Square Tarp Set-Ups and Strategies for Rain, Wind, Dew and More

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

In response to some questions -- the tarp I own has 16 perimeter tie-outs plus 3 (I think) on the top. I just use whichever ones are needed to accomplish the set-up I'm using at the moment. The line I use is the "white and blue 2.8mm UHMWPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) core guy line" that Hyperlite sells. I'm sure many other types of line would work just fine. As for the amount of line I carry, I still have the lines that came with the tarp when I bought it. www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/products/flat-tarp I've also bought some more along the way. Basically, though, you should figure out how much line you need to set up the way you like to set up and carry that amount. As for stakes, I wouldn't carry less than 6 stakes for the tarp but again, carry as many as you think you need. I often don't use stakes if I can tie off to trees or roots. Finally, I recently saw a product review at Outdoor Gear Lab that makes a lot of good points about tarps, although I don't like some of the set-ups shown in the review because the set-ups don't provide much room in the back where your feet go. www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/ultralight-tent/hyperlite-mountain-gear-square-flat-tarp

[@HypogymniaP]

Thank you! As a lifetime tarper (admittedly often with a hammock) who's been working on a custom tarp, your videos have been extremely helpful. HMG looks to have changed their tie-outs on the tarp, and I've been trying to figure out their exact placement. A top-down picture of your tarp on a flat surface would be amazingly helpful, of possible. P.S. I almost met you on your thru, and ended up running into Yelp, Handstand, and Luke on Monroe while you were having a tough day just before you surprised them at Lakes.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

My favorite Evan Backpacking Videos are tarp related. Thanks for this information. Very good! ✌️

[@alwayssomething4590]

I’m building kit for an AT thru in ‘23 and have spent way too much time researching tents. But you and Ray Jardine have inspired me to try a tarp. Bought a cheap one to start learning carpology, and I really appreciate these tips. Hope you are doing well.

[@rickcollman351]

You and "Papa Hiker" inspired me to go to a tarp 2 years ago. Just finished 200 miles of wet Superior Hiking Trail w/ my Yamma Mtn Gear sil poly tarp & MLD Bug Bivvy 2. Works for me! Thanks.

[@STAR-RADIANCE]

Wow this is useful information.....thanks for sharing

[@PaulSmith-fh8qj]

Loved this. I've seen so many videos of instructional back yard tarp setup, but this was the first one that showed me a whole bunch of real world use cases all in a row. I just did my third night in a tarp, so I'm not very experienced, but this sort of gave me "permission" to try all sorts of things in future trips. Thanks!

[@joeleeman9886]

Ive watched your AT playlist in its entirety twice now and am on a third playthrough. It actually gets me relaxed and I fall asleep to the beauty of the trail and views each night, I also love the interviews of all the interesting people you run into. Just wanted to come by and say hello and thank you for the videos, I think its insane and could never actually thru hike anything but I sure love watching it.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@rogerc7972]

Thanks to you I'm fiddlin' with tarps. So logical and fun to find the perfect bed for the night.

[@louiecmancuzo2903]

Not 5 minutes ago I though "I havent had any notifications from Evan's videos lately". Then boom!

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

Love the idea of the clove hitch to 2 45 degree lines. Brilliant! Thanks

[@dbstewart4496]

The lessons that I take away from this video is; use what your are given as far as terrain, be flexible, be creative, know a few knots, camp where there are leaves and good drainage. Yup, seems about right. Thank you. PS, you know you make it look easy. ;)

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I had forgotten how helpful this video is for those of us who like to tarp. I am not using the diamond pitch enough. Thanks Evan!

[@sharpridgehomestead]

Just a suggestion for your visitors ... also a tarp hiker at times but I use this almost daily in other kits, one of my favorite low cost cheap lightweight strong guy lines is nite ize (green and white, reflective) ... 50 feet weighs 2.43 oz I've been using it about 4-5 years now. Often runs $8 - 11 at amazon for 50 feet. Stronger than 550 paracord, slightly smaller diameter than 550 paracord but slightly larger than what my zpacks hexamid came with which I believe is also 1.8mm (i looked it up, nite ize is advertised at 2.44 mm). so I have it in several of my backpacking,. bushcraft, get home bags, and other kits instead of paracord.

