Best tarps & tie-downs according to redditors

I have that exact same tent, i bought it in 1998, have only had to buy new stakes, fix a tiny 3 inch mouse hole, (chewed it while it was in storage, basic tent tape fixed it) and redo the water proofing this year. I am not ashamed to say I did pay $225 for it when I bought it and it has made it through a dozen family camping trips with 4 people, 5 years in storage, and now it is my single person Glamping tent! I can fit a king size tall air mattress, a rug, 2 camp chairs, and a small shelving unit in there and its tall enough for most people to stand straight up in to get dressed.

My only suggestions...
dump the plastic stakes and get these instead, they work better in all soil types and in high wind.
Get a big silvered tarp for the roof, maybe some of these clips also. Helps with temp control in the sun!


happy camping! Hope you get as many good years of use out of yours as I have out of mine!

It's the handle and lock side of a dump trailer tarp system.

Hand Crank 8 'X 18' Tarp Roller Kit for Dump Truck or Trailer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ND2HVV2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MmUCDb8BHR3CP

Buy a set of these. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A50NB24/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Clip one to each corner of your bag, then run a length of shock cord across the short ends of the bag. Shock cord gets attached to the wall and boom- you have an underquilt that has not damaged your bag or your hammock.

It actually can make a difference. The cool air flow will be directed towards you and less will be lost into the rest of the room. The cool air will tend to diffuse quickly with the rest of the air in your living space, so limiting it's ability to do that will increase the cooling efficiency by keeping the cool air where it's going to do the most good (directly around your body). Simple sheets will do little more than direct airflow past you and around into the rest of the room. If you want to get really fancy with it, or simply explore the practicalities of airflow, you can set up painter's tarp/dropcloth to partition your maximum cooling area off. The smaller the space, the quicker and more efficiently it will cool. If you were to set up something like a Zipwall, you'd be able to create a customized, nearly perfect little space that would allow you excellent control over climate. If you don't want to spend that much then taping up simple plastic sheeting and installing a zipper lock will do the same thing. You'd want to leave the zipper lock a bit open so that the air flowing into the space from your AC unit could exhaust out into the rest of your apartment. Basically doing this saves the coldest air for your smaller space and the rest of your apartment gets secondary cooling from the air that trickles out.

Bonus points if you set this up and hang some insulation next to the plastic sheets for privacy and extra cold times.

Have you tried any which you know didn't work? I've found that most nipple clips can go on practically anyone with just a little bit of adjustment to get their nipples in place, but I definitely have some favorites and some... not so favorites.

• I find that tweezer-style clamps (with the little black ends) don't hold firmly as a rule and will fall off, particularly if you pull on the chain, but they are capable of going on.
  
  
• Clover clips tend to be pretty hard and are not adjustable, but they are pretty easy to get on relatively small nipples.
  
  
• These clothespin-type are useless, in my opinion. They're adjustable which is cool, but I will concede that you need a specific nipple shape to get them to stay and even in the "tightest" setting they feel very gentle. Not my thing.
  
  
• I love tarp clips. They're my favorite pervertible. You twist the "fin" to tighten/loosen. Even the "open" setting is medium-intensity though. They have holes in the "tail" which you could connect a chain to, or bells, or whatever, if you like. Plus they look like sharks! (Edit: purchase link)

Go to Home Depot. Get yourself a couple of these bad boys for like $1.99 apiece. Trust me, they work and they work WELL. And it's a wonderful punishment for bratty or defiant subs to say "Do we need to give his fin another twist?" Do it once, I guarantee they never disobey you again.

I like the black rubber ones.

Ones that look like this: https://smile.amazon.com/ProGrip-717904-Assorted-Tarp-Strap/dp/B000PXZYAS/

Second. It definitely sounds like a tarp.

There a few varieties of tarps:

• One one hand there are light-weight specialty tarps like this one
  
• And there are more general tarps like this one which are more bulky, but much less expensive
  

Here you go

Sounds like its shaping up to be a sweet garden. Sea of green methods definitely kick butt, especially combined with ebb and flow? Once that is dialed in you'll get some beast crops. Yeah if you can get what you need with panda film and save space not making walls then that would be good. My garden uses dry wall but i've seen some pretty sturdy and quality panda film spaces.

Having a door is nice! You don't want a flap but does that mean you don't want a zipper door in the panda film?

Grommets are kind of terrible in general. They do very poorly in strength tests. If I'm using a tarp that doesn't have tie out loops then I get a bunch of these instead of using the grommets. They look goofy but really hold up.

No clue if this is going to be helpful, but I agree that those clamps will rust if they live outside and I'd like to provide some ideas from a campers perspective, as we like hanging tarps. All of these options need some small rope/paracord/bungeecord/whatever and something like an stainless eyelet screwed into the post, though they end up being simpler mechanically and easier to adjust.

