To build an outdoor shelter for tarp camping, many survivalists like to use fire retardant tarps, rope, and other lightweight materials, in addition to the other type of tarps. Read on to learn more about adding the use of protective tarp to your survival skill, including pros and cons discussed in the next section of this article.
What Is Tarp Camping?
Tarp camping is a simple way to build a shelter in which a camper uses a tarpaulin, also called a tarp, to protect themselves and their gear from the wind, rain, and other elements. This way of putting up a shelter is also called “tarp camping.” Camping under a tarp covering is often called “tarp camping.” Tarps are camping supplies that are reliable, waterproof, and flexible, making them perfect for use in an outdoor survival situation. For example, a hiker can cover their hammock with a tarp to make a tarp roof or use it as a heavy rain fly or awning to put over their tent. In both cases, the tarp is placed over the top of the tent.
Pros for Tarp Camping
On your next camping trip, you might want to think about bringing a rain tarp instead of a tent for the three reasons below:
- Instead of buying the lower grade of tarps frequently offered at big box stores like Harbor Freight, Menards, Walmart, Lowes or Home Depot, die hard survivalists often go to the online pure play websites offering high quality tarp materials. These can handle a lot of friction or abuse, makes it less likely that small tears or holes will get bigger over time. Tarps are an excellent choice for groundsheets because they can make a tent floor less susceptible to getting wet, and they can reflect heat that escapes through your sleeping bag. Because of these two things, tarps are a great addition for camping and survival situations..
- Most people who go camping in the wilderness want to keep the weight of their packs as low as possible whenever possible. When ultra-light trekkers use a lightweight tarp, they can carry a lot less weight on their backs, which makes long-distance climbs more enjoyable overall. Other lightweight materials, like cordage and trekking poles, can be used to build the “roof” of the shelter. This is possible if carefully selecting your tarp specifications online.
- A square tarp is used as an addition to a tent or as a rain fly for a camping hammock shelter. However, the fabric can also help out in the open field. A tarp, for example, can be used to make a sled or a stretcher, and it can also be used to collect water or condensation. In addition, Camouflage tarps are great for camping as they can be used to quickly set up hunting blinds, There are many other possible uses.
Cons of Tarp Camping
When getting ready for a camping trip, using a tarp instead of a traditional tent can be a bad idea for a few reasons, which are listed below:
- Lack of accessories: A tarp can weigh about 100 grams per square meter, which makes it much lighter than a typical camping tent. However, when you consider the importance of extra accessories like bug net, sleeping pad, and hiking poles, a tarp tent can quickly become the heavier option. This is because tarps don’t have as much fabric as traditional tents. This is because tarps are not as durable as the fabrics used in traditional tents. In theory, camping under a tarp is the least burdensome option. However, if you want to reduce the weight of your pack by a significant amount, you will have to give up both comfort and the extra gear you bring with you.
- A traditional tent looks like an A-frame tarp shelter, but it doesn’t have a floor and has two open ends. Because of this, it is clear that this kind of shelter is not safe. Because of these holes, bugs and other small animals can get into your sleeping area and move around as they please. This could be a big problem for you if you want to go camping in a place where predators are active at night, like bear country or other locations.
- At least some protection from the weather: the best tarps for camping are made of a material that the weather can’t break down. Still, a tarp isn’t always the best thing to use in any weather. A tarp shelter’s ability to stop wind and rain from blowing in specific directions can be helpful, but it will never be able to match a fully enclosed tent’s ability to keep water out. If you are camping in a place with changing winds, cold temperatures, and a lot of water on the ground, you should bring a traditional camping tent instead of a waterproof camping tarp.
Camouflage Tarps and Fire Retardant Tarps are great solutions for camping and survival situations. They can add protection under your tent, as well as over your tent when as sparks from your campfire bring the added risk. In addition, consider the prospect of ice falling from overhead trees or rock ledges that can penetrate an unprotected tent in cold weather situations. Camo Tarps can be used to make a hammock on the fly, to hang foodstuff from trees out of reach for predators, and for use of hunting blinds.
