Tarp shelter debate: is the A-frame actually overrated?

Last month I spent a week in the Smokies and tested two tarp setups. First three nights I used a standard A-frame, then switched to a lean-to for the rest. The A-frame was fine in the rain but felt cramped when I needed to cook or change clothes. The lean-to gave me way more room but left me exposed when the wind shifted one night around 2 AM. I'm wondering if the A-frame gets too much praise for being the default setup. Has anyone else found a different tarp pitch that beats both of them for real conditions?

2 comments

2 Comments

linda62614d ago

Lay out a ridge line tarp in a half pyramid configuration. I've been using that setup for years and it splits the difference nicely between cramped A-frame and breezy lean-to. Keeps the rain off but still gives room to sit up and cook in bad weather. Only downside is you need an extra stake or two, but the space trade off is worth it.

tyler_hernandez14d ago

...and honestly I've never been able to fold my tarp right to get that half pyramid thing down. @linda626 makes it sound so easy but I swear my first attempt looked like a sad laundry tent. I ended up with a puddle in the middle and a wet sleeping bag, which is pretty much my signature camping move at this point. Maybe I need to watch a video instead of just guessing.