How To Pitch A Backpacking Tarp

"How do I pitch an ultralight tarp?" is probably one of the most frequent questions I am asked. Hopefully this quick tutorial will help to answer it.
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[@BackcountryBanter]

Hey everyone! Thank you for watching the video. If you enjoyed it, it would mean a lot to me if you thumbs up the video and subscribe if you haven't already. This helps the video rank well on KZbin and keeps you up to date on all the latest videos. If you click the little bell beside "subscribe" you'll be notified the moment we release a new vid too. The Vargo stakes I mentioned: amzn.to/2MnFR4i Our Instagram page: instagram.com/backcountrybanter/ THANKS!

[@elvischrist8826]

I ait thumbing up shit, begger

[@levilayne7878]

You all prolly dont care but does anyone know a method to log back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the password. I love any tricks you can give me.

[@terrellbraxton19]

@Levi Layne instablaster =)

[@levilayne7878]

@Terrell Braxton thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm in the hacking process atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@levilayne7878]

@Terrell Braxton It did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my account !

[@joshfelts1349]

Nice tip to put the trecking pole a little offset for some more crawl in/out space. Keep up the good content!

[@Ureyeuh]

Seems like my dad and these stakes have something in common. 6:32 In all seriousness, this was to the point, helpful, and not over-edited. Great work.

[@waynemahaffey4988]

Great job man. Covers all conditions, areas and with minimal equipment. These set ups would work even better with trees in even worse conditions. Looking forward to more great videos

[@BrantHikes]

As a lifelong tarp user, it's always interesting to see how other people pitch. Thanks for the video!

[@ChiangThomas]

Your A-frame setup is so efficient. I like it .THANKS for sharing.

[@Jobrewerful1]

Wow! You make it look so simple. Very informative.

[@mooganoid]

Simple and succinct advice, superb job! I now have a better idea of how to put my tarp up. Thank you!

[@danflowers8584]

Excellent instructional. Thank you for your efforts in making such a clearly understood video.

[@MrChrisBarrett]

Excellent and clear video Dude. Enjoyed watching.

[@joyuncovered]

Really well done! Enjoyed the filming and presentation!

[@papajeff5486]

Joe, thanks for the instructional demonstration. This was, for me, perfect. I’m hiking the AT, Spring, ‘23. I intend to use a tarp. I have a Duplex and may have it sent to me later, depending on my tarp perspective after some experience. Kentucky

[@kkratzer11]

Thanks man! Exactly what I needed. Succinct and informative

[@5winder]

You're a good teacher. Thanks, and may God richly bless you.

[@WhatsUpWithSheila]

Nice.. good visuals and explanations thank you

[@timnewby1546]

Thanks for sharing - nice straightforward explanation.

[@redbustourguide]

Thanks again bro! I'm Def get some of those Vargo tent stakes through your amazon link. Seen you use them on your expeditions. in the past like the PCT CDT . I'm sold. Loving the new Vargo titanium alcohol stove getting great results using the dollar tree methanol fuel. White bottle of course. Big fan of Vargo now thanks! Looking forward to your next vidz. Happy trails my friend! Thanks again for doing all you do for all of us interested!

[@BackcountryBanter]

Nice! Vargo makes great gear. Those stakes have accompanied me on the PCT & CDT and are still my go to stakes. Definitely worth the investment.

[@calvinshobbes7742]

Hello from Colorado! This looks like home. Well done on the video!

[@HikerNine]

YASSSSS! Looking forward to the follow-up on site selection.

[@kerryfristoe1329]

Me too!

[@galkinator]

Pretty cool. I briefly tried using a tarp (Six Moon’s Deschutes), but after one light rain and having rain splash all over me, I called it quits and went back to a traditional two walled tent. I’m kinda jealous of tarp tenters though for the simplicity and extremely light weight.

