TARP CAMPING - Everything YOU NEED to KNOW!! HInts, tips & nadvice!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มิ.ย. 2024
- Tarp Camping - taking camping to another level - closer to the nature, open to the elements, an altogether wilder and more liberating experience.
This is a retrospective guide to Tarp Camping using footage from the 6 plus years that Nath and myself have been doing Summit or Nothing. So whether we are tarp camping in freezing conditions, tarp camping in strong winds or tarp camping during heavy rain - we have had a go at it all!
DD Hammocks Superlight 3m x 3m Tarp - amzn.to/2PFmp9f
Thermarest Neo Air Sleeping pad - amzn.to/30kKkNq
DD Hammock Camp Playlist - DD HAMMOCKS SUPERLIGHT TARP CAMPING: • DD HAMMOCKS SUPERLIGHT...
SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE GEAR WE USE REGULARLY
Why do people tarp camp? What are the benefits of tarp camping? What are the negatives of tarp camping? Is tarp camping safe? Is tarp camping comfortable? Is tarp camping cold? Is it easy to put up a tarp shelter? Are you likely to get invaded by creatures whilst tarp camping? Is tarp camping for you?
Between them Trev and Nath have been tarp tent camping in all kinds of conditions, tarp camping in heavy winds and torrential rain, tarp camping in below freezing sub-zero icy cold winter conditions, and sometimes they have lucked out on perfect conditions too. So for some tarp camping tips, and some hilarious summit or nothing footage (like another one or two of Trev's tarp set up attempts) then this video should tick every box!
**GEAR WE USE REGULARLY** Please notify me of any links not working
TENTS / SHELTERS
Lanshan 2 4 season tent (AliExpress) - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9vsHv4
Naturehike Cloud Up 2 Tent - amzn.to/3fZ9hHl
Naturehike Vik 1 Tent - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AtjZ7O
Naturehike Cloud Peak 2 - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AcPdFm
DD Hammocks Superlight 3m x 3m Tarp - amzn.to/2PFmp9f
BACKPACKS
Lowe Alpine Mountain Ascent 40:50 Backpack - amzn.to/3qsMs00
Karrimor Urban 30LBackpack (Day Pack) - amzn.to/3t8Wl5b
Lowe alpine Airzone Trail30 - amzn.to/2Ui1snP (amazon)
- tidd.ly/3iNCpmi (Go Outdoors)
Osprey Atmos Ag 65L - amzn.to/38RiYT0
HIKING BOOTS / SHOES
Columbia Conspiracy V - amzn.to/2RWkoUq
Meindle Bhutan - amzn.to/3aon2c3
Salomon Ultra 3 Mid GTX - amzn.to/34PVdIq
Scarpa Terra Gortex - amzn.to/3da2bOt
Columbia Conspiracy Trainers - amzn.to/3mJF5RN
SLEEPING BAGS / PADS etc
RAB Alpine 600 Sleeping Bag - tidd.ly/36AxuRz
Mountain Hardware Lamina Sleeping Bag - amzn.to/3kVG6VW
Sea to Summit Thermalite Reactor Sleeping bag liner - amzn.to/3t0v4BH
Thermarest Neo Air Sleeping pad - amzn.to/40gD1mQ
OEX Leviathan Down Sleeping Bag (Winter) - tidd.ly/3qIjcmG
Naturehike Down Sleeping Bag (Summer) - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AeG8jw
Vango Latitude 300 Sleeping Bag - amzn.to/3d580N1
Trekology UL80 Sleeping Pad - amzn.to/32i3zbD
Trekology Aluft Pillow - amzn.to/3uGg64x
COOKING SYSTEMS
Naturehike Windproof Stove - amzn.to/40oj5i8
Naturehike Cookset - amzn.to/3qQW7zP
Toaks 750ml Titanium Mug - amzn.to/2POff2R
BRS Ultralight Stove - amzn.to/3qtSKwH
Lixada Lightweight Stove - amzn.to/2RrHLrN
Lixada 750ml Titanium Mug - amzn.to/3tf2CwA
Folding Windshield - s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AmHNOc
CLOTHES
RAB Microlight Down Jacket - tidd.ly/3xa7jfU
Regatta Two Tone Fleece - amzn.to/370DxLG
RAB Waterproof Jacket - tidd.ly/3j84N1s
Garmin Instinct Solar Watch - amzn.to/3nGz2yc
OTHER BITS
Olight Warrior Torch - amzn.to/30o2f5T
Biolite USb Head Lamp - amzn.to/2PTwKPt
Gerber Knife - amzn.to/3v68xFy
Sawyer Mini Water Filter - amzn.to/3t58W9p
Trespass Digby Down Jacket - amzn.to/2OD1ZxA
Olight S2R Baton 2 Torch - amzn.to/3a2lN54
Anker Powerbank - amzn.to/3tawUjZ
Katadynn Befree Water Filter - amzn.to/30SAwOy
MSR IsoPro Fuel Canisters - tidd.ly/3jd7vmi
Summit or Nothing logo designed by Art of Carroll - / artofcarroll
00:00 - Introduction
00:48 - I never used to like camping
01:55 - Nath's need to tarp camp
04:14 - The Game Changer (DD Hammocks 3x3 Superlight Tarp)
06:28 - 2 tarp wild camping :The adventures begin
08:11 - Is it easy to put up a tarp shelter?
