How to Secure a Tarp Over a Tent: Essential Techniques for Superior Shelter

The Unexpected Downpour: Why Securing a Tarp Over Your Tent Matters

I remember my first camping trip with a bit of a groan, even now. Everything was going swimmingly – the tent was pitched just right, the campfire was crackling, and the stars were starting to peek out. Then, as if on cue, the sky opened up. Not a gentle sprinkle, mind you, but a full-on, torrential downpour that seemed determined to reacquaint us with the inside of our sleeping bags. My carefully chosen campsite, while picturesque, offered zero natural overhead protection. Panic started to set in as I watched water bead and then stream down the sides of our tent. We’d brought a tarp, but in our haste and perhaps a touch of overconfidence, we hadn’t bothered to secure it properly. The result? A soggy, miserable night where the tarp, instead of being a savior, became a flapping, dripping annoyance that funneled water *towards* our tent in some places and flapped so violently it sounded like a poltergeist.

That experience was a harsh but effective lesson. A tarp, when secured correctly, can be your tent’s best friend, transforming a potentially disastrous weather situation into a manageable one. It’s not just about keeping the rain out; it’s about creating an extended living space, protecting your gear, and ensuring a more comfortable, drier night’s sleep. This article aims to equip you with the knowledge and techniques to effectively secure a tarp over your tent, turning that flimsy plastic sheet into a robust shield against the elements. We’ll delve into the “why” and the “how,” exploring different methods, crucial considerations, and practical tips that will make your next camping trip far more enjoyable, regardless of what Mother Nature throws your way.

The Fundamental Principles of Tarp-Over-Tent Security

Before we dive into specific techniques, it’s crucial to understand the underlying principles that make securing a tarp over a tent successful. It’s not just about tying knots; it’s about understanding wind, water, and tension.

* Water Runoff is Paramount: The primary goal of a tarp over a tent is to divert water away. This means the tarp must be pitched with a slope. Think of it like a roof – water flows downhill. A flat tarp will simply collect puddles, which can then weigh it down, potentially collapse it, and worst of all, leak through.
* Wind Management is Key: Wind is perhaps the biggest enemy of a poorly secured tarp. It can lift it, rip it, and turn it into a sail. The goal is to create a taut surface that offers minimal resistance to the wind. This involves proper tensioning, strategic positioning, and sometimes, using the tarp to your advantage by creating aerodynamic shapes.
* Tension Creates Stability: A loose tarp is a flapping tarp. Proper tension is what gives your tarp structure and resilience. This applies to both the main lines and any guy lines you use. You want it snug, but not so tight that it risks tearing the grommets or the tarp itself, especially in cold weather where materials can become brittle.
* Ground Anchor Points Matter: Your tarp is only as secure as its anchor points. Whether you’re using stakes, trees, or rocks, ensuring these anchors are solid and well-placed is non-negotiable. A strong stake in loose soil is still a weak anchor.
* Consider the Entire System: Your tent, your tarp, and your anchor points all work together. The tarp shouldn’t just be an add-on; it should be integrated into your campsite setup. Think about how the tarp’s runoff will interact with your tent’s ventilation and where it will direct water *away* from your tent’s entrances.

Why Bother Securing a Tarp Over Your Tent? Beyond Just Rain

Many campers might think a tarp is solely for rainy weather, but its utility extends far beyond just keeping water off your tent. Understanding these benefits can help you appreciate the effort involved in setting one up properly.

* Extended Living Space: A well-pitched tarp creates an awning or a covered porch area. This is invaluable for cooking, eating, storing gear, or simply sitting out of the sun or light rain without having to retreat into your tent. It significantly expands your usable campsite area, especially if you’re dealing with inclement weather or intense sun.
* Protection from Sun and Heat: On hot, sunny days, a tarp can provide much-needed shade, significantly lowering the temperature inside your tent. Pitching it higher with good airflow can create a cooler, more comfortable environment. This is especially beneficial for car camping or base camps where you might be spending a lot of time at your site.
* Windbreak Capabilities: While wind can be a challenge, a strategically placed tarp can also act as a windbreak. By angling it correctly, you can shield your tent from direct gusts, reducing the strain on your tent poles and creating a calmer environment.
* Gear Protection: Wet gear is miserable gear. The tarp provides a designated space to store muddy boots, wet raincoats, backpacks, and other items you don’t want inside your tent, keeping the interior clean and dry.
* Increased Tent Lifespan: By absorbing some of the direct impact of sun, rain, and wind, a tarp can help protect your tent fabric from UV degradation and physical stress, potentially extending its useful life.
* Added Insulation (with caveats): In cooler conditions, a properly pitched tarp can trap a layer of air between itself and your tent, providing a small degree of added insulation. However, it’s crucial to ensure adequate ventilation to prevent condensation buildup, which can actually make you colder.

