TARP RAIN FLY | How To Set Up A Tarp Canopy For Camping

[@arthurandersen4750]

Don't forget about that rock ... I feel like I walked into it three times . You put me on the right track , thank you

[@MetalicComplex]

that last rock trick actually made my jaw drop. Good advice all around, very excited to set up my next camp.

[@HikerBikerMoter]

that pole makes all the difference 👌

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

It does

[@kuvtsisxavlikojxav]

Where can I purchase a center pole like that?

[@adreabrooks11]

That bit about taping the ridge-line to your center pole is brilliant! I'm going to have to try it on my next outing.

[@citygurl29]

The rock/rope/caribiner trick is awesome...using that for sure!

[@oldgranny410]

When my family would go camping, it was always my three cousins job to climb the trees to put up the tarp. So glad to see this as i don't climb trees.

[@Harry-u4s]

Great job man, I do the same with a 20 feet x 30 feet tarp. However, in the future, put up your tarp first so that the tents will always be in the center. Summer and camping season is almost here. Yaaay!!!

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Can’t wait to get back out! Hope you have a great season.

[@chrisgraham2904]

Thanks! Yours is one of the few videos showing how to hang a large tarp high above your camp. Most show a ridgeline being set 5 feet above grade for a tarp tent shelter. Getting that ridgeline set at 10' up a tree or higher can be tricky and a center support pole is a big help.

[@sesa2984]

I'm old, and been camping a long time. I think a video about how to use multiple tarps to cover a whole (or large area of ) a campsite would be useful. We never leave because of the rain, but we sure have trouble if we don't do a good job!

[@jamesl.harvey8116]

That makes a lot of sense, a tool box for tarp stuff only.

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Yep. Makes it much easier.

[@annarborthenorris5455]

This genius idea will solve many problems I have encountered since my kids grew up and now camp with us with their families. So much better than what we do currently. The rock idea/trick is very much better than using tie-outs which grandkids tend to trip over. Glad I stumbled across your channel. Good looking camp. Thanks for sharing

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful.

[@BrianFox]

Love it Also keeps the sap from the pines getting om your Tent.

[@ridebiking]

So simple but well executed. Thank you for this straightforward and purposeful video 👍🏻

[@elizabethlane880]

Helping me out a bunch here thanks guys I am about to take my son for a 3 day trip here in Australia Your tips have got me sorted Great channel 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Hope you have a great trip!

[@alexmachine570]

I would suggest you use polypropylene rope because it doesn't stretch, absorb water and is UV resistant. It's also the least expensive rope you can buy. Also, if you use a white tarp it will brighten up your campsite. Avoid the typical blue tarps as they cast a blue tint onto everything. I like the tepee poles you used. I never knew about those but will get myself a set or two.

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Thanks for the comment! We’ll have to check out that kind of rope.

[@TyConde-o6w]

I like the rock tip, always an issue dealing with the rain on Kayak trips.

[@kat1114]

I am very impressed! Great Job. We will have to do this on our next camping trip. We have a few lined up for summer.

[@sholland42]

I would you carry bright flagging ribbon to tie around that dark rock hanging at face level.

[@yahbrilyehudah3077]

Great job explaining how to set up a tarp.Awesome

[@sarimsok83]

That’s an awesome setup! But damn, that’s another level for me.

[@pdk005]

Thank you. That was an excellent demonstration!

[@davidphilion1432]

I've watched lots of videos about camp setups and yours is the most informative/interesting

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

We’ll thank you! Good to know people are getting something out of it.

[@KimberlyPatterson1]

Very informative and easy to understand, simple too. Thank you.

[@apb5866]

Very informative and I appreciate you sharing your wisdom

[@bonniebhawkinscreativetv3965]

love your full step by step instructions on how you setup your camping tarp setup .

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Thanks!

[@meander9354]

Slick. Well thought out.

[@_angelfromtx]

Love to see it! Great video!

