Tarpology - (Treeless) Two Pole Square Tarp Tent (3x3 Meter Tarp)

The first in a regular segment on "Tarpology".
Simon demonstrates how he produces his favourite two-pole tarp tent using the DD 3x3 tarp.
You will need:
1x DD 3x3 Tarp
2x Hiking Poles (or poles cut to length from wood)
9x Pegs minimum (13x is better)
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Thanks to Patreon Supporters for this video:
Vincent Johnston
Silas Longshot

[@sundaymorninghikes6275]

7 years later...This is a really good tutorial on how to set up! You've given me the confidence to try it! Thank you.

[@lysfrommarple]

The first time I watched it I thought you talked to much but then I tried it and came back to write it down because I hadn't listened properly and actually you talk just the right amount.

[@reneelosie2644]

You should also watch waypoint survival tarp tent, if you want a lot of tarp tent setups.

[@erikmueller9934]

Single best demonstration/explanation of this type of tarp shelter I’ve seen during my research. Thanks!

[@antonypaquette3092]

Excellent! This is far and away the best video instruction on using a tarp. You show and explain very effectively how and why, such a simple thing requires practice. Thanks!

[@fraukeschmidt8364]

Thanks for your very detailed description and demonstration of the setup and all the little tips. I have actually done this configuration, with a slight adjustment, using a 3x4 tarp. I did use a tent pole segment to make my hiking pole a bit longer.

[@RAVEN-uj5zq]

Impressive and nice job with the Tarp shelter, Im even subscribe you bro 👍 Excellent...

[@DariusFLX]

Great instruction! I liked that you took the time to explain why you were doing things and how they work, along with some alternatives. Clearly and well spoken, excellent sound and superb videography. Thank you for posting this!

[@PackedToLive]

Thank you very much for the compliments (and for recognizing that it's important to explain WHY things are done, rather than just how). Atb, Si

[@Laubasss]

Stumbled across your video years later, lol! Very informative abd easy to follow! Cheers, new Dutch subscriber and would-be hammocker/tarp camper!

[@allanmoral3867]

One of the best and clearest step by step instruction for the newbie tarp tent user. Thank you Simon. Setting myself for some solo camping in the mountains here in the Philippines. You got a new subscriber here sir! Best regards! ✌️

[@kwoody1986]

this is my favourite setup i use this all the time. just came back from a night on dartmoor when i broke down the tarp in the morning i had half an inch of ice on the tarp and it was fine. great video i use bungees on the doors to pin them to sides, then at night i on clip them bring the doors inwards and clip a bungee on the 2 doors and wrap around the pole. then i put a dry sack by the gap. works a treat

[@NinjaHempKnight]

my son loves this tarp configuration.

[@aaronhorton3508]

Thank you for the very clear and detailed explanation. This was one of the best videos I have seen on this subject. Thank you for explaining why you were doing things rather than just making a pitch by numbers video. Great job.

[@chrislongstaff1863]

I always carry a small foldable shovel/pick . If it looks like rain I`ll dig a small drainage trench along the tent edges. Works a treat .

[@aaronshuster5022]

Awesome video! You are a wonderful teacher! I am learning about Tarps for backpacking in Arizona and I want to tarp camp, due to the warm weather and light weight of tarps. Thank you for the Tree Less instruction! Please post more treeless tarp ideas, thank again

[@Liam99501]

Thank you Simon for this very clear and practical video. I live in Alaska and have done very remote exploration most of my life. I am about to explore a difficult route in the Talkeetna Mts. and after viewing your video will bring along a 3x3 tarp. Best regards, Liam

[@PackedToLive]

Nice! Will you be shooting video of your trip?

[@serosedserio6531]

Very articulate. Excellent explanation and demonstration. Thank you!

[@ODanboy]

Many thanks for the demonstration, I shall try this next time I go out. Dan from Clacton, Essex.

[@Frank-vu9kj]

I really like your idea of having the 2nd hiking stick set at an angle. Excellent work!

