How do you pack your snake skinned tarps?

**TxAggie** · 06-08-2017, 18:11

I'm heading out next weekend on my first hammock hike. One question I'm still debating is packing my tarp into my backpack. I'm using snake skins and I like keeping the CRL attached. So my question is: Do most of you just put the snake skinned tarp directly into your pack, or do you put it into a stuff sack first? I'm leaning towards the stuff sack option, but curious how you more experienced folk are doing it.

Thanks for any input.

**Sky1926** · 06-08-2017, 18:12

Stuff sack for me

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**InfuriatedMax** · 06-08-2017, 19:09

Stuff Sack for me. I like it for when the tarp is wet and in the snakeskin I can put it in the stuff sack and not worry about it getting the rest of the items in the pack wet.

**JmBoh** · 06-08-2017, 19:12

I just put it in the pack. No stuff sack. I use a compactor bag to keep hammock, quilts and clothes dry. The tarp goes on the top of the pack with ends stuffed down the sides so it's a horse shoe shape so it's right there ready to deploy if the weather is bad. I can just grab the part visible on top and pull it out. If it's wet when I pack it up, the compactor bag keeps gear dry.

**OCDave** · 06-08-2017, 19:18

Tarp sleeves in stuff sack, stuff sack inside pack but outside pack liner.

**gbolt** · 06-08-2017, 19:30

Used to put skins in Stuff Sac, in pack, outside of pack liner. But when I switched to CF for Tarp/Skins/Stuff Sac; I no longer put it inside the pack. This is due to a more bulky, yet lighter weight set-up. I now place it on the outside of the pack and held by the tension strap on the side of my ULA Ohm. Love this set up because of no worries when the tarp is wet. It also balances out the pack.

**JmBoh** · 06-08-2017, 19:35

Originally Posted by gbolt

Used to put skins in Stuff Sac, in pack, outside of pack liner. But when I switched to CF for Tarp/Skins/Stuff Sac; I no longer put it inside the pack. This is due to a more bulky, yet lighter weight set-up. I now place it on the outside of the pack and held by the tension strap on the side of my ULA Ohm. Love this set up because of no worries when the tarp is wet. It also balances out the pack.

I was considering that as I also have an OHM. Have you ever had a problem with branches or anything snagging your tarp being on the outside of the pack?

**gbolt** · 06-08-2017, 19:49

Originally Posted by JmBoh

I was considering that as I also have an OHM. Have you ever had a problem with branches or anything snagging your tarp being on the outside of the pack?

Not so far...but that is because I am preparing for the AT so I don't really go off trail; so to speak. The other thing to consider is how wide your shoulders are. The Ohm is fairly narrow so the tarp on the side is somewhat hidden behind my shoulder and arm, if that makes sense. But I have the same concern and would act differently should I go onto a less established trail.

PS I have the Water Filter Sac and Cookset sac in the other pocket and a folded Tyvek Ground Sheet on the other side. The Tyvek shows no signs of damage or snagging either.

**whistle_norvell** · 06-08-2017, 19:51

Cram them into the stuff sack

**Wetfoot310** · 06-08-2017, 19:56

I leave mine in my snake skins and put it on the outer pocket of my pack with the rest of my rain gear. Its really nice to have that right there if you have to set up your tarp in the rain with out having to dig everything else out of your pack. Then you can unpack your bag under your nice and dry tarp.