajpanganiban_dj]

So have the opening facing east?

[@MrLibertyMedic]

@@tajpanganiban_djGenerally, yes. It will vary by degrees depending on if the winds/storms are coming from the NW, W, or SW.

[@niccbeans2939]

Jesus said the wind blows to and fro and no one knows. So i just lick my finger and hold it up. The direction the wind is currently blowing will chill that side of your finger. Something momma taught me before she passed.

[@cautious1343]

As usual ... very well done! I also favor the plow point. It's the easiest to set up in the wind, and the quickest. The other two, with the modifications, I like. Many thanks.

[@guzgrant]

One of favourite videos on the subject I have seen. Thank you .

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much and I am glad you enjoyed this one!

[@billcaddell3848]

I use the aqua quest 10 by 10 tarp, the plow point shelter is my go-to configuration.

[@cliff9057]

Thanks for showing the must set up quickly and ones that where I can take more time if it’s not raining.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely Cliff! Thanks for tuning in and I appreciate your interest 🙂

[@bombproofbushcraft]

Awesome video Matt! These are all time tested and proven methods of setting up a tarp. The only time I spend in a tent anymore is when I attend gathering as they sometimes do not have locations in wooded areas. The tarp is the most versatile and easiest shelter to carry bar none. There are literally dozens of possibilities and variants for setting up tarp. Appreciate you posting and sharing this with us!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely Madison and thank you for tuning in and sharing a kind word! Keep up the good work on your channel as well :) I always tune in when you have a new video. I notice that sub base is growing so you know you are doing it right! Take care and stay safe.

[@teresabaston4503]

You are a really good teacher of bushcraft. Detailed and much advise. Thank you.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your kind words Teresa! I really appreciate that :)

[@ChiangThomas]

Thanks for your clear explanation.. I always had questions about which shelter I should set under certain condition. Now you really help me out. I really appreciate.

[@pryzmcat]

Incredibly informative! Well explained and demonstrated.

[@richhoule3462]

You are an EXCELLENT teacher!! Very easy to understand. Thanks!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Rich! I really appreciate that my friend!

[@gunterbecker8528]

U sure will help alot of unexperienced campers,who always looking for ideas

[@WSKY19]

Wow this guy is great. Easy to understand and right to the point. Very professional 👍

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much!!

[@TACHILL]

Excellent demonstration my friend. Its always good to try n make up new designs for tarp shelters. Hope you n your family are well brother!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much brother! I agree, it is fun to get out and experiment and that really helps you to find what works best for you. I hope you and yours are doing well also brother! I will be glad when we get past some of the craziness of these times!

[@shadomane]

Excellent video Matt! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your interest and kind words! Take care.

[@hokudadog7637]

Thank you, I appreciate your clear instructions. I appreciate your options.

[@vickilennox5004]

This is DIY JUNKIE from BCUSA, my wifes acct. I have found that by using old carbon arrows, cut to about 3-3.5 inches work great for toggles, super light and easy to store in my haver sack. Also, they are hollow so I can run a short pc of shock cord through them and attach to my prussik loops so I always have them together. Great video!

[@gud2go50]

You motivated me to buy a 10'X10' DD Tarp. Thanks for the video.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Nice Doug! I hope it will serve you well for years to come. They are nice lightweight tarps. I have used mine a lot over the last years. Thank you for your time and interest!

[@TonyPowers_Dirtbound]

Plow point is definitely my favorite setup. Holds in heat from the fire very well for when it’s cold out! Take care And hope to see you at the advanced class in September

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely brother! I hope to be there. I appreciate you taking the time to tune in and comment!

[@TonyPowers_Dirtbound]

Black Hat Bushcraft my pleasure sir

[@fergusrb]

With tarp camping, what do you do about mosquitoes? With hammock camping you have a bug net with the hammock.

