Category Archives: Tips for the Backcountry

Items needed:

• 4 to 12 stakes (4 minimum with trees for ridgeline tie outs, more stakes needed if windy, snow load or using poles for support)
• 2 trees, trekking poles, or tarp poles (use of at least one tree is easier to set up for one person, if using poles two people holding poles on each end really speeds things up)
• 6 cords @ 3′ on corners and middle sides of fabric panel
• 2 cords @ 6′ on ridge line (having some extra cord is useful for trees spread farther apart, and needed for tarps large enough for more than one person)

First attach the Ridgeline tie out to a tree or pole at a height that allows the netting to sit 4″ on the ground.

I like to use a releasable tautline hitch.

If using a pole for the ridgeline, tie a clove hitch around the top of the pole and then run the line down to a stake on the ground. Adjustable trekking poles make height adjustments easier.

Have someone hold the pole upright and go attach the other ridge line to a pole or tree.

Stake out the four corners at a height that maintains about 4″ of netting laying on the ground.

Adjust cord length using the tautline hitches and by moving stakes so that the tarp is stretched snug with minimum wrinkles. In a wind, you want the tarp to hum, not flap.

If needed, tie out center side points and four corner points on netting. Shepherds crook type stakes work well for the netting. The netting should be snug but not tight along the sides of the tarp (gentle on the netting) and loose on the pleated ends so one can crawl under the netting easily without having to remove a stake.