Choosing the Right Tarp for Your Tent Setup

Not all tarps are created equal, and the one you choose will significantly impact how effectively you can secure it.

* Material Matters:
* Polyethylene (Poly) Tarps: These are the most common and budget-friendly. They are waterproof and durable but can be heavy and less breathable. They tend to stretch when wet and can become brittle in extreme cold. Their grommets are often the weak point.
* Silnylon/Silpoly Tarps: These are much lighter and more packable, made from nylon or polyester coated with silicone. They are highly waterproof, durable, and offer a good strength-to-weight ratio. They are excellent for backpacking but can be more expensive.
* Canvas Tarps: Traditional and very durable, canvas tarps are naturally water-resistant (though not fully waterproof unless treated) and breathable. They are heavy and bulky, making them best for car camping or base camps. They can mildew if not dried properly.
* Size is Crucial: A tarp that’s too small won’t offer enough coverage, while one that’s excessively large can be difficult to manage in windy conditions and might sag if not properly supported.
* A good rule of thumb is to aim for a tarp that is at least twice the dimensions of your tent’s footprint. For a 2-person tent (roughly 5’x7′), a 9’x12′ tarp is often a good starting point. For larger tents or more extensive coverage, consider 10’x12′ or 12’x16′.
* Grommet Quality: Look for tarps with strong, reinforced grommets (the metal rings where you attach ropes). These are the points of stress. Some higher-end tarps have reinforced corners or multiple attachment points beyond just the grommets, which can offer superior security.

Essential Gear for Securing Your Tarp

Beyond the tarp and the tent, you’ll need a few other items to ensure a secure setup:

* Rope or Cordage: This is your lifeline. For general camping, a good quality nylon or polyester rope (4mm-6mm diameter) is ideal. For backpacking, consider lighter, stronger paracord. You’ll need a good amount – at least 50-100 feet is recommended.
* Stakes: Standard tent stakes might not be enough for a tarp, especially in windy or soft ground. Consider:
* Heavy-duty stakes: Longer, thicker stakes made of steel or aluminum.
* Sand/Snow stakes: Wider, flatter stakes designed to provide more surface area in loose ground.
* **Screw-in stakes:** Excellent for firm ground but can be difficult to install and remove.
* Carabiners or Quick Links: These can make attaching ropes to grommets much easier and more secure, reducing wear on the grommets themselves.
* Tree Straps or Webbing: If you’re camping in an area with suitable trees, tree straps are essential for attaching guylines without damaging the bark.
* **Tarp Poles or Trekking Poles: These can be used to create height and structure for your tarp, especially if you don’t have trees or suitable anchor points.
* Tarp Clip/Grip: These handy devices allow you to create an anchor point on the edge of a tarp where there isn’t a grommet, or to add extra tensioning points.

Mastering the Art of Tarp Pitching: Step-by-Step Techniques

The way you pitch your tarp will depend on your campsite, the weather, and your tent’s configuration. Here are some of the most effective and commonly used methods.

1. The Lean-To (or A-Frame) Shelter

This is a classic and effective method for creating a simple, angled shelter.

* Objective: To create a single sloping surface that sheds rain and wind effectively.
* Best for: Windward side protection, creating a covered cooking/prep area, or a simple overhead shield.

