How to Backpack With a Tarp
Anyone from the diehard minimalist to the savvy consumer can appreciate the simplicity of camping with a tarp rather than a complete tent. Used as a survival technique for hundreds of years, sleeping under a tarp is a way to connect with nature and traditional camping methods. It is also an excellent way to save space and money on ultralight camping trips and bicycle road trips. By sleeping under a tarp, you simplify the experience and will feel immersed in your environment.
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Instructions
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Determine the type of camping you will be doing. The most basic type of tarp camping is simply lying the tarp on the ground as a vapor barrier and sleeping on top of it to prevent your sleeping bag from getting damp. It is also possible to wrap your sleeping bag in the tarp, and tape it in place to create a bivouac sack, or waterproof sleeping bag cover, which can allow you to sleep in a variety of conditions that would be impractical with just an open sleeping bag.
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Drape the tarp over some sort of support to create a simple, open air tent. This can be accomplished by bending a small tree or branch and fastening it to another tree with rope or tape. Once the support is fastened, throw the tarp over the top of it and fasten it to other trees or branches using rope. If trees are not available, you can fasten your tarp to stakes in the ground using rope attached to the eyelets.
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Create a tent with a top and a bottom, if your tarp is large enough, by folding the tarp in half and draping half of the tarp over the tent support, and laying the other half underneath as a ground cover. This will create a tent that is open on one side, and provides protection against rainwater and moist ground. Make sure that the opening of your tent is facing downhill, so that rainwater will not flow into the tent.
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Tips & Warnings
Camping with a tarp is a great way to camp off the beaten path, as you don't need a campsite and can be free to camp in any location.
Always make sure that the areas you camp allow camping. Many state parks and campgrounds do not allow hiking or camping off the established routes, trails and campgrounds.
When solo camping in natural areas that are not official campsites, always make sure that somebody knows where you are, in case of an accident or emergency.
References
- Photo Credit camping sauvage image by piccaya from Fotolia.com
