Snow stakes...sugestions on how to secure tarp and condensation

**Drewmon71** · 12-29-2014, 23:59

I live in the Tetons and finally fixed my hammock stand so I can really start testing my winter abilities/setup. What is the best way to secure my tarp in the snow? Planning my first real winter overnighter later in january for my birthday (probably gonna ski in about 5 miles to a hot spring). I've been good down into the high teens, but the ground wasn't balls deep with snow. Also, I have the wbsf tarp, 20 degree bag, 0 degree hg incubator, no vapor barriers or uq protecter, should I be concerned about moisture, been reading alot of stories about wet gear!!! Thanks to you all for the community we have here!!!

**mbiraman** · 12-30-2014, 00:31

The way that i use most of the time is to tie the tarp lines to sticks about a foot long . Bury them in the snow, and put snow on top and tamp it down. You can put a little bit of tension on them just to get your setup but don't put any real tension on for about 20 mins or so. The snow will set up and you can tension as usual. As far as condensation on your under quilt , in dry winter conditions its not a problem. Its really a wet weather issue or where there is moisture in the air.

**Mystery Oneal** · 12-30-2014, 02:50

In deep snow I have found the best option is to walk to the nearest road and hitchhike 1 or 2 thousand miles towards the equator! I honestly don't know how/why anyone would wanna sleep in the snow. On a more helpful note, I tend to carry extra line and use it when needed to reach a sapling or tree. I don't carry stakes/pegs. I figure the extra rope weights about the same as stakes would...and the rope is much more useful in the kit. Choose a spot to setup according to ALL tie out points, not just the ridge/sling tree(s). You will often find that the extra saplings/trees help with wind chill as well. Otherwise, I would suggest a variation on mbiraman's method...instead of several long stick-stakes I some times resort to one long fallen log per side. In natural forests this is often easier to find than 4-8 strong stick-pegs. A log on its side would also provide much more solid anchor points than sticks once snow is set.

**Brownie1** · 12-30-2014, 03:20

Hi there. For securing the tarp you don't actually need very much - a tent peg or stick tied at 90 degree angle to the guy line and then dig a 'T' in the snow and sit the peg in it. Tamp snow over the top of it and wait a couple of seconds for the snow to set and you will need an ice axe or shovel to dig it out.

**12trysomething** · 12-30-2014, 07:06

Another simple method, take 4 plastic grocery bags, fill and bury them in the snow and put your guy-line through the handles. Cheap and easy.

**Bubba** · 12-30-2014, 07:35

I do what mbiraman does. I've also used snow stakes in the past but they are big and heavy.

**DuctTape** · 12-30-2014, 08:26

I also do what mbiraman does. However different snow conditions may dictate slightly different methods. Type of snow, depth, temperature, etc... when using the stick method, I have found it very easy to to loop the cord around the stick, use a loose knot with quick release (as mbiramin suggests wait 20 min before you tighten). When it is time to leave, undo the knot and pull the cord through the snow. If done right, the stick will remain in the snow. This method is very helpful when conditions end up freezing things down. No need to dig through ice to get a stake, or a stick with a knot, etc... disclaimer: I don't use tent stakes in any season, I always tie off to other trees, rocks, roots, and use sticks. By being stakeless all seasons I think it helps my efficiency when conditions require different methods. Less items to potentially leave at the site too.