09:49 - What are the pro's / benefits of tarp camping?
14:05 - Do you need a ground sheet for winter tarp camping?
16:31 - What are the con's / negatives of tarp camping?
Please note that any product links above are affiliate links which means that we will see a very small commission for any products that you may purchase. This will not affect your price at all and is just a way of us to try and fund our adventures to keep making great content for you. Thanks for your support!
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Thanks for watching this video - if you would like to see some of the FULL VIDEOS featured in this episode then here is a fantastic little playlist for you to scroll through- th-cam.com/play/PLR8QfoEaj3F-pMqkI4ZCcOQD-T0VDV1Iz.html
Dear Trev and Nath. Forget the negative comments, your output is inspirational. I can see the appeal of tarp camping in a forested area for a couple of days. But in the more open and exposed places I would go for a tent. Especially when you consider how lightweight tents are these days. And I'll have no slugs in my sleeping bag, thank you. :-)
All the best
Thanks Phil. Really glad that ypu enjoyed the video, even if Tarp camping is for you. And yea, there are some really ultra light tents out there now.
As a teen I hiked the Cederberg (South Africa) with just a ground sheet. In my twenties, in the army with a tarp, my thirties as a family with a tent. Now as I approach 60 it a 4x4 and a rooftop tent. Each was enjoyable but I think I’ll stick with my RTT from now on 😁😁
Love Nath's positivity when camping in a tarp 😃
He's not so keen these days lol
@@SummitOrNothing he needs to get back i it m8
@@SummitOrNothing I mostly camp in summer in woodland and I wouldn't be without my tarp. It's ventilated, you can light a 🔥 inside. There's no condensation. The space is immense. Bugs? Yeah. What of them?! Lol
lol... "basically this is sh*t, in a nutshell..." great line that was!
I prefer tarping in the winter. No bugs and no condensation. I did have coyotes check me out, but when I sat up they left. I tried it in the summer but too buggy and camping in rattlesnake country, I woke up late in the night feeling like my toes wanted to be in a tent. Greetings from Ohio!
Yea, that is one of the pitfalls. There was a clip I was supposed to use of Nath waking in the morning having been bitten by bugs but I forgot as I was editing! And yea, I wouldn't tarp camp in rattlesnake country. Thanks for watching!
The only problems I see with the “tarp only” option is the bathtub waterproof floor and the bug protection are missing. Major consideration depending on environment and weather conditions. Thanks for the great video!
Not all tents have bathtub or bug protection either. When you get into big "winter camping" bathtub and bug protection become somewhat of hindrances. Laavu, sidewall, and Yurt's don't use bathtub bottoms. And sidewall and yurt's may or may not have bug protection added.
The key point being, its risky to use an indoor stove... with a bathtub bottom as the stoves legs could damage the floor (or set it on fire or such)
I tried the tarp tent last year. Took me a while to set up, and was on long cold wet grass, but it worked well. I used my DD travel hammock as a ground bivvy as it's waterproof and has bug net, Also worked great. .. crazy that a hammock and tarp can become a bivvy and tent. Like transformers!
Haha... it is just like transformers lol. Cheers for watching, Micky!
Iike that combo. 👍🏾
The tarp and travel hammock is my goto set up as well. Where i live its all thick woods and rocks so its impossible to find flat terrain to pitch a tent.
And if im in an area with no trees, i can pitch it as a tent.
Quite the bold title, “Everything you need to know about tarp camping”. I’ve been a tarp guy for more than 40 years. Everything? Well, that is a lot, isn’t it. I wish you well on all your camping trials and tribulations. It gets better…. From northern Kentucky
Very honest and useful discussion. The only thing I would add is you don't want to go tarp camping in Scotland when the midges are out - no escape, unlike in a tent which provides a refuge. It's the difference between being OK and descending into pruritic insanity.
