Pitching Options for a Square Tarp

Pitching options for a square tarp, specifically for hammock camping.

I think a square tarp is probably the most modular for hammock camping because it can be pitched in so many different configurations. It really is a workhorse item because you can create nearly everything from a fair-weather sun shade to a storm-worthy, snow-shedding A-frame fortress. Keep in mind that you’ll need to carry a little more guy line and a few stakes in order to configure some of these options.

If the tarp is the right size (as large or larger than 10×10 ft/3.05×3.05 m), you can hang multiple hammocks under one tarp to share some gear and save some weight.

Categories: Illustration, Rig A Tarp, Staying Dry

pitching, shelter, tarp

18 responses to “Pitching Options for a Square Tarp”

Walter

August 5, 2015

Good article and illustrations. Could you recommend a UL tarp? I have been searching for an UL square tarp for hammocking and ground use and I’m not having much luck.

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1. Derek
  
  August 5, 2015
  
  Brian over at OES Equipment has something close off the shelf and he might do a custom for you. I’d also contact Jacks R Better.
  
  Reply
2. Martin
  
  August 5, 2015
  
  I have the DD superlight tarp. Weighs next to nothing but is a bit on the expensive side.
  
  http://www.ddhammocks.com/product/DD_Superlight_Tarp
  
  Reply
  1. Amy
    
    August 11, 2015
    
    Bearpaw Wilderness Designs. His tarps are amazing quality, fast service, nicest guy you’ll ever do business with.
    http://www.bearpawwd.com/
    
    Reply
    1. Amy
      
      August 11, 2015
      
      Sorry, I meant to reply to the original comment from Walter
      
      Reply
    2. Derek
      
      August 11, 2015
      
      Thanks!
      
      Reply
Mittagsfrost

August 5, 2015

Derek, I love your illustrations! They are like a cheat sheet for hammock exams 😉

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1. Derek
  
  August 5, 2015
  
  Haha! Thanks!
  
  Reply
Todd Foster

August 5, 2015

I like the origami pitch idea. See origami 10 X 10 on youtube. Can form a tent with sheltered door with no flapping sections. In real life I just threw tarp over ridgeline leaving ground edges a foot or so above ground so 360 views lying down. No bugs ar night in High Sierra so no net. Best ground shelter I used before hammocks.

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Corey Smith

August 5, 2015

With hiking poles to prop it open where you want to see out, a square tarp works just as well as a hundred and fifty dollar one. You might end up having to tie it to the top of your pack when hiking in and out due to the size, but it isn’t really that big of a deal. As long as you make sure it is sized correctly and waterproofed, a $10.00 square tarp can be all you need for your rain protection.

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Tips For Pitch-Perfect Hammock Camping – The Ultimate Hang

August 7, 2015

[…] Read More: Pitching options for a 10×10 tarp […]

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C nugget (@christynugget)

August 7, 2015

This is so helpful thanks!! Getting the hammock up is one thing, getting the tarp up, a whole other ball of wax. Ak! Any pointers on using a poncho tarp? The hood in the middle is a bit tricky. Using what I’ve got at the moment.

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1. Derek
  
  August 7, 2015
  
  I have often used a poncho tarp when hammock camping. As long as your hammock fits underneath, it makes a good asymmetric tarp. I use a GoLite poncho tarp, which is now unavailable. I use the draw cord of the hood to gooseneck the hood and tie it off to seal it.
  
  Reply
brandonadams

August 12, 2015

Any suggestions for a tarp without polyurethane coating? Is my only other option silnyl? Hoping to find something cheaper than silnyl.

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Bob

April 10, 2017

Hi Derek,
As usual, your articles find me just when I need them. I have an asym diamond tarp (on your earlier recommendation), but the one I have does not have intermediate tie out points. I also have a hex tarp with doors (on almost everyone else’s recommendation). I’m thinking I need something more versatile for trips where I’m likely to camp a day or two above treeline or at the beach/desert, so something that will work for a hammock, but also on the ground. 10×10 seems too big for me. I realize some of these pitches won’t work with smaller tarps, but what do you think of a 7×9, 8.5×8.5 or 8×10 tarp?

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1. Derek
  
  April 11, 2017
  
  An 8×10 or 9×9 would be good. Go Outfitters tarp is pretty versatile for a good price and has lots of tie outs.
  
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BushmanAOD

May 6, 2019

Very cool dimensions and illustration buddy, many thanks!
I’m currently designing a frame of vertical poles for my back garden (I live in a block of apartments and they are a bit an*l here about what you are allowed to do in your garden – they wont allow me to build a professional lean-to shelter so I can BBQ in bad weather) Basically I am building a structure that can hold a 3x3m tarp when needed and remove when needed – I like to ensure double uses for my gear so, I dont use a 3mx3m tarp as of yet, mine is a 4.5m x 3m and is a little large for my solo hammock trips. If all goes well I will buy a 3×3 which will double as a camping hammock when needed, I didn’t have the time to try calculate the diagonal distance between two corners when pitching it in a diamond setting.
Thanks again, nice site, I will be visiting regularly!
Cheers
BushmanAOD

Reply
1. Derek Hansen
  
  May 27, 2019
  
  Sounds like a fun project! Good luck! Send me photos when you get it all done.
  
  Reply