How I Prepare a Tarp For Field Use: Aqua Quest Safari Large Tarp

Thanks to Tim at The Tactical Defender, and the People at Aqua Quest, I have the opportunity to get this Safari Large Tarp ready for field use. There are a bunch of tips and tricks that I have learned over the past few years that make setup super quick and easy as well as storing my tarps in a safe manner. In this video, I get a brand new tarp ready for field use.
Aqua Quest:
www.aquaquestw...
The Tactical Defender:
/ @gearreviewdepot

[@zenofthemoment]

The problem with your snake skins isn't the size, it's the technique. I didn't know until recently either, so please don't take this as me being a know-it-all, just a fellow gear junkie sharing knowledge that someone else taught me. While your tarp is hanging, take one of the vertical sides (grab both walls on that end), and start rolling it up towards the ridgeline. Once it's rolled up, grab the snake skin on that side and pull it over the rolled up tarp. Move to the other side, still hanging, and repeat. You'll find this technique much easier and more intuitive, and the best part is that when you go to deploy your tarp and pull the skins back, the tarp falls cleanly back to the same position, ready to stake out. Keep up the informative videos!

[@maxenra]

Out of curiosity, wouldn't only one snake skin be needed? I have a Dutchware hammock that came in a sack that was open ended on both ends with one side able to cinch tight so it stays on one side only unless you wanted to remove it. Thinking its the same principle as the tarp skins?

[@zenofthemoment]

@@maxenra I’ve seen single snake skins before. I’m sure they work fine. Double-ended stuff sack like Dutch’s hammock would work, but you’d lose the ability to leave the tarp strung up but stowed. That’s handy when you like to sleep without the tarp but it starts raining in the middle of the night and you need to deploy the tarp fast. Double snake skins are great, but like everything, there’s a learning curve. Once you get it figured out, it’s easy to use.

[@robertsbushcraft]

The black plastic things are guyline tensioners, they come in real handy guying out tarps and rainflys.

[@outerlimitless]

I don't tend to use those because I like the convenience of the figure 9 and how secure those are...makes for a really nice and tight connection.

[@Aldocello1]

Im sorry but Ive been using Tarps for more years than i can remember even as a tent , and this my friend is probably one of the most over complicated set ups .... . Amsteel way over kill for bank line , at 10,15,20 ft. etc. you get no better tightness than basic paracord . 550 cord with a marlin hitch with toggle(stick)on one end (starting end ) and a taught hitch, truckers hitch or ratchet hitch on the other , tighten . DONE !!! Prusiks with a toggle (stick)on the tarp end loops for tension , run out your guy lines to desired set up ..Done !!! Pre stringing your tarps outer loops to the bank line limits your set up , bank line on its own then you have options depending on the situation ..... rain fly , a frame , leantu , pyramid etc... also on any of the first three , tarp layed OVER, as youve mentioned , the bank line gives you a place to hang gear ( socks shirt towel lamp etc. ) under the tarp to keep dry if needed, an additional prusik on the bank line at the ends of tarp on bank line keep any rain from running down the line under the tarp . 1,000 plus outings with this setup and never a hickup ! Also using a hammock snake( 2 of them ) for a tarp set pack out .... So youre caught in a storm and have to bail out of camp quick , trying to pack that up should be interesting .... Simple dry sack, or stuff sack , fold up/ roll up or just stuff it in the sack and compress , DONE !!! Also easier to deploy ....There are many set ups out there and ive tried several over the years so just my view from many many years out in the bush and knowing it works . I do commend your efforts though and definitely practicing set up at home , ive seen too often people head out without knowing their set up and are lost out there !

[@mikes8948]

From the vertical ascending rope world - prusik cords grip most effectively when they're a smaller diameter than the main line you want them to lock on to. When your life depends on it, you NEVER use the same diameter...when you're tensioning your tarp it isn't quite as important, but the same rule applies to prusik effectiveness.

[@shadowmaker11]

I just run my ridge line and hang the loops with small carabiners. Also I know weight is a factor when back packing I use a defender tarp so it doesn’t blow like crazy while doing the set up. Anyway enjoyed your video. Interesting and I’ll apply some of your tips.

[@JeffLahurd]

I really appreciate all your efforts. Lots of info and I know these videos are not easy to make. Thank your for being thorough...I learned a lot!

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks...this was a couple years ago...there are things I would do differently now but still got the overall objective and message across. I still use many of the concepts that I discussed in this video so it's relevant.

