I have seen several tutorials and this was the only one that gave me the confidence to try it. It was a success and I’m ready for my 3rd camping trip with the family
Before we watched and used this method, tarping our site was usually the point at which tempers got short and words got exchanged, lol! Since using this method, we're still in love at the end of camp set up. Thanks Jeff!
Such a great idea too for those hot nights, there's no real reason to attach the fly to the tent, just leave the screen exposed and catch the breeze with no worries of waking up wet if it does rain - 😁
WOW !!! Such an easy solution to a big problem I was having. I couldn't decide how I would put up a tarp over my tent in a few days. The way you show us to connect the ropes to the tarp without having to tie and untie them is an easy method. TYSM for sharing this tutorial with us. It's exACTly what I've been searching for, for a long time, now. Cute family you have there, too. New subscriber here and I hope you're stil making videos for us.
Jeff!!! (Aka God of tarps 😉) your vid popped up as a recommendation just in time. We went camping this weekend and let me tell you your method has definitely upped our camping game!! Thank you soooo much for making this video and have a great summer outdoors!! 🏕 Subscribed ☑️
Great video! If I might offer a couple of suggestions regarding wind: try running a single rope for your ridge-line, and draping the tarp over the rope - like a sheet on a clothesline. For extra stability, you can tie the rope to the higher side of the peak (looping it through the grommet) - but even if you don't, the corner-ties will keep it in place. This has a few benefits: 1. This saves cutting you rope into pieces (though, admittedly, you'll need a few feet more, to go under the tarp). 2. It distributes the force across the width of the tarp, instead of tugging at one grommet point. In high winds, a single grommet-point could tear out. This will not occur with a ridge-line running underneath. Second point: wind will cause a tarp to billow and roll, unless it's snugged down very tight indeed. This rolling can cause those sticks to shake loose, if one corner happens to go slack. This is especially true with "slippery" ropes like nylon paracord or some plastics. Nobody wants to lose a corner in the midst of wind and rain, and have to go out in the wet to fix it. If the tarp *is* pulled extremely tight, it stops the tarp from billowing, but it puts a lot more strain on the grommets - which can tear out in high winds. My suggestion here is to thread the loop through the grommet as you have showed, but then run the rope through the loop, and back toward your tie point. This saves having to untie the knot, as you can just leave the loop for next time when you take down the tarp. Then just moderately tighten the tarp, to allow it some "give" when the day gets blustery. All that having been said: the summer is full of fine days and gentle breezes. On the pleasant days, this set-up would be a perfectly useable (and time-saving!) go-to. Thanks for sharing the concept!
@@adreabrooks11 great points! For #2, I've gone through heavy wind and rain without any stick coming loose. In fact, at tear down, sometimes it's a struggle to loosen the stick- it hugs down tight! As to #1- that's exactly what I did here! My ridgeline is a 150' rope running the fill length of the tarp! Wouldn't do a ridgeline any other way!
i am trying to do hammock camping for the first time and i have those square heavy tarps and not a ridgeline. I can’t find a setup using my type of tarp and this video is perfect for it!
Hammer throwing sounds super fun. It also sounds a tad dangerous with those kids watching. I use a roll of duct tape to throw my rope over a top tree branch. Great video 🔨
Hi Jeff! This video was so helpful, about to take a trip up the coast to Oregon, it’s going to be pretty rainy. If the tent I’m bringing is 17’x9’, how much bigger should the tarp be?
Thanks for the informative video, Jeff. I’ve read about some people’s throwing rocks tied to rope over high branches leading to their getting injured. I imagine the risk would be significantly higher by throwing a hammer. I make this comment with a genuine spirit of concern regarding the hammer throwing method. I wish you and your viewers safety in and enjoyment of the great outdoors.
The only problem I would find with your setup is that it limits airflow. I set my tarps up higher. My AquaQuest nylon tarp protect me from rain, provide shade, but I get good airflow. Thanks for the video.
