Any recommendations for how to set up a tarp to keep the warm in, but also allow you to be social around a fire? Normally I'd just go for a lean to in case of rain
Warm but open tarps?
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Tarpology - Setting up your Tarp in different configurations - Shelter - Natural Bushcraft - The True Spirit of Bushcraft
Learn how to setup your Tarp in many different configurations for different environments when camping. Tarpology is mastering the way of the Tarp.
Jed Yarnold Tarpology has some good ideas.
I like an Adirondack tarp for both sleeping and sitting by the fire. Keeps the wind out if set up to account for wind direction, and keeps some heat in (within the limitations of an open tarp setup).
Wayland's site has a good example at the top: http://www.ravenlore.co.uk/html/extended_adirondack_tarp_shelter.html
Wayland's site has a good example at the top: http://www.ravenlore.co.uk/html/extended_adirondack_tarp_shelter.html
I find the biggest issue is often the wind direction less the configuration. The wind needs to be parallel to your shelter else it will fill with smoke in anything less than perfect condition. I often sit under an old military Basha set at 2 meters - this removes the wind problem, covers the fire and provides a warm space even though all sides are open.
Agree with the ideas above ref plough point and adirondack style shelters. Plough point would be the simplest solution in my opinion as the adirondack shelter can be a bit more of a faff to get right and be more reliant on your tarp having certain tie out points.
You might also want to consider hunkering the tarp down a bit lower to help retain heat, particularly helpful in windy conditions.
On tarpology, the Gunyah shelter is another option (not dissimilar to the adirondack, but a little easier to configure) which helps shelter you from multiple angles.
Another thing to consider is the use of a space blanket (or tarp with a reflective/mylar lining). Lining the tarp with a space blanket definitely helps to reflect heat within the shelter and was something that I used in conjunction with my poncho on a recent haversack camping challenge (see post in trip report section for more info!).
You might also want to consider hunkering the tarp down a bit lower to help retain heat, particularly helpful in windy conditions.
On tarpology, the Gunyah shelter is another option (not dissimilar to the adirondack, but a little easier to configure) which helps shelter you from multiple angles.
Another thing to consider is the use of a space blanket (or tarp with a reflective/mylar lining). Lining the tarp with a space blanket definitely helps to reflect heat within the shelter and was something that I used in conjunction with my poncho on a recent haversack camping challenge (see post in trip report section for more info!).
The problem with most of the sloping tarp set ups is that you are relying purely on radiant heat from the fire. Any air warmth rises up the slope and out. So I would be looking for the "design" to have a lower front edge to reduce the heat loss, e.g the plow point with a dropped point, or a flatter profile with a dropped front edge. In Waylands' Raven Lore adirondack photo he has done that, but I would have it lower.
I'd be sat down if socializing around a fire, so the lower edge would not be in the way.
I'd be sat down if socializing around a fire, so the lower edge would not be in the way.
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