[@hallman321]

Your tarp setups always intrigued me so I especially loved this video. The art of Ingenuity 👍🏼

[@mitnwes]

Just found your channel. Love your stuff. I live in smokies (Sevierville).......hikers heaven

[@AdamBlatt]

Hey Evan, I watched your videos while planning a solo trip in the Smokys from Fontana Lake to Clingsman Dome and was inspired to drop the tent and your videos game me more confidence in just a tarp which saved lots of weight and it only rained 1 of 6 nights anyways. The other suggestion of yours that I really appreciated was having the cook gear in a handkerchief which gave me a clean kitchen anywhere I set up. Thanks for the tips! Keep it up and see you on the trail hopefully.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Glad it worked out-thanks for the comment!

[@wolf1066]

This deserves a like and a sub just for the advice about leafy ground. All the years I've been camping, *no one* - not the teachers at school camps, not our "great and glorious" (in their own minds, anyway) Scout Leaders - ever imparted that advice. So: finally - after *more than 4 decades* of going camping in which I gave up on floorless tents (because of water coming in under the wall of the tent), switched to bathtub-bottomed tents and wondered how anyone ever manages to keep dry with just a tarp and a ground sheet - I find someone who gives a simple piece of advice that answers my question. Thanks for taking us through all the various setups you used and the different weather conditions for which you used them - a mine of information, here.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Great comment, thanks. (Thanks for all your great comments.)

[@wolf1066]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos Thanks for all the awesome vids! I wish even *one* of our old Scout leaders had *half* the knowledge you have.

[@keitharoo1962]

That was so awesome to see all of your setups along the AT. Thanks for the video!

[@papajeff5486]

The low diamond pitch is what I used with my army poncho. We were instructed to keep it pitched below 18 inches, to be tactical. I left lines tied to each corner and used long thin branches to make more room underneath. Texas

[@SalineScott]

That was pretty neat to see the different ways you set it up during your AT hike. Can’t wait to see you next month.

[@bestillonthetrail234]

One of these days I will try the tarp. Your expertise in using one is amazing!

[@robm9578]

The HMG square.tarp is hard to beat!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Agreed!

[@JMS407]

Best informational hiking videos on KZbin. Always happy to see a new video Evan.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks!

[@glennsag5397]

Great video I really enjoyed it and I'm starting to learn a lot about the top setups from you thank you

[@markmcreynolds3984]

Just picked up a MLD bug bivy to pair with my tarp so this was great to see. Thanks for making this video!

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

Thank-You Evan!!! I've been using the tarp regularly on my property just practicing with it to build up my confidence. when the weather starts to cool i'm going to use it on trail. thanks for the video!

[@CarolinaChrisOutdoors]

Good thing you brought a tarp with you.... if I remember right, it was either raining, just got finished raining, or supposed to rain almost every day! Ha ha ha!!! Umbrella at the entrance... brilliant! 👍🏻

[@samducharme4863]

Wow, great video! Your creative set-ups really opened my eyes to tarp usage. ...but your book stack is light.

[@LiboltAdventures]

Very creative and informative. Going to have to reference this a few times.

[@brianferris1233]

I must get out camping your camping-video is infectious

[@frankynodots]

Evan, this popped up for me and I watched it again anyway. All useful information. Just once I want to see you climb into one of these low, earth-hugging setups!

[@ihikefar]

You sir are the new Ray Jardine. When can we expect a line of Evan’s tarps with accompanying instruction manual? It’d sure be a great niche business. Heck I’d buy one..... Cheers!

[@nathansowers9292]

I agree

[@Bscott-390]

Great job as usual. . Hope you're staying warm here in mid tn right now. ha

[@tammystringer4044]

Masters level course in tarp set ups. Awesome video.

[@jeffmcrobbie5015]

Thank you! I watched you AT video, and enjoyed it, I am doing a key west to the top of Maine trip starting in Jan or Feb. and have been working on a tarp/bivi set up but did not see anyone do it close to what a was planning, then I saw yours, but my tarp is 6x8 and my bivi is tyvec my big net is small enough to just go over the top of the bivi like a Sox but attached to the top of the guide line

[@ccwweeman3385]

Thanks for sharing Evan really enjoying your uploads take care and stay safe all the best ....Colin.

[@clydemobleyjr30]

So many cool tarp ideas keep up the good videos and be safe

[@ernestancrum7373]

most informative tarp video I've seen. I reckon I'll make the switch next year. nice work

[@kittypetsurprise1304]

Hey! I'm a new subber and love your vids... Fun and interesting. Your knowledge is impressive ... I'm learning so much... Thank u!

