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 10 8x8 tarp (Read 6965 times)
mastertangler
Inukshuk
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Posts: 3111
Location: florida
Joined: Feb 1st, 2010
Re: 8x8 tarp
Reply #10 - Oct 11th, 2014 at 12:14pm
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Yup CCS is the best. The multiple tie offs are crucial for how I like to set up. String a tight rope with a truckers hitch and then one side of the tarp is secured at each evenly spaced tie off its entire length. The tie offs are easily accomplished via 10" lengths of line which is looped through each of the tie off points on the tarp resulting in 2 equal strands of line coming off each tie off point on the tarp. These short lines stay on the tarp permanently and are ready to use. Starting at the ends of the tarp these strands are coiled around the Ridgeline line rope and then a bow tie is made (quick release). This process is repeated at each tie off point the entire length of the tarp> probably 6 or 8 places. Each strand is coiled around the rope 2 or 3 times before using the bow tie > this keeps the tie off from sliding on the ridge line rope.

This "ridge line" forms a rock solid start. Then using long lengths of line and a truckers hitch and a quick release half nelson  Wink the other 2 corners are secured with other lines added where needed. Last but certainly not least I add a collapsible pole (stick can be used) into the specially formed pocket on the CCS tarp which is designed specifically for that purpose. A line is run through the loops in this "pocket" and wrapped around the pole on its way to the ground where it is staked off adding more stability. To insure the pole stays in the pocket during a big blow I wrap a plastic coated wire tie (home depot or Bass Pro) and wrap tightly. The plastic coated wire ties also double nicely to make the ever handy "hooks" where you can hang all sorts of stuff.

I have had this set up in some very mean blows and it stayed up no problem. Just make sure you have plenty of lines available. The set up is also quiet as it it usually drum tight. All credit goes to Cliff Jacobson and I do suggest his vid "lost skills". I despise hassles when I am off tripping and just his methods of tying and handling/storing lengthy guy line ropes was worth the price of the vid IMO.

Solus the Cuben fibre tent I shown was a bit over the top (single wall mountaineering tent). Thanks for posting the alternative. Allow me to pick your brain even though it is off the subject as you seem knowledgable in this realm. I am considering the tarp tent products for my backpacking trip.....what do you think?

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One last question........I'm considering using carbon fibre trekking poles to hold the tent up. Think they're to fragile for such usage?

 
  
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Solus
Inukshuk
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Posts: 967
Location: Northern Minnesota
Joined: Oct 6th, 2006
Re: 8x8 tarp
Reply #11 - Oct 11th, 2014 at 3:45pm
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Looks like a neat set up MT. I don't have experience with setting up tents with trekking poles. I did buy ski poles from ZRE last year (carbon fiber like their paddles) and they are amazingly stiff and strong and can't imagine them being harmed by tent duty. There only weakness is point source pressure while under stress (eg a blade like rock against the shaft while the pole is under heavy load).

When I solo I generally single portage- so I have bit of the backpacker's ethos in selecting gear. The last couple of years I've been sheltered by a Copper Spur UL 1- a bit heavier and certainly bulkier than the tarp tent, but I don't have to think to get it set.
  
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