Steps:

1. Site Selection: Identify a clear area. If using trees, choose two trees that are a suitable distance apart, or one tree and a strong anchor point on the ground.
2. Rope Anchor: Tie a main ridgeline rope securely between your anchor points (trees, stakes). Ensure it’s taut and at the desired height. The height will dictate how much headroom you have. For rain protection, a lower pitch is generally better.
3. Drape the Tarp: Drape the tarp over the ridgeline rope. If you don’t have a ridgeline, you can also pitch this with two poles supporting the center peak, or even one pole if the tarp is small.
4. Secure the Corners: Pull the corners of the tarp outwards and downwards, creating a slope. Secure the corners to the ground using stakes. Use guy lines from the grommets to pull the edges taut. The angle of the slope is crucial for water runoff. Aim for at least a 30-45 degree angle.
5. **Tensioning the Edges:** Use additional guy lines from any intermediate grommets along the edges to pull the tarp taut against the ground. This eliminates sagging and flapping. If you have wind, angle the guy lines away from the center of the tarp to provide maximum resistance.
6. Check for Sagging: Walk around the tarp and push gently on areas that seem loose. Re-tension any ropes or adjust stakes as needed. The entire surface should feel taut.
7. Entrance and Exit: Ensure the open side is facing away from prevailing winds and rain, or position it to create a sheltered entrance.

2. The Diamond Fly or Basic Awning

This method involves securing the tarp to four points, creating a basic, open-sided shelter.

* Objective: To provide overhead cover and a sheltered area, often used as a rain fly for a tent or a standalone cooking shelter.
* Best for: Moderate weather, creating a cooking or social area, or as an additional layer over a tent.

Steps:

1. Anchor Points: Identify four anchor points (trees, stakes, or poles) that form a rough rectangle or diamond shape. These points should be relatively level.
2. Corner Attachment: Attach a rope to each corner grommet of the tarp.
3. **Pitching:
* Option A (Four Stakes): Stretch each corner rope out to its respective anchor point and secure it with a stake. Adjust the length of the ropes so the tarp is pulled taut and has a slight sag in the center to allow for water runoff.
* **Option B (Trees/Poles):** Attach ropes from the corners to trees or poles. You might tie one or two corners higher than the others to create a slope.
4. Tension Adjustment: Use tensioning knots (like a taut-line hitch) or a trucker’s hitch on your ropes to fine-tune the tension. The goal is a taut surface that won’t flap excessively.
5. **Ground Clearance: Ensure there’s enough ground clearance to walk under, but not so much that wind can easily get underneath and lift the tarp.

3. The Pyramid or Ridge Tent Pitch

This is a more robust setup, often used when you need more vertical space or a more enclosed structure.

* Objective: To create a high-peaked shelter that can offer significant headroom and protection.
* Best for: Larger tarps, creating a communal area, or when you want a more substantial shelter.

Steps:

1. Central Support: You’ll need a central vertical support. This could be a dedicated tarp pole, a strong tree branch you can reach with rope, or even carefully secured trekking poles.
2. **Anchor Points: Set up four anchor points around the base of your chosen central support, forming a square or rectangle.
3. Raising the Peak: Position your pole or rope system to create a high central peak.
4. **Draping and Securing: Drape the tarp over the central support. Pull the corners outwards and downwards to the ground anchors.
5. **Tensioning: Secure the corners with stakes. Use additional guy lines from the mid-points of the tarp edges to further tension the structure. The fabric should be pulled taut, creating a stable pyramid shape.
6. Rain and Wind Management: This shape can be prone to wind catching the large surfaces. Angling the guy lines aggressively away from the center and pitching it low can help. If you have a large tarp, consider pitching it with two higher points and two lower points to create a more aerodynamic shape.

4. Securing a Tarp Directly Over a Tent (as an additional fly)

This is where you’re using the tarp as a secondary rain fly to enhance your tent’s protection.

* Objective: To add a waterproof layer above your existing tent for maximum rain and sun protection.
* **Best for: Enhancing the performance of lightweight tents or tents with less robust waterproofing.

Steps:

1. **Tent Placement First:** Pitch your tent perfectly as you normally would.
2. **Tarp Sizing and Placement: Choose a tarp that is significantly larger than your tent. Lay it out over the tent, ensuring it extends several feet beyond the tent’s edges on all sides. This allows for proper runoff.
3. **Creating Height: The tarp *must* have space between it and the tent. You can achieve this by:
* Using your tent’s poles to create a higher ridgeline for the tarp.
* Using trekking poles or dedicated tarp poles to create higher anchor points that lift the tarp above the tent.
* If using trees, tie the ridgeline ropes higher than your tent.
4. **Pitching the Tarp:** Pitch the tarp using one of the methods described above (Lean-To, Diamond, etc.), ensuring a steep slope for water runoff and a good distance between the tarp and your tent’s rainfly. The goal is to prevent water from dripping directly onto your tent and to allow air to circulate between the tarp and tent to reduce condensation.
5. **Securing All Points:** Ensure the tarp is well-tensioned and anchored securely to withstand wind and prevent sagging. Pay special attention to corners and edges.

