Tarp Setup

Setting up a SuperTarp, SuperHootch, ParaTarp or ParaHootch

When pitched in their "optimum" modes these will provide very effective shelter - as long as you pitch their open fronts out of the wind they are capable of bomb-proof wind performance, a first for tarps.
Without a Peg & Pole Kit
You can use your ParaTarp or SuperTarp without a Peg and Pole Kit, supporting your shelter with the use of trekking poles, tree branches, etc.

Achieving optimum pitch without a Peg & Pole Kit
1) Gather or cut sticks for the peg loops, short ones for hard ground, longer ones for softer ground. On deep snow cut these two feet long and insert through the peg loops at a 45 degree angle (pack the snow first, and let it "set up" for a bit). Frozen ground? Carry some 40 penny nails (about 4' long) as substitute "pegs". Available at the hardware store.
2) Refer to the "pole" measuring tabs on one side of your Tarp. The longer distance between the long cord markers is for the Front pole. The distance between the short cord markers is for the Rear pole. Break branches to these dimensions OR adjust your trekking poles (if using), or use our Peg & Pole Kit (see below).

3) Peg the corners of the narrowest end of the Tarp/Hootch (this is the rear). Insert the longest "pole" beneath the other end (the front) against the hypalon patch, and raise.
4) Stretch the 6' cord attached to the eave forward and peg it. Peg the adjacent corners evenly, pulling them outwardly and forwardly. Then insert the shorter rear pole against its hypalon patch and raise.
Peg as many of the remaining peg loops as needed for a taut pitch.
5) You can build a fire out front, just offset it from beneath the front cord so as not to burn through it. Of course, the Tarp can be pitched in any traditional "tarp"-like configuration. Just take some cordage and you can stretch it between trees in "shelter half" style, etc.

With a Peg & Pole Kit

SuperTarp Peg and Pole Kits include:
12 pegs, 3 rear poles, 5 front
ParaTarp Peg and Pole Kits include:
12 pegs, 3 rear poles, 4 front

Front poles: 12" length, Rear poles: 11" length

One section in each set is the "bottom" pole with several fine tuning holes in it, and an "optimum" position indicated by a smaller hole beside the "best" raise-to hole.

Retrofit Front Pole Kit for SuperTarp:
If you already own a ParaTarp with Peg and Pole Kit and then purchase a SuperTarp, there is no need to purchase a second Peg and Pole Kit.
Simply remove your current top pole and replace it with your two new pole extensions!
These two poles are shown on the right side of this photo. See SuperTarp page for details.

Snap your poles together and insert into the hypalon locator wedges. Raise as directed in steps 3-5

1-800-222-6139 or 303-278-9155 for a live person, call Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., MST