My first attempt at setting up a tarp…

Ron Bell posted this about pitching tarps earlier this year:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/6898/index.html?skip_to_post=49155#49155

But you could consult with MLD directly, just to be sure.

Steve

I usually have the same problem if I try to stake out the tie outs in the middle of the long sides as well. A lot of times I feel like I pitch my tarps tighter if I only stake out each corner and the ridgeline.
Just keep practicing. Eventually you will find a method that works for you. And don't be afraid to pull it down tight, especially if its a silnylon tarp. It will stretch overnight if it gets wet, which will make it sag.
Also, the only times I can get a picture-perfect pitch (say that 3 times fast :D) is when I set it up in my back yard. I can put the stakes exactly where they need to be. I don't often have that luxury on the trail because its fairly rocky here. I just get it as close as I can and deal with any flapping that might occur.
One more tip; if you can find some sticks laying around, try using them to lift the panels by using the tie-outs in the middle of each one. It will increase the space underneath the tarp and help to pitch it tighter. It will require a couple of extra stakes and guyline but it may be worth it to you. Nearby trees make suitable replacements for downed limbs as well.

Adam

Keep practicing. I still have plenty of room for improvement.

When you begin to get it taut enough – if you're like me – you'll pull out a stake or two. This did not happen in my backyard testing but did during a hike. You need to prepare for different dirt or soil. One night had trouble getting the stakes into ground. Another night the ground was too loose. I ended up improving the pitch by using rocks and trees, etc.

This added a challenge but was good. I think I have a pic. Will post later if I can find it.

Good luck!

You can play with the angle of your tie-outs. For example, in the foreground of your photo try it so that the pull direction is straight out from the front edge and at a right angle from the bottom. This would also be the pull if your corner was directly on the ground. Try changing the angle of the front pole. Here are some other ideas:
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/00150.html

I have a few things to add that I have found will work and some that wont…
if you are pitching that tarp with edges parallel with the ground, the guylines Must all be of the same length!
I start with the back corners, then add the rear pole.
Then pitch the front pole adding medium tension to get the ridgeline to stay taught. This is the tricky part, you have to stake out one of the the front corners while keeping the pole vertical. Now the next front corner will be easy.
You never want to pull a tarp tight, just taught. Tight will stress the guyout points and reduce the life of the fabric. The ridgeline is much tougher so let the ridgeline carry the stress, then finesse the corners into place. lastly, walk around the tarp and re-situate the stakes if needed, and stake out the sides, in normal (good) conditions, an MLD tarp wont even need side stake outs. I imagine, tho, in rough weather the first thing to go will be those flimsy poles.

Hi,

It looks prety good for your first time. Nice snowless patch!

The pole looks pretty stiff and straight, so that's good. They are quite stiff.

I can see a bit of ripple in the fabric near the front apex- so try a bit tighter on corner and ridgeline tieouts. It's OK to pull hard. That is proabably the main point you are looking to improve- the overall tightness. That's mainly a point of how tight you pull out the guylines.

Try using very minimal tension on the mid side perimeter tieouts. The ridge and corners really set the shape and create most of the tightness. The mid sides and center panel tiesouts are often not needed except for big wind. They should be staked out last and be only slightly snug and eady to take any added stress on the tarp in a gust. You may want to use a small loop of 1/8" bungee on the side panel tieouts.

On Stakes: Angle them about 30% toward the tarp and shove them in all the way tight. If you start with the guyline state end loop on the ground it won't shorten the inch as the stake is shoved in.