[@mikeashexperience9602]

Dope Video! Sending blessing your way, Keep inspiring!🎒🙌🏻

[@jaffcat]

Excellent explanation 👍

[@freddonelson5505]

Very nice teaching video. Well done. Picked up my "like" and my sub because of it. Keep it up! 😎😎

[@bretthikez6567]

Very well put together joe..tarps are awesome

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks! I completely agree :-)

[@goodfellazbushcraft8301]

I love tarps

[@jonnytacoma]

Awesome..huge help. Thanks brother

[@AndrewWisler]

Awesome -- just saw this video. I just made a tarp very similar to this (partly modeled after yours) out of 1.1 oz. Xenon silpoly (not asymmetric though, head and foot the same width). Slight cat cuts on mine, and the silpoly seems to stay tight overnight without shock cords -- my previous shelter was a silnylon Tarptent, so I'm familiar with the sag. Cool to see how you have your guy lines set and what you do for storm mode. I live out east and am curious to see how it works with rain and bugs here. I'm going out for a week later this month and I'm taking an EE bivy for bugs and any crazy rain to try to keep my quilt dry, but I'm going to try not to use it. I'm going to put some loops on my rain skirt so I can tie it over the head end to make a beak if I need some more coverage. I'm new to tarps and the openness still makes me a little nervous, ha. Psyched to lose a pound and a half over my Tarptent, even with the bivy. Hoping you get your MYOG pack tutorial up soon, because I'm itching to make an UL pack to replace my Exos for lighter trips ...

[@radron33]

More tarp videos please! I just got the Gossamer Gear tarp, so any tips and tricks would be much appreciated.

[@willabilly8102]

It's awesome that you've been rocking the same tarp for so long

[@BackcountryBanter]

It's hard to get a new shelter or even feel motivated to build one when this one has worked so well and is so light haha. I'm hoping to build a sil-poly tarp with less stretch soon though.

[@pngit1]

Great video, I learned a lot. 👍

[@jamespeters8601]

Your very good at this. Great video.

[@Heeman5]

Good video, I learned a lot. 👍🏼

[@stephengonzalez5578]

Simple and very effective👍👍

[@craigmelchiano72]

Thank you, nice and simple. love it. one question please; You put the point of your trekking pole up so it goes in the hole of the tarp, but the part of the pole on the ground doesn't stick into the ground like a spike, does that move? like without staking the trekking poles in the ground does the pressure alone keep them there? Thanks!

[@TainoXtreme]

Very good video. Have you ever thought about pitching a tart between two trees using a ridge line? I do it all the time and it works fantastically. I want to learn the system you’re teaching in this video though. I am a blind person and go for whatever is faster and easier. I want to learn your method since not always I will find a good scenario between two trees. Thank you so much for sharing your video. God bless you.

[@moss2309]

That's a nice technique!

[@9spiderlegs]

Thanks for this video, it's been super helpful! You mentioned a seperate video on site selection, did you ever make that? I would be interested but can't find it. Thanks!

[@freedomofabird]

Excellent help

[@lisaray6493]

Just stumbled upon your vids and immediately subscribed after watching a few. I was thinking about buying a poncho tart and was wondering what your thoughts were. I am short so I took that into consideration

[@aaronshuster5022]

Thanks for the info! What size tarp do you suggest for a light backpacking trip? and What tarp do you suggest for desert backpacking, Arizona area. Thanks!

[@jbutzi]

Great video! I use a smaller tarp with a splash/bug bivy. I don't have your experience so wondered if you though this was better. I assume you do, but I wondered why. Overall weight savings? One less piece of gear?

[@jhonyermo]

GREAT VIDEO Subscribed. Thanks

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks!

[@nullislandlife]

thanks for the tips.

[@DonMilligan]

Cool vid 👍💪

[@Avi_K_dog]

Loved it 😎

[@lifetrail_hiking_mentoring]

great video

[@make.and.believe]

can you please post a link to your favorite ultralight tarp - looking to invest in the right piece of equipment. Thx!

[@markordop7664]

love the rigging, looks really sturdy, what tarp do you use? I have a 3m x 3m tarp. I'm wondering if a smaller one would suit this kind of rigging better?

[@snabelone]

Thanks!

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

Ive always pretty much preferred a plowshare style tarp set but there isnt really anything wrong with an A frame as long as people understand them as you certainly seem to.

[@arlensmith1092]

If you want 4 season maximum comfort under a tarp you have to be able to keep all sides tight to the ground or vent the heat by instantly raising one or all four sides. A 12’ square tarp is best for 4 people. 2 pegs tied to short cord at each corner about 12” apart 5” in from edge (to keep tarp tight to the ground in wind) 7” pole barn nails for frozen ground. A roof jack made with 5” or 6” tin can lids (rim left on). A 2” diameter chimney centre pole. A 6”x6” wood burning stove hanging on the chimney. 2 vertical sticks for each person in each corner. A vent at sitting eye level, to see what the neighbours and bears are doing. Google “chimpac “

[@preparacaoeatividadeout6097]

Muiti bom vídeo. Parabéns. Greetings from preppers from Brazil

[@PeterTran1997]

I recently got a tarp and am hoping to get out some next season I was wondering how do you not get wet, even with the broad side facing the wind I would imaging some would get in through the two ends?