[@ondermaans]

Very nice instructionvideo, smart construction for the tarp, thnx a lot. The last trick with the stone, i belief is brilliant. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@kevinsmith4051]

Great job. We just used a 14 X 20 on our scouting trip and it kept us dry all week. Wish I had seen your process first.

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

That’s a big tarp. Makes for lots of dry space. How did you hang it up?

[@Rennpferd2]

Try a truckers hitch on your peak line to get it super tight.

[@dustyroaddestinations]

That is a very cool setup! Thanks for sharing that!

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Thanks! Hope it was helpful.

[@GrassoTCG]

Very helpful and understandable video. Thanks!

[@anaferreira1958]

Absolutely genius! Thank you

[@frontiersurvival-1]

Enjoyed this one for sure..

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MittenPrint]

Ok so here I am watching this after a camping trip where I set up my tarp only after it started raining, I realized I had just one short rope and also I had no clue what I was doing 😂 Thank you so much for this video

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Oh no. Well hopefully this helps.

[@MittenPrint]

@@theoutdoorrealm1658 yes I will be much better prepared next time thanks to your help 😀

[@MightyMoeBanker]

Excellent video bud, learned quite a bit! Can't wait to put it in practice! 👍🏻😎🍺

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Thanks, hope it works out for ya!

[@juanavila3245]

thank you man,,right to the point,,going camping this summer....

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Awesome! Have fun!

[@dozensides]

You might want to get you some figure 9 carabineers for the corners. They are adjustable.

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Might try that, thanks

[@wallacerotternaut]

Great tips!! Thank you for sharing!

[@manie54321]

🌷Thank You🌻

[@Ahamill1782]

Ok so my husband loves your hat, where’d you buy it & also the screen tent over the picnic table?? TYIA 😁

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

There is a link in the description for the screen tent. The hat is Redhead brand I found at Cabelas. They still had them in stock last time I was there a few months ago.

[@bowdeer5074]

Great design. You could save your self the work of retightening your lines by using a truckers hitch. If you haven't done that yet. Just noticed the vid is 2 years old lol

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

I have not done that yet but it’s a great idea.

[@leenolahallwest365]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU !!! For this very wonderful informative information.

[@maryhoewisch-kc1mc]

Nice set up

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Thanks!

[@Freedom-sg1bs]

thanks for the great tips!

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Absolutely!

[@falconbrother2339]

Great video!!

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Thanks!

[@VC30577]

Great set up!

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Thanks!

[@nikkiyang1331]

For the center rope, how many feets doesn't it have to be for the tarp size you used? Also many ropes do I need to set up like yours? First camping trip coming up mid month.

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

I believe all our ropes are 100 ft. We use five ropes total. One for the center rope and four for the corners. Good luck on your trip!

[@diegovamanos6770]

Great video!

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Thanks!

[@sashagerman8071]

Great video!! What is the name of the metal piece that you used to join wood? Thanks

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Thanks! I’m not sure what’s it’s called exactly. It came with the poles. I did a quick google search, and it might be called a top rail sleeve? Looks like it’s used for chain link fences.

[@matthewfinley116]

Do you have a link for the teepee poles? I can’t find 10 ft poles. Great solution to a potential camping problem!

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

I haven’t seen these particular poles for sale in years. Might have to look around or build your own.

[@dsmith004]

Trying making a "monkey's fist" with a pigtail as a messenger line for hefting the line on the trees.

[@jeffmorrow1957]

Thanks! Good job

[@NAVYWhistleblowerAssassin]

Great setup 👌

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Thanks!

[@noreenpurple8617]

Great job!

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Thanks!

[@theresamcpherson7352]

Very well done, I learned a lot. Thank you. The rock hack "Rocks" !

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Haha thanks!

[@stevemorris3710]

Great set up, don't walk into the rock though! :-)

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Haha thanks!

