TARPS — Rain Solutions

I have used my rain jacket on the small end of a solo cat tarp by tying the sleeves to the corner tie outs and the hood to the ridgeline tie out. Not a perfect fit, but it was better than nothing. I think that a shaped tarp (for instance a Golite Lair 1 or MLD Patrol) would be the better option if you want full protection at the end.

When my solo tarp isn't set up quite perfectly in the rain I throw my rain cape over the bottom of my bag/quilt (or bivy if I'm using it). It's not snug enough to cause condensation and it keeps any/all rain off the bag.

Take a look at Granite Gear's website. They have these things called draft dodgers that sound like what you're looking for. I believe the famous hiker Trauma came up with the idea for them.

Nate,

Check the photos and setup instructions on the Mountain Laurel Design's website.

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=32&products_id=53&osCsid=eec9799cd9114c19c0a98d29f63570f9

Ron shows a way to use an A frame poncho tarp to completely seal off the foot end of the poncho tarp.

It does require that a tarp has an attachment point/loop.

Hopefully your tarp has one or maybe you can add one.

-Tony

Thanks for mentioning the Dodgers by Granite Gear.
I was going to sew some beaks on an Oware Cattarp 1.1 because I'm tall and always catch spray at the head and foot- some homemade draft dodgers might be a much better solution (and probably MUCH lighter than Granite Gear's).

i just got a GG SpinnTwinn and was contemplating putting a MYOG beak on the front end. I started a thread a while ago about that and there were some good responses. The dodger isn't that heavy though at 6.7 oz.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=17088&skip_to_post=129504#129504

I'm torn between making my own or using a dodger. Any other thoughts?

@Tony:

Traditional a-frames usually don't have that extra pullout, but that's a good idea. I love your bivy and hope to have one soon. :) Thanks for helping me out with pictures on a previous thread.

Ordering my WM Megalite now and my Side Zip MLD eVent next month.

Sorry for the thread highjack!

On the foot side of my tarp, I sometimes use my backpack with its rain cover jammed into the opening (though this is rare).

Other times when the wind shifts and the rain comes in the larger head opening of the tarp (assuming I'm too lazy to change the tarp direction), I have used my ULA rain skirt (which has attachments at the 4 ends) with some extra cord and attach it in a similar manner to those Granite Gear dogers (which is where I got the idea). Though it doesn't cover the complete opening, but as long as it covers the upper part, its good enough. If you wanted to use it on the foot end, it probably would cover the opening completely.

If I'm really lazy (which is often) I just throw my rain jacket over whatever part of me that needs some rain protection. And if its the foot end, you could always put your lower half into your backpack.

I once considered cutting up an old Gossemer Gear Spinniker ground cloth and sewing some attachments on it to make a custom fit dodger, but eventually ruled against it since it would be dead weight when not needed (which is the majority of the time).

I used a Gatewood cape (11 oz. and serves as my rain gear) and I'm covered on every side but one 9the floor) – ton of room – and it can ventilate (for those who are about to say it's not airy – the hood, the door, the pitch off the ground allows for it).

But, if it is a tarp you have then maybe one of these configurations may help:

http://www.equipped.org/tarp-shelters.htm

Otherwise, a guy I know pitches his tarp closer to the ground when it is going to rain (or at least one end) and uses his poncho (hood over the end and stakes in two of the grommets on the corners) – he also will slide the foot of his sleeping bag into a Hefty lawn bag he brings with him.

Hope that helps….