[@williamconfer9784]

You are a great teacher...... great video...... your are very thorough on your explanation..

[@PackedToLive]

+William Confer I sincerely appreciate the kind words. I can only hope the upcoming videos (now that I'm finally, despite many setbacks, getting back out and filming again) can live up to this one :)

[@jackvoss5841]

When securing a guy line to a tie out loop, try tying a bowline in the end of your guy line (all guy lines should already have a bowline in them). Slip the bowline through the tie out loop and put in a toggle. A short stick works nicely. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@johnjames218]

the very best demo on the DD3x3 i have seen

[@PackedToLive]

John James Why, thank you very much pal :)

[@pacermanrocks]

Very useful I've just got my first DD 4m x 4m tarp & I will be making this shelter thanks for your help

[@desrynne2720]

just a thought. The first is obvious. You could cut a stick to save you carrying the walking poles. The second is could you tie a guy line to the outside back centre to save having the second pole in the tent. This would give you more space in the tent. Great video.

[@hogue3666]

Smart idea to use a girth hitch / cow hitch for the front lines.

[@timsho3]

Outstanding video!! Never used a tarp tent before and actually used your video to make my tarp tent for winter hiking.. Went up quickly and was very spacious as you have said. Thank you for the great video and look forward to more of your videos.

[@PackedToLive]

+tim eichenlaub Glad you found it useful. I can't wait for the wind to bugger off so that I can record a video without the audio getting washed out by wind noise ;)

[@RobDegrey]

Excellent tutorial. I do a lot of hikes above timberline in the high Sierra. Thus, it is difficult if not impossible to find trees that are much larger than a bush. I'm planning a trip this October and want to go really light. I believe I will use your "Tarpology." to help me to achieve my load goal. Great vid. You have a new sub. Thanks.

[@PackedToLive]

Rob Degrey Very-much appreciate the kind words and the sub. Have fun up in the high Sierra. Wish I could be there myself!

[@RobDegrey]

Packed To Live Thanks Back, Packed To Live. I'll let you know how it works out.

[@ceciliocolon1932]

You did a great job

[@jaschroeder59]

Well done, sir! A versatile pitch which I most certainly will use.

[@paulglancy3867]

Hi yeah I've watched a few of the same tarp design, like folding under the back corners, but I prefer this one, nice time taken to explain, and count out the pegs. Going to Loch Lomond on Wednesday, and I'll be touring the Islands, hoping to stay a night on each, inflatable kayak coming, so popping to Luss every few days for supplies, wishing you all the best...Sincerely...Paul. PS. I'll let you know how I got on. Cheers.

[@JamesPaulII]

That's certainly the coolest pitch I've seen. Thanks!

[@fishntools]

Three things I learned about tarp camping: 1) Ditch whatever tarp you're using if it isn't a 12'x12' 2) Learn how to make a TyVek bathtub using stakes 3) Carry two tennis ball halves in the event you want to create a configuration using posts to protect the fabric

[@charlesmcgonigle9838]

Yep thats what Im talking abont . Just got a tent today Im going to take it back. Im going Tarp. Go tarp,

[@samjohnson3800]

Just found your video, Great video. Getting ready head out at the end of the month and I now have my shelter. Thanks for the info.

[@PackedToLive]

+Sam Johnson You're very welcome. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment :)

[@derekryan8584]

Great vid..I'm going camping tomorrow with friends and will be using a ground tarp...cheers

[@derekryan8584]

I also prepare my hammock

[@PackedToLive]

Have fun out camping :)

[@GemintheMud]

Brilliant! Thank you - very clear.

[@Rangersly]

Awesome tutorial! I don't usually carry walking poles, but now I might seeing how useful they are for this set up.

[@charliekendall4288]

Zpack offers a pole designed to duplicate the walking poles. It telescopes to adjust the height. Late to the party.