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Thanks Evan. I just received my tarp, time to try some pitches!

[@garylancellas1827]

the first stone of the pyramids. lol. legend .

[@frankynodots]

Evan - I do find this topic very interesting - and I really want to see just one video of you crawling under that tortoise shell! Its so low to the ground - depending on the configuration. I just want to see what kind of effort it takes to climb in.

[@jeffmurdock3072]

The book you have “Not Without Peril” is a good read. Having been raised in NH & have hiked in the White Mountains I personally know of trails the author speaks of in that book. The White Mountain weather is certainly something to be prepared for ail seasons of the year!!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I love that book. I just got done hiking all the White Mountains on the AT through NH and part of Maine. A great time!

[@jeffmurdock3072]

I had started to watch some of your recent NH the White Mountains with Liz Kidder. She appears to be a good trail partner to Luke with. Those who have not had the opportunity to hike in the White Mountains are really missing the beauty of the area. In Fall the NH foliage colors are more vibrant & prettier compared to the washed out foliage here in KY.

[@glenray7464]

cool set ups thanks for the vid.some of the places had to many branches that could fall on you in a storm. i have had branches fall on me at the wost times.i look out for widow makers. but it seems the smaller ones seem to land on me and mess up my pitch.

[@jyuan1999]

5:45 i need one of those, especially living in a tropical area, a tent gets too hot. am currently hammocking with a bug net

[@ihikefar]

Are you still using the yogurt container lids as interior tarp pole protectors? You didn’t show them here. I was wondering if you could use circles of reflectix instead? Would it be strong enough to protect the tarp from damage?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

The best thing I found was a plastic lid from Medaglio D’Oro coffee, or something like that. But then I covered the top with duct tape-otherwise it’s too slick for staying in one place when against the tarp.

[@robertalexander9931]

I've done some tarp camping before but thinking I try it again. Saw all your AT videos and it looks like a lot more fun. Love cowboy camping but the bugs DRIVE ME CRAZEY!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes I think it’s fun-one of the reasons I like it.

[@danielsingh9415]

Bug bivvy

[@jhonyermo]

Hot damn More Evan's Backpacking. Starting my first viewing of today and first of many. DANG! How great. And talk about a KEEPER. You bet. What a great 18:05 of informative, interesting video. • Request: Would you please list the titles of all the books on your side table? I can only clearly read two of the titles. Thanks in advance.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I should do a video about this.

[@justvin7214]

Hi there Evan, I noticed you don't use prusik knots to attach your tarp to the ridgeline. It helps to tension the tarp quickly and makes it easy to re-adjust if need be.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks but there is no ridgeline with a square tarp like you’d have with a hammock. There are lines from perimeter tie-offs to trees, stakes, etc.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks but there is no ridgeline with a square tarp like you’d have with a hammock. There are lines from perimeter tie-offs to trees, stakes, etc.

[@larrydonna369]

I was hoping you would get around to making this video. I have a couple of tarps that I use, one is an 8x10 modified with mosquito netting, and the other is a 10x7x5 tapered that I use with a bug bivy. I always rig them in A-frame configuration. What I have been trying lately is finding locations off trail to set up. It is hard in the Whites because the terrain is very aggressive in many areas. Your video is inspiring me to find non-established campsites in unlikely locations. It is really amazing some of the locations where you have set up. I am surprised the 8.5 foot length provides sufficient coverage. My bug bivy is 7 feet long, and an 8.5 foot would provide less than a foot coverage on either end. With the 10-ft length, I get a foot and a half on each end.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

The longer rectangular tarps are great for A-frames. Those “deep in the woods” set-ups I showed were in the Whites, one of them just off the AT in that very steep terrible rocky descent from the top of Mt. Garfield.

[@honorarenwick6491]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos The diamond set-up gives more length of course.

[@jeffgilpin]

Thanks for the great video. Curious how you stake an umbrella or attach a rain jacket in case of rain. Thanks for any help.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I attach a rain jacket with binder clips, and stake an umbrella with a stake that holds down the hand tie that’s around the handle.

[@jasholden9741]

I consider myself well experienced with tarps, however.... I was interested to see your variations that were due to the site. Only people who know the rules inside out should break the rules. Practice makes perfect. Well done.

