So, last weekend we had our first trip out together in the tarp in one of the local woods with a few of the Galway Rovers. Most of the others slept out in hammocks but we went for one of our proposed setups that we might use on the Belt!
Tarp Setup from the Front
Tarp Setup from the Back
We went for the Alpkit Rig 7 tarp pitched like a tent using a walking pole and a stick (we’ll have two walking poles the next time) for the poles inside. Using some cord and some Alpkit pegs, we managed to get a very nice setup inside with ample room inside for the two of us and our gear.
The whole night out was backwoods orientated so we cooked the whole dinner with the other Rovers backwoods style on the fire, cooking up a fine feast for ourselves, including a whole chicken, spud-eggs, sausages, chocolate bananas and some stew.
Kelly Kettle in Use
Room for Two!
The tarp kept us dry during the night, although getting up early there was some condensation on the inside but nothing too big. We headed out for a hike then that morning to Maamtrasna with the NUIG Mountaineering Club to keep us on the go – and to get some real training in.
We’re busy now getting ready for the training weekend to start in Dublin next Thursday. This will see us spending two night out on the road mimicking the actual Belt and we’re going to see how the tarp holds up. We’ll have an update on that early next week!
