Sunshade tarps accompany nature lovers on a range of outdoor activities, offering several benefits that make them irresistible to the modern explorer. A simple yet game-changing piece of outdoor equipment, a sunshade typically consists of heavy-duty tarp fabric, sturdy aluminum poles, and durable guy lines, which, when put together, create a temporary overhead shelter.
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Aside from the cool shade they cast on a hot summer day, sunshades are coveted for their protection against the elements. From the seaside to the forest and mountains, enjoy a reliable shelter from strong UV rays, rain, and even light snowfall.
When pitched as part of a camping setup, a sunshade tarp can help increase ventilation and airflow in a canvas tent and provide additional covered area to perform various campsite tasks. From storing camping gear to cooking or simply hanging out together, campers love the extra square footage of protected space outdoors. If you’re trying to create an oasis around your glamping tent, you can’t beat the mix of function and aesthetic appeal a sunshade provides. For backcountry campers and backpackers, sunshade tarps can even be pitched as a temporary shelter instead of a traditional camping tent.
The benefits are endless, but it can be overwhelming to think of adding another piece of equipment to your outdoor gear arsenal. Thankfully, setting up a sunshade tarp is easy, and there are multiple ways to do it depending on how you’ll be using it. Whether you’re pitching one to stay cool at the beach or putting one together for extra protection and space at camp, read on to learn 3 different ways to set up a sunshade tarp for all of your outdoor adventures!
How to Set Up a Sunshade Tarp 3 Different Ways
Sunshades will vary slightly from brand to brand, so be sure to read the pitching instructions for your specific model to ensure your setup is a success. Today, we’ll focus on White Duck Outdoor’s Sunshade Tarp and the 3 distinct ways to set it up, but keep in mind exact steps may vary if you’re working with a different brand of tarp! Let’s get right into it.
The A-Frame Sunshade
The first and arguably most classic sunshade tarp configuration is the A-frame. This setup design is best suited for traditional campsite shelters and full overhead rain coverage for hanging out, storing gear, and various outdoor tasks.
To pitch an A-frame sunshade, use the following steps:
Step 1. Lay the sunshade fabric out flat on the ground in the orientation you prefer. To achieve an A-frame configuration, the front of the sunshade will be one of the tarp’s sides.
Step 2. Use a rubber mallet to pound the stakes into the ground about a foot away from the start of each guy line rope.
Step 3. Loosely secure the guy lines by looping them around each stake.
Step 4. Assemble and position the poles, with one pole on the front side of the tarp and one on the back. If you want your sunshade to extend off of your canvas tent, use the front of the tent’s A-frame entrance pole instead of a separate back pole.
Step 5. Tighten the guy line ropes using the adjusters. Each rope should be taut with a slight give when light pressure is applied.
Step 6. Adjust the poles to your desired height.
The Saddle Sunshade
The next way to pitch your sunshade is the saddle configuration. Named after it resembles a riding saddle, this pitching method is preferred for its superior airflow in hot weather, stylish look for glamping, and the unique angles of shade it creates. Plus, the saddle sunshade offers a ton of space for lounging!
To pitch a saddle sunshade, use the following steps:
Step 1. Lay the sunshade fabric out flat on the ground in the orientation you prefer. To achieve a saddle configuration, the front of your sunshade will be one of the tarp’s corners.
Step 2. Use a rubber mallet to pound the stakes into the ground about a foot away from the start of each guy line rope.
Step 3. Loosely secure the guy lines by looping them around each stake.
Step 4. Assemble and position the poles, with one pole on the front corner of the tarp and one on the opposite back corner. Set the poles upright at a slight angle between the sunshade and the ground.
Step 5. Secure and tighten the guy line ropes on the two remaining corners without poles.
Step 6. Assemble and set the third and final pole in the middle of the sunshade.
Step 5. Tighten the remaining guy line ropes using the adjusters. Each rope should be taut with a slight give when light pressure is applied.
Step 6. Adjust the poles to your desired height.
The Lean-To Sunshade
Last but definitely not least is the lean-to sunshade. This is a practical configuration for cooking, protection against wind, creating a directional shelter, or setting up next to a car, RV, or camping tent.
To pitch a lean-to sunshade, use the following steps:
Step 1. Lay the sunshade fabric out flat on the ground in the orientation you prefer. To achieve a lean-to configuration, the front of the sunshade will be one of the tarp’s sides.
Step 2. Use a rubber mallet to pound the stakes into the ground about a foot away from the start of each guy line rope.
Step 3. Loosely secure the guy lines by looping them around each stake.
Step 4. Assemble and position the poles, with one pole in the front, one on the left side, and one on the right. With this configuration, the back side of your sunshade tarp should angle towards the ground with no pole hoist it up, thus creating the “lean-to” effect.
Step 5. Tighten the guy line ropes using the adjusters. Each rope should be taut with a slight give when light pressure is applied.
Step 6. Adjust the poles to your desired height.
Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re chasing shade lakeside or looking for extra protection from the elements on a camping trip, sunshades are one of the best accessories to accompany you on an outdoor adventure. Although they’re quite simple contraptions, it can be overwhelming to learn how to put together a new piece of equipment as a beginner. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you’ll be well-equipped to set up a sunshade tarp with ease on your next trip into nature!
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