Anyone using a tarp for setup of your hunting camp? I bought this 8 1/2 x 10 1/2 waterproof tarp plus, a 4 X 8 Tyvek ground cloth to go under it. The tarp has its own stuff sack attached and goes in a pack real well. Very lightweight way to go.

I don't have digital pics, but have used two different tarps for a few years.

Mind if i provide some feedback?

Have at it. I've never used one so, new to tarp camping.

Thanks.
First off, more tension on ridge and body and a secondary line for guy-out at each pole (three point). Don't be afraid to use a ridge-line if you find suitable tie-outs.

It is also a tad high up off the ground.

Once you get to know your tarp, you'll be able to flat stake it first, then just raise the ridge or poles and have it be tight and pretty close to bang on how you want it to be.

Depending on the time of year/terrain etc, orientation is critical. Knowing winds is more important than in a tent. Finding a semi sheltered area to pitch in makes a world of difference in gnarly weather.

To that end, i highly recommend a bivy bag. A full on stand alone is not necessary, but something like a Ti-Goat Ptarmigan would not only be protection against rain/spindrift, but also with the drafting you will not build up the canopy heat that a full tent will provide. Finding the balance between venting for condensation in colder weather and retaining canopy heat can be a bit of a learning curve.


A properly pitched tarp is a great shelter, and it looks like you have good titanium pegs with it, and are ready roll.

Enjoy the adventure. Once you get it sorted with a tarp you'll probably wanna start playing with sil-nylon tipi's....   :D

I used a tarp for years in elk camp, until a particularly bad weather week where I almost froze to death. From then on, I used a lightweight, but roomy tent, as well as a small light tarp for the cooking and eating area.

I am a gear junky and have used a bunch of different bivy setups from light weight tents down to just a bag under the stars. I found these poles from an old base camp while I was stopping to set up so I put them to use!  Wind was brutal camped on this ridge so it worked perfect to buck the wind and kept me dry in a big storm that night.

 

Oregon coast elk camp....

check these bivys out  http://www.borahgear.com/sidebivy.html  good price and ultra lite

Cool thread, thanks for starting it. I don't have much to add. Where I hunt I typically park under some trees and throw a tarp tight over the bed of my truck 4-5 ft up and am good to go all the way thru December.
I like seeing others set ups.

With my old 89' blazer I just layed down the seats in back and had a mobile "tent"  I need to just buy a camper shell

Here's my homemade 11x9 silnylon tarp in CO in 2011.  It's pitched one side down against the nighttime thermals which can be pretty cold:

 

2008 in Idaho high pitch for good weather:

 

 

Medium pitch for most conditions:

 

Very low pitch for rain and wind but watch your condensation with the lack of ventilation here:

 

I've used the tarp in almost all conditions and the only time I don't prefer it is when there are lots of mosquitoes.

Good stuff....very useful for different situations.

If I may be so bold, many of these are pitched so tall (of course I don't know the season and the weather form a photo) that it's no wonder most people think tarp shelters are cold and useless.

John Scifres, you know how to rock the tarp!

WannabeI, like what was said as far as the edge of your tarp being closer to the ground and a suggestion for your ground cloth.  Make sure the edges (all the way around) are well away from the edge of your tarp and the edges of the ground cloth are tucked under, maybe 3" or 4".  This will help prevent water from rolling on to the top of the ground cloth if it rains.

Excellent photos and tips guys! Thanks again.

I just quickly threw that tarp up to see what it looked like. It by no means represents how it will be setup on a real camping trip.   :D

John, I like the different pitches and I will practice some of them before heading into the wild.  

Years ago, I drew a moose tag in the Teton Wilderness, and had an outfitter friend pack me in some 20 miles, where I spent a week sleeping under a canvas tarp. I have been more comfortable in my life, but I stayed dry. My main problem was sleeping soundly, as there was grizzly sign everywhere, and I was alone. Didn't get a moose, either.

Tim, I wanted to say thanks for the link for the bug bivy. I need to get one of those for under the tarp when the skeeters are a nuisance.  

I don't have a picture of it, but if any of you have the Fred Bear DVD collection, go see on Disc 1 " The Oldest Game."

I like Fred's open front lean to, with the fire bouncing back off a makeshift wall.

Check this out. Some great ideas.
  North Woodsman

Butch: Thanks for the link. Checking it out now.