So you want to start tarp camping - Watch this first

After 15 years of using tarps for ultralight backpacking, I've learned a few things the hard way. These aren't deal breakers for me, but things to keep in mind if you are thinking about using a tarp on your next trip.

Some of my favourite gear:

Check out my 10 reasons for using a tarp for ultralight backpacking:

Check out my first impressions of the Thermarest Parsec 20ºF sleeping bag:

My recent traverse of the front range in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in mixed conditions:

Check out my sub 20 pound late season/early winter ultralight gear list:

Check out my cold wet weather backpacking footwear and boot system:

#backpacking #hiking #wildcamping #ultralightbackpacking #gear

[thomasferris]

A bigger tarp allowes for more stable structures, eliminating wind concerns, temp concerns, and overall is a more versatile tool for ur bag even when considering weight, Papa Hiker has some awesome designs for almost any situation

[neemancallender]

For years I used a US army surplus poncho
It was an excellent tarp and dirt cheap and fairly lightweight
Used a groundsheet and ensolite pad
Used an army surplus blanket instead of a sleeping bad
Worked just fine

This was before they invented the concept of ultralight

[HobbiesHobo]

I started out with tarps decades ago, then went to tents, then a hammock, now I'm back to tarps. I like my 10x10 heavy duty. Almost exclusively use ridgeline set ups. Only because I carry a rifle or bow, so no hiking sticks for me. Thanks for sharing. Mike.

[outdoorslifesurvivecraft]

Best tarp I have found is the DD Tarp 3mx3m. It works great in all weather. My favorite setup is the plow point, but you can set this thing up all kinds of ways. As for bugs, I just throw a mosquito net over it. You still get some bugs, but it's not to bad. You didn't mention bigger animals. Raccoons, possums, porcupines, mice, snakes, I've even had coyote up under my tarp with me. Winter tarp camping is the best!! I love camping in the winter, it is so peaceful!!

[tekknorat]

Those are some really good points to keep in mind.
I just recently started camping as such, first night out I was afraid how it's gonna go, how is it going to be to sleep under the tarp. I had my 8x10 ft PP tarp set up like a type-C or something like that, a part of tarp that acted like floor, it was plenty big to put the inflatable sleeping pad on, a little roof on two sides, but the ends were open. I had to crawl into it, but it wasn't too bad. In general, I can say I became "tarp lover" and can't wait to get outside and try the 10x0 ft (3x3 meters) tarp which allows for lots of configurations. For bugs I bought just some of that bug mesh fabric and made it also 10x10 ft, with tie-out points, just like the tarp itself, so it can be put over the tarp, haven't tried it yet, but I think it will give me a lot of options too. And it came out as really small and lightweight package. I thinks sleeping under the tarp is so much better, you are much closer to nature that way, unless, of course, the nature has some unpleasant surprises, but you have to consider those, before sleeping under tarp.

[denisestarr]

I have always tent camped .
I'm trying tarp, been doing daycamps with hammock and tarp .
Useing a 10x10, I think is a perfect size, Haveing fun .

[AndreFavron]

I have a "storm" tarp (10X16 CLEAR/see-through) that I love to use when the weather is bad OVER my regular tarp (5X7 camo/mylar) that I use to sleep under. I set it up high so that I can walk under it and have my table and chair protected from the rain while I am awake during a storm.

[meYogii_]

You can put a smaller tarp on the ground under the hanging tarp to protect your gear, you can hang the bag in a tree.
To prevent the wind from catching the tarp you can look on youtube to "build" a tent.

[desperadodeluxe]

I just ordered a floorless bug net. Also got one of those cheapo arctersomething rather reflecto tarp.
Cardboard is great. It absorbs moisture instead of collecting up on it.

[dobrofool]

Just stumbled on your channel with this video. I’ve been camping out in my backyard for a solid year now with just tarp tents. I started with utility tarps last Feb. End of summer I picked up a 10x12 Red Camp lightweight tarp. But I’m still fairly partial to a standard 1000D utility tarp.. they are STRONG and impervious to all weather conditions! I use tarp clips for improved stake down strength.