[@jeffmurdock3072]

Have you read the book “Blind Courage”? It’s about a man who became blind as an adult & later hiked the entire AT. Due to the rocky conditions in PA it’s a wonder he did not give up & quit.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I’ll check it out, thanks.

[@sosteve9113]

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones buddy Greetings from a Belgium

[@LizKidder]

“It’s supposed to rain tonight”... could be made into a drinking game🤣 Great compilation video! Love the diagram at the end! Your tarp set ups still confuse me after all that time, haha!🤷🏼‍♀️

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

It was usually about to rain, seems like-if it wasn’t raining already!

[@inarichards7554]

How many and what length tie out or set up cords do you pack ?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

In general, I’d say go with whatever lines you need for the set-ups you do. The flat tarp from Hyperlite comes with 10 lines-www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/collections/ultralight-backpacking-shelters-tents/products/flat-tarp

[@Mrhoboo]

Thank you!

[@RoughingItWithRuth]

Evan, what wonderful timing! I am going to attempt using a tarp for the first time next week and this is so helpful! You really don't get lightweight backpacking tarps easily in South Africa, so I have bought a cheap ground sheet from Decathlon that I am going to try use. It's rectangular, not square, but I'm hoping I can make it work :)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Good luck with it! With a rectangular tarp, I think most people just use an A-frame. I like the square tarp because there are more ways to set it up, but a rectangular tarp gives you more rain coverage as an A-frame.

[@RoughingItWithRuth]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos Thanks! I LOVED the tarp experience! I'll have some videos up of the trip soon hopefully :)

[@charlottealexander7319]

Hey, Evan, Do you use a compass or a bloodhound to find your way to and from the trail when you set up for the night?

[@willyfredickson1343]

Great one!

[@markb002]

How did your DCF tarp hold up to the continuous use on your thru-hike, could it make another long hike? I noticed that you sometimes setup with the tarp touching trees or logs, was there any abrasion or puncture issues?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

No but it would abrade eventually, being DCF. I’ve used the same tarp for more than 3,000 miles and am still using it.

[@dankappus7004]

How much cordage did you carry and how much weight did that cordage add to your setup?

[@presidentgateway]

Good stuff.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Hi Evan. I think my hammock days are quickly drawing to a close. I can’t afford the grand for a sweet setup. Upper and lower quilts, Dyneema tarp, super dee duper suspension gizmos. I just have ratchet straps i cut the ratchets off of girth hitched on the ends of the hammock and then a 30$ nylon hex tarp from amazon and a ridge rest pad. Gotta find trees 13-14 feet apart. Pretty fussy requirements. Thinkin going back to ground. What do you think about “raking” some leaves to have under the tarp to lay your ridge rest pad on during heavy storm to help with drainage. Just wondering. Thank you sir! Maybe soon not to be hammocker on the cheap.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I never get rain under the tarp. It soaks into the ground even in heavy rain, as long as you're on leaves, not dirt, and the slope isn't severe.

[@20p65s]

Kids this is how it's done, watch it twice.

[@RickMunday]

I've noticed in some of the video clips you have your backpack as well as what appears to be a Mountainsmith Lumbar pack. Curious as to how you rig that up while you're walking. Or do you use it around the front?

[@Jhollowed25]

Thanks for the very informative video. I'm surprised you only needed a bug bivy for the entire AT. Do you feel that it offered enough splash and wind protection? I'm debating right now between a Borah bivy, or a Borah bug bivy. The latter is obviously lighter.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes and yes-plenty, if the tarp is pitched well.

[@pizzaiq]

I'm looking for a decent, affordable, bug net that is similar to yours but preferably has a side zipper and a spreader bar....

[@leowolf8891]

How much weight for tarp, bug cover and reflective? Thanks for putting this out there. Looking at your way or hammock camping. Have you tried hammock camping? Regards Leo

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Leo Wolf 2 pounds including line and stakes. I probably carry more lines and stakes than I really need. The Reflectix was 4 ounces or so but I don’t use it anymore unless it’s below freezing.

[@mystrugglebuslife]

Evan's Backpacking Videos that's pretty sweet! Thanks for this video, perfect timing, I've been toying with the idea of going this route on the AT next year.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

My Struggle Bus Life Be sure to practice a lot first!