[@janvermaak]

Great video! What do you do on (rocky) terrain where it is difficult to drive the tent stakes into the ground? And what if the wind direction shifts significantly during the night? Block up the entrance somehow?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks! On super rocky terrain (and when there is no better camping option available) I pitch my tarp the best way possible using a combination of these tactics: anchoring out to huge/heavy rocks by wrapping a guy line around them, extending my guy line length to find a place where the stake will fit in the ground, tying the guy line to the middle of the stake and wedging the stake between rocks or stumps, and tying out the ridgeline to trees or boulders. For wind shifts, I've found that most of the time the wind shift happens to be a 180 degree shift, which either means I'm ok as is or I might need to lower the now windward side of the tarp to the ground... easy peasy. When wind gets wild and unpredictable I lower the tarp dramatically and stick my pack (with rain cover or pack liner over it) in front of the large door of the tarp. Not the ideal situation but it works and this is a pretty rare circumstance actually.

[@ThePatriot4freedom]

Excellent video. What do you do to combat bugs, such as mosquitos, black flies, scorpions, and other pests? Thanks

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks! I don't ever worry about ground pests and have never had an issue with them. On most of my trips I carry a mosquito head net just in case I run into rogue pockets of flying insects. Wearing a head net protects my face and my quilt protects my body during the night. But this limited protection is only good for low mosquito/fly nights. If I know it is insect season and I'm heading somewhere they might be bad, I'll pack a 3oz Sea to Summit Nano Pyramid bug net (solo size) to give me room to breath, relax, and cook. Here's the net I use: amzn.to/2HNkR3x It is delicate but has served me well.

[@georgejeckells388]

Hello Backcountry Banter, I was wondering if you sealed the seams on your dyi silnylon tarp? What type of seam seal do you advice to use on silnylon? I like and have watched most of your videos, keep up the great work. Regards George

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

Do you use any type of inner net tent or bivy? The 3 A-Frame set-ups are what you always use, no half pyramid ?

[@peter4Flags]

Thank you for the video, really enjoyable . Could you please let me know what make of tarp and the size you are using. If possible what make of trekking poles as well. Good luck and take care.👍🙋‍♂️

[@BackcountryBanter]

The trekking poles are Costco carbon fiber poles (highly recommend them, check my channel out for a review on them.) The tarp is a homemade one with a 9.5’ ridge line. I have also done a video on the tarp, you can find it on my channel. Thanks!

[@johnschmitt3083]

What kind of ground sheet is that and do you still use that?

[@happypnt]

The sound quality is so good when you're talking in front of the camera. What do you use to record the audio?

[@nellyg5857]

how do you deal with bugs and critters wondering in your tent

[@radron33]

Do you still use the Sea to Summit bug net with your tarp? If not what do you use?

[@schnickschnack2090]

👍 nice vid

[@amit2897]

Joe do u use a bivi..I have a 3x3square..but no bivi..don't intend to buy one either

[@BrandonSmith-rn1fq]

Any chance you’ve played around with other pitch configurations for cat-cut tarps besides an A-frame? I recently attended an ALDHA-West Ruck and heard Joshua “Bobcat” Stacy say he could pitch his Gossamer Gear Twinn Tarp into a mid of sorts.

[@BackcountryBanter]

I used to play around with different tarp pitches but honestly none of them ever worked as well as the classic A-frame. It is possible but I question if it is ever really necessary. They add complexity and seldom offer more protection.

[@drewblanche]

What tarp is this? Also, in heavy storms if you only had 1 pole would it be less effective to staying dry? How would you stake it out.

[@haroldcale4767]

Well, use four walking sticks and one side to the ground and the other side about head tall when setting. works for me. and you get a better view.

[@hrhtreeoflife4815]

My favorite stakes are Steaks ;)

[@kurtmcdonald7113]

Love your videos. Gear info and hiking without all the BS "trying to be an over the top personality" like so many others. But anyway, So far I've done all of my hiking/camping in Mississippi & Alabama. A bug bivy is a necessity here. I'm heading out to Colorado in July to do as much of the CT as I can. Is a bug bivy something I'll need to have?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks! Generally a bug bivy is not necessary in Colorado. It's really location dependent though. Lower elevation parts of Colorado and sites around lakes can still have mosquitos. I've never really run into horrible conditions here though. At least take a head net and if you are low and near water you might consider taking the bivy.

