Rigging a tarp: Bushcraft

How to rig an ultralight tarp for ease of setup and maximum versatility.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• bushcraft
• tarp
• ultralight
• backpacking
• camping
• gear
• wilderness
• survival

[asldkjasd98y]

I'm having a problem with the powercinch. I've been following the instructions on your site. I'm sure I'm doing it right. When I tie a siberian hitch on one end and the powercinch on the other, I can get a nice taut line which holds weight - but only to a point. After a certain amount of downward force on the ridge line the slippery half hitch will slip and the line goes loose. Is this just a case of me needing to tie the slippery half hitch tigher or is it a problem with the powercinch? Thanks!

[BCNW1]

@asldkjasd98y Try running the working end through the "pulley" loop twice instead of once. This arrangement has several advantages. One, it makes a much more secure knot; and two, it will hold the tension while you tie the slippery half hitch. With the original method, you have to pinch the line until the half hitch is tied. This new method of twice through is the only one I use these days and is what we currently teach at our courses. Hope that helps and makes sense! Thanks, ML

[ppclicpl]

How did you tie the 2 middle lines to the outter lines?Could you video it up vlose so I can see how you do it please.

[BCNW1]

@ppclicpl Sorry for the confusion. I tie an alpine hitch in the corner line and then the middle lines attach to this loop. The middle lines have tensioning knots on one of their ends. I have a diagram of it on my website which may help a bit. Thanks for watching. ML

[kookiegod123]

IT'S A TARP!

[St0phatred]

This is a great video but as you can see, a lay person would have a tough time with the learning curve on the procedures. I want to use a tarp but these damn knots seem to cumbersome. This is why a tent is better.

[barronredneck]

Do you have a more simplified tarp installation process for people that smoke marijuana excessively?

[shanefox61]

Video Response shows a very strong and versatile tarp shelter that is very easy to set up.

[defuzed28]

ok worked it out for myself.....loop UNDER main line then pull through. i was doing it loop over then it would come undone. very confusing mate had to work it out for myself. sorry ganna get a thumbs down from me

[defuzed28]

how the hell did you do that???????? you tie that loop so quick i cant follow

[lkjlkjlkdsfdslkfjdlk]

Awesome, thanks for sharing. Would be great to do a vid about knots

[asldkjasd98y]

@BCNW1 Thanks, that's perfect! Such a little change but it makes all the

difference - tying the half hitch is so easy now! I was worried before

because if you have a very taut line it can slip while you're pinching

and give you a bit of friction burn on your thumb and forefinger,

which is not fun! But with that twice through method it's great!

[hoz49]

a fire makes a camp, but a tarp makes it home. I'm a canoe camper so a tarp is along on almost every trip. I pitch mine several different ways depending on available trees, anchor points, etc. We once spent 2 days rain and windbound on the Canadian Shield (all bedrock) using a 3 pole open teepee set up and rocks for corner anchors.