1. Try to find a blanket with corner ties. I don't know if they have another name but they look like the tassle things on poncho liners.
   
   
2. Generally only tarps (not picnic blankets) have grommets but its something to think about. You can even buy grommets on their own and sew them into the blanket of your choosing if you are handy with a sewing machine. High end camping tarps like this aren't like the ones at walmart and have reinforced corners, often with D-Rings. Not cheap though. If you like stuff like this there is other fancy hardware from Dutchware that make stringing it up easier.
   
   
3. Low tech and versatile, you can use the method campers use to string up a tarp when the corner rips out. Get a small round object (a rock or something) place it into the fabric from one side and tie a knot around it from the other, it will look like this
   
   
4. Last one doesn't have traction in camping that I know of and I've never used them before, but something like these clamps might be worth a shot for the price.
   
   Edit: fixed the last link
   
   
   Good luck!

Yep, it's about continuous usage, but also keep in mind that articles with suggested time limits for nipple clamps always seem to err on the safe side by an extreme margin. I've had clover clamps on for 1hr+. It was fine.

People's bodies are going to react differently, and also different types of clamps will cut off circulation at very different rates (i.e. these vs. these vs. these vs. these [NSFW], etc.)

Just take them off if you're turning purple or becoming numb; don't worry too much about specific time limits. Honestly I've never heard of someone getting injured from using nipple clamps for too long. In the grand scheme of BDSM safety concerns, it's pretty low on the list.

This is the one you want: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010YZ4HE/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00

We did a double-monkey, and used two of them to great success :)

I use clips like these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018J0OAM6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2upSAbYVMHFYW. They work great.

I can personally vouch for all of these items.

Mora Companion: $15

Fiskars X7 hatchet: $25

Stanley Adventure Series Camp Cook Set: $15

Firesteel Armageddon 4.0 w/ Scraper and Lanyard: $22 shipped

Blue 8' x 10' Poly Tarp: $7

Wool Blanket: $24 It's a little thin, but better than nothing, though I'd rather just use a sleeping bag and a lightweight hammock.

Total: $103

I'd also include some Jute Twine and Fine Steel Wool for starting fires.

This is of course assuming you already have a small pack, some Paracord, a water bottle, first aid kit and a flashlight.

I've been using the Kelty Noah 12 for 2 people all year + porch mode. It's awesome.

this basic diamond tarp is $40 and fine for over the hammock. I've used it in a couple storms and it's a good tarp. Not big enough for more than one hammock, not big enough to make an awning during a storm with any wind, but it packs down small.

a nine foot kelty is $60 and is much more flexible with all those tie-outs. It's a foot longer on the diagonal and cat cut square, so there's enough for an awning.

The 12 foot Kelty is big enough for two hammocks if you find the right hang. I just replaced my 12' after 10 years, the PU is degrading and it leaks a little in heavy rain or when it rains for 12 hours - source, wet butt from last trip.

If you want good and cheap (but a little heavy), the 12x9.5’ Chinook on Amazon works great for car camping and/or short trips. EDIT: not quite as heavy as I thought, reviewers like it Chinook Tarp (Sand, 12 x 9.6-Feet) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052SXFXE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_i8p2BbT99A8XN

A Warbonnet Thunderfly is a great option for maximum coverage without needing full doors. Personally I’d go with the Silpoly option.

I used to do a lot of craft shows up and down the east coast. I used the "ez-up" brand. Found they were sturdier than other off brands. Get the ones with the cross trusses underneath the canopy. They are not cheap, but nothing of good quality is.

For setting up in strong winds on dirt or grass areas, I used 4 dog tie down stakes, 4 black bungee cords like these, and 4 motorcycle tie down straps like these.

Loop a bungee cord around each canopy leg up high, connect one end of the motorcycle strap to the dog tie down and the other end to the bungee cord, and tighten. The bungee cords provide just a little bit of shock absorb give when winds are gusty. I've had my Ez-ups in 40+mph thunderstorm winds at craft shows. Everyone elses are blowing away.

I also had a set of (4) 4" PVC pipes filled with concrete with a hook on the end when I setup on concrete like a street or sidewalk. I'd attach one to the bottom of each leg using zip ties. Those held down the Ez-up in moderate winds.

https://www.amazon.ca/Homax-Group-6025-CinchTite-Adhesive/dp/B000KI0QXI/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3B5P01VNOGS4Z&keywords=zipper+for+tarps&qid=1558855560&s=gateway&sprefix=zipper+for+%2Caps%2C182&sr=8-1

Tarp clips (e.g. these on Amazon), kitchen implements (e.g. spatulas), plastic or metal rulers, belts, bondage tape, clothespins, rubber bands.

Chinook Tarps set the standard. There are also comparable nylon versions for cheaper.