[@kurtmcdonald7113]

Backcountry Banter I have a head net, so I'll definitely bring both to CO with me. I plan on spending a few days in the area just acclimating to the elevation. I'll spend that time driving to a couple of the trailheads doing some easy dayhikes. I can determine then if I'll need the bivy for multi-day use. Thanks for the quick reply 👍

[@josellecrandall1856]

Thank you for making this video! What kind of tarp are you using? And what size is it?

[@BackcountryBanter]

It's a DIY one. I have a video here (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpzVn5edgKl5Y9E) showing the details and dimensions of the tarp. And another video here (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGS2pJemqMR5nsU) showing how to make the tarp if you'd ever like to. The dimensions are 10.5' x 8' x 6'

[@leanrascal3155]

@@BackcountryBanter Links no longer work. Please update. Totally awesome video, thanks.

[@BackpackingVideos]

Joe, do you typically use a tarp in Colorado? I'll be hitting the CT again this year sometime around July 6. Thinking of switching to the ZPacks Hexamid tarp.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Every time I go out!

[@BackpackingVideos]

Do you ever find the mosquitoes in Colorado to be a serious issue?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Very rarely. It seems to be somewhat location specific and is a normally a pretty short season. I always have a mosquito head net with me just in case. Sometimes I take a 3 oz Sea to Summit bug net when I know it might get bad. The higher up you go the less of an issue it is too. If your destination is a lake and the season is summer you might consider a bug net.

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

Damn that rain angle of attack! Aaaaaaa! Wait,... golf ball hail angle of attack is pretty bad too. Wait, squirrel angle of attack on food bag can be devistating too, so...wait, moose... nevermind.

[@Joey_Joey_Joey]

Yo bro, what tarp are you using? Great video!

[@jessarellanes6648]

Cool bro

[@RetroLPGames]

So I'm 6'4" and I'd say lying down in my quilt my sleep system comes close to 7ft. How long of a tarp (as in how much overhang) would you recommend to stay dry on the head- and footend?

[@hooptroopers]

I'm 6'3" and I'd go with a tarp that's 10ft long. That's enough to keep me dry as well as my backpack and shoes and other stuff even when rain is coming in at an angle with side wind. For the width if pitched with an A-frame configuration, 8ft is enough for me to sit up straight in the middle under the ridge and at that width there would be space to have a guest as well with a little less head space. So a 8x10ft tarp is what I recommend.

[@myourheartsong]

What is the length of your guylines and ridgelines. After using on a thru hike would you change any lengths? including your amsteel. and... Did you ever wish you had side pullouts for more room? Thanks man!

[@BackcountryBanter]

The guy lines have stake out points at 0', 3', and 6'. I am very happy with those options and have never once needed more. I have never needed side pullouts either. The cat cuts keep the tarp pitched tight.

[@tankbennett7]

Dude great deal. I just for the first time saw your page. Seems like you know your stuff. Kudos. I do have a question .. do you use this technic when you hike major trais like the A.T. I was thinking of trying for the first time hiking the Appalachian trail. My thing is I have no Crew to hike with don't know is that a wise idea. I don't know anyone that wants to do it

[@tankbennett7]

I am just going to do only a few days maybe 3 days. Just to get my feet wet

[@BackcountryBanter]

I do! It has worked well for me. And I say do it! You'll likely meet many helpful people along the AT so having no crew is not an issue. Just make sure you are prepared with gear and food and get out there.

[@betas1001]

How you keep mosquitos and bug away?

[@WyeExplorer]

Some good configurations there. The set up time looked to be quick as is the case with an a frame. How much does your tarp weigh? It appeared light. All the best there. Mark

[@BackcountryBanter]

Thanks Mark. The tarp weighs 9.5 oz. It's 10.5' x 8' x 6'.

[@WyeExplorer]

That's good. What's the make of it? Can you get it in the UK? Peace!

[@belekjenkins2308]

He made it himself out of sil nylon kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpzVn5edgKl5Y9E he also has a tutorial on how he made it if you search his channel.

[@BackcountryBanter]

It's home made. If you'd like a similar tarp I would bet that BeSpokeUltralight (an ultralight gear maker based in the UK) might be able to whip one up for you.

[@WyeExplorer]

Hey cool. I will check that video out now. Peace!