Advanced Techniques and Tips for Bulletproof Tarp Security

Once you’ve mastered the basic pitches, here are some more advanced techniques and considerations that will elevate your tarp game.

1. The Trucker’s Hitch: The King of Tensioning

This knot is your best friend for achieving and maintaining significant tension on your guylines. It creates a pulley system that allows you to pull ropes very tight.

* How to Tie a Trucker’s Hitch:
1. Tie a loop (a bowline knot works well) in the end of your rope that will go to the anchor point.
2. Run the standing end of the rope *through* the grommet or attachment point on your tarp.
3. Tie a secure loop (like a slip knot or an alpine butterfly knot) in the standing end of the rope, several feet away from the tarp.
4. Pass the standing end *back* through the loop you created in step 3. This forms your pulley.
5. Pull the standing end to tighten the system. The longer you pull, the tighter it gets.
6. Once you have the desired tension, tie off the standing end securely to the anchor point (e.g., a stake or a tree).

2. Strategic Tarp Placement for Wind and Rain

* **Windward Side:** Position the highest, most solid part of your tarp setup facing the prevailing wind. This acts as a buffer.
* **Rain Direction:** Angle your tarp so that any runoff is directed away from your tent entrance and any gear you’ve left outside.
* **Avoid Low-Lying Areas:** Never pitch your tent or your tarp in a natural drainage channel or the lowest point of a depression. Water *will* find its way there.
* **Consider Sun Angle:** For shade, think about the sun’s path throughout the day and position your tarp to maximize coverage during the hottest hours.

3. Using Natural Anchors Effectively and Responsibly

* **Trees: Use Tree Straps!** Never tie ropes directly around trees, as this can damage the bark and harm the tree. Use wide tree straps or webbing to distribute the pressure.
* **Rocks: Secure Placement is Key.** If using rocks, make sure they are large, stable, and won’t roll. You might need to wedge them or tie off to multiple rocks for added security.
* **Stakes in Varied Terrain:**
* **Soft Soil:** Drive stakes in at a 45-degree angle *away* from the tarp to maximize holding power. Consider using larger stakes or doubling up stakes by driving two in parallel.
* **Rocky Ground:** You may need to find cracks or crevices to wedge stakes into, or use rocks to anchor guylines.
* **Sand/Snow:** Use specialized stakes designed for these conditions, or improvise by burying anchors (like stuff sacks filled with sand or rocks) deep in the ground.

4. The Power of Guy Lines

Don’t underestimate the importance of well-placed guy lines. They are what give your tarp its shape and wind resistance.

* Multiple Anchor Points: Use every grommet and reinforced loop available on your tarp.
* **Angle Matters:** For wind, angle your guy lines at 45 degrees away from the tarp edge. This provides the best leverage against wind forces.
* **Even Tension: Ensure all guy lines are tensioned evenly to avoid stressing any single point.

5. Dealing with Condensation

A tarp can trap moisture. To minimize condensation:

* **Ventilation is Crucial:** Always ensure there’s airflow. Keep the bottom edges of your tarp slightly lifted off the ground, or create gaps.
* **Distance from Tent:** As mentioned, a gap between the tarp and your tent’s rainfly is vital.
* **Avoid Cooking Underneath:** Unless the tarp is specifically designed for cooking with vents, avoid cooking directly underneath it, as the heat and moisture will exacerbate condensation.

Common Tarp Pitching Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, campers often make a few common errors that compromise their tarp setup. Being aware of these can help you steer clear.

