Why use tarp when tent is not that much heavier?

[masayako]

Why use tarp when 1 or 2 man tent is not that much heavier?

Is it just a manly thing? Go floorless?

What's the point? It's easier to get yourself wet, bugs get in, wind gets in, less privacy and security. I don't get it. Is it just me?

[dukman]

Welcome to ZS


It is a personal preference for many, and I can see both sides of the argument. For some people, every ounce they shave off of their backs is like another mile or so they can walk in a day. Some people prefer the versatility of a tarp. A tarp you can fashion into a makeshift poncho during the day, or use as a rain collection device for drinking water.

[TacAir]

In some cases you may be able to pitch a tarp, but not a tent. As noted above, a tarp save weight, you'll feel every once at the end of the day...

[Kommander]

A tarp also has a number of secondary functions that a tent can not be used for, such as an improvised stretcher.

[the_alias]

A tarp also has a number of secondary functions that a tent can not be used for, such as an improvised stretcher.

Right on. It is more multifunctional.

Also every gram counts!

[MidRange]

Ground cover, rain cover, back-up backpack, tent, tepee, shade, wind-block, blanket/sleeping bag, can be used to wrap up game for transport, liner. Basically your just limited by your creativity, and skill when using a tarp.

Not to mention its hard to put up a hammock in a tent. And you'll never get a 360* view of your surroundings without fear of snow or rain with a tent.

[Ad'lan]

It's easier to be near a fire when sleeping under a tarp too.

[maldon007]

Why use tarp when 1 or 2 man tent is not that much heavier?

Is it just a manly thing? Go floorless?

What's the point? It's easier to get yourself wet, bugs get in, wind gets in, less privacy and security. I don't get it. Is it just me?

I had the same question, till I tried it. Then I was like- Shit, my tent never gave me any security anyway! It was just a feeling of sequity, since I was walled in... But a tarp lets you SEE around you, more secure imo.

Bugs, eh the ground bugs are no biggie usually, and if you are in bittie bug country, a mosquito net + tarp is still less weight/size than a tent & even more multi-use than just a tarp.

Just try it!

[Jungfrau]

Like already noted, they each have a purpose and many on here seem to prefer the tarp route. There is no doubt that a tarp is much more universal in its uses and I have no issues setting them up, that being said I often still lean towards a tent. For one, the wife would rather have a tent and I want her to remain happy and continue doing trips outdoors with me. That being said I usually carry a small tent and a 5 x 7 all weather blanket, it is wonderful in its uses and they are cheap enough that I am on my third and don't feel at all bad.

Personally I feel that a given location will dictate to a degree the tarp/tent dilemma for an individual. Some areas a tent excels and other a tarp is more than adequate. Plus weight does add up with a ounce here and two there... ounces turn to pounds.

[cbr900]

Kinda depends where you are.....in the south the mosquitoes will eat you alive if your not in a tent that being said I have yet to find a tent that I havent had to put a tarp over the tent to stop the rain from coming in if it is raining pretty hard.

[masayako]

Don't get me wrong, I do use tarps. 1 for ground cover, under the tent, the 2nd one usually get hanged over the tent to prevent morning dew from building up.

[Jamie]

They're both dumb, because sleeping on the ground sucks!

HAMMOCKS FTMFW!!!!!


Jamie

[praharin]

Kinda depends where you are.....in the south the mosquitoes will eat you alive if your not in a tent that being said I have yet to find a tent that I havent had to put a tarp over the tent to stop the rain from coming in if it is raining pretty hard.

Just in the south? I'll remember to ask the skeeters what they're doing up here in Pennsylvania this summer... Also, the mosquito is Canada's national bird, being the largest flying creature in the whole of the nation, IIRC

What sort of tents are you using that are letting rain in? I'll bet you aren't (properly) sealing the seams if not just using poorly made tents. A good tent with properly sealed seams will keep any rain out. If it's still getting in, you should reevaluate your hurricane condition...

I do prefer a tarp, when alone in the wild. If I'm camping around other people I like a tent just for the sake of privacy.

[masayako]

They're both dumb, because sleeping on the ground sucks!

HAMMOCKS FTMFW!!!!!


Jamie

Ok... Hammocks require trees.. Also, for a family of 3 or 4, you have to have 3 or 4 hammocks, not very practical, no?

[Jamie]

Using the tree argument against hammocks is a silly in this context IMHO...most spots either have trees of other tie-off points (I've used my car and a light pole to set up a hammock)...by your logic, it's important to point out that tents require ground that you can drive a stake into and suffer in a swamp or hard bumpy rocky plain...true, but not particularly useful or important in comparing tents and hammocks...

I have hammocks for me, my wife and son, and even together, they weigh much less than a big dome tent, and we get a more comfy night's sleep...

That being said, your original question was not about family camping, but going solo...

Ground-sleeping is inferior to hammock-camping in any environment with tie-off points for the hammock(s).

Jamie

[omega_man]

They both have their place. If I'm rolling solo (which is rare) bivy, tarp, hammock, whatevs. Omega_woman, however, insists on a tent, and that's fine. Actually, for many of the reasons already stated, a tent is far superior. My REI quarter dome, with footprint and rainfly, takes up less space than a silnylon tarp + ground sheet + hammock or bivy + (here's the big one) mosquito netting. Another plus (already mentioned) is that tents are freestanding and stable. And if you have kids....

