Keep tarp flat

**Migs** · 09-05-2013, 16:18

Friends:

I'd like to keep my tarp extended so the breeze can cool me through the mosquito netting. For this it has to be a nearly flat roof. How do you do that when there are no trees nearby or you wish to avoid an impossibly long guyline?
I was thinking of a horizontal tent pole on top, but you all must know of a more elegant solution.

As always, thanks

Migs

**grannypat** · 09-05-2013, 16:34

I use my adjustable trekking poles to make a porch on one side. You could also hang the tarp higher. Make sure to make one side of the tarp slightly lower than the other, so that if it does rain, the water will run off instead of making a big puddle on your tarp.

**Awkward Sportsman** · 09-05-2013, 16:35

I am interested in this as well. I was pondering this last weekend while out with only one walking pole. Actually come to think of it, I have never had my tarp in porch mode.

**olddog** · 09-05-2013, 16:40

Here was mine this past summer in Maine. Stayed this way for 2 months thru some pretty good rains. Just some branches on the front and tied off to trees on the rear

**Migs** · 09-05-2013, 18:09

Nice pictures. So a stick is the way to go. Maybe a couple collapsible tent poles will do it.

**olddog** · 09-05-2013, 18:37

Sure will. But I normally just find some sticks in the woods, less to carry in.

**Brute1100** · 09-05-2013, 19:20

Porch mode... Ei stick 3-6 feet tall holding the corners of the tarp up on one side, I usually will leave the other side down...

Or no tarp at all... If it's ain't raining, why ruin the view...

**Tuckahoe** · 09-05-2013, 19:55

http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/tent_pole.shtml

Zpacks has lightweight carbon fiber tent poles if someone is so inclined.

**nothermark** · 09-05-2013, 20:07

Also watch the "flat" part. You need to keep some pitch in the roof so the rain runs off instead of forming a lake in the middle.

**used2fly** · 09-05-2013, 20:08

I sleep in my yard a couple nights a week and I do not bother using my trekking poles.I Cut a few sticks and just leave them lay when I take it down. Experiment but don't get caught like I did last weekend.Storm rolled in and I was in porch mode.Good practice trying to close things up in a torrential downpour.