[@jackvoss5841]

I like the plastic nails for eaves trough for tent pegs. Light weight inexpensive. Leave some long, shorten a few. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@EspenFrafalne]

This guy probably made the BEST "cardboard box forts" when he was a kid XD

[@saetmusic]

Excellent, excellent video! More information than I can get my head around in one session.

[@BobEastCoastHikerShields]

Thanks For sharing I have a DD 3x3 and can't wait to try this out !!

[@Mulchie750]

87g

[@ceciliacoch5722]

Great video, regards from Córdoba, Argentina.

[@jeanzammitt7272]

great very easy instructions to follow thank you will be trying this for sure just bought a new tarp cant wait to try it now cheers

[@PackedToLive]

Glad you like the video... and enjoy your new tarp :)

[@stephensparrow.417]

Thanks for the great presentation, Simon. I just picked up a 3X3DD tarp so will be playing with that in the bear future.

[@MrMrBiggles]

Excellent instruction, thank you.

[@j-me5820]

Very well done video. Thank you for the useful information sir.

[@AlanMETALMAN]

Excellent video, very well demonstrated and explained. As a tent dwelling wildcamper, I am interested in trying a tarp and bivey setup next year, so this has been brilliant. Just subbed for more tips. Cheers Alan

[@oliveribasta5929]

Killer video✊

[@singin8324]

great video and well explained nice one simon

[@kendurham184]

I like this tarp tent best. Thanks for sharing.

[@stewartlancaster6155]

place the second pole outside the back of the basha and tie off from middle tab gives more room inside and a bit more stability.

[@miketheplumber448]

Yes. Reasonably informative.

[@757flyerphil]

Great. Thanks for sharing. Will be using this at the weekend on top of a hill somewhere in the peaks! It looks like the second pole isn't essential tho.

[@captnaidy6122]

Great video Simon, thank you for taking the time to demonstrate how to set up your 3x3, as I've just bought a DD tarp I was looking for a good set up to use in the open. PEACE :-)

[@nomadvideos2285]

I was really hoping he'd say "you've never really seen me pitch a tent."

[@dewaynecummings5210]

Thank you, great video ;-)

[@GOOutfitters]

Great video!

[@Ambushcraftnhunting]

well first of let me say brilliant video I've watched so many videos on the same set up as this but yours is the best I've seen it was explained very well and step by step guide to the finished product was great.. I will make my way through your video later and no dout I will be picking some more tips up from your channel to use on mine I hope you don't mind that once again thanks for sharing a.t.b Andrew

[@PackedToLive]

+Andrew Moriarty Thank you for the kind words, and I'm glad the video is useful to you. I recommend playing around with the setup before you shoot any video on the subject. That way, you'll find your own unique take on the thing, and be able to include that in your video. I tend to try and shoot videos for which there are either no existing videos on KZbin, or for which the existing videos don't (in my opinion) adequately cover the subject. a.t.b, Simon

[@deepsouthNZ]

great video mate, thank you

[@thevirginiabushcrafter8833]

Thanks for Sharing

[@robfearonphotographyhillwa9583]

great video mate thank you

[@PackedToLive]

Thank you all for bringing this video's views past the 65K mark! Clearly people are interested in different shelter setups :)

[@quercusweblecturing]

Instead of the pole in the rear, consider pulling the loop out using a guyline and pole on the outside.

[@RubberTramping]

160k viewers now 😂

[@AranJagoutz]

Legend. Very entertaining.

[@junelopez215]

Thanks for the explanation.

[@stefanvandermerwe1254]

How would you deal with drainage, on a slope? Live the explanations, and experience.

[@jerrymichalski2161]

A fine video. Tyvm.

