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Also found this, looks really useful:
https://www.rei.com/blog/camp/how-to-set-up-an-ultralight-tarp-shelter-for-backpacking
Erm....what is going on^^^?
This is the link:
https: //www.rei.com/blog/camp/how-to-set-up-an-ultralight-tarp-shelter-for-backpacking
I've checked the above, it is correct. Why is it linking to a different webpage about solar showers instead of the intended page about how to set up a tarp?
(I've added a space after the https so that you can see the link)
The Muricans all seem to favour larger tarps. Of course, that article also assumes the use of two walking poles.
As regards your flexy poles, unlikely they'd be up to the job. You need something more rigid so you can get a decent bit of tension on the tarp.
Folks who use trekking poles to pitch their tarps:
Alpkit do an extra long trekking pole (150cm instead of 133cm) specifically with tarp pitching in mind. Is it worth it? Do you find yourself wishing you had more headroom?
Headroom has never bothered me for my use of a tarp - short overnight stops. I can see how it might be handy if I was using the tarp as a longer term shelter or as a day shelter though.
Pennine outdoor do a range of lightweight proofed materials if you fancy making a tarp. The lightest groundsheet material I have found is 65g a m2 but thts from another company that I can't remember but will find if anyone is interested.
@shermer75 - there are a lot of tarps, shaped tarps and ultralight tents whose quoted weights assume the use of trekking poles which makes sense when you consider that the primary market is long distance hikers who'll likely be using poles so there's an automatic weight saving. If you are bike based then that's not really relevant.
Looking at the pole I think you are referring to then it's 67cm long at minimum length which would be awkward to carry on a bike. Other than that, I don't see any reason not to use it, you can always set it at a lower height.
Remember that tarps (plain ones) can be set at any height depending on the pitch and the prevailing weather so if it's fine then you can set it high to get good ventilation. Conversely if it's stormy you are able to pull it close to the ground to improve protection but at the expense of volume, explicitly height, under the tarp.
@whitestone those are the ones! 🙂
I'd only use them when hiking tho, if I was on the bike I'd prob be looking at other pitching solutions...