Funny as, great video, don't feel pressured to put videos out though like in your response to the other comment on here , enjoy your videos regardless mate
Thanks very much!
Love it. My standard shelter is a Hyperlite 8x10 and an MLD bug bivy. 1 lb. Never get wet (been through several windy downpours). No creepy crawlies. Very cozy.
That sounds like you've found your idealshelter, Stuart! Thanks for commenting!
I use a very similar set up. Z packs 10x8.5 DCF tarp and the same bicycle as you. Love the space it gives me and many different configurations.
I love tarp camping and floor-less pyramid style tents!
Gotta love tarp camping I used mine in lakes a few months ago
Awesome. Gotta love the lakes! Thanks for watching, Tony!
@@SummitOrNothing more should watch the likes of us and give it a try
Pleasure
Tarps have never really interested me as much as tent camping but this was a really good review of tarp camping. I kindof want to give it a go at least once 😂 just to see if it's for me
Same here! I'm going to try it out at home first! 😅
It’s honestly not bad if you set it up right and you don’t mind the odd bug. Many tarp setups you can do, one called the body bag will have you fold the tarp into a toblerone shape to give you a base layer keeping you off the direct ground. Great in wet conditions, pile bushes at either end to block off any wind draft and you’ll be toasty all night long.
It can't hurt. I never would have considered it myself, now am glad to have the option. Cheers for watching!
Good too see a new video out. You inspired me to make my first wild camping trip last month. I went from Burrator Res and ended up stopping at Lower Hartor Tor for the night. Rain, hail, frost, glorious sunshine amazing views and I can't wait to get back out.
Cheers keep the content coming. 👍
Haha! yea - I think the harsher the conditions the more we cant wait to get back out lol. Thanks for watching
Brilliant! I've seen so many of these comments at this point. Trev and Nath making the world a better place, one camper at a time!
Tarps all the way, they're great. One of my favourite plus points on tarps, is how easy they are to dry/air out. Not like hoping for a dry day to dry your tent out ! Definitely agree with light, fast, easy, compact, versatile, and more at one with the outdoors. But if I was planning on spending the night on a mountain, I may just be taking a tent !
I love tarp camping. Airflow/ ventilation is unmatched. Low weight, easy to set up. Very versatile.
A downside though, is bugs in the summertime. Mosquitoes can really ruin a good night sleep in a tarp, unless you have some sort of webbing or mesh setup. Which add to price and weight.
Been practicing tarp camping in my back yard since last Feb. Have slept out down into mid 20’s F.
I have since chosen a minimum of 4 different pitches, including the set up shown in your video. This way I have options based on weather conditions, space needs, etc. I also use a 10’x12’ tarp as it provides a bit more flexibility and room.
My go to for rain is a fully closed “hexamid” A-frame pitch (look up Papahiker - hexamid). I also use a light weight ground plastic and have my own method to create a make shift bathtub floor. Spray it with permethrin and it’s good for up to 40 days in warmer months at killing bugs seeking a free room and board 😂
I also developed a modified version of Papahiker’s design by adding paracord tie downs around the walking pole handles, with an inner ridge line (paracord) BETWEEN the handles INSIDE the tent using a bowline + truckers hitch. This set up provides major strength against high winds, plus a nice place to hang wet clothes, a lamp etc.
I can’t wait to get out next year and do some real wild camping! Tarp Tent all the way baby!
Thanks for the vid. Hailing from across the pond here in New England ✌️
Some great information there - sounds like you've got it it sussed! Hope you've managed to get out!
I'm in a tricky spot because I got smashed up at work (lots and lots of surgery for lots of broken bones. Parachutes don't always work apparently) and for that reason I've n tried loads of methods.
I loved my hammock and tarp in the summer, but I've resorted to a bivvy sack, small inflatable mat and a bag. Best sleep.
Ouch! That sounds painful. Glad that you're still managing to get out though. I know many with less that give up!
@Summit Or Nothing I've got no feeling from my bully button to my left knee on one side from a broken back, fused left ankle, right ankle has metal, right hip/femur has a bolt and I tackled sharp edge. Use it or lose it in my opinion.
The hammocks nice, but limited to terrain. I also tend to go for a few days at a time so the lighter the better. I seensome tarp camping this summer now I've found a good inflatable I can shove in my bag.
Cool video 👍
Tried a tarp once,not for me im afraid,i prefer to be a bit more enclosed,but hey,whatever makes you happy,as long as your out and enjoying it,thats all that matters,ignore the haters trev,the channel isnt your life and family comes first,its always a nice treat when content from you appears!
