Re: [Paddlewise] Backpacking stoves and tarps

The emphasis in this thread so far has been on stoves.  Let's turn to tarps.

I use a tarp at almost every campsite, mainly because I paddle in wet
places.  Typically, the tarp is the first thing to go up, for use in staging
and unpacking ... because it is raining when we arrive!  What do I use?
Simple stuff.  I've owned and tested fancy ones and in the end I prefer
plain old rectangular, grommetted-on-the-edge coated nylon tarps.  The ones
with aerodynamic shapes do not allow a canopy effect, permitting rain to
swoop under the edges.  And, with the addition of tie points (to sewn-on
loops of webbing) at several places on the top of the tarp, I can skyhook to
limbs, etc., above, and avoid the dreaded center pole.

I have used a 7 x 9 for two, a 10 x 10 for two, a 10 x 12 for four, and a
bud has an 18 x 12 that is dandy for half a dozen seated eaters and cribbage
players.  When in doubt, go one size larger than you think you will need.
The "edge effect" of blown moisture makes that extra foot of dimension into
what seems like more than another foot of room when the rain falls.

Coated nylon works better for me than the cheaper woven polyethylene ("blue
tarps") because the nylon is easier to modify or sew to, is much quieter in
the wind, and packs down smaller in the front hatch.

I paid about $35 for my 10 x 10 and a 10 x 12 runs about $40 from Campmor
these days.  I'll sell my fancy-Dan tarps (Marmot, Kelty) to anybody with
ready cash.

I do not carry poles, and rarely use stakes.  The former is too bulky, and
the latter almost never work in sand or on rock (where I seem to camp, most
days).  Buried deadmen work well in sand, and on a rocky surface,
porta-rocks are the anchor of choice.  If  I do carry stakes, I take the
wimpy backpacker ones, 'cause they're small to pack and work well in
consolidated sod.  Otherwise, I saw/chop my own out of downed wood.  Center
poles are not a problem in my part of the Northwest, although in areas like
national parks or other locales demanding minimum impact camping, I would
carry poles, to avoid conflict with wood harvest rules.

--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR

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