[@mystrugglebuslife]

Evan's Backpacking Videos yeah it sure does look tricky to pull it all together quickly. How long does it take you generally to locate a spot and be completely set up? I just tested using a tarp and hammock through the hundred mile wilderness for the first time ever. I've always done freestanding tents in the past. The comfort factor of the hammock is hard for me to beat. But it was a bit more complex to set up. I will have to get practicing all these knots and such.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

@@mystrugglebuslife The hammock-and-tarp is different than just a tarp, of course. How long does it take?--depends where I am and how choosy I want to be in finding a comfortable spot.

[@drewskihikes5981]

Awesome video🤘

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Hi Evan! Huge fan! Just wondering if you have any tops for pitching an aframe with one tree, inside ridgeline and a chest high walking stick on the side opposite the tree? Thanks sir!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Not really any tips but sounds like a good set up. I usually keep one end slighter lower to control the rain flow-get it toward my feet and away.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Evan's Backpacking Videos i messed around with it at home and was able to accomplish it by tying a small bowline on the peak end of tarp the stick or pole is going to then poke top of stick or poke through that and then tie a clove on top of the pole or stick with the other end of the ridgeline and finally! stake it down! I made the mistake of buying 2 rei camptarps 9x9 and the only way it was constructed to be pitched is diamond and that doesn’t help me for a ground based tarping system. We used them for hammocking. They worked horribly with hard rain and hammocks. Trying to repurpose them and keep them out of the landfill! Best to you sir.

[@koopher]

Such a great video. You made it look easy so I bought a tarp. How do you protect yourself from ticks while asleep?

[@danielsingh9415]

Permethrin, spray it on all surfaces, let dry 8hrs, good to go. Not available in 🇨🇦, drive down to REi & drive back, as they won't ship it directly, or use a reshipper along the border.

[@kaizencodingwebdevelopment5782]

Hey Evan, thanks for all the videos! So on the topic of tarp setups, you seem to be pretty much the only one on KZbin that meets the criteria for tarping AND thru-hiking, and I was wondering if I could get your take on my current dilemma. My current setup that I'm putting under the microscope is my OR Alpine Bivy and my Rig 3.5 tarp. The idea is that the bivy itself is the primary "shelter" that could be used all by itself. But then I also have the 3.5 to give me some breathing room, whether it's for protecting the "entry" end of the bivy, or some wind protection, a place to sit up out of the rain, what have you. Just one other detail worth mentioning is that I also tried this same thing with a 10x10 tarp, and it also rained all night. Idk, it just felt like a lot of tarp to lug around, mess with the next morning, etc. A couple trips ago (without rain), I used a 5x7 and breaking camp was super, super easy. Anyway, I guess I'm looking for you to tear some holes in my thought process. And please feel free to totally tear it apart =)

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

There was a guy on the trail with a waterproof bivy who just had a small tarp over his head. Worked for him.

[@CampfireKodiak]

If you could design the perfect tarp what dimensions would it be?

[@wanttogo1958]

eWolf, when you pitched the tarp low in storm mode did you have to drop one end of the MLD bug bivy to get out/in so as to avoid stressing the attachment points to the bivy? Have seen some comments in other forums about the advantage of a ground level L shaped zipper for bivy access. I sure like the simplicity of MLD's though and would prefer it with a high tarp pitch or Cowboy camping (no tarp). I'm thoroughly enjoying your AT vlogs my first time through.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes, the access could be difficult. I have another bivy that I can just let set on the ground. That one is easier but I prefer the bug bivy in summer.

[@GODOFROCK22]

Every time I watch your videos I fire up HMG's website! Would you go with the 8.5 flat tarp again, if you had to do it all over again? Thank you for the videos!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes, that’s the tarp for me. I’ve used the same one on all my long thru-hikes.

[@aznit5370]

Will any heavy duty tarp work, or do you suggest something different? ❤️ Your vids ..

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I suggest something lighter than that -- on the other hand, haven't tried a heavy duty tarp myself.

[@capedmarauder]

These videos are great. Thanks for such good ideas. I have a sort of diamond shaped tarp which works quite well (also for hammock) but am considering a square one for the versatility. May I ask how tall you are? Mine is 2.7m which I find just long enough. Greetings from Switzerland!

[@markhess329]

Do you only use the clove hitch, taut-line hitch and bowline. Are there any other knots I should use? Oh and I love this keep them coming!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

That’s all the knots I use.

[@markhess329]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos Great! I learned them all as a second class Boy Scout some time ago!