My go to pitches are a quick setup Holden open front with a walking pole, but my favorite is the hexamid A-frame based on Papahiker’s design. I always put a 5x7 standard 1000D dropcloth down. As far as heavy wind, heavy rains, and considerable snow.. I have modified Papahikers design by wrapping guylines around the top of each walking pole at the end of the tent, and tying them off to the same stakes for the door/end flaps. Then I add an inner ridgeline between the two walking poles using a bowlne to a truckers hitch nice and firm…

With this set up tension from each pole is going down directly to a stake in the ground, but then tension is also being pulled in the opposite direction with the ridge line. Those poles aren’t going anywhere. I’ve been in super heavy winds, super heavy rains, and I can tell you they go nowhere. PlusI gain the added advantage of place to hang a light, etc. The interiorheight of the tent is the typical 54 inches of a full open Walking-pole.

As for bugs, my 5 x 7 ground tarp is pre-treated with permethrin during the warm months. This year, I’m planning to either make my own, or purchase an enclosed bug net that’ll fit inside the tent. I really didn’t have problems with the flying insects last summer, but once I get out into the woods, I know that’s gonna be an issue.

I’ve been practicing for a year out in my backyard to get down all the nuances, learning batoning and fire starting, etc. all the good stuff. I have my cooking systems down with alcohol/gas/open fire options. Next on my list is learning to use a compass and reading topographical maps.

I can’t wait to get out there this year and do some real camping with my tarp. I love the ease, simplicity, and flexibility gained with tarp pitches, but I feel I want that little extra security against snakes and things by adding a closed-in net. Plus, I think it will help with the condensation as now it will be a form of a double wall system!

Going to sub your channel!

Edit: And oh yeah.. sleep system dialed in too. In fact, I sleep on it in the house on a reg basis so I’m real used to it even more! Lol

[rajibjoshi]

takes time to learn...looking back if I had to choose again my tarp would be 8' × 8' canvas ( cloth with wax) and maybe 2nd one ( 6' × 6' ) as extra for ground I really like the modified 'A' frame type which looks like 'leen to' with slight overhang on top

[jeffreyking]

Good solid honest pro tips right there. Great job .

[crispinleslie]

Tarp and hammock is a great combination- nice high tarp for entry, bug net on the hammock…hang well off the ground in the shelter of tarp. It’s my favourite.

[berniebower]

I’m old. I like a 10x10 tarp pitched as high as weather permits and being able to get out of bed at 2:00 and relieve myself. I like to set up off the beaten path leaving no trace except for perhaps a cat hole, under my tarp!

[JamesPliny]

I have used tarps extensively in the Pacific Northwest where it rains occasionally. The arrangement I now use is 9' x 9' Rei cantilevered sil nyon tarp that weighs just 1.5 pounds. Mosquitoes are sometimes a problem when I camp but I am blessed somehow. Mosquitos don't bite me very often. They do buzz in my ears at night, just to irritate me. It is roomy, even when lowered down, and my friends all want to join me for dinner when it rains. There is easily room for 4 people sitting.

[Gamerhog]

3m*3m tarp and a bugnet for the South Texas creepy crawlers. UL80 with 2 sleep bag liners for my summer setup. You can catch me with my tarp or tipi tent.

[outdoorsandthings]

You can never go wrong with a tarp man

[YuriMakarov-hp]

I feel I found tarps to keep our water far better than a tent. Even the $300+ ones would leak. Think if you're tent camping expect wet and colder conditions. As you mentioned, raising and lowering the tarp may be your best bet. Or build a shelter and wrap the tarp around it.

[lamarwilliams]

Thanks for your time putting up this video. I did know about using a tarp. It is nice to hear from someone with experience!!!

[LampWaters]

We go mountain biking and I'd love to take my son on am over night trip.