One immediate advantage of a tarp vs. tent in a but out scenario is de-assing an AO quickly. You can quickly cut your 550 cord and stuff a tarp vs. finger-fucking poles that are associated with tents.

I like using both and to each their own. YMMV.

[derf26]

Using the tree argument against hammocks is a silly in this context IMHO...most spots either have trees of other tie-off points (I've used my car and a light pole to set up a hammock)...by your logic, it's important to point out that tents require ground that you can drive a stake into and suffer in a swamp or hard bumpy rocky plain...true, but not particularly useful or important in comparing tents and hammocks...

I have hammocks for me, my wife and son, and even together, they weigh much less than a big dome tent, and we get a more comfy night's sleep...

That being said, your original question was not about family camping, but going solo...

Ground-sleeping is inferior to hammock-camping in any environment with tie-off points for the hammock(s).

Jamie

Each family member having their own shelter (in your case hammock) is also great in case someone gets lost.

Having said that, hammocks seem problematic in cold winters, and require so much added insulation that tents actually turn out to be lighter and warmer from my estimations. Of course, depending on where you live it might never get that cold in the first place.

[derf26]

One immediate advantage of a tarp vs. tent in a but out scenario is de-assing an AO quickly. You can quickly cut your 550 cord and stuff a tarp vs. finger-fucking poles that are associated with tents.

Did you just get distracted by thoughts of sex mid-sentence? Ha

[Jamie]

Using the tree argument against hammocks is a silly in this context IMHO...most spots either have trees of other tie-off points (I've used my car and a light pole to set up a hammock)...by your logic, it's important to point out that tents require ground that you can drive a stake into and suffer in a swamp or hard bumpy rocky plain...true, but not particularly useful or important in comparing tents and hammocks...

I have hammocks for me, my wife and son, and even together, they weigh much less than a big dome tent, and we get a more comfy night's sleep...

That being said, your original question was not about family camping, but going solo...

Ground-sleeping is inferior to hammock-camping in any environment with tie-off points for the hammock(s).

Jamie

Each family member having their own shelter (in your case hammock) is also great in case someone gets lost.

Having said that, hammocks seem problematic in cold winters, and require so much added insulation that tents actually turn out to be lighter and warmer from my estimations. Of course, depending on where you live it might never get that cold in the first place.

I live in the Adirondack Park in Upstate NY, and have been camping in my hammock well below zero...a hammock sock and a sleeping pad are all that were needed to make it work, and my setup is still far smaller and lighter than the tent setups on the ZSNY winter camping trips.

Jamie

[maldon007]

Hammock indeed, with a tarp overhead, if there are clouds

As for the tents being warmer, not sure I agree... But I'm in florida, so 40* is cold

[cbr900]

Kinda depends where you are.....in the south the mosquitoes will eat you alive if your not in a tent that being said I have yet to find a tent that I havent had to put a tarp over the tent to stop the rain from coming in if it is raining pretty hard.

Just in the south? I'll remember to ask the skeeters what they're doing up here in Pennsylvania this summer... Also, the mosquito is Canada's national bird, being the largest flying creature in the whole of the nation, IIRC

What sort of tents are you using that are letting rain in? I'll bet you aren't (properly) sealing the seams if not just using poorly made tents. A good tent with properly sealed seams will keep any rain out. If it's still getting in, you should reevaluate your hurricane condition...

I do prefer a tarp, when alone in the wild. If I'm camping around other people I like a tent just for the sake of privacy.

Im not talking about a light rain which is why I said raining hard, the South has mosquitoes 24/7/365

[praharin]

Kinda depends where you are.....in the south the mosquitoes will eat you alive if your not in a tent that being said I have yet to find a tent that I havent had to put a tarp over the tent to stop the rain from coming in if it is raining pretty hard.

Just in the south? I'll remember to ask the skeeters what they're doing up here in Pennsylvania this summer... Also, the mosquito is Canada's national bird, being the largest flying creature in the whole of the nation, IIRC

What sort of tents are you using that are letting rain in? I'll bet you aren't (properly) sealing the seams if not just using poorly made tents. A good tent with properly sealed seams will keep any rain out. If it's still getting in, you should reevaluate your hurricane condition...

I do prefer a tarp, when alone in the wild. If I'm camping around other people I like a tent just for the sake of privacy.

Im not talking about a light rain which is why I said raining hard, the South has mosquitoes 24/7/365

Are there even mosquitoes when it's raining so hard it shreds your tent? Those are some dedicated, hearty blood suckers you have in Texas... Everywhere I've been, all over the world, the mosquitoes avoid the rain. That includes many areas in the "south."

I'll say again, if your tent is leaking it's either very poorly made or improperly maintained/set up. It's that simple. Tent, tarp or natural material; if you do it right you shouldn't get wet.

[Ad'lan]

And a nice fire keeps away the insects.

[omega_man]

One immediate advantage of a tarp vs. tent in a but out scenario is de-assing an AO quickly. You can quickly cut your 550 cord and stuff a tarp vs. finger-fucking poles that are associated with tents.

Did you just get distracted by thoughts of sex mid-sentence? Ha

Guilty as charged