[@chrisvalery3678]

Great video Evan. How many tie out points do you have on your HMG tarp? Cheers

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

16 perimeter tie out points plus 3 (I think) on the top and some on the underside to make a ridgeline if you want inside. www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/collections/ultralight-backpacking-shelters-tents/products/flat-tarp

[@chrisvalery3678]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos thanks Evan! Would love to see a video on site selection for tarping as you have much experience now. Cheers

[@WealthandTravelonaDime]

great video

[@philamongthehills501]

I have been very tempted to get one of these tarps because of being able to setup about anywhere and see your surroundings but wonder if a bug bivy would feel too small for me. Do you really only use the bivy when sleeping and are you fine the majority of the time only under the tarp with flying insects. I have felt that I did not have enough room in a 1 person tent and love the openness by myself in a Zpacks Duplex. Are you able to sit under the tarp when pitched for a storm. I guess your setup is easier to dry after a storm than my tent.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

The bug bivy can be restrictive but it’s not necessary when there aren’t any bugs. I also have a MLD “superlight bivy” that I don’t raise up at all. But I zip it up with me inside of it if ants or spiders get to be a problem. I used it in the videos I did when hiking the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Sheltoweee Trace. Yes you can sit up if pitched for a storm, but it depends on the pitch.

[@dougfinch452]

Great video! I like the 8.5 square tarp. What is your bugbivy? Make model? Thanks

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Mountain Laurel Designs “Bug Bivy.”

[@TimmysWorld-te8lp]

Hi there! What size Zpacks ground sheet do you use? I use the same HMG tarp and looking at other groundsheet options

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Not sure of the exact size but it's narrow and long, like their solo tent.

[@bummer1961]

What type of string do you use & what length?Also what brand of bug net are you using?I look forward to all your videos great insight to a simple tarp camp.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

The bug bivy is from Mountain Laurel Designs. I still use the lines that came with the tarp, listed here-www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/collections/ultralight-backpacking-shelters-tents/products/flat-tarp

[@jeffs6229]

Question e-Wolf: did you ever wake up to your quilt being wet from dew when not using the tarp? I use a big tarp and have used it every night even when clear. Just concerned about packing my quilt (which is down) wet. I’m still using a stuff sack for it but unsure how you would dry your quilt. Maybe the dew was not that big of a deal? Thanks for sharing e-wolf, love the videos!

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I didn’t have much dew on the AT, don’t know why. I paid attention to the dew point and I guess the conditions weren’t that humid. I did camp in Clouds a few times which is another story. Things would get damp and I’d set my quilt out in the sun during the day.

[@RandyBishopHikes]

I noticed some bivy pitches were only suspended at one (head) end. Do you ever have issues with bugs biting through the mesh when your legs (or other body parts) are/were directly against it?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Randy Bishop Outdoors I usually suspended both ends. If I noticed bugs at my feet, I’d definitely suspend both ends. I was never bitten through this bivy though. It’s pretty dense.

[@chuckoffcampus9738]

Great video! What kind of paracord do you use for the lines?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Thanks. I use the “2.8mm UHMWPE Core Guy Lines” that Hyperlite sells.

[@kennethlovelace9403]

Evan, do you fold your tarp to put in your pack or do you have a stuff sack for your tarp , ground cloth and bug bevy. would like to see how you pack your gear. as always, love your videos and glad you are making more.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I know some people say to jam everything in the top of your pack without stuff sacks but personally, I don't like that method. I don't obsess over folding anything properly, but I do fold/roll the tarp and put it in a stuff sack. Same with the bivy.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Just curious if you ever HAD to pitch your tarp on a tent platform? Either from regulations or other reasons.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Yes, so I didn't stay in that place and went down the trail. I don't use a sleeping pad so I don't like tent platforms.

[@darrengarlough5121]

I'm telling my wife I want a tarp for Christmas. Is there a specific tarp you wouldn't recommend? Lightweight is obviously important, but is there anything else I should be sure of?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Sorry for the late reply. I only have experience with the Hyperlite flat tarp. It's expensive but I've been using the same one since 2016.

[@darrengarlough5121]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos ok thanks

[@whereisthemessiah]

How tall are you? I'm thinking about getting the same size but not sure if I'm too tall (5'10)

[@mrbear849]

Think you could just wear a head bugnet at night? was there any issues with ticks sleeping on ground like that?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

No issues with ticks--and certainly not any more than you'd have with a tent. On some nights, a head-bugnet would have worked, or nothing at all. But I had to carry gear that would work on every night. On most nights, I like to use some sort of bivy because otherwise you get ants and spiders. I'll put up with a few but not a torrent of them all night.

