Tarp Care & Instructions
Simply Light Designs tarps are designed to provide reliable shelter while keeping weight and packed size to a minimum. Proper setup, handling, and storage will help protect your tarp and extend its useful life.
Setting Up Your Tarp
Choosing a Location
Choose a location free from dead branches, sharp objects, and other potential hazards. Consider the direction of the wind, expected weather, and how water will drain around your campsite.
Avoid placing your tarp where it may rub against branches, rocks, or other abrasive surfaces.
Pitching and Tension
Start by securing the ridgeline, then adjust the remaining tie-outs to achieve the desired pitch.
- Apply enough tension to keep the tarp stable without excessively stretching the fabric, which could cause damage.
- Adjust the tie-outs gradually rather than pulling one point extremely tight.
- Use additional tie-outs when appropriate to distribute loads during windy conditions.
- Check your pitch periodically, particularly when weather conditions change.
Different fabrics behave differently. Silnylon generally absorbs more moisture and may stretch or sag when wet, while silpoly typically maintains its tension more consistently.
Guylines and Tensioning Hardware
Depending on your configuration, your tarp may have D-rings, LineLocs, or other tensioning hardware.
Different tensioners are designed to work with particular cord diameters. Using a cord that is too small or too large can prevent the hardware from functioning properly.
Make sure your guylines are compatible with the tensioning hardware before heading into the field.
If using adjustable hardware, check that the cord is properly threaded and securely held before relying on the connection.
Tie-Outs and Pull-Outs
Perimeter Tie-Outs
The reinforced tie-outs around your tarp are designed to secure and tension the shelter.
Avoid sudden pulling, excessive tension, or using the tie-outs to support loads beyond their intended purpose.
Side-Panel Pull-Outs
Side-panel pull-outs can provide additional interior space by pulling the tarp panels outward.
Use enough tension to shape and support the panel without excessively loading a small area of fabric. These attachment points are intended for tarp positioning, not supporting heavy objects.
Underside Attachment Loops
If your tarp includes underside loops, they are intended for lightweight attachments such as supporting netting or a bivy.
Do not use them to suspend heavier items, such as lanterns or other equipment. Excessive downward force can stress the ridgeline seam and potentially cause leaks.
Stakes and Anchoring
Select stakes appropriate for the ground conditions. A stake that holds securely in firm soil may not provide adequate holding power in loose sand, snow, or soft ground.
Position and secure stakes so that the guyline tension is appropriate for the anchoring method.
For snow or sand anchors, proper placement and burial are important. Their holding strength will vary with ground conditions, burial depth, and the load placed on each anchor.
Check your anchors when conditions change, especially during strong winds or heavy precipitation.
Wind and Weather
Tarps provide protection from rain, sun, and wind, but the amount of protection depends on the tarp design, pitch, site selection, and weather conditions.
- Pitch the tarp with expected wind direction in mind.
- Lowering the tarp edges can help reduce exposure to wind-driven rain.
- Avoid unnecessarily high or exposed pitches during unsettled weather.
- Monitor changing conditions and adjust your setup when needed.
- Avoid allowing water or snow to accumulate in unsupported areas.
Not all tarp designs are intended for the same conditions. Minimalist tarps generally provide less coverage than larger full-coverage shelters.
Protecting Your Tarp
Lightweight waterproof fabrics can be damaged by abrasion, punctures, excessive tension, and heat.
- Avoid dragging your tarp across rough surfaces.
- Keep sharp stakes and hardware from pressing against the fabric when packed.
- Protect the fabric from sparks, open flames, and excessive heat.
- Inspect tie-outs, stitching, and reinforcement patches periodically.
- Address small punctures or tears before they develop into larger problems.
Cleaning and Storage
Shake out dirt, leaves, and other debris before packing your tarp.
If the tarp is wet when you break camp, it can be packed temporarily for travel, but unpack and dry it thoroughly as soon as practical.
Never leave a damp tarp stored for an extended period.
For detailed washing and storage recommendations, see General Cleaning, Drying & Storage.
Setup & Use Questions
Why does my tarp become loose after rain?
Some fabrics, particularly silnylon, can stretch as they absorb moisture. Readjusting the guylines can help restore tension.
Why won't my guyline stay tight in its tensioner?
The cord diameter may not be compatible with the hardware, or the cord may not be threaded correctly. Check both before assuming the tensioner is defective.
Is my tarp seam sealed?
Where construction requires seam sealing, Simply Light Designs tarps are supplied with the appropriate sealing already completed. No additional seam sealing is needed before first use. Some configurations, including Simplicity Asym and a standard Trail Duster without panel pull-outs, do not require seam sealing.
Over time, wear or abrasion may make it necessary to touch up the seam sealing. The optional Tarp Patch Kit includes silicone sealant and instructions for resealing your tarp if needed.
What if my tarp gets a puncture or small tear?
The Tarp Patch Kit is an optional configuration choice when ordering a tarp. It can be used to repair small punctures or tears, seal modifications, and touch up or restore seam sealing when needed.
The kit includes a piece of matching fabric, a tube of silicone sealant, a stir stick, a foam application brush, and instructions for both applying a fabric patch and resealing your tarp.
For more significant damage, or if you're unsure how to make a repair, contact Simply Light Designs for assistance.
Questions or Repairs?
If you have questions about your tarp's setup, hardware, or potential damage, please contact Simply Light Designs.
A description of the issue and a few clear photographs can help me determine the best way to address it.