Tarp with Doors as Ground Shelter

**joefbtg28** · 03-30-2016, 17:10

Has anyone pitched a Warbonett Superfly or Simply Light Designs Winter Haven (or similar) as a tarp tent with trekking poles at each end? This would be for a ground sleeping shelter. I was looking at ultralight tents that would cost me $300 and then this thought crossed my mind. I mean how often would a hammock camper go to ground anyways! Figured I could build a tyvek ground cloth for cheap, which I could use while hammock camping as well. That would be a pretty minimal investment for the one trip I can't hang. I am going to scrub country in Southern Colorado in late April to wet my backpacking whistle for the year. I do hate creepy crawly critters though... That being said I was all worried about snakes, scorpions, and spiders when I went to Canyonlands, and I don't think I saw a single one. Thanks All.

**Shug** · 03-30-2016, 17:17

They will work. You can see my Cuben ground pitched in this video at 10:50 in
Shug

**gbolt** · 03-30-2016, 17:34

Is the Zpacks Trekking Pole Cups http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/pole_cups.shtml

Worth the small amount of money? And weight penalty? Any body used these? I am debating these for parks and other tree less area's in or near AT Towns.

**4estTrekker** · 03-30-2016, 18:24

I use my 13' DIY winter tarp on the ground often when camping with my son. I carry a sub 1 ounce "go to ground kit" in my rigging bag just in case. I will post pictures when I get a chance.

**Slack Packhiker** · 03-30-2016, 22:18

gboly, I'm expecting a delivery of a tarp and the pole cups from Zpacks tomorrow. They seem like such a good idea and big bank for the buck, at minimal weight too. While I don't have experience using the cups yet, I'm expecting them to work well. If they do, they'll be a big asset.

**Slack Packhiker** · 03-30-2016, 22:45

...I just watched Shugs video again and it is one of my favs. It's super informative for those of us new to tarping, it's comprehensive and I pick up something new every time I watch it. It helps that I crack up laughing a couple of times and ends with the beautiful twirling daughter. Just wanted to jump in and say thanks.

**Caminante** · 03-31-2016, 07:22

Originally Posted by Shug

They will work. You can see my Cuben ground pitched in this video at 10:50 in
Shug

I couldn't see anything for the pig cooker.

**gbolt** · 03-31-2016, 17:03

Originally Posted by Slack Packhiker

gboly, I'm expecting a delivery of a tarp and the pole cups from Zpacks tomorrow. They seem like such a good idea and big bank for the buck, at minimal weight too. While I don't have experience using the cups yet, I'm expecting them to work well. If they do, they'll be a big asset.

Would love to hear your thoughts after using them for awhile. I agree, they do seem like a Big Bang for the buck.

Shug??? If still following this thread.... Do you just wrap your cord around the pole handles or do you Marlin Spike or use some other method when poles are in Tarp Tent Mode or even when setting up in Porch mode? Inquiry minds want to know? Lol

**bodhran4me** · 03-31-2016, 19:28

I have used a HH Monsoon/Typoon tarp as a ground shelter before with good results. It did rain but nothing torrential or with heavy winds. I also had a USGI Goretex bivy to keep my bedding dry.

You mentioned creepy crawlers....
I have used my DD Frontline in conjunction with a groundsheet and the HH Typhoon. It kept the rain and bugs out, at least until I left it unzipped!

**Ron S** · 03-31-2016, 20:09

Originally Posted by gbolt

Is the Zpacks Trekking Pole Cups http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/pole_cups.shtml

Worth the small amount of money? And weight penalty? Any body used these? I am debating these for parks and other tree less area's in or near AT Towns.

That's what I use with my SuperFly. Works for going to ground with trekking poles and just as well with the poles again for the side tie outs when in the air.
SuperFly.jpg