@@TrevorOReilly-f1x Glad you enjoyed! I believe it's in the 18x24 range tarp, and I bought a 100' run of rope. Overkill for most sites, but never wanted to be lacking. I simply gather up the long end and loop it to a tree. Would rather that than be short on length!
Great idea of how to secure the grommets, I’m gonna give that a try. I’ll likely use extra tent pegs, rather than hunting for sticks. How big is the tarp?
If you do a tarp above a tent, and if you are camping long term will this protect the tent from sun damage? (Tarps are much cheaper than tents. I'm seeing both get sun damage fast if you use them every day.) Thanks.
Good question! The answer was yes, it's unavoidable. But now I intentionally tie off a trough in those sections. So... picture 3 ropes, maybe 2-3 grommets apart each. The outside two are tied off higher to a tree, and the middle is tied off lower. A natural trough. Plus then, the water runoff location is controlled and intentional.
Tree saver strap. See my vids where I pull logs. I used them in that....... also look into ratchet straps with snatch blocks as redirects for the rope.
@jeffboadway I am going car camping in Ocala National Forest the end of January and the weather should be in the 40s at night and 60s during the day. It may even get a little cooler than that. My 8-year-old tent leaks not only from the top but also from the window areas. I was thinking of getting a 4 mil extra large tarp and covering the tent with it (top and even the windows) and then putting the rainfly on top of that with most likely no Gap. I would raise the tarp above the windows when it's not raining. It rains pretty much every time we go there. Is this a really bad idea? I don't think there will be trees in the spot that we're at so I can't hang it above. Should I just buy a new tent? I'd rather go the tarp route because it's so much less $ and the tent still is holding up otherwise. I'm not too concerned about the temperature during the day inside the tent. I'll have the windows open. More concerned about night time temperature and the condensation.
My husband ties heavy washers on the end of the rope to toss it over the limb. Might avoid getting your hammer stuck in a tree, or hit something or someone.
@@jeffboadway we are kind of new to this camping thing. We are looking for tarp to go below and above our tent but I am not sure what size tarps to get. Our tent is pretty big it’s dimensions are 25x21ft x6in (it claims to hold 20 people sleeping in sleeping bags) how big of tarp would you get for that?
@@jazmincromer2947 honestly when we started we bought 2 sizes. Opened the biggest, and it was too big, so we wrapped it up and returned it. That's how we landed on the size we have. So, hard to guess sometimes! And I'm no expert to suggest a size.
For 20 and young 30somethings you seem to have to "research on the web" to do the most basic things inside and outside. I would assume most of you may have had no strong father m-son relationship or a short one just two days every other week. These are things Dads teach their 10 yo kids. It is enjoyable seeing you hand lines with the help if your kids....and being the internet Dad to many who grew up indoors without a handy father to lay foundations. Great job.
Quite simply! It's not tied up high on either end. It's slung over tall branches, but then wrapped around the accessible trunk of the tree. So, undo around the trunk, and it all just slides down from over the high branch!
Nice video.. what size tarp did you use for your setup? I know it would vary based on the size of your tent, etc., but the size you used seems perfect for my setup so I figured I'd ask.
Good info! I would be afraid tho to use my hammer, just in case the hammer gets stuck in the tree!!! Maybe a small rock, or a sock with a rock inside. Lol
We've had the tent for about 7 years now, and the tarp I just started using the year I filmed this! So trial and error to buy a tarp that fit. First tarp was WAY too huge. This one is perfect.
Hmmm... I've had that happen before on 2nd use, but it was a thinner tarp. Haven't had it happen with my main tarp as of yet... Heavy rain or wind while camping?
@@jeffboadway Yes, it was raining and very windy. I just watched another video that talked about gromit savers which cushion the gromits against all the tugging in windy conditions. It was also just pulling laterally more and probably too tight.
I still put a rope through the corner grommet, but then put another rope through a different grommet, far right side, and wrapped that around a tree. Mainly- keep the tarp tight and flat, even if dodging a fire pit.
@@danwong5331 Any hardware or building supply store should carry tarps like the one I have here. And anywhere you can buy a tent, you can find yellow tent pegs. Or simply via Amazon.