[@adanpalma4026]

Hi. Thanks for tips. Where do you get that pole? Home Made?

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Got them on eBay, but I haven’t seen them for sale there in a while. You could probably make some pretty easily though.

[@timcampbell6008]

simple easy method

[@colby6131]

Nice job man.

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Thanks!

[@chunkbrownstain5792]

i came for the ideas but stayed for the mustache

[@solemnbuddhist]

What about the high winds? I've lost gromits to the wind and can never figure out how to avoid that

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

I can’t say I’ve experienced a whole lot of high winds. Probably the worst was maybe 30-40 mph gusts in a storm a few times. I usually ride it out hoping for the best, but it’s probably a good idea to not have it up if it’s gonna be that windy.

[@dcfavorite]

I'm a camping newbie, just wondering, should I get a tarp that's big enough to cover my whole tent? I notice that your tarp isn't big enough to cover both the tent and the screen tent. I'm also wondering, what can I use to get the center pole to such height if I don't have two ten feet sticks like you do?

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

If you want a tarp that covers your whole tent, go for it. We just like to make sure it covers at least half of the tent and half of the screen tent. I have always used a pole or long branch to prop up the tarp. You may need to get creative if you don’t have the ability to do that for some reason.

[@rolandodelgado5337]

Impormative learned t.y.

[@phdyoutubedegree1939]

What is the pole for? the purpose of the ridge line in the middle is to hold it up. That pole can hurt someone if you get strong winds.

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

True, the ridge line holds the tarp up for the most part, but because of the weight of the tarp, I use a center pole to help keep the tarp at the desired height. Also, I disagree that the pole would hurt someone in strong winds as it is secured to the ridge line separately from the tarp itself. We have used this system for multiple years without issues and are rather satisfied with the results.

[@mikemaryland]

This must be for very long term camping

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

We usually camp for at least three nights which isn’t all that long of a trip, but its worth the work setting up the tarp when it does rain. If there’s no rain in the forecast, we usually don’t bother with the tarp.

[@apb5866]

What type of knots did you use when tying the rope around the trees?

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

I wrap the rope around the tree enough times to secure it. I’ll then tie a slip knot to ensure the rope doesn’t come unraveled from the tree.

[@dootscat3798]

A Prusick knot on the ridge line attached to each end of the tarp is useful to keep the tarp taut.

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

@@dootscat3798 that's a good idea. Might try that in the future.

[@HolyGrounds33]

That gazebo is a nightmare to setup. I have one.

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

They can be difficult to set up sometimes, especially by yourself. Planning to do a video at some point of how we set ours up.

[@dummkompf]

indiana jones teaching us his wisdom

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

😆

[@yadiralaxamana3794]

Does this work well with wind?

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

So far it works fine. The ropes I use are somewhat stretchy which helps with wind. The ropes do need tightening every now and then especially after rain or windy conditions. Haven’t been in a tornado with it yet though so when I get to experience that, I’ll let you know how it holds up.

[@stevenscop]

@theoutdoorrealm1658 I am going car camping in Ocala National Forest the end of January and the weather should be in the 40s at night and 60s during the day. It may even get a little cooler than that. My 8-year-old tent leaks not only from the top but also from the window areas. I was thinking of getting a 4 mil extra large tarp and covering the tent with it (top and even the windows) and then putting the rainfly on top of that with most likely no Gap. I would raise the tarp above the windows when it's not raining. It rains pretty much every time we go there. Is this a really bad idea? I don't think there will be trees in the spot that we're at so I can't hang it above. Should I just buy a new tent? I'd rather go the tarp route because it's so much less $ and the tent still is holding up otherwise. I'm not too concerned about the temperature during the day inside the tent. I'll have the windows open. More concerned about night time temperature and the condensation.