[@BobPreis]

Which bug net shelter would you recommended here?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Check out Sea to Summits Nano Pyramid bug net. It comes in a single and double size. I've been happy with the single which weighs in around 3 oz. It's delicate but has enough room to cook in and keeps the mosquitos out. Here's a link: amzn.to/2DcDJes

[@christianmclaren3870]

I have a question kinda unrelated: your hair is so silky! What do you use on it??

[@NoTrail]

Hard to believe there are those without the imagination to set up a tarp. Thank you for your service to this group though.

[@alyk]

Hi I have two maybe stupid questions... Is it dangerous to use metal poles in a storm? I keep remembering how I was teached to only use umbrellas with a wooden stick in a storm 😅 and Second: don’t you have Problems with mosquitoes? Do you use a Biwak with this System ?

[@TheAndrewUy]

Whats the dimension of your tarp? Can I use my 10x10 tarp for this? Thanks Joe!

[@romansokolov6893]

Easely! It has plenty of room for a one person.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Definitely! My tarp is 10.5' x 8' (head) x 6' (feet). Having catenary cuts helps my tarp pitch tight but this method definitely works for square tarps as well.

[@TheAndrewUy]

Backcountry Banter Thanks! :)

[@nativeeurope1299]

Sorry, what size tarp is this?

[@tonyandginastrauss7871]

what is the size of your tarp?

[@MikeWD9JJV]

How do you deal with mosquitoes?

[@Christine34562]

Tarp 101 series!!

[@BackcountryBanter]

This will be the start of it!

[@Christine34562]

Backcountry Banter awesome!! Keep up your hard work!! :)

[@MAXCOBRALAZERFACE]

What do you do for bug protection?

[@BackcountryBanter]

On most of my trips I carry a mosquito head net just in case I run into rogue pockets of insects. Wearing a head net protects my face and my quilt protects my body during the night. But this limited protection is only good for low mosquito/fly nights. If I know it is insect season and I'm heading somewhere they might be bad, I'll pack a 3oz Sea to Summit Nano Pyramid bug net (solo size) to give me room to breath, relax, and cook. Here's the net I use: amzn.to/2HNkR3x It is delicate but has served me well.

[@MAXCOBRALAZERFACE]

Yeah I got to pick one up. Thanks for the link.

[@renaecummings8068]

Have you ever had problems with bugs. I’m from Michigan and hiking in the northern woods during spring and summer may be impossible with a tarp.

[@BackcountryBanter]

Very rarely. Throughout my trips I carry a mosquito head net just in case I run into rogue pockets of insects. Wearing a head net protects my face and my quilt protects my body during the night. But this limited protection is only good for low mosquito/fly nights. If I know it is insect season and I'm heading somewhere they might be bad, I'll pack a 3oz Sea to Summit Nano Pyramid bug net (solo size) to give me room to breath, relax, and cook. Here's the net I use: amzn.to/2HNkR3x It is delicate but has served me well.

[@greygardens81]

A bug bivy from MLD, EE, Katabatic, or Borah would probably make sense up north where the skeeters are going to try to lift you up and fly away with you

[@johnphillips3526]

Backcountry Banter when you do your site selection video, will you demonstrate the bug be option as well?

[@bereantrb]

Renae Cummings Others already mentioned a bivy which is great with a tarp. Also look at Bear Paw Wilderness Designs net tents that will work. Everyone is different but I’m probably going with their Minimalist 1 full sloped version; only ~9 oz., more breathable than a bivy and the mesh stays off of you.

[@lastadolkgGM]

Thanks for the video! Have you ever found the need of having doors in your tarp? Not the ones with a ziper, but just more coverage on both ends where the poles are.

[@radron33]

What are the dimensions of your tarp?

[@radron33]

Lol, never mind, found it.

[@dvstefan]

Have you had any hard rain were water was flowing underneath the tarp getting the quilt wet? Would you consider adding a bath tub floor?

[@BackcountryBanter]

I have had this happen but normally my waterproof (polycryo) ground sheet is more than capable of dealing with it. Sometimes I have to roll up the edges of the groundsheet to assure that water doesn't flow over, but it works. If the rain is that bad I may also take a trekking pole tip or stick and dig a shallow water redirecting ditch into the ground around the tarp. Most bathtub floors I've seen would nearly double the weight of my tarp system so I have yet to use one. I think it'd be nice to have one for wet years on the AT or when hiking anywhere where rain is a constant for days at a time and the ground is saturated.

[@dabaird12]

Is your tarp diy or from one the company's made ?

