Thanks for the input.

I have a Warbonnet hammock and tarp set up, but its at my cabins and I can't get it at the moment (at least I think it's there - that is the last place I had it). It has a nice tarp set up and door kit (doors are separate - not attached). Its worked well, but since I don't have it to use I'm trying to come up with another idea.

I was trying to make use of some 8x10 tarps earlier this year for a fly over top an A frame tent, but I figured it wasn't worth it. I have used the A frame tent backpacking and it is too small for me - can't even sit up, and especially with the possibility of condensation on a cold night - bumping the sides/roof first thing in the morning getting up and getting a nice cold shower isn't exactly my cup of tea to wake up to.

My nice tent is a Mountain Hardwear Hammerhead 2. I spent some time before my last backpacking trip seam sealing some things. I had it set up over the summer and it leaked - I suspect near the window in the fly. So it should be good to go now. I will have to set it up and test the leakproof'ness, but I think it's in good shape.

My thought for the tarp idea is a more minimalist approach to a shelter. The tent takes some time to set up and take down. The tarp idea is easier and faster. I'm thinking for stealth camping the tarp is the way to go, an that's what I've used in the past (8x10 tarp)

If I combine the tent and the tarp I have a ton of flexibility. If I have to hunker down through a storm the tent is the way to go. However, if I need to drop and put up a quick easy shelter a ridge line with the tarp would be the ticket.

This is the hammerhead tent. It isn't a light weight tent, but it is a strong tent and actually is both a 3 season and 4 season (you can seal off all the mesh with zip in panels - why I got it). So given it not being "light weight" it has some pretty big bonuses that are really nice. It is also aerodynamic all around for dealing with windy situations.




As far as the tarp goes - this is what I am working on. This is a 10x10 (actual is about 9'8" square). The extra dimensions over an 8x10 tarp are noticeable. I have it pitched as an A frame with 3 sections of the main tent poles for the hammerhead tent = double duty.





I measured half way on one pair of sides and added new grommets right in the middle. The first round of grommets ripped through the material so I lined the locations with Gorilla tape on each side to strengthen the areas. I think that will hold pretty well.

With the tarp taught it is actually roomy inside - like the hammock tarp. We've used the hammock tarp set up backpacking in the Appalachians as a group shelter. We got stuck in the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee several years ago backpacking and set it up as a meal shack. With a few people inside it worked to cook and eat out of the rain. This tarp set up here is equally roomy. If I elevate it another 8-12" the head room would be great for more people, but ground sealed like this I'm happy with it for just me.

I think what I'll do is make some "doors" on each side and Gorilla tape them on. That way I can close it off if I want to and the concern of the "wind tunnel" shouldn't be anymore.

I might put some side tie-outs on it also - sew on some strips of webbing or just a 550 chord loop. That way I can keep the sides from blowing inward even more. We'll see.