You just cant beat a solid tarp set-up for a reliable camping shelter! A great tarp will protect you from the heat and the rain as well as protect your gear from the deterioration that results from harmful UV.
These are the CampKings Crew's Top 5 most helpful and functional tarp set up tips when heading out to camp for a short, medium or long term period. We know that these tips will enhance your camping experience and get you outdoors more often!
1) Preparing the ground;
Choose a relatively level piece of ground so that your tarp shelter solution will set up evenly. Rake over and clear the ground so that it is clear of sticks and twigs, rocks and debris. Doing this means that your protected outdoor areas (camp kitchen, hangout area, dining) will be free from trip hazards and become a useful and functional space.
2) Prepare your location
Choose an aspect that will give a great outlook and view when kicking back after your set up. Layout all your equipment first (the tarp, poles, ropes, rails and pegs) and don't forget to keep your mallet handy. If it's windy, peg down one side of the tarp to stop it from folding over on itself until it is set up.
3) Layout your equipment & follow a sequence;
The key to an easy and stress free tarpaulin set up is setting out all your pieces and to follow a sequence that will off set the balance of the tarpaulin structure against itself as you set-up. Pitch on the high side of any natural ground ridges so that any water run-off is not towards your campsite or tent / tarp shelter if it does happen to rain.
4) Use only a Heavy Duty D-Ring tarpaulin;
There are many different types of tarpaulins available for sale on the market. When camping, it is best to spend a little extra for the quality and make sure that you purchase a heavy duty (silver / green) tarpaulin with D-Rings as this will withstand any possible wind gusts and remain tight enough to repel any water or heavy rain downpours. In high winds it is advised that you lower your poles and use a storm rope.
5) The Roof and ridge line;
When setting up the tarpaulin shelter you MUST make sure that the ridge line across the center ridge rail is created to form an apex to allow a natural run off for water. If you do not, the water will pool and gain weight on top of your shelter, causing it to collapse. In adverse weather and high winds it is smart to throw a storm rope over the top of your tarp to minimise lift and lessen the chances of collapse.
For the easiest camping tarp shelter solutions available to Aussie campers you will not find anything even close to the EasyTarp Range in terms of quality, ease of set-up and durability, in order to give you an awesome camping shelter solution.
Be a Tarp Master with an EasyTarp from CampKings Australia.
See you Round the Grounds!