Canvas Tarpaulins for Camping and Hiking
Canvas tarps are a versatile and lightweight shelter option for campers and hikers. Made of durable fabric like cotton duck or polyester, canvas tarps protect from the elements without the majority of a tent. Whether using a Waterproof Tarpaulin, A-frame setup, or lean-to configuration, canvas tarps offer various setup designs to meet different camping and backpacking needs.
Flat tarps:
Flat tarps are the simplest rectangular shape. With guying out along the edges, they can be configured as lean-tos or draped overhead.
A-frame tarps:
A-frame tarps have angled cuts or hems along different sides to create a sloped roof design for standing headroom when guyed out.
Lean-to tarps:
Lean-to tarps resemble an open-fronted shelter with three sides and a sloped roof. They provide overhead coverage with a Canvas Tarpaulin-walled area toward one side.
Bashas :
Bashas (also called sun shields) are small triangular or wedge-shaped tarps meant to obstruct sun or wind from one direction.
Roof tarps:
Roof tarps are largely rectangular yet lack guyline attach points along one “ridgeline” side to function as a simple sloped or shed roof.
Material Types for Canvas Tarps
The material used to construct a canvas tarpaulin significantly impacts its weight, durability, water-resistance and breathability. Here are some normal material types used:
Cotton duck:
Cotton duck is a heavy duty fabric made from woven cotton. At 10-12 oz/yard, it is truly durable and will last for years with legitimate care. However, cotton duck absorbs water easily and is heavy, weighing 30 oz or more in any event, for smaller tarps.
Polyester tarpaulins:
Polyester tarps like nylon/poly taffeta or coated polyester (PU or silnylon) provide water-resistant barriers at about 7-9 oz/yard, shaving weight over cotton. Some become waterproof when periodically treated with spray-on coatings. Poly tarps are entirely durable however perhaps less breathable than cotton or lightweight sil materials.
Waxed cotton:
Waxed cotton like Meridian wax material offers durability and weather resistance from a heavy duty wax finish on top of cotton fabric. At 6-8 oz/yard it balances protection and weight.
Guy Line Techniques for Pitching a Tarp
With the basic shelter style of a flat canvas tarpaulin, the key is effectively guying out the edges to create tension and shape using guy lines and stakes or rocks. Here are some normal tarp pitches:
Lean-to: Draw:
Lean-to: Draw diagonal guy lines from each corner stake towards the ground at a 45-degree angle to create a-framed lean-to.
A-frame:
A-frame: Place stakes directly beneath tarpaulin grommets on different sides, guy lines at 45 degrees to corner grommets to lift the two ends up equally.
Ridgeline pitch:
Ridgeline pitch: Run a continuous guy line along the entire ridge, tensioning with stakes at each finish to create a taught sloped roof.
Maintaining and Storing Canvas Tarps
With legitimate care, a quality canvas tarpaulin can last for many trips and provide reliable shelter for years. Here are some tips:
Cleaning:
For dirt or grime, delicately hand wash tarps with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly. Avoid machine washing which can damage seams and coatings.
Drying:
Set up your tarpaulin in an open area and allow full air drying before storing. Never use a dryer which can damage heat-sensitive fabrics and lessen water-resistance.
Waterproofing:
For non-coated fabrics like cotton or nylon, periodically reapply a silicone spray or beeswax waterproofing. Search for products safe for skin contact if required for food prep areas under the tarpaulin.
Seam sealing:
Check for worn or compromised seam seals and reapply a ultrasonic seam sealer or seal tape as required for full waterproof integrity.
Patching:
For small holes, use a seam sealed nylon or silicone patch on the inner side. For larger tears, reinforce with an exterior patch.
Repairs:
For extensive damage, reinforce thick fabrics like cotton with an interior mesh (for example polyester) patch using an exterior/interior sewing technique.
FAQs
Q: How do I pitch my tarp in windy conditions?
A: Use more stakes at tighter angles, consider guy lines inside the pitch, and guying midpoints on longer sides for extra wind resistance. In high winds, pick tighter/lower pitches over open lean-tos.
Q: Will my tarp keep me dry if it’s raining heavily?
A: Appropriately guyed out and staked, most tarps will shed rain in all yet driving rain storms. Search for coated materials, seam seal all seams, and pitch low/tight. Camp under trees if possible as additional protection.
Q: How do I anchor my tarp without stakes?
A: Search for trees, large rocks or logs to tie guy lines to. You can also use trekking poles or branches as temporary stakes if careful not to damage plants. As last resort, use logs or big rocks for extra weight inside guy line loops.
Q: What’s the etiquette around camping with a tarp near trails or others?
A: Pitch at least 200 ft from water sources and stick to designated campsites where provided. Be considerate of visibility and noise. Clean up thoroughly and pack out all traces when you leave.
Q: How can I hang lights or gear inside my tarp shelter?
A: Guy lines, trekking poles or branches draped overhead work for single lights/hammocks. For heavier gear like packs, tightly circle thin cord or webbing around insulated stakes driven into ground for tie points.
Conclusion
Whether embarking on multi-day backpacking trips or simple car camping excursions, canvas tarps end up being an invaluable shelter option for their versatility, low weight, and spending plan friendly cost. With just a bit of practice guying out different configurations using guy lines and stakes or natural anchors, one can create countless secure shelter designs tailored flawlessly for any occasion or gathering size.
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