[@blittle7631]

Try the cam-jam carabiners made by Nite-Ize. Very fast and easy.

[@outerlimitless]

I've seen people use them, and I have one large one. I have not really looked into small Cam-Jam's due to size, bulk, and weight efficiency, the figure 9's work so well...but I agree that nite ize products are simple and very effective! I'll look further into the cam-jam. Thanks for watching!

[@bobhead6243]

Great video , many people have no idea how to set up a tarp , so all this helps those who have no experience , well done , be well and god bless.

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks...it is still some methods I use today! Thanks for watching!

[@GrillinandChillinwithColeman]

Great video, thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@PREPFORIT]

A Lot of good info about a good setup ! I need to practice my knots. ( watched it all on my break )

[@outerlimitless]

This one was a touch long, but there was a bunch of stuff to cover...I need to break in the tarp/snakeskin combo...it has been working well and is a bit easier to get on now. It was snug in the video. But yeah, super fast to setup and break down...no messin around, and no knots. I can use knots and i'm pretty good at it, but why bother when this is so tight and secure and fast??

[@bearcingetorix6326]

He's really proud of his amsteel whoopy sling and toggle. Like... tell you about it and a show you it 3 times proud.

[@outerlimitless]

Yep...seeing as though the video is about how I prepare a tarp for field use, that's kind of an important part of the video. Actually it makes up pretty much the majority of the basis for it. But I'll give you the fact that it was a longer video than it had to be...if I could re-edit I would. So, add some substance to your comment...what do you use, what do you suggest? Pretty easy to drop a comment with nothing to back it up...

[@bearcingetorix6326]

outer limitless sure thing pal, when you are ready to snake the tarp, try rolling up the end a bit first to get it started, that should solve that issue you had with bunching. The issue with the prusik knot can usually be avoided by choosing two different sized lines. Using amsteel itself isn't the reason for slip, using smaller amsteel would work fine. That being said, I completely understand using amsteel for hammocks to avoid stretch, but unless you are really loading up your ridgeline, using expensive line like that is a bit decadent. I was just teasing you earlier, no need to load firearms and try to look me up. It was in good fun.

[@GearReviewDepot]

That's a fantastic setup! Can you share where you picked up the ridge line and those little red line tensioners? Thanks for the mention, much appreciated. Looking forward to the full tarp review.

[@outerlimitless]

I'll try to find the actual links, but I picked them up on eBay a few years ago. The ridgeline is was listed under a search of "amsteel ridgeline". The figure 9's I also got on eBay for cheap from China...depending on how many you want, you can get them really cheap if you get like 20 or more.

[@GearReviewDepot]

Thank you! I'll look them up. Hope all is well.

[@AQWaterproof]

Excellent tutorial and great setup! The ridgeline loops are perpendicular to assist with strength as well provide mild friction to a rope line which prevents traveling. Looking forward to your review. Thanks!

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks! I was excited to get this tarp setup...I'm looking forward to getting it out on the trails and into the mountains very soon! I can see what you mean about the loops being sewn the way they are for strength...that makes sense based on the reinforced center seam. Anyhow, thanks for watching, and I look forward to completing the full product review!

[@MattyOutdoors]

1.1kg for a tarp, is insanely heavy. Dunno any backpackers that would carry that.. is this intended for backpacking? Or car camping?Or for the price you can pick up a nice silpoly tarp, at less then half the weight, including your ridgeline and tie outs. Zingit, or lash it are both much lighter, and more then strong enough to support a tarp. Also, you mentioned running a ridgeline under the tarp. This opens up the risk to getting water running along the line, dripping inside the tarp. Good video, i like the little tarp tie out figure 9s. Wish they made those in titanium

[@outerlimitless]

It is heavy...it's like a 70D or something like that. I'd say it probably wouldn't be for typical backpacking, although I do plan on bringing it with me this weekend...I'm going 2 miles into my camp site, setting up my camp and then hitting a couple of peaks from there. Weather looks dodgy, so it's worth having a larger tarp...it's what I have for now. I agree about running the ridgeline under the tarp...but if it's not going to rain, it has some advantages to being able to connect things to the ridgeline under the tarp....lights, clothes lines, etc. I don't generally run the ridgeline under. I'm not familiar with Zingit...I'll look into it. YES, figure 9's are sweet...and titanium would be cool...just don't lose them!

