Tarp shelter
Overview
A tarp shelter is a lightweight, non-freestanding shelter made from a flat or shaped piece of fabric that is pitched using trekking poles, guylines, or natural anchors. It offers adaptable protection with minimal weight.
Key points
- Provides flexible configurations depending on weather and terrain.
- Lighter than traditional tents but requires skill to pitch effectively.
- Often used by ultralight hikers and in mild conditions.
- Protection varies with pitch height, angle, and wind exposure.
- May require a groundsheet for full system coverage.
- Ventilation is excellent but insect protection may be limited unless paired with a bivy or net.
Details
Tarp shelters consist of a single sheet of waterproof or water-resistant fabric that can be set up in a variety of shapes, such as an A-frame, lean-to, or pyramid-style pitch. Their adaptability makes them suitable for different terrain types and weather conditions, though the open design provides less inherent protection than enclosed tents.
Many hikers choose tarps for their low weight, small packed volume, and excellent ventilation. However, skilled pitching is required to manage wind, rain splash, and ground moisture. Insect netting or a bivy is often added to increase protection in bug-heavy environments.
Tarps allow creative setups using trekking poles, branches, rocks, or trees, making them versatile for long-distance travel.
Related topics
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