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Your tarp idea should work if I’m envisioning it correctly. I’ve also seen people just drape a tarp over top of their tent. Looks tacky, but if it keeps you dry, who cares. Sometimes you just gotta make it work if you don’t want to spend the money for a new tent, and good tents aren’t cheap. FB marketplace sometimes has decent stuff though if you don’t mind going the used route. As long at you still have good ventilation, the condensation shouldn’t be terrible. Otherwise, you will almost certainly have condensation in the cooler temps. As far as camping in cooler temps goes, you can camp comfortably in any temperature if you’re dressed for it. Coldest we’ve camped in was 27 degrees, and we were fine. Low of 40s and high of 60s is probably my favorite temps for camping if it’s dry. Kinda jealous you get to go camping in January since we’ll probably have a bunch of snow here haha. Hope you have a great trip!

[@stevenscop]

@@theoutdoorrealm1658 yeah I figured putting a tarp underneath the rain fly this way the tarp won't move if it's being held down by the rainfly. Any ideas on how to create a small gap between these two barriers? I was thinking about putting some 12-inch pieces of a pool noodle between the two to let it breathe

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

@@stevenscop are you referring to a gap between the fly and the tarp or the tarp and the tent itself?

[@stevenscop]

​@@theoutdoorrealm1658I was referring to a gap between the tarp and the rainfly or whatever you think will be the best Gap to reduce the condensation

[@stevenscop]

@@theoutdoorrealm1658 I'm just wondering if it makes more sense to spend the money on a 10x15 tarp and 4 extendable tarp poles and just keep the tent that I have. Check out the video at the 4 minute and 30 second mark and please let me know your pros and cons. The only downside I see is that it takes up more space because of the guy lines. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIvZeWR8d92ohNE

[@hatersgotohell627]

Can you tell me what happens if I put just the tarp right over my tent without hanging it . Will it still prevent heat or sun rays from going in tent or no. After I go camping just for a day I feel beat up from the sun

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

I’ve never tried that so I can only give you my theory. I imagine it would help keep more sunlight out of your tent, but it will likely hold in more heat inside the tent if it’s just draped over it. Just a theory. Best solution, I believe, is to find a campsite in the shade. I’ve also seen people use those portable canopies that have the four extendable corner legs and can be folded up for easy storage and transport. That would be easier to set up but you’re limited to one size. Might not work over a tent but it would provide good shade to sit under if none is available.

[@Sirach985]

I need to buy more rope. Lol

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Can’t ever have enough rope

[@ShekinahRedison]

what is the size of your tarp?

[@plethoracleSENTIENT]

Holy smokes, that is a manly mustache.

[@NeetoGuido]

those teepee poles are imposable to find

[@SrinivasChivukula]

can you share the amazon link to the teepee rods please

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

I believe the poles were purchased off of eBay. However, that was about five years ago, and I have not been able to find them for sale anywhere recently. You might have to do some looking around to find something similar or just make your own.

[@Occupuyourspine]

Yeah more

[@nikkiyang1331]

Where did you get your pole for your tarp?

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

eBay. They don’t sell those same ones anymore though.

[@dthompsont3796]

Thanks for the instruction. The best part was the mustache though. I'm not a gay man but 🤷‍♂️

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Haha all good. I can appreciate a compliment.

[@dragborn926]

What kind of knots are you using?

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Just square knots on the carabiners attached to the tarps corners. The rope ends attached to the trees are just wrapped around the tree and tied off with a slip knot.

[@koldbreweddude]

Does anyone else think this guy resembles Hyper Fenton from JSTU?

[@SurprisedCentaur-xh5cp]

How do u get the ropes down off the trees at 10 ft?

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

One side is synched down with a carabiner, and the other side is wrapped around the tree at the proper height (preferably over a branch) and tied off below at a level where it can be reached.

[@johnmanning4895]

So the carabiner side? How do you get that undone?