[@PhilCherry3]

I've been rocking the DD 4x4 for over a year now and I think the world of it. It has gone through mutiple days of heavy rain & 20 mph winds and has yet to fail me. It is now my standard tarp for my hammock camping. I've recently experimented with it as an additional coverage over a 3 person tent as practice for outings where I won't be able to hang a hammock. I'll eventually add both the DD 3x3 and 5x5 for greater options. I enjoyed your configurations. I find each of these very useful and I also love variations of the A-frame (with & without porch mode). I agree with you about the usefulness of the Marlin Spike knot/toggle. I regularly use it in my setups. But recently I incorporated the Ferrimond Friction Hitch knot as a replacement for the Marlin Spike for my ground stakes as it allows me to make adjustments to line tension without having to pull up & reset the actual stakes. Depending on the situation I will also use the Ferrimond Friction Hitch as a tensioner for my tarp ridgeline because it allows me to use only what I need of a longer rope without cutting it or being forced to pull the excess of the rope through any loops I create.

[@telegraph_hill]

Your videos are consistently excellent! Keep up the great work.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for you kind words! Your time, interest and kind words are most appreciated!

[@BeautifulTripsandPlaces]

Great video with a good explanation of the different set ups! Thanks!

[@JeepsterDave]

Thank you Matt. A really clear instructional video, and a couple of different configurations for me to try out.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Hey Dave, glad you enjoyed this one and I hope you like these when you give them a try. Thank you for tuning in and commenting!

[@shovelhead8]

Thank you for showing us your set-ups, Matt. Stay safe and stay cool

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for tuning in brother! You too too my friend :) Stay safe!

[@jamesevins800]

I love how adept you are at this skill and how you teach with ease. Very well done video.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your kind words James! I appreciate your time and interest my friend!

[@wayfarerchris.4116]

Great informative video, love the use of toggles. Thanks

[@paulc7783]

That's a great video, thank you Matt! Those 3 x 3 tarps really seem to give a lot of space and coverage. Personally, I like the look and function of the improved lean to. Thanks for making and sharing these videos!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

It does indeed Paul. It isn't quite as durable as say a Tentsmith's oilcloth tarp but then again it weights a fraction of that one as well. It is a nice compromise and performs well. I agree as well, The improved lean-to is hard to beat. Thank you so much for tuning in and sharing a kind word my friend~

[@stephendulajr.8124]

Good Work Blackhat. Love these type of videos. Keep it up. RESPECT

[@rlbranch65]

Excellent. Learned a new one. Thanks for sharing and the education.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely! I am glad you enjoyed this one!

[@getsmart3701]

You got some good and neat tarp theory there mate. I only use a tarp (I predomently use the plow point set up as it's usually cold this far north) and I still learned a lot form this video. Thank you. Now I got to find me your knot video :-)

[@GandalfandShadowfax]

Excellent video. I learned several new things in every one of your videos. Please keep them coming.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

That's awesome to hear my friend! Thank you for taking the time to tune in and share a kind word!

[@living_the_mac_and_cheese_life]

This video is awesome. I just used boring setups. This video makes me wanna go set up a tarp right now. Subbed well deserved sir.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your kind words and the sub Paul! I appreciate it and I hope these configurations will serve you well!

[@Jaden48108]

I definitely learned something here. I'm really getting into tarpology. Luckily my backyard is conducive to training. Good video.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

That is awesome! Thank you for your time and interest!

[@jeffwright4410]

i love the pliw point shelter

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely Jeff! That has to be my all time favorite.

[@thewildernessphilosopher]

Nice video. I would have gone about the plow point and Adirondack a bit differently, but your reasons are sound and your explanation exceptional. Nicely done!.

[@JRG64]

Thanks for the clear demonstration! GBY💯💫

[@donaldeugenealford4080]

Nice tarp setup configuration's Matt

[@joshmoses5607]

Thank you for the great video! Easy to follow along with you and learn. The garden and animals have kept us busy lately but I’m looking forward to getting out with the family soon. God bless you.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

What you have been up to is so worthwhile Josh! I wish I had a better location for a big garden. It is my dream for sure. I was working towards it hard when covid derailed me a bit but Lord willing, I will get back on track soon :) I hope you can get out there with the family soon my friend. Take care.

[@lisawagner421]

I love the plow point shelter the best! Great video....thank you!!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

It has to be my all-time favorite as well! Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@nelsonpagel2175]

I like how you made use of the toggles and knots. Great setups, appreciate your efforts!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Nelson!

