Square vs Rectangular Tarps

currently I use a rectangular 8×10 and I wish I could set up a better flying diamond pitch. With a square tarp is would be much easier…

Well, have a look at this website:

http://equipped.com/tarp-shelters.htm

A pretty comprehensive and amazing resource for how to set up tarps!

Hi,

I just went through the same process and settled on a rectangle tarp, Integral Designs Siltarp 2, which weighs 14 oz (a bit less actually, 385g with stuff sack) and couldn't be happier. The MLD super tarp 10 x 10 weighs in at 19.5 oz, and this was too close to my current larger shelter weight (23oz) to justify the larger size.

I hope this helps,
fred

Alec, Thanks for the link. I had actually seen the site before and is what prompted me to ask the question. The question I probably should have asked is what shelter designs people use. I'll post a new discussion to keep the topics separate.

Thanks Jonathan,
The Flying Diamond seems like a pretty popular pitch. I've been leaning to a square tarp because of it.

Personally I think rectangular tarps are best for covering woodpiles, trailers, etc. They give you more "BUMP" room for those big bumps under the tarp.

Oh, you mean for camping? Why in the world would you use a tarp with so many great single wall tents on the market? It's like using a hammock when you're not camping in a damp jungle.

But, if you love to fiddle in setting up tarps, carry a groundcloth and mosquito netting and fiddle with those then a tarp is your answer – rectangular, that is.

Eric

I think it depends on how you intend to use it. I have built quite a few paper models and set up a few in the yard and to me I think a 10×10 square is probably about the most versitile unless you want to set up a miners tent/teepee like this guy. Then you might want a 9×12 or bigger, but to me I think the tarp needs to be a tad bigger for that and that will get heavy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzJHuWlEAtk&NR=1

With a 10 x 10 you can set one up like brawneys and get a ground cloth out of it..

Down towards the bottom.
http://www.trailquest.net/BRindex.html

If you go to the link above, you can also do a forester or a bivy type wrap with a floor with a 10×10, both good in high wind. Bivy being almost like a cone. From what I measured a 9×9 would be a tad small for me for that, but I am 6-3. 9×9 would work for a forester fine, but for the cone/bivy setup, the floor would get short, unless you left the foot area more open.