Another question about condensation?

[OldNWay]

Was checking the stretch on a new tarp by leaving it setup for a couple of days. During that time we had below 20 degree temps with a hard frost. I noticed dampness on the inside of the tarp. I wasn't sleeping in it. Will frost form on the inside

[dakotaross]

As temps decrease, the moisture in the air settles. As temps begin to rise again, that moisture will rise and be trapped by the tarp. In this particular circumstance, you would think that by the time temps go down enough for frost that the moisture would have evaporated, but that depends I guess.

Now, when camping, you've got the moisture you give off that could rise and be trapped by the tarp, not unlike what happens in a tent. Due to the heat you give off, I think its probably not likely that frost would form on the inside, but I guess it could?

[Solohammock]

Slept out last night and the low hit 21* with a steady 5-10mph wind.... Tarp was in part porch mode (1 pole, the other corner on the ground) to try to let my moisture escape, but to block the swirling wind. Had frost inside and out...

[OneClick]

Here's a shot from when I was testing my gear at -5°F. A -25F windchill, so I'm guessing it was a good 15MPH. The Superfly did a good job at blocking wind, but not perfect.



I usually get this frost in the winter, not always to this extent, anytime the lows are about 20 or below. But I think it depends more science than I know about...dewpoint, and maybe some other stuff?

[OldNWay]

Thanks for the replies

[Boston]

You know how you will go outside to your car, and it's covered in frost? Same thing will happen to your tarp. The moisture in the air condenses on the surface, and freezes.

[old4hats]

At the FH3 I had my cube tarp set up, and in porch mode, the sky was clear, temps down to the mid 20's, and every time I had to answer the call of nature either my shoulders or my head got wet, that thing was literally beaded with moisture. In my yard at home I have gone to the hammock rather late at night when in the teens and twenties and found frost under the tarp just from rising ground moisture.

[bkrgi]

the dynamics at work
http://windowoutdoors.com/WindowOutd...0Radiation.htm

One can manage it but ultimately nature wins and dew/frost will coat your tarp inside and out. The more your in the open under clear calm skies, most likely your going to get a wet tarp

[Japhy Ryder]

Here's a shot from when I was testing my gear at -5°F. A -25F windchill, so I'm guessing it was a good 15MPH. The Superfly did a good job at blocking wind, but not perfect.



I usually get this frost in the winter, not always to this extent, anytime the lows are about 20 or below. But I think it depends more science than I know about...dewpoint, and maybe some other stuff?

Mark. That picture could be from my weekend. Temps got down to just below 20 with a steady 10-15 mph wind. When I woke up, inside of my tarp was completely frosted over. I tried my best to ventilate. But I guess you can only do so much.

[Zombieforce]

At least if its freezing its not dripping on you.