Tag Archives: backpackinglight
How To Set Up The NetTarp
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.
Setting up a Pyramid Tarp, Printable Directions
PDF on directions to set up Pyramid and to lash two trekking poles together with provided web straps to make tall tent pole.
Buy pyramids here.
Make Your Own Backpacking Tarp Kits
DIY Kits for 5×8′, 9×9′ and 10×10′ ultralight tarps
How to Video Steps
1 Sew Reinforce Panel Tie Outs
2 Sew Tarp Center Seam, 1st Pass
3 Top Stitch Center Seam, 2nd Pass
4 Sew Reinforced Tie Out to Center of Tarp Along Seam
5 Sewing the hem and inserting reinforcements
6 Sewing on the webbing
Micro Cord now an option for Tarp and Bivysack Purchases
MICRO CORD 1.2 MM,
Tiny, but with a firm finish that holds knots well and doesn’t abrade easily.
Super light you can carry less than an ounce and have  lots for tarp set ups, compass lanyards, emergency shoe laces. Fits in most cord locks, even the smallest.
Misc. colors, our choice
or Black
Filed under alphamid, backpacking tarps, bivysack, cat tarp, flattarp, NetTarp, Oware Backpacking Gear, oware tarps, pyramid tarp
More Cat Tarp 2’s available now with more side tie outs
Filed under backpacking tarps, cat tarp, Oware Backpacking Gear, oware tarps
Half bag/overbag
Using some pre quilted hollow fiber insulation and some Camo surplus nylon, sewed up a half bag. Fits over my down bag and ties to the side loops so it won’t slip off in the night. Allows extra insulation and weather resistance with minimal weight. My down jacket can serve as insulation on the top half.
Weighs 17 ounces.
Filed under Tips for the Backcountry
Add a tarp tie out point with just a piece of cord
Make serviceable tarps from just some coated fabric and cord.
Clove hitch
http://www.animatedknots.com/cloveend/
Barrel knot
http://www.climbing.com/video/triple-barrel-knot/
Filed under Do It Yourself, Tips for the Backcountry
Durability success-70 denier nylon with silicone/polyurethane blend coating
The fabric is used in tarps and tents for hard use applications. Outdoor schools, rentals etc. Custom made in small batches or seasonally available in stock. Current color is yellow.
Filed under backpacking tarps, Fabric, Oware Backpacking Gear, oware tarps, pyramid tarp