Keep the faith ✊
Cheese!
Cheers Pete!
There's haters? Damn their eyes. I love this channel. It's one of the best in the genre. Authentic af. Unpretentious. Honest. Funny. What's not to love?
I do so wish Trev and Nath one day finally get the recognition they deserve. They've been inspiring me for years at this point.
Tarping is for fair weather. I tarped and bivvied a lot in the army through all weather. It's not fun when the weather goes south on you and your kit and yourself ends up minging.
But a nice summer evening in a tarp, can't be beat!
As long as I'm in the woods, it's a tarp for me, whatever the weather. Can light a fire inside. Army bashers are too small, I think, and that's where the problems begin!
@@Tom_Bee_, I think it is down to what you get outside for, if you want to challenge yourself, tarp it by all means. For me, I've done it so much, I can't be arsed with worrying about the weather any more. At least with a decent tent, you've negated that problem. Now, if your on multi day excursion, in inclement weather... tarp? You'd have to be so on top of your game to keep yourself and your kit dry. Seems like an unnecessary risk.
Again, I suppose it's down to what you get outside for...
Some of my best nights have been under a tarp... just not in shit weather. If your a tarp guy, and you have a ground sheet too, you've basically got a tent without a door or a bucket, however, the weight difference isn't noticeable on your back. So, for me, a double skin trekking pole tent is the way. If I wanna leave the inner off, I can and if I want protection I'll bang it in. Best of both worlds in my opinion.
@@craigelliott4338 fairs. I've never been bothered by the weather as I camp in the woods (out of the wind) and have a big enough tarp I can just chill by the 🔥. I don't hike or move through the country much, just static camp so for me I just want a big, dry area and a view 🍄
My tarp is nearly four metres square. You could keep all your stuff and a couple of horses snug under it!
Choosing a shelter in a dip is not only undesirable in rain, if the dip is deep enough, the cold will sink to the lowest point: your location. That said, if you would have built an earth gully and dam around your shelter that was inside the tarp's shade as presented from the direction of the rain and had a runoff location outside, you would have stayed dry. If your gully was on a hill then an outside gully and dam uphill from the shelter to divert the water flowing down the hill would be helpful.
Also, when Nath set up his shelter in the beginning, it's more comfortable to set up your shelter with your head uphill and higher than your feet if you have to set up on a hill. Setting up perpendicular to the rise in elevation as he had it will tend to have you fighting against rolling downhill every time you move around.
I carry a 4m x 4m tarp, 2m x 2m tarp, 2 walking poles and a bunch of paracord and pegs.
Best ever time was hiding from the weather for 3 days on a mountain.
It was windy.. Chucking down yet I stayed dry and warm enough.
My main benefit is.. Im 6'4" tall.. I dont comfortably fit in most tents.
That does sound like quite the adventure, mate - great stuff! Thanks for watching!
Nice balanced view with plenty of Anglo Saxon thrown in to good effect!
I use my Dutch Hooped Bivy under my tarp with a foot print under it. Pretty much works good in most weather.
I grew up tent camping, so for about 25 years(scout and outdoorsy parents as a kid). Just before the big lockdown, I got into bushcraft and tarp camping. It's wonderful. I love feeling that connected to nature. It sometimes takes some creativity, which is also a benefit to me.
Yes Charlotte, There's something quite special about the tarp. Thanks for watching!
Good video again trev, I enjoy doing both but they definitely have there place depending on the circumstances. 😁👍
Yea, never a truer statement there, Mike. Cheers mate
Thanks for great video!🎉
Forty years ago I used to go night fishing on a £9.99 Argos sun lounger. No umbrella, no tent, no tarp, no bivvy.
These days, anglers that go night fishing take a small bungalow with them.
I really enjoy this video so thanks for that.
A really REALLY good video lads. Had a proper professional feel, intersected with your usual humour. Cheers, from up north 🏕️
Glad you enjoyed it, Simon. Thanks for watching!
When tarp camping it’s worth noting that the tarps will expand in the cold and wet weather so if you set your shelter up in the middle of the day and it’s not raining then you should re adjust all your tie outs before you go to bed because if you have slack in your tarp and it rains then it’ll pool and the entire tarp will sag down. Also when finding a pitch spot don’t put your tarp over a indentation because without a ground sheet of a tent all of the water will pool and you’ll be sleeping in a puddle.
I love the honesty in these videos!
Cheers Shermer. Glad that you enjoyed it!
