Basic Tarp Set Up

It's not difficult at all, the tarp is a versitile shelter:
http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=60014
http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=66617

Dumb question. If you just have a tarp set up like in the video, if it rains heavy, won't you get wet from the water running on the ground under the tarp?

The Man In Black said:

Dumb question. If you just have a tarp set up like in the video, if it rains heavy, won't you get wet from the water running on the ground under the tarp?

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not if you set it up in the right place.

It rained on my sample day, see the description on post #6:
http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=60014

The Man In Black said:

Dumb question. If you just have a tarp set up like in the video, if it rains heavy, won't you get wet from the water running on the ground under the tarp?

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If you choose high ground to pitch your tarp over then no. If you must pitch in an area where water will move underneath you you can build a bough bed from tree limbs which should keep you up above the wetness comfortably.

I've slept in half-shelters more times than I can count and if there is any kind of hill or slope that water can run down, it will. So if your using a tent/tarp/half shelter thing without a bottom, dig a trench system that runs around your shelter and out of the way.

ArmyHard said:

I've slept in half-shelters more times than I can count and if there is any kind of hill or slope that water can run down, it will. So if your using a tent/tarp/half shelter thing without a bottom, dig a trench system that runs around your shelter and out of the way.

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Don't dig anything.

Select a spot where the natural drainage will keep water away from your bed.

ex-hunter said:

Don't dig anything.

Select a spot where the natural drainage will keep water away from your bed.

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thats not alwayse possible esp when your platoon leader has yall set up in a non ideal place

if it were a combat scenario I would agree dont dig as it will be obvious you were there but if your just out and about there is nothing wrong with it

As others have said, flooding can be due to poor campsite selection. Even if you're in a somewhat low and flat spot, there's going to be a bump or something that you can set up on. Keep the forest duff where it is so that even if water does drain under your tarp, it'll go through the duff and you'll never even feel it. A big tarp also does a great deal to give the water extra time to get into the ground before getting to you. Finally, consider getting a net tent to provide extra protection from water and bugs. Bear Paw Tents has some very reasonably priced net tents that even ultralight backpackers like. If you do go with Bear Paw and you live in an area with high winds, contact Bear Paw directly and ask him if he'll build the net tent with higher side walls to protect better against blowing rain.

The Man In Black said:

Dumb question. If you just have a tarp set up like in the video, if it rains heavy, won't you get wet from the water running on the ground under the tarp?

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You dig a trench to divert water.

Check out this site, more tarp folds than origami:
http://www.equipped.com/tarp-shelters.htm

Muddy ground? No trees?

www.practicalsurvivor.com/ponchoshelters

Even flat ground is not flat. Hammock is best. No trees. Sometimes you simply have to tough it out...Of course after you have trenches. Bough bed,....not that great, but I guess okay. I suppose. I'd rather sleep on rocks myself.

FarmerJohn said:

If you are worried about heavy rain dig a trentch around your tent/tarp ect with a channel to divert it and keep the dirt on side towards your shelter so it acts like a little wall water cant get easily over

that being said i prefer my hooches lil lower to ground

I have found one in upper right corner to be most effective tho we ddnt steak em down we carried bungee cords and attached corners to sapplings

its nice because unlike the ones with open faces a driving rain has no opening to come in as easily esp if the wind changes direction

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How do you attach the cord to the center of the tarp? o you have to punch a hole in it or something?

arnoldrew said:

How do you attach the cord to the center of the tarp? o you have to punch a hole in it or something?

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If there's no guyout, then put a small pebble under it and loop a hitch around it.

arnoldrew said:

How do you attach the cord to the center of the tarp? o you have to punch a hole in it or something?

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You take a small rock put it on one side then rap a cord or rope around it from the other side of the tarp.
Acts kinda like a button.

arnoldrew said:

How do you attach the cord to the center of the tarp? o you have to punch a hole in it or something?

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I take the hood on my poncho and pulled the sraqstring to close it fold it over then wrap and tie then use 550 cord to tie it to something