LifeSystems Survival Shelter 4
Sea To Summit Ultralight Hammock Tarp
Sea To Summit lightweight Tarp and Poncho
Wide selection of tarps in lightweight materials
The tarp tent is becoming more and more popular when we go on a great adventure in nature. How can the adventurer get even closer to nature than sleeping under one?
It is a tarpaulin that can be used for many purposes. In the military, a tarp is called a rain cover and it is the soldier's own little opportunity to create a shelter from the rain at night. In civilian life, it is sometimes used for the same purpose, namely instead of a tent. But only if you can reasonably be sure that there won't be a storm. A strong wind is actually one of the worst things when lying under a tarp, as there are not many possibilities to block the wind.
Rain can easily be kept out, especially when it falls straight down and is not blown sideways by the wind. It is actually incredibly cozy to lie under your tarp and watch large raindrops fall right in front of your nose, while the sleeping bag keeps your body warm from the outside and the warm cocoa warms you from the inside.
It is also very useful for many other purposes. It can be a larger group on a mountain trip who want an extra shelter for their luggage at night. It allows for bringing smaller tents, or it can be used as shade from the sun over the sandbox.
A tarp is typically made by tent manufacturers and is often sewn from leftover fabric from tent production.
When you are familiar with lightweight tents, you may know that they are made from PU-treated polyester or silicone-treated nylon. It is the same with tarps - of course.
In addition, there are more durable models made of cotton, which are often used in kindergartens or institutions. Places where it doesn't need to be transported every day.
Polyester models are typically a bit cheaper - Nylon models are certainly the lightest.
The most important thing is to clarify what it will be used for and how often it will be used. If you need to carry it a lot in a backpack, it is important that it is as lightweight as possible. If you need it a lot, it is also important that it is durable. If you need it less and it will be transported in a car, you can easily choose a cheaper model.
The most durable ones are probably the ones made of cotton - they are also much heavier than other models. Therefore, choose one of those if you are sure that you won't have to carry it for long distances. Possibly if it will be hanging more permanently outside.