How to Use a Tarp for Covering a Tent
- 1). Use a tarp that is several feet larger on all sides than the dimensions of your tent. There is no tarp too large for the purpose of keeping you dry and one that is too small will be useless for this task. You want the rainwater to slide off the tarp and onto the ground next to the tent and not onto the tent itself.
- 2). Set up the tent as normal but scope out the surrounding area for trees for which to tie the tarp to. You will need to tie the four corners of the tarp to a tree or to a bush in order to secure it into place so make sure the tent is near trees.
- 3). Tie the cord to one corner of the tarp. The tarp should have pre-fabricated eyelets which you can use to attach the cord. Tie the other end of the cord to a nearby tree or other sturdy structure. Make sure you have ample cord length as you will likely not have four perfectly placed trees and you can utilize the cord to tie the tarp to objects that are farther away. Tie the tarp off so it is two to three feet above the front of the tent.
- 4). Repeat the process for the other side of the tarp in the front of the tent. Line the two sides up so they are even length. This will come in important when the rainwater rolls off.
- 5). Tie the rear two corners of the tarp to nearby trees or structures in the same manner as you did with the front of the tarp. Of utmost importance is that you make sure the lower section of the tarp is lower than the front. If done in this manner the rain will flow off the tarp towards the back of the tent rather than the tarp collecting water, which will happen if the tarp is flat.