Chinook Tarp (Sand, 12 X 9.6-Feet) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0052SXFXE?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

No problem! :)

Oh and just a few things to add:

Watch some videos on how to set up hammock and tarps. shugmery is an old youtuber who's an entertainer by trade, so he makes fun upbeat videos that aren't boring to watch.

Also in case you forget the knots that you learn to get the tarp to stay in place on the ridgeline (that one line to hang the tarp that goes from tree A to tree B) get these really cheap tarp clips for $5: https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-6268-Tarp-Clips-4-Piece/dp/B00A50NB24/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468442049&sr=8-1&keywords=tarp+clip

You can have the tarp in diamond/triangle formation, two ends secured to the ground (with pegs that come with all tarp purchases for free), and then the two ends that are hanging on the line you can just clip in place with the clips (which uses screws to tighten, not merely by clipping).

Be sure to bring cordage, which I assume you have, if not you can get 50 feet for like $5, or 100 feet for $10: https://www.amazon.com/Paracord-Planet-Mil-Spec-Commercial-Orange/dp/B00ACL4KJO/ref=sr_1_2?s=hunting-fishing&ie=UTF8&qid=1468442435&sr=1-2&keywords=paracord

DO NOT get 25 feet, because they still charge you $5 like for 50 feet, lol.

Sorry to add about $15 to your budget :)

Tarp clips

Here's my setup for my 12 weeks old golden pup.

I put this waterproof tarp from amazon underneath the pen. It helps prevent the pen sliding on the hardwood floor too.

I bought this artificial grass on amazon. I have a backyard wood deck so the pee on this grass drains through the gaps. However I do hose down the grass every week and hang dry it.

My pup was was 8 weeks when I got her. I bought a big insulated cooling grocery bag from Costco. Kinda like this but cheaper lol. It's big and cheap, way better than a baby carrier imo.

I'm a big fan of the Kelty Noah's Tarp. Available in 9', 12' and 16'. They've got guy points all over for very versatile shelter options.

A 9 foot Noah's tarp hung on the diagonal will give you amazing coverage for $55.

I have camped with just a tarp off and on for years.

ProGrip 717904 Assorted Tarp Strap - 9 Piece

By straps like this so that you can stretch it out . I try to make a v like this . If you can carry a couple semi heavy items to use as anchors for some side and use something like your oars as your center supports if you can't find a couple high points to build your center with.

/u/unlimitedJUICE they're called "super snaps" available from amazon for just over a buck a piece

https://www.amazon.com/Byers-15-Piece-Super-Snaps-Box/dp/B000SOLELW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1469736827&sr=8-5&keywords=super+snap

This is the tarp I used, silver side to the sun. It worked very well and is returning this year.

http://www.amazon.com/210200--20-Foot-10-Millimeter-5-5-Ounce-Reversible/dp/B0010YZ4HE/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1374516134&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=heavy+duty+tarp+10+x+20

I assume you mean a tarp like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053JX5SW/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_d9ibvb0MPWERJ I have used these while car camping to cover my hammock. It worked great. These tarps are hard to manage and even when you get them folded perfectly they take up a lot of space. For backpacking a tarp made for a hammock is much smaller and lighter in your pack.

http://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Tarpaulin-Camping-Backpacking-Shelter/dp/B0053QY0B6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376072446&sr=8-1&keywords=tarp

This type is perfect.

I would recommend this is the perfect time to upgrade to a Kelty Noah's Tarp 12 - 2013 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009R9FUI2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_pJTTAb3F5X5C2

And learn how to set it up.

or, you know, a $6 tarp

as an unrelated fact, tarp is a fun word

Just finished V1 of my fiscally conservative Mantis cover :-P. Cost so far: about $80 on Amazon. Already have some ideas for improvements (some clips / tensioners to make attaching and removing a bit quicker).

Link to tarp: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B077Q1D4X8/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_vgdDDbANWHM19

Cord was just stuff I had lying around.

Thanks for all the info. How do you secure the under quilt? I was thinking of getting those clip things and using those plus para-cord to hold it up

Alright here we go...now what I got, I tried to price compare and review compare. Some stuff may be better elsewhere but it's what I went with regardless.

There are some products that I already have from camping so I didn't feel the need to double up. I also plan on supplementing the packs with more food and obviously water as well as medicine, change of clothes and a few other things. I also plan on adding a few things to the medkit, more aspirin, some more realistic materials as well. So all in all I felt this was a pretty solid starter survival kit for most situations. Just something to grab for a few days if shit hits the fan. It's going in my truck where some other camping gear already is (Axe, shovel, wd-40, lighters, mace, knives)

Only product I would buy differently would be the backpack. I didn't realize it ships from China, I'd only buy somewhere else due to the 1 month shipping time. (I didn't catch that initially) there's some decent similarly priced backpacks available elsewhere that will be at your door within a few days.