First look at position then wind direction i don't want it billowing in. Along with that is then look at the position of the tarp then fire and tent. You give me the impression there is very little wind in America which of course is not true.
I have seen several tutorials and this was the only one that gave me the confidence to try it. It was a success and I’m ready for my 3rd camping trip with the family
So glad!!
What size is the sheet where do I get it? Thank brother
Baring in mind it wasnt edited how did you try it and type the same comment hmmm
The stick method also makes sure the grommet doesn’t pull out
No nail.. love that idea...
Before we watched and used this method, tarping our site was usually the point at which tempers got short and words got exchanged, lol! Since using this method, we're still in love at the end of camp set up. Thanks Jeff!
Haha YES!!
Thank you, Jeff! Simple instructions and clear examples. Love it. I'm off to do this as a single parent with kids.
@@mamadeclan5031 you got this!
Such a great idea too for those hot nights, there's no real reason to attach the fly to the tent, just leave the screen exposed and catch the breeze with no worries of waking up wet if it does rain - 😁
WOW !!! Such an easy solution to a big problem I was having. I couldn't decide how I would put up a tarp over my tent in a few days. The way you show us to connect the ropes to the tarp without having to tie and untie them is an easy method. TYSM for sharing this tutorial with us. It's exACTly what I've been searching for, for a long time, now. Cute family you have there, too. New subscriber here and I hope you're stil making videos for us.
The stick trick is very good! Thanks!
Watched this a few days ago before heading out to Pinery; flawless explanation, thank you!
We love the Pinery! Enjoy!
Awesomeness! Thanks for sharing this great tutorial tarp video! Cheers from Japan!
Spent 3 months in a tent beside a lake with a tarp over it, stayed cool even on the hottest days. With the same tent, best tent we ever had.
The loop thru the grommet trick is genius! Thanks!
No one has ever deserved a like more than you! Super helpful! Can’t wait to try it!!!
Well thanks!
i love this!! been struggling on putting up a tarp so thank you!! i will do this next camping!
Awesome! Enjoy! Be patient and make the setup work for you, and learn more for the next time!
I'm camping in Maine next month and I ❤ the stick trick! Thanks!
No prob! Have a blast!
Hope you had fun. I was just there lol
Howdy, Brother! Absolutely brilliant! Thanks for sharing and Drive-On, Cowboy!!! 🤠
Jeff!!! (Aka God of tarps 😉) your vid popped up as a recommendation just in time. We went camping this weekend and let me tell you your method has definitely upped our camping game!! Thank you soooo much for making this video and have a great summer outdoors!! 🏕 Subscribed ☑️
YUSS Sherry!! Glad it helped!! We're camping this week, so I'll be tarping again. Have a great summer camping! Signed- G.O.T 😆
Great video!
If I might offer a couple of suggestions regarding wind: try running a single rope for your ridge-line, and draping the tarp over the rope - like a sheet on a clothesline. For extra stability, you can tie the rope to the higher side of the peak (looping it through the grommet) - but even if you don't, the corner-ties will keep it in place. This has a few benefits: 1. This saves cutting you rope into pieces (though, admittedly, you'll need a few feet more, to go under the tarp). 2. It distributes the force across the width of the tarp, instead of tugging at one grommet point. In high winds, a single grommet-point could tear out. This will not occur with a ridge-line running underneath.
Second point: wind will cause a tarp to billow and roll, unless it's snugged down very tight indeed. This rolling can cause those sticks to shake loose, if one corner happens to go slack. This is especially true with "slippery" ropes like nylon paracord or some plastics. Nobody wants to lose a corner in the midst of wind and rain, and have to go out in the wet to fix it.
If the tarp *is* pulled extremely tight, it stops the tarp from billowing, but it puts a lot more strain on the grommets - which can tear out in high winds.
