• Please note that these instructions are intended for our customers who have purchased our Ray-Way Tarp Kits.
• Note also that this pitching sequence was invented by me (Ray Jardine), and is called the "Ray-Way Two Stick Pitch." When teaching it to others, kindly refer to it by that name.

Notice which way the wind is blowing. Normally we want to orient the ridge perpendicular to the wind.

To attach any tarp line to its stake, use the butterfly method (clove hitch w/ quick release). I invented this in 1994, and have been using it ever since. I taught it at our classes, and described it in my Tarp Book Essential. The butterfly is extremely fast to tie, exceptionally secure around the stake, and quick and easy to untie when desired.

The reason we hold the ridge up is to estimate the best location for placing the stakes.

Wrap the ridge line once around the stick (no knot required).

Note that the stick remains upright. This is because it is triangulated between the three stakes.

When seen from directly above, each corner line should extend from the tarp at a 45° angle.

After checking that, adjust the line's tension to eliminate wrinkles.

The basic setup is described above. Everything below here is optional.

And by the way, on a rainy day, now might be a good time to place your backpack and any extra gear under your tarp.

The tarp has four Side lines, two on each side of the tarp.

Place all for Side lines stakes. Use only enough tension on the Side lines to stabilize the tarp against the wind, without pulling the tarp's ridge line down lower.

When seen from directly above, each Side line should extend from the tarp at a 90° angle.

Pull the beak line horizontally and wrap it around the stick twice. Secure with two overhand knots, finishing the second knot with a quick release for ease of removal.

The tip of the extended beak should be one to three inches from the support stick. To move the stick closer or farther, simply twist the stick. This ease of adjustability is why we merely wrap the ridge line around the stick rather than tying a knot.

The lifters are optional. They create more headroom and add stability.

A lifter stick is smaller than a support stick. Wrap the lifter line around it once, then stake the line down at its end.

Note that the stick is positioned against the "V" where the line splits into two directions.

Every line to every stake is tied with the butterfly method (clove hitch w/ quick release).

The stake is angled away from the tarp such that the line makes a 90-degree angle with the stake.

After pressing the stake into the ground with a twisting motion, slide the clove hitch down the stake until the knot contacts the ground.

With one exception: the ridge lines. These must be doubly secure, and often require tapping (not pounding) into the ground using a large stick or small rock. Always test the ridge lines with a tug.