[@4449John]

Super helpful video son, I'm new to your channel and learning new things already. Really like that DD tarp too, that is my next must have! Thank you!

[@debbiewofford7021]

I appreciate your description with this video.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely Debbie! I appreciate your time and interest 🙂

[@josephb7460]

Great video Matt. I have been a sub at Blackie's channel for a while. There is more than one way to skin a squirrel and i want to learn them all. Outstanding..........

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Me too Joseph! It's hard to remember everything but if you watch enough, you are bound to find the right method that works for you🙂 Thanks for tuning in my friend!

[@ptsdbushcraftfaith2300]

As always, well done!

[@luvinfunvan]

Nice job. I’d be interested in understanding the benefit of the toggles.

[@DHFHades]

finally got over to check out your videos...thank you Shawn Kelly and Dave Canterbury...good recomendation.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for tuning in my friend! Welcome to the channel!

[@rkf2746]

Nice, easy to understand video. Your third choice is my go-to setup. The only thing I'll change is tarp size. Smaller for back-packing, the bigger one when camping from my atv. If I get caught in a rain, I'll use the a-frame, or "pup-tent" configuration. Other than that, I have found it much easier to have one or two tarp-sets that you are familiar with and can be done when in a hurry. Be well.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you for sharing your ideas and for your kind words! I appreciate you tuning in.

[@KaylynnStrain]

I have the DD 4x4 tarp which got a friend out of a jam this past spring, her tarp was way too small to cover her hammock so I lent her my DD, then I borrowed another friend's tarp to hang over my hammock

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you for taking the time to tune in and comment!

[@guyreznic8605]

Hi! Great video. I'm curious, why do you use toggles to connect guylines to tieouts? Why not tie the guylines directly to the tieout?

[@TomKirkman1]

I like that 2nd shelter.

[@mathewhenderson5757]

Solid video. Great content for the community. Excellent period of instruction

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Mathew! Most appreciated!

[@EireGenX]

Great information i think i will pick up a DD 3x3 tarp to add to my kit.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

They are great tarps for the money indeed. I also enjoy the DD Superlight for use with my hammocks. If you are going for ground sets, the regular 3x3 is the better choice. Links below if you like to check them out 🙂 Thank you for your time and interest!

[@peterlafayette5595]

Good stuff my man.

[@jackhoward6055]

The plow point is my favorite here in oregon with it raining a lot And it being Easey to set up in wet ground

[@blackhatbushcraft]

I can definitely see why 🙂 The plow point performs awesome in rain and wind. It is an added bonus of how quick and easy it sets up. thank you for tuning in Jack!

[@stephensmith811]

Great presentation. One of my known weaknesses is knowing how to tie the right kind of knots for the specific job. You mentioned a bolin, Marlin spike hitch and Prisig knot. Just as I am sure that I have butchered the spelling of these knots, right now I would butcher the action needed to create these knots. Is there any specific videos that you would recommend that I view, in order to become somewhat proficient at these knots? In addition, I hope to use some of these tarp configurations for providing a mobile shelter for our boer goats. We are using these goats for our land clearing crew on some heavily wooded areas on our property. At the same time, we'd like to provide a measure of protection from inclement weather. So, these shelters will make for some happy goats. Thanks for your bushcraft share

[@markcummings6856]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@krishoogstraat6866]

I have the DD 4x4. Which is huge. Lol. I really like fall and spring camping with it.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

That is a nice tarp indeed! I LOVE fall myself and wish it could be November all year round :) Thank you for tuning in Kris!

[@chiphungerford]

Nice job Matt

[@sarah21968]

Tyvm for the video you shared.🥰👍

[@bikeradam]

Nice vid. But what are you sheltering from in 85° humid weather?

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Very nice demo for tarp configurations, thanks. Take care.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much my friend! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment!

[@kidspastor7]

I love it. Very informative and very useful.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Scott!

[@johnneece7732]

Nice Matt! I've not seen an Adirondack configuration before. Great coverage!

[@christianmnich5288]

Thank you for that good video! 🙂 But I don't understand, what the modified part of the airondack-shelter is? It looks for me like the regular form? Best wishes Christian 🙂

[@EzeAdventurer]

This is excellent thank you

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much!

