Hiking TarpHiking tarps and tents for outdoor shelter

Lightweight Tarp Provides Shelter

It doesn't take a large tarp to provide a little extra shelter from the elements and make all the difference in your safety or comfort, whether you're on the trail or spending a few days in one location.

Tarps are quick and easy to set up.  Prior to setting up a tarp shelter, scan the area for possible trees you can use to secure one of the tarp corners to.  This will save you a step of using a post or pole that you have to pack.

Remember to angle your tarp to provide runoff for any rain or moisture.  This is a very important step!  You do not want water to pool on the tarp while you are sleeping.

Also, depending on what purpose your tarp shelter will be serving, you may secure the tarp at ground level on one side or you may have it off the ground a bit.  A different shelter from what is pictured here would use a line strung between 2 stationary supports, such as trees.  Then you would drape your tarp over the line and secure the corners to other trees or stake them to the ground.  For more protection from wind and rain, the method used in the picture and video will work best.

 
8x10 Tarp Shelter

Selecting the Best Tent for You

For most outdoorsy people, when Spring rolls around, so does the urge to go camping.  One of the most important pieces of equipment you can invest in for a great camping experience is a quality tent with features that are suited to your camping style.

Backpackers need a lightweight tent where every ounce counts.  People planning to use their camp as home base for one to several nights do not have to concern themselves with the weight of their tent as much.  However, size and other features will come into play.  I grew up primitive camping and one of the things I learned was that a 4-man tent will comfortably sleep 2 people with some of their gear/clothing in the tent for convenience.  So for my family of five today, we need at least a 6-man tent.  Plus, it's nice to have the extra room inside when it rains (so you're not pushed against the sides) and so the kids have plenty of room to play and stay dry.

The next important feature in any tent is ventilation.  My parents bought the tent that I own now and unfortunately it does not meet my needs in this area.  I will be shopping for a tent before we start camping this season.  I prefer a tent with nice sized windows, but I also like the option to close the windows for privacy without having to put on the rain tarp.

Another important feature is ease of setup.  Tents have come a long way in this department, now that most poles are connected by an elastic line through their centers.  I remember the "good old days" of searching through a pile of poles for the correct assembly order.

Something else to consider is the tent's rain flap and how much protection from the rain it will give you by the entrance to the tent.  Also, investigate what type of weather conditions the tent is suited for.  I don't like camping in the winter, and most parks are closed for a while during the off-season, but some die hard campers need a good cold weather tent and sleeping gear.

There are many reputable tent manufacturers to choose from, with a wide range of tent prices.  Find the best one that suits your camping needs and then enjoy the great outdoors!

Backpacking tarp set up