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.

[@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.

[@tepanganiban]

So have the opening facing east?

[@MrLibertyMedic]

@@tepanganibanGenerally, 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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@billcaddell3848]

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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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!

[@richhoule3462]

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

[@blackhatbushcraft]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@pryzmcat]

Incredibly informative! Well explained and demonstrated.

[@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!

[@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 🙂

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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

[@shadomane]

Excellent video Matt! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!.

[@hokudadog7637]

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

[@fergusrb]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@jeffwright4410]

i love the pliw point shelter

[@blackhatbushcraft]

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

[@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

[@BeautifulTripsandPlaces]

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

[@luvinfunvan]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@stephendulajr.8124]

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

[@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 :-)

[@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!

[@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!

[@wayfarerchris.4116]

Great informative video, love the use of toggles. Thanks

[@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!

[@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!

[@TomKirkman1]

I like that 2nd shelter.

[@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

[@johnhusby915]

Hi Matt! Just 2 quick questions. ¹ where did you get that hat, I like! ² I haven't seen any of the "true" bushcraft youtubers that are worthy of being instructors like yourself do a video on food storage (concerning bears, etc) if you had to be out long term and had some game to last you multiple days. What are good methods of storing and keeping the bears, critters, etc out of it? Thanks Mr. Mercer I haven't seen anything new from you lately, please keep them coming!

[@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.

[@anthonybattle3423]

I see you out there in those woods

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thanks for tuning in!

[@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 🙂

[@rlbranch65]

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

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely! I am glad you enjoyed this one!

[@debbiewofford7021]

I appreciate your description with this video.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Absolutely Debbie! I appreciate your time and interest 🙂

[@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~

[@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!

[@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?

[@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.

[@donaldeugenealford4080]

Nice tarp setup configuration's Matt

[@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).

[@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.

[@alf3553]

Three of my favourite tarp setups 👍. Although it’s nice to have the ground cloth feature, I never use it. I don’t want my tarp full of pin holes, so I just bring a grabber blanket to sit on. If I really needed to trash a tarp to make it though a night .... it’s only a tarp & they make them every day.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Very true. I also usually carry a Gum blanket or a groundcloth of some sort if I am ground camping. If it is planned camping, it just makes sense to carry that extra as you said to preserve the tarp. Thanks for tuning in and commenting!

[@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!

[@nelsonpagel2175]

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

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Nelson!

[@johnneece7732]

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

[@ihaulscrap]

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

[@mathewhenderson5757]

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

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Mathew! Most appreciated!

[@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!

[@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.

[@narsil0420]

Great video! I made sure to really practice the Marline Spike afterwards! Could you do another one on Tarp setups for hammocks specifically? Thanks!

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you Matthew! I am hoping you saw the Hammock Video I did to follow up with this one. Take care!

[@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!

[@billjenkins5693]

Great! Now I can keep the skeeters dry.

[@fumotorocks8615]

Is there a video about the nodes you are using?

[@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!

[@JRG64]

Thanks for the clear demonstration! GBY💯💫

[@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!

[@russstentiford2252]

Great video, love the different set ups. Eager to see some of your other videos. One question. I see this on nearly all camping vids. By angling the stake at 45 degrees you are lessoning the amount of soil the stake has to resist against = less secure. Its a really common misconception that's somehow become accepted across the board.

[@denisdegamon8224]

Really not so. When you install a stake at a 45 degree angle your pulling against a longer demension the hypotennous that forms a right triangle. It's just geometry. By doing it this way there is less chance of wallowing loose the stakes and having them pull out.

[@ptsdbushcraftfaith2300]

As always, well done!

[@chiphungerford]

Nice job Matt

[@cjbarlow61]

In the florida swamps the mosquitos would eat me alive in a shelter like that but it's always good to know as much as possible. Any book recommendations for knot tying?