[@MattyOutdoors]

outer limitless check out dutchwaregear.com some pretty awesome lightweight options for suspension systems and tarp rigging systems, and pretty cheap as well!

[@outerlimitless]

Nice, yeah, I'm checking them out now...looks like some pretty sweet stuff...

[@jamesparker6383]

put a drip line on it

[@tphvictims5101]

Skip to 11:24 for the information. Those figure 9 tensioners look like they might SNAG on anything. I think a loop alien may work as well if not better. The bowline knot is very easy as is the taut line knot.

[@outerlimitless]

Yep, a number of different ways to approach it. This has been exceptionally quick and reliable for me and the figure 9's do not snag. Quick, simple, reliable. But that's only one way out of a thousand to get the same result.

[@jamesparker6383]

I Make my tensioners out of wood a lot cheaper and just as effective

[@Skfoster64]

Learned a lot! Thanks!

[@outerlimitless]

Another video with lots of information...I have ideas about format that will help cut down length. I have a few more videos coming out that are already filmed, but I'm about ready to mix it up a bit and try something new. But this definitely had some good info...

[@jamesomerritt3229]

Can you provide a link to where I can purchase the Amsteel ridge line and the figure 9’s

[@onetimeoutdoorsdj1394]

Thank you for all the great information Very nice set

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks! I got that ridgeline from eBay a while back...I tried to find the guy I bought it from, but I don't think he's around anymore...there are a bunch of similar ones on there...I suggest 20 feet at minimum.

[@onetimeoutdoorsdj1394]

outer limitless Thank you

[@richcrabtree2537]

Very helpful and educational video, you done a great job explaining ..

[@outerlimitless]

Thanks, I know it's a bit long winded. But there's some solid info in there for sure!

[@richcrabtree2537]

outer limitless dont worry about it, if folks dont like it or fell there is mo info they will click off of it, just keep makeing ur vid the way u r for the ppl tjat like then..

[@eddiekytia]

How thick is your Amsteel line

[@outerlimitless]

Not certain... I want to say maybe 4mm

[@coreynemeth]

hello .... where did you get that ridgeline?

[@outerlimitless]

I bought it a long time ago on eBay. Unfortunately I can't find them anymore. Those ridgelines are so awesome...I have 2 and I hope they last forever...I greatly enjoy and rely on them!

[@BM-pd4js]

Why wouldn't you link the Ridgeline or the figure nines in the description?

[@outerlimitless]

Is this like Jeopardy. You're suggesting that I leave a link, but you did it in the form of a question?

[@BM-pd4js]

outer limitless can you leave the links or no?

[@outerlimitless]

@@BM-pd4js There are no links for the ridgeline... it was a one off vendor on Ebay. I've tried to find them again. Figure 9s are everywhere... Amazon. Ebay, home depot. Nite ize makes them or generic

[@BM-pd4js]

outer limitless thank you

[@Captainpaulbtyhtr]

A+ for information , D- for punctuation 🤡

[@brianblanco520]

the snakeskin is a total waste of time and money. i just tie the tarp at a few points if setting up in wind. takes much less time and energy. I am actually kind of horrified by this video. the dude does everything he can to avoid learning knots. a simple basic set-up is always best. this set up is super complicated, and requires so many extra pieces.

[@NoneYaBidness762]

Was thinking the same. A bowline and truckers hitch and you’re good to go. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ARIES5342]

Too long for a tarp video. Adam

[@outerlimitless]

You knew that going into it. Eric

[@ARIES5342]

@@outerlimitless Stop using the word "UMM"! EDIT YOUR VIDEOS. You got a free tarp, earn it!! Adam

[@outerlimitless]

@@ARIES5342 you're complaining about a video from 4 years ago. Have you watched any of my recent content? I do edit my videos... have you paid any attention or do you just complain without doing any digging into the details? Eric

[@irimanatimu2327]

You talk to much

[@outerlimitless]

Thank you!

[@baroneb5043]

didnt know u had to prepare a Tarp before u use it..... foolishness

[@outerlimitless]

I prepare all of my gear for field use...doesn't matter what it is. Tarp, tent, boots, tools. I prepare everything. I want the minimal requirement to get my shelter setup once I'm out there. Seems like foolishness to me not to prepare. Where are you going out anyway? Can't be very significant if you're not thinking about getting setup before you head out.

[@ngaoutdoors4715]

point 28 and point 26. Come on dude. Read the scale

[@outerlimitless]

Dunno, sorry, not sure what you're referring to.