[@andys722]

Thanks for the vid - you described and displayed the setup much better than anyone else I've seen. Do you mind telling me how much you paid for the tarp; as i'm just starting out and have bought polythene tarpaulin to start with - looks gory but should be okay for first time; as I have my trusty fully closing goretex bivvy if I spring a leak (used to just use bivvy, but want to try tarping)- thanks

[@reflexreaction3797]

indeed a great setup... although the more enclosed you are the less view you will have of the surroundings, naturally... i would always prefer to be able to see whoever is coming to company ;) i remember sleeping in a regular tent in a field once and hearing random animals (probably deer) walk around the tent... booooo.

[@ccwweeman3385]

Really helpfully video mate thanks for sharing very much appreciated 👍👍

[@sloperusa]

Great video. Thorough & concise. One question; why not locate the back pole outside the tarp and tie one guy line from the back center loop to the trekking pole and another from the second up back loop to the top of the trekking pole to create a vent since you mention how hot it is inside?

[@AdamosFF]

I like to have those two corners by the entrance closer together, and use just one center pole.

[@wolf1066]

Great vid. Sub'd. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@peteremerson4150]

Good helpful video, thanks.

[@fergusrb]

I really liked your video. The ones i have seen all use hiking poles and I use a wooden hiking staff that is about 7 feet long. Like it for uneven ground, adapts quickly by moving up and down the staff. For this set up I guess it would not work. Don't know if I could use the middle front tie out that you have staked for the vertical support point. Thanks for everything.

[@PackedToLive]

Bruce Ferguson Yes, you can use the outer-most ridge tape for the pole instead of seating it inside, however this will be more tricky to do unless you steak down the neighbouring tapes *first* (to ensure the pole doesn't simply fall to one side while you're trying to steak it down in front of the setup). I will demonstrate this in an upcoming video now that my neck, shoulder and arm injury has healed!

[@fergusrb]

Thanks, seeing a walking staff instead of treking poles would be interesting. I can't be the only one using a walking staff . Sorry to hear you were hurt but glad you are on the mend.

[@PackedToLive]

I do actually use a walking staff quite often :)

[@colinbrown4008]

Great info thanks

[@dominocus1]

This is one exceptional video. Thank you. Have you ever considered a 2 pole set-up? Side by side, not front to back.

[@PackedToLive]

+Jerry Delmonico I have a lot more "Tarpology" videos to do, and among them is a two-pole ground setup. I just need a break in the excessive wind coinciding with time away from work (it'll happen, I remain an optimist). Thank you for the kind feedback :)

[@dominocus1]

+Packed To Live LOL. Like nature ever accommodates.

[@PackedToLive]

It's only the technology that's weak and prone to failure ;) I don't need the weather to change for my own comfort... but I've yet to find a decent lavalier mic that'll pick up reasonable vocals in high winds :(

[@rockbottomtincan3295]

+Jerry Delmonico I too, would like a wide, short frontal to accommodate a fire . Obviously, I don't want to violate the fire's airspace.

[@OwlCabin]

great video :)

[@Patriotalliance]

Very informative, really well done. Thanks!

[@rugby224477]

great video...

[@canesser1]

Excellent tutorial. Did you notice the dog like animal streaking across the back of the trees from left to right at 7:39?

[@PackedToLive]

+Canesser I saw a car on the road, but I honestly can't see a 4-legged animal on there. I'll take a look at the raw footage when I get home (better screens at home, and the raw footage is in 4K)

[@canesser1]

+Packed To Live You're probably right! Need to watch in higher res or get better glasses.

[@Randall974]

Myself, I would ditch the spool and the figure 9. You don't need a spool to stow line properly. It looked like more of a hindrance than anything. I would also ditch the figure 9 before it breaks or gets lost and learn some very good knots instead.