[@haystack17]

You have the same red canyon tent I have. I love it. Suddenly today I take it out and the rain fly is massively sticky and the entire seam seal fell off. Any issues like that from yours? It wasn't just a repair job it was a total failure

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Never heard of that happening before with any tent to be honest. Not sure what would cause that either. We’ve had this tent for seven years, and though it has some holes and tears from wear, it’s never been sticky nor has the seam sealer come off. Where do you store it and when/where was it last used?

[@haystack17]

@@theoutdoorrealm1658 it is a common condition that requires regular maintenance with small patches here and there. I've just never seen it where the entire seam sealer has broken down completely. I live in Florida with heat and humidity so I get that it would happen after storing away but I've just never seen such (catastrophic) failure of a sealant on a rainfly. Thanks for answering. Just coincidence I saw you had the same tent when I was searching for some answers so I thought I'd ask. Perhaps it's "all or nothing" when it comes to rain proof failure on this tent because it went from perfect to failure

[@bigchief4044]

Ned Flanders goes camping …lol

[@karenallen9204]

What type of rope is best for the ridge line on a 20x30 foot tarp?

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

I’ve only ever used 100’ nylon rope from Walmart that has a little stretch to it. It works well for us and would probably work fine for you.

[@karenallen9204]

Thank you so much, my husband and I used to go tent camping for years, starting with with just us, then our five kids. We’ve been rained out a couple of times and have always wanted to learn how to tarp a tent campsite. Now, at 60 years old, we are starting up camping again, using a tailgate tent for our minivan. Great information and help, thank you!

[@karenallen9204]

What weight of tarp do you recommend? Are the light / medium weight - 5 to 7 mIl sturdy enough? I bought a 9 mil from Harbor Freight and wonder if it is too heavy! We will find out this Thursday! 🥴Do you have any recommendation on a brand so that the grommets would hold up? Thanks!

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

​@@karenallen9204We use the green/brown reversible poly tarps which are 5 mil. They seem to last for a few years before needing replacing. Wind is what will ruin your grommets with the extra stress is causes so a heavier tarp should last longer. Just make sure you've got a sturdy center rope and that its as tight as you can get it when you put it up.

[@karenallen9204]

We had a successful camping trip! Hung that big ol tarp and had a pretty substantial thunderstorm / rain the first night! Everything held well and we stayed dry! Thanks again for the tips and instructions for a large tarp!

[@bangdingow1414]

Harrison Ford is calling, he wants his hat back. Also Tom Selleck wants his mustache back.

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

They’re gonna have to come and take it then.

[@bangdingow1414]

@@theoutdoorrealm1658 lol 🤣 no doubt bud!

[@rem45acp]

What type of knot is used in this video? To attach the rope to the tree? Also, what do you do if you're at a campsite that has very limited trees or none, or when the "tent pad" is in the middle of a field?

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

If you’re asking about the first tree the rope was attached to, I used a carabiner and just hooked the rope back onto itself. We rarely if ever camp in a location without trees. If possible I will usually check ahead to make sure the trees are suitable for attaching ropes. Most campgrounds have online photos of the sites these days.

[@kirkulessonofgoose7503]

🇦🇺❤️🇦🇺

[@c4prlm4st3r]

Hi sir. It is okay if I apply this method using a tarp pole & rope to the tarp eyelet? I just need to cover 1/2 front of my tent ( door area actually).

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Yea do whatever works for you.

[@mikemaryland]

Is this satire? The more you set up. The more you have to take down and pack. And God forbid it does rain. Your working in the rain.

[@theoutdoorrealm1658]

Tent camping always involves some level of work depending on how in depth you get with your setup. The tarp makes for a more comfortable camping experience when it does rain and is worth it in the end in my opinion. I speak from experience having camped in five days of straight rain before, and that tarp setup saved the trip. If it does rain when it’s time to pack up and leave, the tarp is the last thing to come down. That way you can back your vehicle right up to the tarp and stay relatively dry while packing everything up.

[@thorodinloki]

HURRY UP

[@joanies6778]

Great tips!