Tarp Shelters
Ways to set up:
< stake down 2 corners (same side), stake down/tie rope across tarp in the middle (parallel to staked-down side, suspend the remaining side of tarp from trees. Good shelter from directional wind.
^ stake down all 4 corners and suspend tarp from a tree (in the center of tarp with pebble or prop up with your walking stick)
^ stake down tarp at three anchor points on 2 (longest) parallel sides of tarp and suspend the middle of the tarp over a rope tied to 2 trees (clothes-line style)
Tent Care
Seal seams from the inside
Seal all seam on the rain fly and body, and just the lower seams on the tent body (8” from floor)
2 thin coats work better than one thick one
(Advanced Backpacking -A Trail Side Guide, by Berger)
Rainfly should cover the whole tent
If your tent smells mildewy mix 5 gallons of warm water with 8oz of lemon juice and 1 Tablespoon of bleach and wash the tent inside and out, rinse and allow to dry thuroughly before repacking.
(Backpacking Primer, Lori Saldanas)
