A Tarp Tent as an Ultralight Shelter

For our purposes, we will include in the term "tarp tent", two similar designs. The simplest is just a large sheet nylon impregnated with silicone for waterproofing. Also included is an engineered model.

Engineered Tarp

The engineered shelter includes flaps or angled pieces of nylon fabric sewn together to assist in providing protection. For instance, a flap might be sewn to provide a more ample covering over the front or might provide near-closure at the back. Of course, no floor is included so a ground cloth is a necessity.

To pitch this tent, cords are used to hold the bottom edge near the ground and poles or sticks are used to hold it above the occupant. A good use of your telescoping trekking pole in camp is to help erect this shelter. Cords can also be tied to trees to assist in proper pitching.

Sounds simple? It is not. Properly pitching this shelter takes practice. This is one situation where you want to experiment at home before you get to your campsite. However, the payoff to all that planning and practice is a very lightweight and versatile protection from the elements.

Less Than Full Coverage

In addition to a greater degree of difficulty to properly erect, other considerations include a lesser degree of protection from the elements. Wind directions sometimes change during the night exposing you to unexpected rain or wind on the open side. Also, protection from mosquitoes is not a hallmark of this type of structure.

Choose Your Campsite Well

Many hikers sleep quite well in most weather conditions in this minimalistic shelter. A carefully chosen campsite can provide protection from wind by pitching near a natural wind break such as rock outcroppings or bushes.

If rain is not anticipated and mosquitoes are the expected pest, pitching in an exposed, breezy area away from water and tall grasses will help drive the pests away. Adding some mosquito netting, while increasing weight, makes a more versatile shelter.

A properly pitched tarp tent provides basic weather protection while allowing an openness to experience the great outdoors in an attractively lightweight package.

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