Camping, it’s the perfect getaway – ditching the tech and the overcrowded cites and get out into the natural world. But when you’re packing up and getting on the road, are you always taking the right gear for your adventure?

When it comes to shelter, you’d be forgiven for thinking that a tent is going to serve you best, why wouldn’t it? It’s what everyone uses, right? Well, not quite. A growing member of outdoor enthusiasts have been realising perhaps there’s another way to create shelter, a lighter and more versatile option. Enter the tarpaulin.

In this blog we’ll explain if tarp shelters are actually worth it, when you should choose a tarpaulin over a traditional tent and when you can combine the two, before sharing five reasons why tarpaulins are essential camping equipment. Let’s go.

Are camping tarps worth it?

Yes, using tarpaulins for camping is worth it. They provide an affordable, versatile and light-weight alternative to traditional tents.

When to choose tarp shelters over a tent

Before we dive into the reasons why tarpaulins should be considered essential camping equipment, we should really cover how and when a tarp should be used in the place of a traditional tent.

You should choose a tarpaulin over a traditional tent on your next camping adventure if you:

• Want a lighter load when travelling
• Have to set up and take down camp quickly
• Are interested in an alternative camping style
• Like to wake up to the outside world
• Like the challenge of building your own shelter
• Enjoy a more rugged outdoor experience

Do tarp shelters provide the same protection as a traditional tent?

While many people think a tent offers more protection from the elements than tarp shelters, this isn’t always correct. A traditional tent may be more contained but you can get the same protection and experience if you:

• Position your tarp shelters well and near natural barriers
• Have suitable sleeping equipment or hammocks
• Consider heating and fire
• Include a natural shelter alongside your tarp

Remember, although tarp shelters can offer much of the protection of traditional tents there may be some times when they aren’t the best option – for example, in extremely low temperatures or high altitudes – and you should always check with a local guide or outdoors expert.

Combining tent and tarp shelters

Using tarpaulins for camping doesn’t have to be exclusive, while they offer a great alternative to traditional tents, they can offer additional protection when used with them.

Most tents will come with a protective bottom, to shield you from the ground moister but these aren’t always the best material for the job. It’s why we always suggest using a tarpaulin ground sheet as a layer in between the ground and where you’re sleeping, to make sure you get enough protection from the elements.

Camping tarpaulins can also offer extra protection to your tent form above. If you want to be sure you’ll get a good night’s sleep, you can simply strap or tie your tarpaulin to posts or trees to suspend it over your tent, offering even more protection on those wet evenings.

Five reasons why tarps are essential camping equipment

Now we know when you should use tarpaulins for camping and when you might choose a tent, but why should a tarp become part of your outdoor essential kit bag? Let’s take a look.

1) Tarp shelters bring you closer to nature

Most tarp shelters will have one or two areas that are open to the elements, giving you perfect views of the surrounding area to take in that beautiful sunrise or morning dew. Because of this, camping tarpaulins provide a less sanitised experience than a zipped up manufactured tent, and allows you to experience camping more akin to the traditional ways of our ancestors. It’s a more back to nature approach than most.

2) Tarps for camping are light weight and space saving

Tarpaulins are constructed of extremely light, yet strong, waterproof materials – these can take up less room in your pack than a modern tent. You can also anchor your tarp shelters to, or between, trees meaning you don’t need to pack those heavy tent pegs. Anything that saves weight and space in your pack is a plus for any camper.

3) Camping tarpaulins are versatile and easy to construct

This point can’t really be emphasised enough. Not only can you build your tarp tent any number of ways (see our other blogs for examples) – and some of them can be put up in seconds – but a tarp can also be used to create extra sheltered areas for cooking, recreation or privacy, and can be used as groundsheets or to protect your fire or equipment from the elements.

4) Tarpaulins for camping are more economical

Tarps are available in a range of types, sizes and prices from just a few pounds upwards, depending on the size, quality and thickness required. By comparison a tent of similar size and quality is likely to be far more expensive, while still being less versatile. A tarp can be a fantastic option if you’re on a strict budget.

5) Building tarp shelters is a lifesaving skill

Using a tarp or similar sheet to make a shelter is a skill taught by just about all the armed forces of the world. Often known as a Basha or Bivi in the forces, a tarp can be a life saver if you are caught exposed to the elements. Using tarps for shelter is a skill could save lives if you ever find yourself in a tight spot in the future.

Choosing tarpaulins for camping

Hopefully you can now see just how versatile and useful tarpaulins truly are when it comes to experiencing the great outdoors. And if they weren’t already on your packing list for your next outdoor adventure, then they should be now.

If you need a hand buying the right tarpaulin for your next camping trip, don’t hesitate to get in touch.