[@benhikescamps]

Many thanks for posting this Simon. You always explain things so clearly. A quick question: Do you adjust both sections of the main trekking pole to 130cm? Also, do you know if a Dutch army hooped bivvy bag would fit in this 3x3 tarp-tent setup this if needed to get a shelter up in the event of rain? Many thanks - Ben

[@ApocGuy]

would it be feasible to drive another stake on center corner and use paracord for ridge line?that way you would use only one pole.nice video, will test it one day :)

[@PackedToLive]

You could easily pitch this with no poles at all if you've got two trees (or anchored posts) to which you can connect a ridgeline. If you're talking more about removing the rear (second) pole by connecting a line to a tie point and pegging it out... that SHOULD be possible too, but you'd have to ensure you pitch the tarp such that the ridgeline runs directly from the opening to the back. This would provide you with the tie out tape you would need to do that. This is the beauty of tarp shelters: there are a near-infinite number of tweaks you can make to suit your needs :) Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@deanoverton3595]

Yeah i just watched your video i was wondering if it would work with a regular tarp or do i need that special tarp

[@blackbear9326]

Excellent video mate. Very informative & instructive. Too good not to subscribe. Cheers. 👍🏼

[@inekewesteneng6601]

Very nice video, is there a lot of condensation, or could you use only a ground sheet and do without bivy bag?

[@PackedToLive]

Condensation very much depends on weather conditions, the amount of moisture already in the ground (as well as any grass or foliage growing therein) and how wide you make the opening. If you use a ground sheet (better still a footprint) you can certainly do without the bivy bag, and the more of the ground within you cover, the less condensation you can expect to see :)

[@inekewesteneng6601]

Thank you!

[@7i4nf4n]

This should work with the DD Ultralight (3x2,9m) tarp as well wouldn't it ?

[@PackedToLive]

+7i4nf4n Yes, it works with the Superlight... just be extra careful when placing the center pole, as the Superlight tarp is a thinner "silnylon" material rather than the thicker (heavier) PU nylon of the 3x3 etc)

[@tusharpinkyofficial8366]

Nice

[@BrosephRussell]

Awesome

[@johndavies7094]

Can I make a shelter out of a 8ft by 10ft tarp

[@dianasmithhill4678]

Did you put those tarp hoops on yourself or did they come on your tarp? I just bought a 3mx3m tarp today (not arrived yet) and think those are brilliant those ties. Better for running a line thru the tarp between trees. What did you use to make them and did you have to seam seal them? Did you put something on first or underneath to attach them or back them? Thanks!

[@PackedToLive]

Diana Smith Hill the tarp is exactly as DD makes it (no modifications of any kind). The DD tarps all come with the ridge tapes... and you can see how I set up ridgelines in a recent video I posted on the subject :) Thanks for watching :)

[@avidteadrinker63]

Which hiking pole do you recommend for a DD 3x3 tarp? I'm looking at the DD trekking pole but don't know if that'll work for this tarp. Thanks!

[@Efendi_Bass]

The longer the pole, the more versatile will you become with tarps, being able to overcome more situations, more architecture setups and more seizes of the tarps. Try to find trekking poles of 140 cm extension. There are some brands who make it.

[@andreashoppe1969]

What could I use instead of a hiking pole? I'll be touring on a bicycle. Could I use the sadle as a replacement of the pole?

[@stefanh.5543]

are you serious? mother nature provides trees bushes sticks laying arround. Maybe you buy a pocket knive?

[@captainfragger6295]

Seems to me okay, if you really wanted to do a quick release on the door. Instead of tying your guy line to the strap on the door you would run it through and use a toggle. Using the same Slipknot you used for your front guyline to the peg...

[@hugglebear69]

Turn your back to the camera, apologize and say. "I'm adjusting my pole" Yep.... I bet you are!!!

[@chrischungy]

Is this good for backpacking?

[@CharityLee]

KIND TO SHARE HOW TO DO A TENT THANK U

[@tomstan6785]

How much weight are trekking poles?

[@DavidMullett]

Is this the one we did when I came with my DD 3x3?

[@PackedToLive]

David Mullett it's very similar... only, more sturdy and less experimental ;)

[@scouttroop291]

with a tarp like that you put dirt round out side rain real bad dig a run off way from you tent put leaves or grass on in side one two nights it works longer you going haft look tree make run off side boards wood floor pole bed