[@mrbear849]

Evan's Backpacking Videos Do you think a bathtub floor would keep out most of the bugs? And pair it with a bug net on those bad bug days?

[@stevendavis4508]

Thanks Evan for making this video. Was the bug net line attached to the tarp or just run out to a branch?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I did it both ways at times.

[@tuckbecky1]

where is the zipper on the bug bivy? I usually have to pee a lot at night and need to get in and out several times. lots of crawling out of tarp on my knees.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

The zipper is on the top. Pee into a Gatorade bottle-that’s what most men do although it’s not talked about much. I’ve seen women on Facebook say they can use a gallon ziplock bag for the same purpose-can’t vouch for that though.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

By the way, I learned the pee bottle technique when I was in the hospital where it was required of me. Pretty convenient, I thought. Then on the trail I felt like I’d invented the technique until I started asking around and learned everyone was doing it, especially in the winter.

[@leowolf8891]

Evan was you total Pack weight? Excluding food and water. How much food did you carry most of the time? Thanks Leo

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I covered my baseweight in the gear video before I did the AT-I think it was 11.5 pounds? Then about 1.5 pounds of food per day. 2-4 days of food usually. On my most recent long backpacking trip through New Hampshire, my baseweight was about 10 pounds.

[@leowolf8891]

Thanks I’ll check the other video. Leo

[@kampersadventures958]

I remember your various set ups and how you would explain them on the AT. Thanks so much for the sub also. Means a lot. PS... I know you used the bug bivy during the bug months, but prior to that, did you ever have issues with snakes under your tarp?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

No, no issues with snakes.

[@KuntryRD]

Would most of these work with an almost square tarp, such as 8.5 x 9.5 feet?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I don’t think so but I’ve never tried.

[@Chavez3d]

Hi Sevan... :-)

[@Y2J3469]

You use a HMG tarp and it recommends using a truckers hitch knot for the stakes and that is not one of the three knots that you use or endorse? How come?

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

I have my own ways I guess. Truckers hitch will work too.

[@Y2J3469]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos I have done the Pacific Test Trail and the The Great Divide Trail using the Zpacks Duplex tent as my shelter; however, I just recently purchased the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 8.6x8.6 square tarp and the Sea to Summit (2.9 oz) pyramid bug shelter (for the inner tarp) and I wanted your input since you, inter alia, thru-hiked the AT in a tarp/ bug bivy shelter. In particular, I desire your comments on the infra (below) video, which connotes that with a bug net/ bug bivy - a tarp is not compatible or versatile enough. Ostensibly, it seems to me that you were able to successfully use your bug bivy, with the tarp, in almost every tarp configuration and that you were never particularly hampered regardless of the tarp set up utilized? While I am cognisant that this guy in the video below is, (i) inexperienced using a tarp for backpacking; (ii) is using a cheap tarp with little to no tie out points both in the interior and exterior; and (iii) the tarp is too big, I still wanted your feedback? kzbin.info/www/bejne/opPNdYmoequoarc

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

@@Y2J3469 Yes, his set-up is different than mine. The one I use is pretty well-documented in the videos. It works great for me. I should say though that if I set up my bug bivy (with its top entry) under a tarp with a low-to-the-ground configuration (preparing for a storm, say), someone who isn't limber might have trouble getting in.

[@Y2J3469]

@@EvansBackpackingVideos The "one" you use (singular) LOL, you mean the oneS you use (plural). You use so many different tarp configurations (which is quite impressive) and even though the cheap tarp and inexperienced user I showed you (just as an example) was able to use an a-frame with a bug net successfully, I am, nonetheless, concerned that perhaps what he is saying about if he doesn't use that particular configuration that the tarp loses most of, if not, all of its versatility/ flexibility. Indeed, it is trite to say it is the the non a-frame/ non lean-to configurations such as the diamond and wind versions that I am concerned about not being able to effectively use the bug shelter inside the tarp with. While it could be argued that if there is a storm and it is pouring rain, for example, there is likely no bugs (i.e. mosquitos); however, this is not always true, which I am sure you can attest too? In the end, I am just trying to assure myself that hikers/ people like the example video I shared with you are not always correct as experienced tarp users like yourself can attest that bug net/ bug bivy versatility is a lot more capable than just in one or two different set ups....