* **Tarp Too Flat:** This is the cardinal sin of tarp pitching. A flat tarp is a water-collecting tarp. Always ensure a slope for runoff.
* **Over-Tensioning Delicate Grommets:** While tension is important, pulling too hard on a grommet that’s not adequately supported can rip it out, rendering that attachment point useless. Use reinforcement if needed.
* **Ignoring Wind Direction:** Pitching a large tarp directly into a strong wind without proper anchoring and angling is a recipe for disaster. The tarp will become a sail.
* **Using Inadequate Anchor Points:** Weak stakes in soft ground, flimsy branches, or loosely placed rocks will fail, especially under stress.
* **Not Enough Rope:** Running out of rope halfway through pitching is a frustrating experience. Always bring more than you think you’ll need.
* **Forgetting to Dry Your Tarp:** If you pack away a wet or damp tarp, you risk mildew and damage to the fabric, especially with canvas or silnylon. Always dry it thoroughly before storing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Securing a Tarp Over a Tent

Here, we tackle some of the most common questions and concerns campers have regarding tarp setups.

How can I secure a tarp over my tent in extremely windy conditions?

Securing a tarp in high winds requires a proactive and robust approach. Firstly, choose your campsite wisely. Look for natural windbreaks like dense trees or large rock formations, but ensure you are not in a dangerous location (e.g., directly under dead branches).

When pitching, your goal is to create the lowest possible profile while maintaining functionality. Opt for a taut-to-the-ground setup rather than a high A-frame. Consider pitching your tarp in a diamond or low-angle lean-to configuration. Use the truck driver’s hitch on all your guylines to achieve maximum tension. Angling your guylines at 45 degrees away from the tarp’s edges provides the best resistance to wind uplift. If using stakes, drive them deep and at a 45-degree angle *away* from the tarp. Consider using larger, heavier-duty stakes or even doubling up on stakes for critical anchor points. If you have trees available, use wide tree straps to secure your ridgeline. Remember that the tarp itself can become a sail; therefore, minimize the surface area exposed to the wind by keeping it as taut and low as possible. Additionally, ensure all tent guylines are also well-tensioned, as the tent itself needs to withstand the wind.

Why is it important to have a slope on my tarp when it’s over a tent?

The importance of a slope on your tarp cannot be overstated; it is absolutely fundamental to its function. The primary purpose of a tarp over a tent is to divert water away. If your tarp is flat, it will inevitably collect rainwater. This collected water creates several problems:

1. Weight and Sagging: Puddles add significant weight to the tarp, causing it to sag. This sagging can lead to areas where water pools even more, potentially overwhelming the tarp’s structure or even causing it to collapse onto your tent.
2. **Leakage: Even the most waterproof tarps can eventually fail under prolonged pressure from pooled water. A continuous stream of water pooling directly above your tent’s rainfly significantly increases the chance of leaks.
3. **Ineffective Drainage: The whole point is to direct water *away*. A flat tarp fails at this basic task, essentially becoming a passive collector rather than an active diverter.
4. **Wind Resistance: Pooled water makes the tarp heavier and more susceptible to flapping and tearing in the wind, as the weight can cause sudden movements when wind gusts occur.

Therefore, always ensure your tarp is pitched with a noticeable slope, allowing water to run off freely and away from your tent and campsite. Think of it like roofing on a house – a slope is essential for shedding precipitation.

What is the best way to secure a tarp over a tent when there are no trees available?

When trees are scarce, you’ll rely heavily on stakes, poles, and natural ground features.

* **Tarp Poles or Trekking Poles:** These are invaluable. You can use them to create the main ridgeline support for an A-frame pitch, or to prop up corners of a diamond pitch, creating height and structure. Ensure the poles are placed on stable ground and are themselves well-anchored if possible.
* **Stakes Galore:** You will need a generous number of high-quality stakes. For soft ground, use wider, longer stakes driven in at an angle. For firmer ground, standard stakes may suffice, but consider heavier-duty options.
* **Improvised Anchors:** Look for large, stable rocks. You can tie guylines around them or use them to pin down edges of the tarp. If you have items like heavy backpacks, sleeping pads, or water containers, you can use these to add weight to stakes or anchor points, especially in sandy or loose soil.
* **Guy Line Anchors:** In very soft ground, you can create buried anchors. Tie your guy line to a stuff sack filled with rocks or sand, then bury it deep in the ground. This provides a substantial anchor.

The key is to distribute the load across multiple, strong anchor points and to use poles or other supports to create the necessary shape and tension.

How can I make sure my tarp setup doesn’t cause excessive condensation inside my tent?

