If you love camping but want to stay safe and dry, picking the right tarp is essential. Before you head out on your hiking and camping trip, make sure you know how to set up a tarp tent properly. Always go for the best camping tarps available.
Using a good tarp shelter has many benefits. When planning a camping trip, remember to pack essentials like large tarps, air mats, and sleeping bags. Also, don’t forget a sturdy cooler stocked with food.
Many hikers like to save space in their backpacks and minimize weight. A lightweight white tarp can be perfect for this, especially if it’s UV-resistant, waterproof, and tear-resistant. This makes it ideal for setting up a safe tarp canopy tent.
Over time, lightweight hikers have become big fans of tarp camping—sleeping under a tarp. Traveling light is a huge advantage since you don’t have to carry tent poles, bug nets, and bulky walls. Hikers around the globe appreciate this.
Minimalist enthusiasts also love tarp camping because it allows them to carry less gear and get creative with makeshift gear from raw materials. Besides the weight benefits, tarp camping has a lot to offer. Many hikers feel that it brings a sense of purity and simplicity to the camping experience, helping them connect more with nature—something tents might take away.
However, tarp camping does come with its challenges, like splatter from heavy rain and exposure to the elements and bugs. But with the right approach, you can enjoy a dry, warm, and smooth camping experience just as you would in a tent.
One initial challenge with tarp camping is finding the perfect spot, which can be tricky for beginners. Prepare to make mistakes, but with time, you’ll identify great camping spots. Here are a few tips to get you started.
For traditional tent camping, you might look for flat, clean, open areas—these are ideal but not for tarp camping. In heavy rain, puddles form more easily in flat, open areas. The apparent cleanliness means leaf debris and dirt were washed away by the rain.
A slight incline works best—not too steep, but enough to let water run off away from your camping spot. Make sure your head is positioned uphill while sleeping to avoid headaches from blood rushing to your head.
To set up your tarp, use hiking poles to hold up the ends or take advantage of nearby trees and branches. Configure your tarp shelter so that rain and wind hit the sides. Choose a spot where brush, debris, rocks, and trees block the windward side, especially in tough conditions.
Backpacking tarps offer numerous ways to enjoy your camping experience. They can turn into a fun new adventure. Learn how to handle the challenges of setting up camping tarps effectively to get the most out of your trip.
