I’ve been looking at 4 season tents, but when I put up an old tarp I had my whole viewpoint has changed. A tarp seems to be much more versatile versus a tent-the configurations are many when setting up a tarp. I’m wondering what you guys use and what recommendations you have for all season camping. A tarp might not be as good as a tent for winter camping, but I’m impressed by their versatility at this point.
As a avid backpacker (Canada & U.S.) for many decades I would strongly recommend a tent if your more than one day away from civilization. Bad weather can happen at any time, as I have experienced, and being secured in a highly reliable 4 season tent is recommended. A good quality 4 season tent is going to run you $400 plus. So, if your going out for more than a couple of days then buy a good quality tent especially if your in the mountains.
I’ve taken to a 10x10 silnylon tarp, hammock, under quilt and 40 degree sleeping bag. Total pack weight of just under three pounds, with a lot of comfort, warmth and versatility. I backpack the Colorado Rockies once a year for 5 days on the trail, and a couple of weekend trips in Indiana per year. It works for me.
I’m a fan of the tarp and hammock combination. I know this for sure, I’ve been wet in tents before, but never under a tarp.
Please share tips for how you set up your tarp & hammock combo, even if its something you consider very basic.
Obviously trees are needed. What I usually do is use 550 cord on the grommets of the tarp to suspend it from its corners in a diamond pattern. I take the other corners and tie to stakes, rocks, or good solid sticks pounded into the ground. You can get more coverage if you need it by suspending it in a square/rectangle pattern. By tying to the grommets instead of running rope from tree to tree, that allows you to flip up one side or the other and still keep the tarp attached to the trees if that makes sense. That gives you a lean-to configuration when weather is nice. I also try to keep the tarp as low to the ground as possible. I hope that makes sense. These are images I found from google. I try to keep the tarp a little lower to the ground than these pictures.
FWIW my friends & I do period correct scouting and camping using 18th century items (nothing modern allowed) and techniques … and agree that a good diamond tarp is a most versatile shelter. A tad heavy the way they waterproofed them though.
Tarps work great for both hammock-ing and ground camping. The 10x10 tarps at Bushcraft Outfitters are my favorite. They have reinforced webbing tie-outs instead of grommets.
Here’s my BCO 10x10 configured for ground camping.
There’s a BCO 5x7 inside as a ground cloth.
(Ugh. My pic is upside down. Oh well)
You guys rock! This is the knowledge and info I’m looking for. Love the tarp set-ups. I can see the usefulness of each set-up! PS what hammock do I need?
Amazon usually has a good selection of cheap backpacking hammocks. I wouldn’t go crazy.
Kifaru Super Tarp with annex plus para stove.
I think tarps reach their maximum usefulness when you are also able to have a fire nearby. Maybe not as much in Summer, but I would be hard pressed to want to camp in an open sided tarp without a fire in the winter.
I have a DD 10x10 tarp, also with 16 tie outs rather than grommets, its very useful.
If you like the tarp, just carry a tube-tent for rainy backup and put it underneath the tarp. For winter, unless you are on TV doing a hunting show, just get a cabin.
Similar effect from a poncho being used as a “tent.” I carry two ponchos and a poncho liner in my car. Poncho liner and one poncho makes for an improvised sleeping bag and second poncho is the “tent” or tarp shelter. Head hole can be used for adjusting ventilation so you don’t get too wet from condensation. The poncho and liner I’m using are from Wiggys. The liner has an insulated hood so you can wear it with the poncho over your clothes. Makes for a very warm outer layer.
As mentioned above, if you like tarps, take a hard look at Kifaru. I have a Paratarp and love it. Super light at 13.4oz, versatile, no silly bright fluorescent colors. Ultimate light weight 1 man + gear shelter.
Its a snug fit, but I’ve spent many nights sharing a Paratarp without an issue. We slid down far enough to the foot of the tarp to get our packs most of the way under the shelter and used the packs as a make shift door/wind and rain block. I put my packs rain cover on when doing this and have yet to get me or my gear wet. Do pay attention to wind direction though, blowing rain from the wrong direction can spell trouble. If you’re bringing more gear than you can each fit in your respective packs, long hunting trips for example, you’ll have to leave something out in the elements. Whether that is gear or your hunting partner is your choice 
Or the Supertarp pictured above weighs just 4.2 ounces more (17.6oz) if you want or need a little more elbow room (and a bit lighter wallet).
But hey, were forgetting the ultimate reason for a tarp… you no longer have to actually get up to pee in the middle of the night!
Of all the shelters and improvised shelter material I’ve used, my favorite is the Marine issue tarp. For admin or fun purposes I’ll grab one of my MSR sili-nylon tarps, but for hands-down bomb-proof, 4-season survivability, a MARPAT tarp and heavy duty space blanket is my go to. You can also make a great litter with it.
Where can we buy one?
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Looks like Coleman’s Military Surplus has some, as does someone on Amazon and there’s a few on eBay. A couple of blogs report there is a plethora of them in the surplus world.
Thank You.
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