[@gasher83]

Amazing channel. Learned about you from Shawn Kelly. I've got a lot of content to catch up on. Same tarp, but haven't used the advanced Adirondack yet. Tonight in northern Michigan. Thank you

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Gary! That is awesome! I hope it serves you well my friend! Thank you for coming over to the channel :) Be safe out there friend.

[@davidgraf197]

Excellent video!

[@beachmaster1614]

wow, very well explaining about tarp set up, really good. Thank you and greetings from Germany .........

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Greetings and blessings to you in Germany as well my friend! Thank you for your kind words and for tuning in!

[@colinmoorcock770]

may i ask with the same tarp can you make a tent with 4 sides God bless you

[@patrickpollard5037]

Very helpful video, thanks.

[@jerrylance9351]

were did u get that tarp

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Self Reliance Outfitters. There is a link in the description box. Thank you for tuning in Jerry!

[@ihaulscrap]

Great video! Any particular reason you went with a brown tarp instead of an olive green?

[@anthonybattle3423]

I see you out there in those woods

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@darrengarlough5121]

I'm confused about the Prusick knots, are they already made on the tarp?

[@jonathancleve6094]

This time of year in Eastern NC= any tarp with a hammock and bug net under it lol.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely! It's hammock time all the way :) Thanks for tuning in and 1st to comment!

[@jonathancleve6094]

Although the 2nd one you did, the modified adirondack was really cool. Ive seen the lean to and the plow point but I've never seen that take off of the adirondack before. Really cool, thanks for sharing!

[@flasun6934]

Excellent instructional video. Thank you

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for your time, interest and kind words!

[@djschultz1502]

Great tarp configurations thanks for sharing

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much DJ! I appreciate you tuning in my friend!

[@kayakcobber524]

Use DD for many years and many man set-ups along the year always different as I never know where I sleep. I do long-distance walking projects months in a row FB kayak cobber Bivybag, hammock, Aframemesh tent...but all with tarp

[@billjenkins5693]

Great! Now I can keep the skeeters dry.

[@viewsandreviews180]

Great video. I’ve always preferred the 10 by 10 tarp to the 7 or 8 by 5 or 6. Square tarps seem to have more versatility than rectangular tarps. I have a question, do you ever use tarp grips? I’ve found they provide added versatility and allow me to use less expensive tarps (fewer sewn in tie outs).

[@fumotorocks8615]

Is there a video about the nodes you are using?

[@bca323]

Come to watch some of your vids based on recommendation from @CorporalsCorner. Great first one. I really like the 2nd setup, and will be checking out that DD tarp.

[@blackwillowbushcraft5632]

Awesome video as always and great tarp set ups! Thank you for all you do brother!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely brother! Thank you for your kind words and for tuning in! I hope you are doing well my friend. God bless!

[@blackwillowbushcraft5632]

Still dealing with a messed up foot and cant wait to get back out there. In the meantime im still watching and learning so again thank you. Take care and God bless

[@kevinhooper2787]

How do you get on if the wind turns ?

[@VanishingNomad]

Plow Point - The big thing I dont like about the plow point, is that in heavy weather, all it takes is a wind shift and the rain comes in the open side and soaks you. Other than that, I agree with you, as it is also one of my favorites. Modified Adinrondak - a much more complicated set up, but it has a few key things I really like. The ground sheet that can be spiked down is really good. I like to put my ground pad under that so it doesnt get crumples up or shift when I roll around at night. Improve lean to - This is the one I use the absolute most. I generally set it up much lower though. One real advantage is that it has the ground cloth. I spike that down and put my ground pad under it so it doesn't move around while I sleep. One trick I do different, is that I fold the corners of the ground sheet under, so water doesnt collect and flow into where I seep in hard rains. The issue I have had is water will drip down that edge, onto the edge of the ground sheet and soak it. But if you fold the corners under, that dripping lands on the ground instead. Before I got Phat: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jp6ZlY2lir9qncU

[@xxfaction6xx]

Good stuff. Thanks

[@DEadJACK4090]

On point sir 🌄👊

[@MrSIXGUNZ]

3 great tarp idea's Sir!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much for tuning in!