My suggestion here is to thread the loop through the grommet as you have showed, but then run the rope through the loop, and back toward your tie point. This saves having to untie the knot, as you can just leave the loop for next time when you take down the tarp. Then just moderately tighten the tarp, to allow it some "give" when the day gets blustery.
All that having been said: the summer is full of fine days and gentle breezes. On the pleasant days, this set-up would be a perfectly useable (and time-saving!) go-to. Thanks for sharing the concept!
@@adreabrooks11 great points! For #2, I've gone through heavy wind and rain without any stick coming loose. In fact, at tear down, sometimes it's a struggle to loosen the stick- it hugs down tight! As to #1- that's exactly what I did here! My ridgeline is a 150' rope running the fill length of the tarp! Wouldn't do a ridgeline any other way!
@@jeffboadway Ohhh, gotcha. I mistakenly thought you were tying off at each end, at the center grommet. My bad!
I like how you used the small stick stick.
i am trying to do hammock camping for the first time and i have those square heavy tarps and not a ridgeline. I can’t find a setup using my type of tarp and this video is perfect for it!
Execelent idea!
That would also work for a popup camper
Hammer throwing sounds super fun.
It also sounds a tad dangerous with those kids watching.
I use a roll of duct tape to throw my rope over a top tree branch.
Great video 🔨
This video is a life saver. Thank you so much for sharing.
you made that look super easy. thanks.
Thanks! This was sooooo helpful!! I was just thinking how in the world do people get the rope up on the tree!
Excellent method. I'll be trying this tomorrow, Thanks for posting this!!
Tarp set up is always determined by the site. For your site it was a nice set up. Different set up skills will make it storm proof.
4:45 Wow, that looks great! Very helpful video! Thanks!
Excellent, thanks for the tips. Learned something new about tarping.
new subscriber. need to try this when the situation arises.... well done
Thank you to put in the effort and sharing your knowledge.
Hi Jeff! This video was so helpful, about to take a trip up the coast to Oregon, it’s going to be pretty rainy. If the tent I’m bringing is 17’x9’, how much bigger should the tarp be?
I don’t bring a hammer camping because I repurpose firewood to pound stakes in. You can use the wood as a throwing weight though
Brilliant! Thanks so much! I'm going to try this technique out in a couple weeks!
THE HAMMER THROW,,,IS BRILLIANT...
Haha YES!! Had some comments about the dangers of it, but use common sense, and it's a perfectly safe and effective option!
@@jeffboadway Would've been nice to see it actually being done just to get an idea of what to expect and other possible snags occurring.
Nice video! Do you happen to know the size of the tarp that you used in your video?
Thanks for the informative video, Jeff. I’ve read about some people’s throwing rocks tied to rope over high branches leading to their getting injured. I imagine the risk would be significantly higher by throwing a hammer. I make this comment with a genuine spirit of concern regarding the hammer throwing method. I wish you and your viewers safety in and enjoyment of the great outdoors.
Tie to a disposable water bottle..works great and is safe
The only problem I would find with your setup is that it limits airflow.
I set my tarps up higher. My AquaQuest nylon tarp protect me from rain, provide shade, but I get good airflow.
Thanks for the video.
Genius. If you don't mind me asking how big is that tarp you used as that would be perfect 👌
I believe it's an 18'x24'.
@@jeffboadway thank you pal
Thanks for the great video! Could you tell me the size of your tarp?
18'x24'
Hey, love the video. What size of tarp did you use and what length of rope? Thanks.
@@TrevorOReilly-f1x Glad you enjoyed! I believe it's in the 18x24 range tarp, and I bought a 100' run of rope. Overkill for most sites, but never wanted to be lacking. I simply gather up the long end and loop it to a tree. Would rather that than be short on length!
Great idea of how to secure the grommets, I’m gonna give that a try. I’ll likely use extra tent pegs, rather than hunting for sticks. How big is the tarp?
Extra tent pegs- great idea! And that's an 18x25 tarp.
@@jeffboadway hi where do u get the green sheet? Thavk you
If you do a tarp above a tent, and if you are camping long term will this protect the tent from sun damage? (Tarps are much cheaper than tents. I'm seeing both get sun damage fast if you use them every day.)