I’ve always used a tarp easy to set up, no extra parts, anymore I’ll just use a military poncho and liner and a wool blanket for winter like a bed roll, I’ve camped with family before they all had tents and I used my poncho and made a hooch, and all there tents leaked while I stayed dried and I wasn’t even fully closed in
Hahaha I was going to ask about all the slugs! I did a cross country last year across Ireland, Scotland, and Spain. In Ireland and Scotland I had never seen so many slugs in my 8k miles in the US.
Excellent video lads. Thank you very much
Thanks for watching, David!
This brought back memories, I used to live in Wrangaton, just on the edge of the moors, below the golf course. Such a lovely place, I miss it with all my heart 🥰
Yea - I miss it when I dont manage to get there too. Hope you get to see it again someday! In the meantime, I have plenty of videos you can enjoy! Cheers!
Quality video fellas - good job. I've been using a DD 3x3 tarp for a few years - mainly over a hammock but I've also used it as simple A-frame like Nath used to set up. Going to have a go at a tarp tent for an overnighter after practising it in the garden a few times over the past few months👍
I'm sold on the tarp idea, love the content of the video as always 😊👏
Thanks Paul - I have a few of these compilation videos in the making whilst I wait to get back out - glad that you enjoyed this one. Cheers!
Very great review! I myself am a hammock camping lover and tarps are definitely necessary to have at hand just in case there is bad weather. I will say that had it not been for hammocks and tarps, I wouldn't have thought that sleeping outside of an enclosed space like a tent would be enjoyable. There is something about camping in nature that is just awesome!
Yep, you're quite right. Hammock camping is so relaxing, I've only ever managed to get out for one night though. Shall have to dig out my gear and try again. Cheers for watching!
Loved this video. You've convinced me that I need to try tarp camping!!
You should! Cheers for watching!
awesome video ive always done tent camping but after the ray mears coarse i did i fell in love with trap camping its something magical like u said u feel closer to nature
Nice video - have down a lot of tarp camping in the past but something I just can’t get over is the ticks on Dartmoor. Would regularly get them on me (several times in a 3 day trip) - now am paranoid and have rigorous ‘clean / dirty’ drills to keep them out the tent!
Bloody hell some epic snoring going on from Nath! My best mate has to put up with me sawing away through the night… he now has his own tent and brings ear plugs 😮
I also want to say thanks for the Dartmoor north to south video - I was inspired And did it myself back in the summer
Great assessment of the pros and cons. As I'll mostly be motocamping, the weight's not too much of an issue so I'll generally pack the tent, but given a good weather forecat, I will definitely try the tarp/bivvi combo.
Yea - its definitely worth a look at tarp camping! I Love it... when the conditions are right lol
Great video. This seems to be a better optionfor colder temperatures with few scavengers. Where I'm at in Texas, there are all kind of large roaches, tics, fire ants, mosquitos etc for crawling irritating things and racoons, mice/rats and coyotes for larger creatures to be concerned with.
In Oregon it's bazillions of mosquitoes, but also flies, ticks, spiders, ants, mice, etc. I kept the mesh inner of my tent, ditched the rainfly, and set it up under a tarp instead.
@@99Stutz that might be worth trying 🤔
Yea - you certainly have different creepy crawlies on your side of the world - we have it pretty tame over here
Thanks for the video appreciated don't listen to the negative nigels (censored myself ) 🤣 goodwork Trev👍
Thanks Micah! I dont usually let comments get to me, just had a bit of a rubbish day at the time. Cheers for watching!
@@SummitOrNothing no problem Trev u are literally the only camping vlog I watch that's not in the lake district and that's cause of u qnd way you present n edit so thankyou 👍
Great video have fun stay safe.
Cheers Kenneth
Tarp camping is the best, tho sometimes ya do need to go with a tent. Great video, thanks
Yep, there's a time and a place lol
Just discovered your channel. Love your laid back attitude!
Thanks Mark. Glad you've found us. Hope you enjoy the rest of our content, check out the playlists over on our channel! Cheers!
Great video to show the joys of a tarp,
Tarp and bivy every time for me,
Save the tent for the long cold wet nights if you must.
Cheers
Thank s very much! Yep - tent weather at present, i reckon. Brrrr! Cheers for watching!
Ear plugs is a definite must for me on all camping, including tarping.
Great little watch. Just getting tarps but only set up pyramid tent in the garden so far. Will get out soon. Subscribed.
I go the other end of the spectrum and only use a Exped Megamat 15LXM Duo as you finally get a good nights sleeps and can spread out and an ebike to carry everything for me so no more tiredness before I get there.
