How to Prevent Water Pooling In My Tarp Shelter?

Choosing the Right Tarp Position

When setting up your tarp, consider the wind direction and the slope of the land to avoid water pooling. A slight pitch of 10-20 degrees is ideal to allow water to run off. For a diamond tarp configuration, position the tarp with the center of the diamond facing the direction of any predicted rain, ensuring that water can run off towards the sides.

Securing the Tarp

To prevent water pooling, secure the tarp to the trees or poles with tensioning ropes. Use knots such as the Prusik knot or the Alpine butterfly knot to attach the ropes to the tarp and the trees. The plow point method, where the tarp is secured to a single tree, can be effective but may not be suitable for heavy rain. A lean-to or A-frame configuration can also be used to secure the tarp, but ensure that the tarp is tight to prevent water pooling.

Additional Tips

When setting up your tarp shelter in low-lying areas, consider using a higher ground for your shelter to prevent water pooling. If you are setting up in a valley, choose a spot that is slightly higher than the surrounding area. Additionally, use a tarp with a waterproof coating or a silnylon fabric to prevent water from seeping through the fabric.