How to Setup a Tent Ground Tarp Correctly
Table of Contents
Many people don’t even realize they misuse their ground tarp or don’t use one at all. In this post we’ll look at all the details of using a ground tarp with your tent setup.
Key Takeaways
Choose a durable, waterproof ground tarp that matches your tent's size. Look for features like ripstop material, UV protection, and sufficient attachment points.
Prepare your campsite by selecting a well-drained area and leveling the ground before laying out your tarp. Smooth out wrinkles and secure it with stakes or weights.
For an enhanced camping experience, invest in a versatile tarp and additional gear like a bivy sack for protection against the elements, and know how to troubleshoot common issues like water pooling.
Selecting the Right Ground Tarp for Your Tent
If you've ever gone camping, you know how vital a ground tarp is to your setup. The unsung hero keeps your tent floor dry and adds an extra layer of protection against the cold, hard ground. But with so many ground tarps on the market, how do you choose the right one?
When choosing a ground tarp, consider the following:
Material: Ripstop nylon, polyester, or polyethylene with a high denier count is an excellent choice for durability.
Waterproof or water-resistant: To keep you dry, make sure the tarp has this feature, along with taped seams.
UV protection: Look for tarps with UV inhibitors or coatings to protect against the sun.
Additionally, size plays a pivotal role in choosing a tarp. It should match your tent's size, preferably slightly larger than the tent footprint. This allows you to tuck under any excess material to prevent water seepage. But remember, it shouldn't be too bulky to carry around. A lightweight, compact tarp with features such as included stuff sacks or compression straps makes it easy to carry and store.
Grommets are crucial for effectively securing the tarp. Consider features like the silver PU layer facing the ground for waterproofing. These small details can significantly impact your camping experience, especially when choosing from popular brands.
Selecting the Right Location for Your Tent
Before setting up the ground tarp, it's important to choose the right campsite. A suitable campsite should be well-drained and not in a natural water flow path to prevent water pooling. Once you've chosen your campsite, start by clearing any debris from the ground to create a smooth surface. Then place the ground tarp in the center of the cleared area.
Choosing the Campsite
Prioritize Well-Drained Areas
To avoid waking up in a puddle, select a campsite on well-drained ground. Low-lying areas often collect water, so look for slightly elevated spots where water naturally drains away.
Avoid valleys and depressions: These are prone to water accumulation.
Look for high ground: Ensure the site is higher than the surrounding terrain to facilitate drainage.
Observe the landscape: Identify areas where water might flow and avoid them.
Check for erosion signs: Look for patterns indicating past water flow, such as washed-out areas or water marks.
Consider Environmental Factors
Environmental elements such as wind, tree cover, and sunlight exposure can greatly impact your camping comfort.
Specific Tips:
Wind direction: Position your tent entrance away from the prevailing wind to reduce wind impact.
Tree cover: Avoid setting up directly under trees to prevent falling branches or sap.
Sun exposure: Choose shaded areas if camping in hot weather to keep your tent cooler.
Setting Up the Ground Tarp: A Step-by-Step Process
Now that your campsite is picked and prepared, let's set up the ground tarp. Here’s how to do it effectively:
1. Lay the Tarp Flat
Action: Lay the tarp flat on the ground.
Reason: Smoothing out the tarp prevents any wrinkles or folds that could cause unevenness underneath the tent, ensuring a comfortable sleeping area.
2. Fold the Edges Under the Tent
Action: Tuck any spare tarp material up under the tent's edges.
Reason:
Water Pooling Prevention: If the edges of the tarp extend beyond the tent, rainwater can collect on the exposed tarp and seep underneath, leading to a wet tent floor.
Maintaining Dryness: Folding the edges creates a barrier that directs water away from the tent, keeping the interior dry.
Debris Prevention: Exposed tarp edges can catch leaves, dirt, and other debris, which can be tracked into the tent. Tucking the edges under helps keep the campsite cleaner.
3. Secure the Tarp
Action: Use stakes to anchor the corners or weigh them down with rocks or heavy objects.
Reason: Securing the tarp prevents it from moving or flapping in the wind, which could disrupt your tent setup and lead to potential damage.
Troubleshooting Common Ground Tarp Setup Issues
Despite meticulous planning and setup, your ground tarp may still pose challenges. Don't worry; we've got your ground cover needs covered. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to address them:
1. Water Pooling on the Tarp
Issue: Water pooling on top of the tarp can lead to a wet tent floor.
Solution: Tuck the edges of the ground tarp under the tent to prevent water from pooling. If water still flows over the sides, creating a ridge around the tarp using foam insulation or small stones can help direct the water away.
2. Tarp Shifting or Slipping
Issue: The tarp may shift or slip, causing the tent to become unstable.
Solution: Ensure the shiny side of the tarp faces the ground, which provides better grip and minimizes sliding. Secure the tarp with stakes or weigh it down with rocks at the corners to keep it in place.
3. Managing Water Flow
Issue: Rainwater can flow towards your tent, even with proper tarp setup.
Solution: Reroute water flow using small logs or natural barriers. This is an eco-friendly alternative to digging trenches, which can damage the campsite and disrupt the natural environment.
4. Debris Under the Tarp
Issue: Debris such as rocks and sticks can create uncomfortable bumps and potentially damage the tarp or tent floor.
Solution: Thoroughly clear the area of debris before setting up the tarp. Regularly check the area around the tarp for any new debris that might have accumulated.
5. Wind-Related Issues
Issue: Strong winds can lift the tarp, causing it to flap and potentially tear.
Solution: Secure the tarp tightly with stakes and use additional weights like rocks or logs to keep it anchored. Position your tent and tarp in a sheltered area if possible to minimize wind exposure.
Final Thought
In conclusion, correctly setting up a ground tarp can make your camping experience dry and comfortable. Every step is crucial, from choosing the right tarp to preparing the ground to setting up and troubleshooting. Now that you're equipped with this knowledge, you're ready to head out on your next camping adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What material should I choose for a ground tarp?
You should choose ripstop nylon or high-denier polyester for your ground tarp, as they are highly durable. This will ensure that your tarp lasts for a long time.
How do I prevent water from pooling on the tarp?
Tuck the edges of the ground tarp under the tent to prevent water from pooling. It's an effective way to keep your campsite dry.
What additional gear can I use with a ground tarp?
For extra protection and insulation, you can use a bivy sack along with a ground tarp. This combination will help keep you dry and warm during outdoor activities.
How can I prevent water from flowing over the sides of the tarp?
Using foam insulation, you can prevent water from flowing over the sides of the tarp by creating a ridge around the ground tarp. This will help direct the water away from the edges of the tarp.
Do I need a tarp if my tent has a bathtub bottom?
You can try to get away with it if weight is a serious issue like your going on a long backpacking trip however the insurance of a dry tent is usually worth the weight.