$13 - S.O.S. Rations Emergency 3600 Calorie Food Bar - 2 Pack - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AFOF2DG/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$3 SE 6-in-1 Survival Whistle http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001C31AGC/ref=oh_details_o00_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$6 ER Emergency Ready Thermal Mylar Blankets, Pack of 4 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008DEYGJQ/ref=oh_details_o00_s01_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$40 Ambient Weather Emergency Solar Hand Crank AM/FM/NOAA Digital Radio, Flashlight, Cell Phone Charger http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B9HRJI4/ref=oh_details_o00_s02_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$8 Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001949TKS/ref=oh_details_o00_s02_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$9 8' X 10' Blue Multi-Purpose 6-mil Waterproof Poly Tarp Cover 8x10 Tent Shelter Camping Tarpaulin by Grizzly Tarps http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0053QUAAG/ref=oh_details_o00_s02_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$6 Survivor HK-106320 Outdoor Fixed Blade Knife 7 Overall WITH FIRE STARTER http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00178CS4K/ref=oh_details_o00_s02_i03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$9 5038-3 PK Fix-It DUCTape 1.87-Inches x 60-Yards, 7-Mil, 3-Pack http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002KQ6682/ref=oh_details_o00_s02_i04?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$40 Outt(TM) Sport Outdoor Military Rucksacks Compact Assault Pack Camping Hiking Trekking Bag http://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Military-Rucksacks-Compact-Trekking/dp/B00HWR37KE/ref=sr_1_4?m=A15PKGU8PFZ6QO&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1396882222&sr=1-4&keywords=Sport+Outdoor+Military+Rucksacks+Compact+Assault+Pack+Camping+Hiking+Trekking+Bag

$32 Fully Stocked MOLLE Tactical Trauma Kit First Aid Pouch http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TL2NX4/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$5 550lbs. Military Paracord Type III Rope 100' Foliage Green http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B6LFWE/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Total price for everything: $171 Probably spend another 30 or less on food/water/extras

This is what I use: http://www.amazon.com/Waterproof-Tarpaulin-Camping-Backpacking-Shelter/dp/B0053QY0B6/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1370349987&sr=1-3&keywords=tarp

These two things could have saved the passengers life.

If you are carrying a load in the bed of a truck or anything else open air, please for the sake of everyone around you, put a tarp over it.

Please.

Life is precious

Ball Bungees to secure tapestries/sheets to the EZ up

I use these clips on the bottom of the sheet and then I use a length of paracord to tie it to a plastic stake which keeps it in place.

Weights filled with sand to keep it all on the ground and out of the next lot

Shark clips! They make vicious clamps

http://www.amazon.com/ProGrip-907040-Tarp-Shark-Cover/dp/B0066K529W

Are you using a tarp clip in the center? I haven't been brave enough to use those clips on my silnylon tarps. It looks like this.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-6268-Tarp-Clips-4-Piece/dp/B00A50NB24/

Polyurethane coated nylon is one of the most common materials for tents and camping tarps. If you can't find a source you could use a tarp for material, like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-4082021309-P-Noahs-Tarp-Shelter/dp/B00AA6SX8A

https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-4082021309-P-Noahs-Tarp-Shelter/dp/B00AA6SX8A

A couple of quick ideas:

Kelty Noahs Tarp

B.A.S.E. Tarp

I also have a smaller green tarp I keep in my jeep that I picked up at Target (I think) that one side is a tarp the other is a blanket. It cost less than 20 dollars. Good luck.

Sort of like these? RAM-PRO 12pc Tarp Clips Heavy-Duty with Carabiner - Sliding-Lock Grip - Great for Awnings Farming Garden Marine Automotive & More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018J0OAM6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OePQBbSAWT7Z7

Now that these are sold out, Amazon has pretty similar prices for the 12'.
https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Noahs-Tarp-12-2013/dp/B009R9FUI2

I seriously love the Chinook 9.6'x12' tarp. tie offs are great, long enough to make doors, and wide enough for two. A bit on heavier side, but is still light and packable. I can pack it down to about the size of a 40oz beer

I just tried to buy a $5 5x7 tarp on Amazon, and it's clearly labled "Add On Item". http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-Tarps-GTRP57-Multi-Purpose-Waterproof/dp/B0053JX5SW

The cheapest 5X7 tarp which is prime eligible is $7.70. http://www.amazon.com/Kotap-5-ft-7-ft-General-Purpose/dp/B001OPEX2Q

You can get a 5x7 tarp at Wal-Mart for less than $2. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Kotap-TRA0507-Blue-Poly-Tarp-5-X-7/25074332

http://www.amazon.com/Chinook-Tarp-Sand-12-9-6-Feet/dp/B0052SXFXE