If you are the type who likes the idea of sleeping under the stars but also believe in preparation, a tarp may be for you. \u00a0Camping beneath a tarpaulin offers benefits worth their extra weight in your pack versus nothing and traditional tents. \u00a0They aren’t perfect for every situation and do have some sacrifices involved but for some the benefits are heavier.<\/p>\n
A tarpaulin weighs and takes up less space than a tent, when paired with a hammock you have a solid shelter. \u00a0To set up a tarp, you spend a significantly lower amount of time than you will with almost all tents. \u00a0You may need to tie a few ropes to a few trees, plant a few stakes or loop around some rocks. \u00a0With a tent you have all of these plus some type of structure and getting in & out through only one or two points.<\/p>\n
The airflow associated with using a tarp is great! \u00a0No air is trapped and you won’t get overheated unless it is very hot out. \u00a0Tarpaulins can also make you feel closer to your environment as there is nothing between you and the outside world. \u00a0If you have been backpacking or camping you will know that is can be very valuable. \u00a0After all, that is the whole point you go out there to begin with right?<\/p>\n
You will make sacrifices with using a tarp vs tent. \u00a0There will be limited privacy under a tarp. \u00a0If you aren’t pairing your tarp with a hammock, the sides will be open to some degree. \u00a0For some people this doesn’t matter, others cannot use a tarp for this reason. \u00a0You have a give and take with every piece of equipment you use and privacy is a big one with a tarp. \u00a0Along with lack of privacy you are also more accessible by bugs, animals and the elements. \u00a0A tarpaulin will not keep ants, rats, bears or temperature away. \u00a0If used properly, a tarp can shield you from the rain, wind, snow or ice.<\/p>\n
Since tarpaulins are essentially just material, they have a huge amount of secondary uses. \u00a0They can be makeshift ponchos, bivy sacks, clothes, gear storage bags and a huge number of other things. \u00a0Gear that has multi-purposes are highly valuable as they are versatile. \u00a0After you go out a few times, you begin to appreciate this type of equipment. \u00a0Multi-use = reduced weight with increased capability.<\/p>\n
If you are even slighting thinking about reducing pack weight and don’t mind lack of privacy or protection then a tarp is something to consider. \u00a0They are very useful but not the same as a tent that many are accustomed to using. \u00a0Going out in ideal conditions with a backup shelter is a great way to test out a tarp and see if\u00a0it is right for you. \u00a0Worst case, you get into your old tent that you already set up in case you didn’t want sleep under the tarpaulin. \u00a0Be well and be safe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"