Thanks.
Can't see why it wouldn't help!
Instead feeding the main rope through the grommet, look up how to use a Prusik knot with a small loop.
ok, I subscribed. How you use the hammer, indicate you're super efficient handling tools.
I'd say so. Check out my other vid as I make a live edge table!
I will give try to help. Where do u get the yellow think and green sheet?
This was super helpful. Thank you!
Hi Jeff. GREAT video. I am new to "tarping" and learned the hard way why I need one. What size tarp did you use in the video? Thank you for the help .
If it's from Harbor freight? It is there largest but i don't remember if it's 100 or more...
Thank you so much, great info!
And you sound very Canadian! 😂
PERFECT!! Seeing as I am Canadian, it all works out!! 😆
Please share which tent you have in the video. Thanks
Do you ever get any water pooling on the tarp when it rains? Or any tips to avoid it?
Good question! The answer was yes, it's unavoidable. But now I intentionally tie off a trough in those sections. So... picture 3 ropes, maybe 2-3 grommets apart each. The outside two are tied off higher to a tree, and the middle is tied off lower. A natural trough. Plus then, the water runoff location is controlled and intentional.
@@jeffboadway amazing thanks!
i was tired of putting away a wet tent/ this will help
Great vid!
Is that first rope, the one thrown over the branches, one long rope? How long is it?
Thanks!
Tree saver strap. See my vids where I pull logs. I used them in that....... also look into ratchet straps with snatch blocks as redirects for the rope.
Unfortunately many campgrounds don't allow us to tie to the tree. Stinks. This method is not hurting the trees.
@jeffboadway I am going car camping in Ocala National Forest the end of January and the weather should be in the 40s at night and 60s during the day. It may even get a little cooler than that. My 8-year-old tent leaks not only from the top but also from the window areas. I was thinking of getting a 4 mil extra large tarp and covering the tent with it (top and even the windows) and then putting the rainfly on top of that with most likely no Gap. I would raise the tarp above the windows when it's not raining. It rains pretty much every time we go there. Is this a really bad idea? I don't think there will be trees in the spot that we're at so I can't hang it above. Should I just buy a new tent? I'd rather go the tarp route because it's so much less $ and the tent still is holding up otherwise. I'm not too concerned about the temperature during the day inside the tent. I'll have the windows open. More concerned about night time temperature and the condensation.
My husband ties heavy washers on the end of the rope to toss it over the limb. Might avoid getting your hammer stuck in a tree, or hit something or someone.
Instead of a stick, just use a small caribeener, which wont let go if your tarp flaps in the wind at all
Where did you get that big of a tarp from? Or what size was that tarp?
Any hardware supply store will have it. In Canada, I got it from Canadian Tire. An 18'x24'.
@@jeffboadway we are kind of new to this camping thing. We are looking for tarp to go below and above our tent but I am not sure what size tarps to get. Our tent is pretty big it’s dimensions are 25x21ft x6in (it claims to hold 20 people sleeping in sleeping bags) how big of tarp would you get for that?
@@jazmincromer2947 honestly when we started we bought 2 sizes. Opened the biggest, and it was too big, so we wrapped it up and returned it. That's how we landed on the size we have. So, hard to guess sometimes! And I'm no expert to suggest a size.
For 20 and young 30somethings you seem to have to "research on the web" to do the most basic things inside and outside. I would assume most of you may have had no strong father m-son relationship or a short one just two days every other week.
These are things Dads teach their 10 yo kids. It is enjoyable seeing you hand lines with the help if your kids....and being the internet Dad to many who grew up indoors without a handy father to lay foundations.
Great job.
How do you get the rope down from when you packing up?
Quite simply! It's not tied up high on either end. It's slung over tall branches, but then wrapped around the accessible trunk of the tree. So, undo around the trunk, and it all just slides down from over the high branch!
@@jeffboadway thank you!
How long was the rope that you used for the ridge?
100'
I'm fine to spool the extra by a tree as needed.