Excellent video Trev.
Thanks Aaran. Glad that you enjoyed it, cheers!
If you'd like to try closed setups, have a look at "papahiker", a video called "awful weather tarp" or something. I love those setups and used them the last 6000km.
Cool... too cold 🥶 at times ! Huh. Good video THANKS
My favorite "tent" is a floorless tipi. Year round and if there's gonna be rain I pack an extra tarp to lay under sleep pads. Everyone complains about not having a floor but I've never had much issue. And I don't have to worry about the floor when I have the stove keeping me warm.
I tried this in Australia once. I gave up trying to sleep when I witnessed the ants and leaches start a fight club to be the first to feast on me.
I use a hoochie sometimes here in Australia, love it besides the bugs it's not fun watching a large huntsman running over the sleeping bag, or once came back from a short walk up river to find a 5 foot goanna laying on my bed😂. Just ordered an Alton Goods 3mx3m tarp they're very similar to the DD.
Yea - I can imagine that its a completely different ball game in Oz. Good on you for gettin on with it.. rather you than me lol
Ha! I did a bivvy camp in the summer. Woke up with a wet back to discover a slug... I don't know who was more surprised, me or the slug, lol! There's definitely a time and place for a bivvy. I do see the benefits of a tarp and a simple set up, but a tent will give much more protection against the elements. Fab video Trev. All the best xx
Eeeuuugggh!!! Hate slugs! Yea, not such an issue in the tent, but at least you gave it a try! Great to hear from you Rachel!
I very much enjoyed this vid, Trev; many thanks. I much prefer the new camcorder: the picture stabilisation is better, colour reproduction is better, and I think the sound might be crisper and clearer too. Negative comments can be difficult, but the thing to remember is that they represent free PR and Market Research, that can help guide you in the future as you decide how you want your incomparably brilliant channel to develop going forward. Personally, I love what you do and would be very sorry if you stopped!
Cracking vid. Enjoyed that 👌. Love tarp camping in the woods . Not sure about the hills though .
Loads and loads of setups with a good old tarp. Take care care 👍🏕
Cheers for watching. I need to practice some mre tarp set ups. I will get around to eventually! Cheers for watching!
@@SummitOrNothing No worries. . Take care and happy new year 👍🏕
My new tent is a 'Vango Nevis 200' and I would never switch it with a tarp. I know all the benefits of a tarp, but I'm also lazy and I don't like bugs. But KUDOS, hugs, and appreciation to all tarp users, I love all the free spirits. It's a good video and a nice guide :)
Fair enough - it definitely isn't everyone's cup of tea. Thanks for watching!
I gave up the tent years ago after my ultralight was stolen and I could not find a cheap ultralight replacement in time for trips I had planned.
I had a 7'x9' silnylon tarp but the bugs are really bad where I camp in the California sierra nevadas so I decided to build a bug bivy that I could attach to the tarps ridge line. I bought a $15.00 Sawyer bug net and sewed it to a piece of silnylon which I had from an old tarp, leaving a doorway that closes with two Velcro tabs. I sewed a stake out loop on each corner to stake it to the ground. I bought some cheap bank line for the ridgeline and learned how to tie a truckers hitch. total weight with ridgeline and 12 aluminium/titanium stakes is 2.5 pounds.
on my first trip I realized I preferred the new cheap set up over my old ultralight tent.
the weights were the same but the tarp set up packed much smaller than the the tent because there are no poles. zero condensation and it did not rain so I never used the actual tarp to sleep. I really enjoyed the feeling of cowboy camping. I could see around me. see the stars. see the early morning light. all without bugs and all things that I could not do with my old tent set up.
on my next tent I found out the real benefit of a tarp was sleeping in the rain. it rained hard several nights on that trip and I was able to stay dry. I was able to get the water to drain far enough from me with the tarp and into trenches away from me and stayed dry both nights. tent campers were literally floating in water that ran directly down the sides of the tent and pooled under them.
I have used this tarp set up ever since then. last month i used it in the Yosemite backountry. it snowed on me and I was fine. I doubt I'll ever go back to a tent unless I car camp.
Love the video. Think I might pop the tarp cherry in the new year… definitely too cold to brave it at the moment 😄
You definitely should, sir! You wont regret it! Cheers for watching!
Really enjoyed watching this video, as I do a lot of tarp tent camping. My setup is a 4.5X3 meter tarp that doubles over to make a ground sheet. You have a new fan and subscribed to your awesome channel 🤝
Thanks very much, Yakoob. Really glad that you found us and enjoyed the video. Plenty more over at out channel!