[@BackcountryBanter]

It's a DIY one. I have a video here (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpzVn5edgKl5Y9E) showing the details and dimensions of the tarp. And another video here (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGS2pJemqMR5nsU) showing how to make the tarp if you'd ever like to.

[@user-nt8mt3zv2t]

Size of the tarp ?

[@adtram]

simple.

[@seanspence7943]

Have you or anyone you know of that uses a tarp ever had any snakes, spiders, or other "creepy crawlers" get under your tarp with you? How do you handle a situation like that?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Despite countless night in the desert and beyond, I've never had a bad tarp encounter. Spiders do make their way in every so often, but they just move about on their way. I've never had a snake curl up with me and don't know anyone else that has either. Most insects don't actually make it onto my groundsheet and the ones that do are harmless. The worst situation I can remember is when I accidentally set up on top of an ant colony. They never actually gave me issues but I could hear them trying to get through my ground sheet and couldn't for the life of me figure out what was happening.. (I eventually figured it out and moved.) When mosquitos are bad I have a bug net that I use. That would also be an option for you if you wanted to assure no bugs got in.

[@jhonyermo]

Ray Jardine, one of the folks that really got tarps popular. has some great comments on this "snake" stuff. It just never happens. p 76 Beyond Backpacking THANKS GREAT VIDEO.

[@williamramsay346]

Pitch feet to wind dadoi

[@zoladkow]

Pitcha Pitcha! Pitcha Ku xD

[@GAMESURF714]

I pitch a tent every morning

[@austindory7788]

Nice vid, you always have great content. Couple questions? On all three of your long trips roughly how often have you had to get up in the middle of the night (or whatever) to reorient the tarp to deal with a change in the direction of the wind? To what extent have you seen thru hikers using super shelters such as a "Condo Tent" (Far North Bushcraft And Survival) kzbin.info/www/bejne/on3Uc5Sfe6qfoq8 so that you can have the option of having something close to a Duplex tent and/or other tarp configs out of connecting a regular tarp and poncho tarp, such as connecting a MyTrail Poncho Tarp and Paria Sanctuary Siltarp with a TarpBuddy on a stick? : )

[@BackcountryBanter]

1.) I really can't remember a time where I've gotten up in the middle of the night to turn the tarp around. It has undoubtedly happened, but probably only once or twice and just during a crazy storm. The nice thing about most mountain winds I've encountered is when they switch directions they normally end up coming from the opposite direction (In my experience.) Like a breeze that was rising up a mountain due to heat that turns into a breeze that moves down the mountain as it cools. 2.) I don't know of anyone that makes tarp forts on trail, but it sounds fun! I've encountered families on the AT that stay in huge pyramid shelters and have occasionally witnessed people pitching tarps close together to form a "living room" but I've never seen a super shelter. I'm sure it's doable and it sounds like a good time. One thing that might make it challenging is finding a flat spot big enough to fit multiple tarps side by side.

[@austindory7788]

Never heard these "condo tents" called forts before lol, but yeah I was thinking of 2 smaller tarps that connected together would give you something that could be closed up and the size of a (2 person) Zpacks Duplex tent. Not something completely huge like it seems like you're suggesting lol. I guess maybe I'm thinking about random stuff like the wild dogs that I've heard about on the PCT this year that people are being warned about and wondering if a closed up tent might offer a little more protection, but yeah I guess living in the wild is just a dicey proposition, right?

[@BackcountryBanter]

Oh I see. I think that pitching like that could definitely work as a more protective shelter, but I've never encountered anything that would make me want a more protective shelter. I feel way safer out in the wild than living in a city or town haha.

[@Saadventurous]

This is spectacular work, I hope you get some time to check out some of my latest work. Cheers!

[@dkccdk]

thats great on a clear night when you want to block the wind.. but let it rain heavy... amd youre either going to sleep on a hump and not be able to sleep or wake up with a sore back... or youll wake up in a puddle... i like the hammock method... ive gone to sleep during a rainstorm... in a place that showed no signs it flooded... and woke up to a river under my hammock... and ive woken up too many times ground camping in a 2 inch deep puddle.. ill carry the extra weight of a hammock and straps... and camp inside the tree line... to each their own... but the first people to hike the appalachian trail... did it with canvas bags and cotton filled sleeping bags and cast iron cookware... an extra lb isnt going to kill anyone... i hiked the a.t. with a 65lb pack... everyone laughed.... and 3 weeks later i was jogging past them on the declines...

[@scottsmail4428]

10:43 05:06 03:17