Nice video.. what size tarp did you use for your setup? I know it would vary based on the size of your tent, etc., but the size you used seems perfect for my setup so I figured I'd ask.
If I recall, it's a 16 or 18 x 28, I think...
Nice tip, thanks😊
Good info! I would be afraid tho to use my hammer, just in case the hammer gets stuck in the tree!!! Maybe a small rock, or a sock with a rock inside. Lol
Can you provide link of the tarp used?
So I put the tarp up and then put the tent up under the tarp? Thank you Sir
@@blaqfish yup! Just make sure the tarp ridgeline is higher than your tent height. If it is, building your tent underneath will be simple!
Good tips. Though beware….the mallet bounced off the tree and gave me a lovely bruise on my chin, could have been a lot worse.
great job bro
How big should the tarp has to be? My tent is 16x9
Amazing and very interesting video🎥..
Good information and very helpful.
Do keep posting
Warm regards and best wishes
The UnknownManCub 👍😎👨🏭
How big is the tarp please
How big is that tarp? And what tent is that? Like like they matched perfectly
We've had the tent for about 7 years now, and the tarp I just started using the year I filmed this! So trial and error to buy a tarp that fit. First tarp was WAY too huge. This one is perfect.
@@jeffboadway but what size is it? And which tent? Is it still available? It resembles some I looked at yesterday online
I believe it's an 18x28 tent- or thereabouts. The tent is a Broadstone 13 man tent (13 sardines... but fits us 5 just adequately). Hope that helps.
national forest in So. Cal. prohibit doing this, need to use poles.
I tried this with a similar (or possibly larger) tarp and the gromits ripped out under the weight of the tarp. Any thoughts on that?
Hmmm... I've had that happen before on 2nd use, but it was a thinner tarp. Haven't had it happen with my main tarp as of yet... Heavy rain or wind while camping?
@@jeffboadway Yes, it was raining and very windy. I just watched another video that talked about gromit savers which cushion the gromits against all the tugging in windy conditions. It was also just pulling laterally more and probably too tight.
Awesome job 🙏👍
What size tarp did you use
That is brilliant 👍😊
What’s the size of this tarp?
Great if you actually have two trees close together.
Thanks for the simple but informative instructions. Hopefully that wasn’t poison i y all over that one tree you were wrapping the rope around. 😳
Hi. Do you guys know what size of tarp is that?
It's 18'x28'. Hope that helps!
@@jeffboadway thank you sir!!
Why not use the tent fly
How do u do the firepit 'extra loops'?
I still put a rope through the corner grommet, but then put another rope through a different grommet, far right side, and wrapped that around a tree. Mainly- keep the tarp tight and flat, even if dodging a fire pit.
I would have loved to see you throw the hammer. Hammer time! 🔨
It's a fun part for sure!
What is the name of this tarp?
Very helpful
Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure!
Whats the measurements on that tarp?
Can't remember... but I believe it was an 18'x28', or thereabouts...
@@jeffboadwayYou have a perfect setup.
Thanks! It's evolved over our 10yrs camping now!
What size was the tarp you used?
18x24
This is smart!
somebody showing some tarp videos
Thank you 👌👌👌
"Broke the code"
Youre in the tarp matrix
😂
🤣🤣 cue epic fight scene. 😉
Great info. Don't need the music.
I need the music though...
If it's summer, this way you will stop the breeze, not a good idea
Ooops just read below and saw the size. :-)
Class one. 🎉
What if there's no tree
tarp poles
Great! I think for corners it's better to loop the rope itself instead of using a stick
How big is this tarp?
I believe it's an 18'x24'.
@@jeffboadway help where can I look and buy the tarp please help
@@danwong5331 Any hardware or building supply store should carry tarps like the one I have here. And anywhere you can buy a tent, you can find yellow tent pegs. Or simply via Amazon.
First look at position then wind direction i don't want it billowing in. Along with that is then look at the position of the tarp then fire and tent. You give me the impression there is very little wind in America which of course is not true.