Used tarps in many of my long-distance walking projects months in a row from arctic to desert. Never know how you will set up end of the day I like.
Combine it with hammock, bivy or Aframe Mesh tent.
Yes use DD for all my projects as it's bombproof and reliable. Always try to have open set-up and occasional make a tent out of it but then it's most storming like hell
I'd always be worried about the thing taking off in a strong wind and the whole camp ending up like a crashed zeppelin. Even in good weather, you wake up in the morning with a swollen lip where you've been bitten by a centipede. I'll stick to tents.
Haha... yea, or you swallow a spider or two in the night lol.
Peg it down same as tent lol
Why not buy some netting and use it to cover your bivy bag/sleeping bag? I do that when I camp in my surplus plash palatka, I get inside my bivy and then I just unfold the net and (it has a pole which gives you a bit of space over your head which also springs into place when unfolding). It weights nothing and it makes tarp camping so much better in Colombia
@@sergioviccinialonzo501 that sounds like a cool design. I have a cheap bugnet but it's a pain to hang so I often don't bother. Keep meaning to get my thinking and craft cap on and make some mods...
Use a bivy with mesh against bugs when you tarp camp. And yes, tarps like to fly in a storm, so this is another reason for use of bivy.
Loved this and laughed all the way through. I've had some proper disasters under a tarp over the years, but I still do it!! Mad if ya don't 🤪
Haha! Cheers John. Glad that you enjoyed it! And good o hear its not just us fails at the tarp from time to time lol
Tarp and biwi has been my go to since I started hiking, so much that I never even considered getting a tent.
Definitely a lot more versatile with setup options and opens up sleeping locations that would never be possible with a tent.
A lot more stealth and in places where wild camping is illegal, tarps and biwis are still in the gray zone.
Also when I go out I don't do it just to cocoon myself inside four plastic walls. Defeats the purpose really.
Try replacing your Paracord ridgeline and guylines with dyneema, works wonders for reducing a lot of the sag
I very much enjoy tarp camping as it all packs so well on my motorcycle. The main reason is that when I camp off my motorcycle, the tarp provides shelter for myself and my machine. As an added bonus, the heat radiating from the motor heats the inside of the tarp, at least long enough for me to get comfy. It's a pretty big tarp haha.
Haha! It would have to be a fair size, I reckon! Is that a tarp or a portable garage? lol.
Tarp camping is ok as long as there are no bugs, snakes, and the weather is nice. Good video though.
A great video - I like a tarp camp every now and then, but as most of my wild camping is in the Scottish Highlands ticks are a major problem that I have found an ultralight tent is the safest solution for me. I like the open nature of the tarp setup but sometimes you need the mesh to keep the critters out.
I agree, here in New Zealand a mesh is essential for keeping the creepy crawlies and the possums out! 😅
Love it boys. I’ve tarped out at Great Mis and Roos and it’s enabled me to take my kids and other friends. Borrowed the DD tarps from my mate. In that first clip we’re you near blackator or piles?
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Great vid thanks. I’m a hiker who is going to take the plunge next year and do some wild camping. As an OAP lady I need to keep the weight down so I’m going to try the tarp configuration you have although I’m sewing myself a door as shown by Simon in the Woods. I don’t mind bugs but I’ve got a lightweight bathtub groundsheet just for my sleep system which is where I have spent my money. If all fails then I’ll try a tent but I’m feeling rather optimistic and you have inspired me. Come on Spring!
come try a spring trip here in Californias Sierra Nevada and see if you do not mind bugs. 😂😅 the mosquitoes are brutal.
@@hikesteepfishhigh Ah, I meant the creepy crawlies rather than the flying stealth bombers! Hate them and flies too I have to admit. Got a net which hangs over the bathtub for those bug-gers.
That's great that you are going to give it a try, sounds like you have a good set up already, so I'm sure you will be fine. Thanks for watching!
@@hikesteepfishhigh yes I bet they are. Think I'll stick to the UK 😅 thanks for watching
Hi Trev! I really enjoyed this video as it brought back memories of my favourite Summit or Nothing camp on New Years Eve Eve in the storm up at Bleak House. I thought Nathan was going to end up with you in your Vango at one point on that one! It’s ace to see you guys still going from strength to strength. ATVB Sidestickflyer 😂
Cheers Graham. Great to hear from you
@@SummitOrNothing 👍I’m Still doing lots of Wildcamping Trev down on the Jurassic Coast and Dartmoor but just not putting it all over social media! I did a Wildcamp up at Great Mis a few weeks ago tucked in behind the rocks in my ‘bullet proof’ Snugpak Scorpion 2 in the 50mph winds. I’ve also recently purchased a Wild Country Helm 2 for a little bit more room! 😜
I’ve tarp camped regularly for twenty years. My latest shelter, which I love (and it’s a real cross between a tarp and a tent) is the Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape. I don’t think I’ll use it as a cape though. Weighs only 300g! It keeps out wind and rain very well.