Condensation is a common issue in camping, and a tarp can sometimes exacerbate it if not set up correctly. Here’s how to minimize it:

1. **Maintain Airflow:** This is the most critical factor. Always ensure there is ample ventilation between your tarp and your tent.
* **Space is Key:** Pitch your tarp with significant clearance above your tent’s rainfly. A gap of at least 12-18 inches is ideal. This allows air to circulate freely.
* **Elevate Edges:** Don’t stake your tarp directly to the ground all the way around if possible. Slightly lifting the edges, or creating deliberate gaps where possible, allows moist air to escape.
2. **Proper Ventilation of the Tent Itself:** Your tent has built-in vents for a reason. Make sure they are open and unobstructed. The goal is to allow moisture generated by breathing and body heat to escape the tent and dissipate.
3. **Avoid Cooking Under the Tarp (Usually):** Cooking produces a lot of moisture. Unless your tarp setup is specifically designed with vents for this purpose and you have excellent airflow, it’s best to cook in a separate, well-ventilated area away from your tent and tarp.
4. **Dry Everything Before Packing:** Ensure your tent and tarp are completely dry before packing them away. Damp materials will continue to create moisture and contribute to condensation problems inside your tent.
5. **Site Selection:** While not directly related to the tarp, pitching your tent in a breezy location can help with overall air circulation and reduce condensation buildup.

Essentially, condensation forms when warm, moist air inside your shelter meets a colder surface. By allowing moist air to escape and fresh, drier air to circulate, you can significantly reduce its formation.

What kind of rope should I use for securing a tarp, and how much do I need?

The type and amount of rope you need depend on your camping style.

* **For General Car Camping:** A good quality nylon or polyester rope with a diameter of 4-6mm is excellent. It’s strong, durable, has some stretch to absorb shock loads, and is relatively easy to knot. You’ll want at least 50-100 feet of this, possibly more if you anticipate complex setups or have a large tarp.
* **For Backpacking:** Weight and packability are key. Paracord (parachute cord) is a popular choice. It’s incredibly strong for its weight and diameter, and the inner strands can be used for finer tasks like repairs or fishing line. A 50-100 foot length of paracord is usually sufficient for a lightweight tarp setup. For a more robust setup, you might consider ultralight Dyneema® cordage, which is very strong and has minimal stretch.

**Amount Needed:** It’s always better to have too much rope than too little. For a basic A-frame or diamond pitch, you’ll need at least two long ridgeline ropes and four shorter guy lines. For more complex setups or if you plan on using multiple anchor points or tensioning systems, factor in extra length for each connection. A good starting point is to bring one 50-foot length of thicker cord for your ridgeline and one 50-foot length of paracord for guylines, but adjust based on your experience and the tarp’s size.

Can I use my tent’s existing guylines to secure my tarp?

While you *can* use your tent’s guylines in a pinch, it’s generally not recommended as a primary method for securing a tarp over a tent. Tent guylines are designed to be lightweight and are typically shorter than what you’ll need for a robust tarp setup.

* **Length Limitations:** They may not be long enough to reach suitable anchor points for a properly pitched tarp, especially if you need to create space between the tarp and the tent.
* **Strength:** Tent guylines are usually thinner and less robust than dedicated tarp cordage. They might not withstand the forces exerted by a large tarp in windy conditions, and they can wear out faster.
* **Functionality:** They are designed for the tent’s structure, not necessarily to be attached to a tarp’s grommets and provide the necessary tension and angle for effective water and wind deflection.

It’s far better to invest in a separate set of ropes or cordage specifically for your tarp. This ensures you have the right length, strength, and flexibility for a secure and effective setup.

Conclusion: Your Tarp, Your Shield

Mastering how to secure a tarp over a tent is a camping skill that pays dividends in comfort, safety, and overall enjoyment of the outdoors. From the unexpected downpour that ruined my first trip to the sun-drenched campsite where a tarp provided essential shade, I’ve learned firsthand that a well-pitched tarp is more than just a piece of plastic; it’s a vital component of your outdoor shelter system.

By understanding the principles of water runoff, wind management, and tension, choosing the right gear, and practicing various pitching techniques, you can transform your tarp from a potential nuisance into a reliable shield. Whether you’re facing a storm, a scorching sun, or just want to expand your living space, a securely fastened tarp will provide that essential layer of protection. So, next time you head out, take the time to practice your tarp skills. A little preparation can make all the difference between a memorable adventure and a soggy disaster. Happy camping!