The easiest way to set up tarps is with tarp poles, which are available from Tatonka in various lengths. However, every tarp—whether large or small—also offers its own unique setup options. To set up and secure tarps, you can also use objects in the surrounding area (trees, fences, posts), or you can use your own gear (trekking poles, bicycle, canoe). If you’re out in the woods, you might also look for longer branches. You’ll also need guy lines (cords) and stakes. Tatonka tarps come with 8 guy lines (cords with tensioners to keep them taut). However, you’ll need to purchase tarp poles and tent stakes for anchoring into the ground separately.
Here’s what you’ll need to set up your tarp
Poles (either tarp poles, branches, or trekking poles)
Tension lines / cord (included with Tatonka tarps)
Extra twine for cutting to size, if needed
Pegs
Setting up a tarp with four tarp poles
With four tarp poles—available from Tatonka in various lengths—you can set up a tarp easily and hassle-free. Insert the poles into the grommets at the corners of the tarp, anchor them in the ground, and then tension them with guy lines. Be sure to use two slightly shorter tarp poles on one side so that water can drain off when it rains. For this setup method, it’s helpful to work in pairs.
Step by step – here’s how to do it
Assemble the tarp poles: Put the tarp poles together. You have two longer poles and two slightly shorter ones.
Spread out the tarp: Lay the tarp flat on the ground.
Thread the end of the tarp pole through the grommet: Thread the pin of the first longer tarp pole through the grommet in the corner of the tarp.
Anchor the tarp pole in the ground: Anchor the tarp pole in the ground and have your setup partner hold it in place.
Attach the guy lines: Thread the end loops of two guy lines one after the other over the protruding pin of the tarp pole that has been threaded through the eyelet.
Repeat steps 3-6: Repeat steps 3 through 6 on the other side of the tarp.
Repeat steps 3-6 using the shorter tarp poles: Use the shorter poles for the grommets in the other two corners. Repeat steps 3 through 6 here as well.
Tighten the guy lines: Tighten all 8 guy lines so that the tarp is securely fastened.
Check the setup: The tarp should now slope slightly to one side. This allows water to run off in case of a rain shower.
Setting up a tarp using two tarp poles / two trekking poles / two branches
Using two tarp poles of equal length, your trekking poles, or suitable, tapered branches, you can set up the tarp as a sloped roof directly on the ground. It serves as a windbreak for one or two people while sitting or as a basic sleeping area. To do this, anchor the tarp at the corners on the side facing the wind using two stakes. On the opposite side, set up the tarp using two shorter tarp poles or two trekking poles.
Step by step – here’s how to do it
Spread out the tarp: Spread the tarp out on the ground.
Secure the tarp to the ground: Secure the corners on the side facing the wind to the ground with two tent stakes.
Attach the pole: On the other side, slide a tarp pole, your inverted trekking poles, or a branch that you’ve sharpened with a knife through the eyelet of the tarp.
Attach and secure the guy lines: Thread the loops of two guy lines one after the other over the spike protruding from the eyelet, and secure them outward with tent stakes.
Repeat steps 3 and 4: Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the other side.
Adjust the pitch angle: Depending on the pitch angle (i.e., the length of the poles), the tarp is now better suited as a windbreak while sitting or as a somewhat rain-protected sleeping area.
Tip: If you want to use this setup as a sleeping area, a lightweight groundsheet provides protection from moisture from below.
Setting up a tarp using two tarp poles / two trekking poles / two branches – version with a ridge line
You can set up a larger tarp as a comfortable shelter with a “back wall” and “roof” by using an additional ridge line stretched between trees. In addition to the tarp, you’ll need about 6–8 meters of rope.
Step by step – here’s how to do it
Find a suitable spot: Look for a (level) spot with two trees spaced far enough apart.
Stretch the rope: Stretch a rope between the trees—as taut as possible.
Position the tarp and secure it to the ground: Spread the tarp out on the ground and drape it over the ridge line so that you can secure one end diagonally backward to the ground with stakes.
Setting up a tarp: Use tarp poles or branches to set up the other part of the tarp so that it forms a roof that is either parallel to the ground or slopes slightly upward. To do this, slide the tarp poles, your inverted trekking poles, or the branches you sharpened with a knife through the grommets at the corners of the tarp.
Attaching and securing guy lines: Thread the loops of two guy lines one after the other through the pins protruding from the eyelets, and secure them outwardly with tent stakes.
Use additional tie-down points: If necessary, secure the tarp at additional tie-down points (Tatonka tarps have several loops for this purpose) to keep it taut.
Setting up a tarp between trees without poles
A simple way to set up a tarp without poles is to stretch a cord—known as a ridge line—between two trees, drape the tarp over it, and secure it to the ground at the front and back with stakes. This creates a simple A-frame privacy screen for sleeping. With a ridge line set at the right height, this setup also works well for hanging a hammock underneath. Then you need to thread guy lines through the eyelets at the corners of the tarp and tension them outward.
Step by step – here’s how to do it
Find a suitable spot: Look for a (level) spot with two trees spaced appropriately apart.
Stretch the rope: Stretch a rope between the trees at the appropriate height.
Position the tarp: Place half of the tarp over each side of the line.
Option: A-frame sleeping area: Secure the tarp at the ends with stakes driven into the ground.
Option: Sunshade / canopy over the hammock: Thread guy lines through the grommets at the corners of the tarp and secure the tarp on all four sides.
Setting up a tarp with a trekking pole / a branch
With just a short pole, you can create a very basic, flat shelter to lie under. To do this, secure one side of the tarp directly to the ground with stakes. On the opposite side, insert your pole into the grommet or loop in the center of the tarp and tension it diagonally forward using two guy lines. Then secure the front ends to the ground with stakes.
Step by step – here’s how to do it
Spread out the tarp: Lay the tarp flat on the ground.
Secure the tarp to the ground: Secure the corners on the side facing the wind to the ground with two tent stakes.
Set up the tarp: On the opposite side, in the middle of the tarp, insert your trekking pole into the eyelet (upside down, so the tip fits inside) or loop (not upside down, as the handle is wider and holds better).
Attach and secure the guy lines: Secure the pole with two guy lines, which you tension outward.
Set up the tarp in an A-shape: Pull the two front corners of the tarp outward and secure them to the ground with stakes.
