Exposure to weather is one of the most dangerous aspects of the outdoors & carrying an emergency shelter is essential. The Tarp is made to be used as an emergency shelter or as a back up shelter if you already have a tent. It's also great as a gear, ground or pack cover to keep your things dry. The shelter case acts as handy spare pocket for gear, food or other supplies.
How to pack your shelter:
The KEA Rain-Fly tarp is made specifically to fit inside the Shelter pocket and must be folded in a specific way to prevent bulk.
Tarp Folding tips:
- Fold end to end until it is roughly the size (or slightly larger) than the shelter pocket. (do not over-fold)
- Press down to remove as much air as possible.
- Stuff the folded tarp into the pocket and place the Para-cord and Pegs in the top
- Press down on pocket to remove air as you zip closed
How to setup a shelter:
- Identify a suitable area to setup. Find dry/raised ground with any natural shelter available such as trees, cliffs or rocks
- Select a shelter type from the right considering the weather conditions. Face the silver side inside for insulation or out to reflect sun
- Lay the tarp out flat on the ground and measure lengths of cord required. Only cut the cord where necessary allowing extra for tying knots
- Tie cord to a rigid object for primary support. Peg down the base at each corner & use sticks or rocks to provide more stability.
Suggested shelter configurations:
1. The A-Frame
The classic A-frame is one of the quickest and easiest ways to configure a tarp. It uses a ridge-line to support the centre of the tarp, and stakes on the side to create the triangular shape of a letter A. Because of its steep-pitched sides, it does provide good protection against the wind and rain.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to setup
- Great ventilation and room to move
- No need to cut para-cord
Cons:
- Open to the elements
- No groundsheet
How to setup:
- Use the para-cord to tie a ridge-line between 2 sturdy points (trees,rocks ect.
- Lay the tarp over the middle of the para-cord and adjust the cord height to suit.
- Peg down on one side ensuring to keep the centre of the tarp on the ridge-line.
- Pull tight to peg down other side and it is ready to go!
2. The Lean-To
The lean-to tarp is like the A-frame but offers but more space and height. You can fit a lot of people underneath the tarp and can cook or use a fire, but you are very exposed to the elements. Use this configuration only when the conditions are favourable.
Pros:
- Quick and easy to setup, similar to A-Frame
- Provides more space and ventilation
- Can offer a higher roof
Cons:
- Very open to the elements
- No groundsheet
- Only suitable in favourable conditions
How to setup:
- Use the para-cord to tie a ridge-line between 2 sturdy points (trees,rocks ect.
- Peg down the backside of the tarp, leaving enough room to adjust your pitch/height against the ridge-line.
- Lay the top edge of the tarp over the ridge line. Adjust the Ridgeline to desired pitch
- Attached guide rope to the top corners of tarp and peg down tightly directly away from the ridge-line to create a stable frame.
4. The C-Fly
When pitched, this shelter is shaped like C, resembling the basic lean-to shelter but an extra fold at the bottom to provide a ground cover. It's not a complicated shelter to build, but it requires a bit more technique measuring and securing the ground sheet. It protects from the wind and rain on one side while remaining open on the other.
Pros:
- Provides good weather protection
- Has a ground cover for insulation
Cons:
- A bit tricker to setup
- Limited space inside
How to setup:
- Use the para-cord to tie a ridge-line between 2 sturdy points (trees,rocks ect.
- Peg down the ground cover under the ridge-line. Note, the more ground cover you make the less height you will have.
- Pull the ground cover tight at the desired size and peg down.
- Pull the top of the tarp up and over the ridge-line, adjusting for height/cover preference.
- Attached guide rope to the top corners of tarp and peg down tightly directly away from the ridge-line to create a stable frame.
2. The Close-End A Frame
This is a low shelter that offers plenty of protection from the elements but can be short on space. It is moderately challenging to pitch.. It uses a tree-to-tree ridgeline or a pole to pitch the front of the tarp off the ground and a stake to secure the back of the tarp to the ground.
Pros:
- Provides very good weather protection
- Is good for insulating body heat
- Feels more like a traditional tent
Cons:
- Can be challenging to setup
- Very tight space inside
- No groundsheet
How to setup:
1. Peg down the centre point at of the shelter tight against the ground.
- If using a ridge-line, tie the para-cord to the middle peg and run under the tarp and up to a tie off point.
- If using a stick/pole to pitch, attach to the front centre point and use para-cord to peg it down on a slight angle away from the back so it stands on it's own
