Winter tarp setup by
mmeiser2, on Flickr
Standard 10x10 wing tarp in a winter tarp configuration blocking wind from all but a small enterance.
Extremely simple, extremely versatile. Five minutes to get the hang of, a lifetime to master.
I'm running the ridgeline under this for added strength and support in high winds.
Hoping to add a few ridgeline ties and some mid side stake points. The ridgeline ties would allow me increase the internal volume tremendously by running the guy line over the top and using the shock cord to pull up a couple points, while still having three sides firmly staked to the ground.
Anyway, awesome technique, but then again my golite shangri-la just arrived yesterday and so I'm probably going to be using it for winter touring.
BTW, am using this with a big agnes primaloft insulated air core matt, a OR aurora bivy, and just got a golite 20 degree down ultralight quilt. I will probably add in my 1lb 4oz Lafuma 45 degree bag for added warmth and versatility in extreme cold conditions.
BTW, here's the same tarp in a standard wing configuration.
IMAG1666 by
mmeiser2, on Flickr
In summers I ditch the gortex bivy add a simple $35 sea-to-summit asymetrical bug net btw, which I have sewn directly to the ground cloth. I call it a bug bivy.
The bottom line is this... a simple tarp is the most versatile and if you know what you're doing comfortable piece of gear. Period.
It can be staked down for winter... perhaps even a small piece of tarp for a door added. Or it can be opened up as high and airy as you like for superb coolness in the summer... and it's way better then a tent when it comes to travil in hot humid or arid climates. Just add a simple bug net.
Did I mention it was ultralight?
This one is a footprint from a large discontinued tent. It's plasticized nylon. Completely waterproof but non-breathing. Still uber light and extremely small packing. I forget off hand but it weighs under a pound I'm sure.
Silnylon would be half the weight and pack to half the size.
One day I'll get one made out of cuben. I expect it'll weigh 6oz or less and pack to the size of my thumb... relatively speaking... or at least my fist.
I've been comfortable in raging thunderstorms on many occasions... and in high winds... and sleeping amongs millions of mosquitos... or without exageration a hundred or so mosquitos hanging out under my tarp sitting on my bug net oogling me with blood thirsty eyes. Yet I completely comfortable, no incessent buzzing in my ears and narry a mosquito bite.
For three season ultralight camping a tarp is teh bomb. It's that simple.
For the fourth season a tarp is ok, but a Mid is perfection with bivy of course. Fully enclosed, great ventilation, can be cooked in, extremely wind resistent design, lots of space per ounce. Great for one or two people. Extremely easy to get in and out of. Easily modified for use with a wood stove / stove pipe.
What's more neither require poles if you're touring anywhere that has trees. Mid's do have some great spring, fall and even summer configurations as well. It's just why would you bother when a tarp works so well.
