Camping Simply Beneath A Tarp

Shelter When Speed & Weight Matter

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.  Camping beneath a tarpaulin offers benefits worth their extra weight in your pack versus nothing and traditional tents.  They aren’t perfect for every situation and do have some sacrifices involved but for some the benefits are heavier.

Tarp Positives

A tarpaulin weighs and takes up less space than a tent, when paired with a hammock you have a solid shelter.  To set up a tarp, you spend a significantly lower amount of time than you will with almost all tents.  You may need to tie a few ropes to a few trees, plant a few stakes or loop around some rocks.  With a tent you have all of these plus some type of structure and getting in & out through only one or two points.

The airflow associated with using a tarp is great!  No air is trapped and you won’t get overheated unless it is very hot out.  Tarpaulins can also make you feel closer to your environment as there is nothing between you and the outside world.  If you have been backpacking or camping you will know that is can be very valuable.  After all, that is the whole point you go out there to begin with right?

Tarpaulin Negatives

You will make sacrifices with using a tarp vs tent.  There will be limited privacy under a tarp.  If you aren’t pairing your tarp with a hammock, the sides will be open to some degree.  For some people this doesn’t matter, others cannot use a tarp for this reason.  You have a give and take with every piece of equipment you use and privacy is a big one with a tarp.  Along with lack of privacy you are also more accessible by bugs, animals and the elements.  A tarpaulin will not keep ants, rats, bears or temperature away.  If used properly, a tarp can shield you from the rain, wind, snow or ice.

Secondary Uses Of Tarpaulins

Since tarpaulins are essentially just material, they have a huge amount of secondary uses.  They can be makeshift ponchos, bivy sacks, clothes, gear storage bags and a huge number of other things.  Gear that has multi-purposes are highly valuable as they are versatile.  After you go out a few times, you begin to appreciate this type of equipment.  Multi-use = reduced weight with increased capability.

You Be The Judge

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.  They are very useful but not the same as a tent that many are accustomed to using.  Going out in ideal conditions with a backup shelter is a great way to test out a tarp and see if it is right for you.  Worst case, you get into your old tent that you already set up in case you didn’t want sleep under the tarpaulin.  Be well and be safe.