When the sky unleashes its fury, or the wind howls like a banshee, your flimsy tent might feel more like a kite. But a well-pitched tarp? That can be your steadfast haven. Knowing how to rig one quickly and securely when the weather turns nasty… well, that’s a game changer.
Picking your spot is crucial
Where you decide to set up camp makes all the difference, especially when it’s pouring or blowing a gale. Look around for natural help. A thick stand of trees or a large boulder can offer a fantastic windbreak. Steer clear of low spots or dips in the terrain; those are just puddles waiting to happen, or worse, could flood if the rain really comes down.
Always glance up before you start. Dead branches hanging overhead, sometimes called “widowmakers,” are a serious no-go. You want solid ground that drains well. A gentle slope is often your friend, helping water run away from your shelter, not into it. And think about where the wind is coming from. You’ll want the lowest, tightest part of your tarp shelter facing into the gusts.
Essential knots for a solid pitch
You don’t need to be a master sailor, but a few good knots are your best pals for a secure tarp. Fumbling with complicated knots when you’re cold and wet? No thanks. Practice these a few times at home, and they’ll become second nature.
- Taut-line hitch: This one’s gold. It lets you easily tighten or loosen your guylines, keeping everything snug as the tarp material stretches or conditions change.
- Bowline: Makes a fixed loop at the end of your rope that won’t slip or jam. Super reliable for attaching to trees or stakes.
- Prusik knot: A friction hitch that can slide along a rope when loose but grips tight under load. Great for creating adjustable attachment points on a ridgeline.
Knowing these simple ties means your shelter stays put, even when the weather tries its best to tear it down.
Tarp setups for foul weather
Not all tarp configurations are created equal when the elements are against you. For nasty conditions, you generally want something low to the ground to cheat the wind and with steep enough angles to shed rain effectively.
| Setup | Wind Resistance | Rain Protection | Interior Space | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-Frame (low) | Good | Excellent | Fair | Classic design. Pitched low sheds rain and wind. |
| Lean-To | Fair to Good | Good | Good | Uses a windbreak. Quick, offers good coverage. |
| Plow Point | Excellent | Good | Cozy | Very stable in gales, aerodynamic shape. |
| Flying Diamond | Fair | Good | Fair | Good visibility, decent rain shed with right angle. |
The A-frame, pitched low and tight, is a go-to for many. A lean-to against a good natural windbreak can be quick and effective too. If winds are really fierce, a plow point or diamond, staked out close to the ground, offers incredible stability. The key is a taut pitch… no saggy bits to catch wind or pool water.
Reinforcing against wind and rain
Once your basic shape is up, it’s time to make it bombproof… or at least stormproof. Use every single tie-out loop your tarp has. Manufacturers put ’em there for a reason. If the ground is soft or sandy, consider using two stakes per guyline, driven in at opposing angles, or find some decent-sized rocks to help anchor things.
Lowering your ridgeline is a smart move in high winds; it presents a smaller target. Sometimes, adding extra lines from the center of larger tarp panels to the ground can stop them from flapping wildly. And don’t forget drip lines. A short piece of cord tied to your ridgeline, extending just beyond the tarp edge, can guide water away from your entrance or sleeping area. Check your lines periodically. Nylon can stretch when it gets wet, so you might need to re-tighten things.
Quick tips for staying dry
A few extra thoughts can make a big difference when you’re setting up in a downpour. Always pack your tarp near the top of your bag. You want to grab it fast without emptying everything else out into the rain. Try to work quickly but don’t get sloppy; a mistake now could mean a wet night later.
It sounds obvious, but make sure you’re wearing your rain gear while setting up. You’ll get soaked otherwise. If the rain is really hammering down, consider digging small diversion trenches around the uphill edges of your tarp to channel water flow away. Inside, keep your gear off the fabric, especially if you don’t have a separate groundsheet. Even a small pack or some sit pads can elevate stuff. A little preparation goes a long, long way.