ShellTA as a Tarp

shellTA pitched as a tarp, supported by the hood

With the zips open and the hood sealed with the drawcord the ShellTA can be pitched like a tarp… in a wide variety of ways.

It is often useful to use the hood drawcord to support the centre of the ShellTA, creating more room inside and increasing the wind stability of the structure. In the above picture the corners have been propped up with a couple of stones to improve internal volume and keep the foot of the sleeping bag dry.

using the stuff sack over the end of a trekking pole

If you are supporting the tarp by propping a walking pole beneath the fabric I recommend that you use the stuff sack over the handle end to reduce wear on the ShellTA fabric.

Like all tarps the ShellTA can be pitched high for more living space or low for better wind protection.

It’s easy to sit or lie under a tarp wearing your waterproofs and giving them a chance to dry out (FurTech and Paramo clothing dries quickly in such a situation). A tarp provides a protected cooking area and is easier to live in than a bivi bag. It has much more space and you can sit or lie inside without taking your shoes off, unlie some tent designs. However, in very bad weather it is prudent to use a water repellent sleeping bag so that splashes and condensation don’t saturate your insulation.