Camping and Tarps

[fossyant]

I've managed to bag a matching tarp (Nordisk) for my new 'Wiggle bargain' tent. On our first camp, we would have been a little stuck for cooking if it had hissed it down, and this next camp bikes and a paddle board are coming (five days at Bala lake). With that in mind I've been looking for a tarp, preferably a polycotton one. Pricing them up, you very easily get to £100 for even a 'cheap' tarp and poles/guy ropes. Extensive googling found just two Nordisk tarps in stock at UK suppliers. One could deliver in 5-7 working days, the other in 2. I submitted a price match request to the shorter delivery supplier, and they matched it - £99 delivered (RRP is over £300). Ordered Tuesday, arrived today, so not bad.

Anyway, it's massive 20sqm (approx 4.75m x 4.75m) - slightly wider than the tent. The proposal is I connect the tarp to the tent above the door, and one side follows the roof line to the floor on the 'wind side' to form a wind break, and the other sides left open, rather than just the regular triangle shape with all sides open. This also saves taking a windbreak - we're camping on a very windy site later this month, directly on the West Wales coast.

Anyone here a regular user who can recommend any other pitch patterns ? I have also bought two additional telescopic poles, so four in all. PS Can't take it 'bike' packing later this year as it's heavier than the bike !

Tent pic.... (excuse the cycling 'washing')

 

[fossyant]

Probably looking at a similar pitch to this (our tarp is a diamond shape)

 

[Hicky]

Depending on eyelets it’s worth considering putting a corner of the tarp over the main pole then using one corner towards the ground at the front then lift one corner by a pole and manage the height using the remaining material…that makes sense in my head but probably not on paper as it were.
We have a Vango illusion tv and a higher tv tarp and drape it over one beam and do a similar affair to your second image. With lots of v strong pegs it’s fine.

 

[Drago]

Tentist!

 

[fossyant]

Got the tarp like above but MrsF wasn't happy as it obscured the view of Bala lake. More faffing and shuffling and we moved it a bit. It's massive, 20sqm.

 

[simongt]

Decided we need a tarp for our Vango 450XL tent.
Contacted Vango & Attwools for advice on which one would suit best. I clearly stated to both that the 450 is a side entry tent.
Vango suggested their Adventure tarp; only suitable for front entry tents, Attwools suggested the Vango Trek tarp, suitable for side & front entry tents.
Guess who I bought it from - !

 

[Hicky]

Decided we need a tarp for our Vango 450XL tent.
Contacted Vango & Attwools for advice on which one would suit best. I clearly stated to both that the 450 is a side entry tent.
Vango suggested their Adventure tarp; only suitable for front entry tents, Attwools suggested the Vango Trek tarp, suitable for side & front entry tents.
Guess who I bought it from - !

Bought our tent from Atwolls, you’ve got to speak to Mike, the rest aren’t great.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Blue plastic Tarps from the local DIY store are super-cheap, come in a variety of sizes, have eyelets, and will do the job for pennies!

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Tentist!

Tarp off

 

[fossyant]

Blue plastic Tarps from the local DIY store are super-cheap, come in a variety of sizes, have eyelets, and will do the job for pennies!

Not happening. Just got this posh tent (for cheap) so shizzle has to match and as there is next to no Nordisk tarps available I got this. Will be used next week as a community tarp as we're camping with a load of cold water swimming weirdo's (like bike weirdo's without the massive expense).

 

[fossyant]

TBH it's been a godsend. Been able to keep out of the sun today. It's not that hot, but when you are out in it, walking, an hour's bike ride, an hour on the lake etc, then I sat under the tarp. I'm a bit red.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Not happening. Just got this posh tent (for cheap) so shizzle has to match and as there is next to no Nordisk tarps available I got this. Will be used next week as a community tarp as we're camping with a load of cold water swimming weirdo's (like bike weirdo's without the massive expense).

Have you tried Alpkit or Army Surplus for Tarps?

 

[fossyant]

Have you tried Alpkit or Army Surplus for Tarps?

Nope as I picked up the one above for £100 with the poles and guys. Retail is silly money.

 

[simongt]

you’ve got to speak to Mike, the rest aren’t great.

Interesting. I dealt with Connor, nae bother, very helpful.

 

[simongt]

After several years okay years with a Vango Beta 450 XL, we've just upgraded to a Vango Harris Air 500.
As we mostly camp at festivals, extra space for clothing, outfits etc. much welcome plus the standup space. And the canopy at the front enables us to watch the world go by when it's raining - !
A pal rocked up at Ely FF with a Harris 350 and just her. Not saying she brought a lot of gear, but took her about two hours to completely set up camp - !