[@joewoodchuck3824]

You must be like me. I can only keep one of two knots in my head. You can get a laminated waterproof sheet or card style collection of good knots. There's at least one offline Android phone app with knots. Lastly, there are free things on the web to print and perhaps laminate yourself. No book needed based on what I've said here, unless you want to of course.

[@darrengarlough5121]

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

[@brianbassett4379]

I carry both a hammock (Amok Draumer) and a tent and have found that I only need two tarps year around... an HG Palace Fiber and an MLD TrailStar.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Nice! That HG Fiber palace is a sweet setup for sure. I would like to have that one myself. I am currently using the HG Silny Journey with the doors over my hammock. I would love to upgrade to Dyneema.

[@kidspastor7]

I love it. Very informative and very useful.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Scott!

[@thomasmalone6654]

Hey Matt, love your vids brother, where might you be doing this? I just moved to Virginia, looking for friends to practice Bush craft with.

[@Buck001]

Like the new intro.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much Jeff!

[@EnduranceRoom]

excellent video, Matt! Really enjoyed it. I have gotta give the modified adirondack a try.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Thank you so much brother! I really appreciate you taking the time to check it out! I hope you are doing well and I hope you will enjoy that configuration. Take care Jesse.

[@maryjowager9329]

@@blackhatbushcraft no thing

[@colinmoorcock770]

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

[@peterlafayette5595]

Good stuff my man.

[@flasun6934]

Excellent instructional video. Thank you

[@blackhatbushcraft]

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

[@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

[@royphelps8084]

When I was a youth , I had a piece of oilcloth tarp and smaller army blankets , id cut green sticks to keep blankets and the tarp off my head some , ( ive always been closterphobic) ive awakened having to raise up to see above the snow and ice . I don't know what the oilcloth was treated with, but it was waterproof. Can't get it like that anymore, ive got plastic shower curtains , I use with a quilt and blanket now , except everything is queen sized . But back then it wasn't nothing to rig a 100lbs plus buck deer up like a backpack , and carry my saddle roll and carry several miles home . The deer legs tied in front, made a great gun rack too . Lmbo , now ive got all the stainless steel cooking things bedroll cooker , makes the bedroll so big , need a backpack for all, of it instead of my old homemade shoulder bag , lard buckets , tobacco tins and buckets , snuff cans .

[@markcummings6856]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@markbough2606]

Hi I was wondering about your concerns about laying on your tarp as a ground mat? Obviously you do but I have real concerns about it, am I overthinking about these issues that I will put forward. My biggest concern is putting a hole in my roof, because generally the tarp is either overhead or a wall. I also have concerns about: Tearing the grommets that are staked in by pulling it as I toss and turn. Finding that I missed picking up a rock or twig that was on the ground. Just plain old running out of coverage, I take up lots of space.lol I would like you’re expert advice please.

[@Europe85]

What about ticks? They do drop out of trees in Missouri?

[@kellycoote7149]

In windy conditions the tarp is like a bucking bronco bucking all around getting itself snagged in branches, maybe wrapped all around you or getting itself ripped and torn and so forth. Can make a grown man cry! Haha 😄 You gotta be able to control your tarp while setting it up in the wind. In wind, always secure your tarp shelters beginning on the windward side or corner. With the plow point my first attachment would not be at the front corner high up to the tree. Instead I’d peg that horse down at the windward corner first (the corner closest into the prevailing wind). Then it’ll lie down for you nice and pretty and it’ll start working for you instead of against you. It’ll then point its front leeward corner straight down the prevailing wind line for you. Perfect, that’s what you want. The stronger the wind the more it’ll hug the ground. Yup. Then you walk around to the leeward corner, pick that corner up and tie it in to the tree at about head level right there nice and tight. If you are tying the front corner to a pole set two guylines on the pole at about 45 degrees off the pole so it’ll stay standing up while you finish the setup. The two tied in diagonal corners are now parallel to the prevailing wind which is exactly what you want. Stake out the other two corners and you’re ready to bring your gear in, make your coffee and thank your tarp for giving you shelter once again. ☺️