How do you store your tarp?

[Rowan65]

I just got the Hennessy Hex Fly tarp (heavier one, which is made out of coated polyester) and was wondering how everyone stored their tarps both when they're backpacking and when it's stored in your house.

I know some of you use snake skins, does anyone use a stuff sack? And do you leave it open when not in use in your house?

I just folded mine over a couple of times then rolled it up, I used the excess guy lines that I didn't stow away to tie it once it was wrapped up.

[Bomber]

I have a PU coated tarp as well, if it is wet when i'm packing it down - i just pitch it when i get home. And when dry, i pull the snake skins over the tarp again and roll it up. Then back in the gear closet

[Rowan65]

So you don't worry about keeping it all smashed up?

[UncleMJM]

I just got the Hennessy Hex Fly tarp (heavier one, which is made out of coated polyester) and was wondering how everyone stored their tarps both when they're backpacking and when it's stored in your house.

I know some of you use snake skins, does anyone use a stuff sack? And do you leave it open when not in use in your house?

I just folded mine over a couple of times then rolled it up, I used the excess guy lines that I didn't stow away to tie it once it was wrapped up.

All of the above.

My Son's Super Fly is in snake skins as are our Hennessy Hex tarps.

My Integral Designs Sil 8x10 Tarp is stuffed in it's stuff sack.

I have a 10x12 sil tarp that is folded then stuffed into it's integreated stuff sack.

My stock Hennessy and DIY poly are folded, then rolled up with lines wrapped around them.

Our Honeymoon Suite Tarp is stored rolled up while hanging then stuffed in it's sack.

I pack them and store them the same way.

Having said all that, the most convenient way for me is to use snake skins. Easy to hang. Ready to deploy if the weather or bird population dictates. Easy to keep lines together when putting up. Once back in the skins I untie the line from one tree, figure 8 coil it then roll it in the snake skin like a giant cinnamon roll. When I get almost to the end I wrap the last foot or so of snake skin around the "tarp cinnamon roll" to hold it together in a tight package. Lastly I wrap the remaining line around the bundle to finish it off. I know a pic would make more sense but I don't have any to show on this technique.

[Mule]

Dry and stuffed

[canoebie]

Dry and stuffed

DRY is the real key, it doesn't hurt a tarp to stuff it. In fact, folding it may create stress points if it is folded exactly the same way each time. I have multiple tarps for groups I take on guided canoe trips, and I can tell you from experience that moisture is the main culprit to damaging a tarp in storage. I hang everything and dry it when I get home.

[Bomber]

So you don't worry about keeping it all smashed up?

Not the least..... As others have mentioned, the key is making sure it doesn't get stored wet for longer periods, if it does you can have problems with fungus, smell or delamination.

I've had my tarp stored in snakeskins constantly(making sure it is dry, when it hit's the gear closet!) for over a year now, when it is not pitched. And with no problems.

[Trooper]

I use snakeskins. I also carry a torso-sized Evazote pad. I roll the tarp up inside of the pad, which gets stored underneath my pack.

At home, I string it up in the garage or basement until it is dry. Once dried, skins go back on and the pack is ready to go once I add food.

[Cannibal]

Mine are all in stuff sacks with a label tag on the drawstring to tell me what is what. Stuff sacks are then put into the "tarp dresser".

[Rowan65]

Awesome, I thought that stuff sacks would be a "no-no" but I guess not, I think I'm going to have to find a good one for my tarp instead of rolling it up each time.