List of Goodies for New Tarp

[Jimmy Shelter]

I have been using the walmart Y steaks, and from what i can see the only difference between them and the name brand ones is the logo and and a few bucks each.Been getting them 4 for $3 locally

[MDSH]

I think I may just get some flyz and stingers and play around with using them both.

Seems like the groundhog is a standard for stakes. There 2.50 each though on rei, that's why I was asking if anybody had used the cheaper ones at wal mart. They are the same style but I haven't tried them.

I got four 7" Y stakes at Academy.

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[aclawrence]

. Go with whatever you want the most.

Now that's some dangerous advice. I'm supposed to be saving money here

[aclawrence]

Looks like I might try some of the cheapos first and if they all break I'll do some upgrading. It's too bad there's not some kind of dutch stake lol.

[mrcheviot]

Hardware aside, I think the most beneficial thing I've found is adding side panel pullouts. Some tarps come with them as standard, some are available for an extra cost, and even if you don't have a tarp that comes with any you can use something like Dutch's clip on.

The added space beneath the tarp is _amazing_.

You can stake them out using longer line than you would for corners, or use a nearby tree or branch, or use hiking poles (1 per side is enough). You can also use 2 short poles over a ridgeline to get the same effect.

Pole pockets perform a similar function.. I think they actually give you slightly more room, but they require you to carry poles where side panel pullouts give you the option of poles or lines. Porch mode with poles is a bit easier, but you don't have as much flexibility in the porch angle.

Lastly, doors are a great feature to have if you plan on hanging on cooler nights, if the wind is swirling, or if you want more privacy. They can either be part of the tarp design, or they can be removable.

[aclawrence]

Thanks, I just ordered a superfly a few days ago so I will have the side pull outs and doors. I'm going to try using the pull outs first and maybe look at some of the pole mods later. I also just got some stingerz in the mailbox from dutch so I'm just waiting on the tarp now and some lash it.

[SouthCarolinaMike]

I use the stingers and about 12' of lash it on each end. Works great for me. You could get away with the tarp flyz as you can thread the flyz right onto the superfly but I like the ease of moving them to another tarp when I want to.

Stakes I use are the generic aluminum y stake that is the just like the msr groundhogs, just cheaper.

+100000000 oin the Dutchware Stingerz and lash it, best way IMHO