That sounds like a fantastic bit of kit, Geoff. I'll have to have a look into it. Doubling up as a Cape sounds great to me lol.
@@SummitOrNothing Except when you’re pitched and want to go somewhere (the pub?) in pouring rain. You really need separate wet weather gear. Maybe OK for a long multi day hike where you expect to be shelter bound in inclement weather.
Coming from Texas I have gone to tarp camping 100%. Our winters are minimal and I just bring mosquito nets for night time. Usually double them up for shade in the heat.
Sounds Great Travis, cheers for commenting!
Tarp's are a wonderful backup, a great safety feature, and great addition to other camp kits.
Yes you can stand alone camp with them too, but in many environments you don't want to. Area's with heavy mosquito or blackflies you almost need the netting, and if you are doing that separate from the tarp, you might as well just get a lightweight tent.
while heavier, then a tarp itself, i personly prefer the Laavu and stove combination, but i do colder weather camping.
I prefer tarping in the lower ground and tenting in the higher ground it also makes sense
Yep - good idea! Cheers for the tip!
I used the tarp tent set up for a while. Did Brid coast camp, a few wood camps and one on the edge of ladybower, but the bugs and slugs gave me the ick. I now use a tarp lean to shelter with the alpkit elan hooped bivy. Sort of best of both worlds
Yep - there's always a midway option! Cheers for watching!
What a video. Really enjoyed this you two.
My main issue with tarp camping is figuring out whether to put the mat inside the bivy bag or outside. I use the Hunka XL with a neoair XTherm and feel quite trapped if I put it all inside. Well.... that and the thought of bugs crawling into the holes on my face.
I know what you mean, I had the Hunka XL and there was no way I could fit my UL80 and me in it. I tend to just sleep in the mat like I would in a tent. We stayed in a safari tent with the family last year, and I woke one morning with what felt like a hair in my mouth. I then pulled it out to reveal a never ending thread of spider web... which was nice!
That was really good, very thorough and honest. I've mostly been a tarp+bivvy camper the last couple of years, primarily to try and keep pack weight down, but also because I like being able to see outside, look up at the stars etc when sleeping outdoors. After a very rainy / windy night earlier this month with a tarp which was probably a bit too small for the job I thought I'd give a tent a go instead.
I actually found my tarp + bivvy + trekking pole + ground sheet collectively weighed more than some ultralight tents. I thought I had chosen very lightweight versions of each of those individual components: the DD Superlight S Tarp (290g excluding pegs / guy lines), the Alpkit Kloke bivvy (285g), a trekking pole at something like 170g and a groundsheet at around 200g - by the time I'd added some pegs and guy lines I'd basically got to a kilo there. I don't personally use the trekking pole much for actual walking. There's a number of ultralight tents weighing under a kilo, poles included - all the way down to as little as 500g. Although of course they're all likely to be on the claustrophobic side, and suffer from condensation.
I definitely haven't found the perfect solution for me yet, and guess I'll switch back and forth depending on the weather / time of year.
Rain poncho for groundsheet :)
@@bcamping1 I did exactly that to start with!
Yea - its a case of having different options I reckon, and like you say, all the gubbings of a tarp set up can add up to the weight of some tents. I like to be able to swap and change set ups, sometimes like a tent, sometimes a tarp. Thanks for watching and sorry for late replyy, the comments came thick and fast on this vid, found it hard to keep up!
Thank you for the video. I love tarp or bivvy camps, it feels like being much closer to the nature than in a tent. I envy a bit of that forests you have there. Not many up in the North West.
Great video have never done tarp camping. Looks fun if the weather is ok. What about mozzies in the summer though? ....
Thanks Nik, it is good fun. There was a clip I was supposed to use of Nath in the summer waking up bitten by midges. I kicked myself once I realised I'd uploaded it without.
The DD is a nice bit of kit but you might just as well take a lightweight tent, certainly for three season camping. Basha's really are an emergency shelter. Nice video
Great vid Trev, very informative. Used to use tarp all the time in the reserve forces, many years ago.
Changing the subject, any thoughts on some land owner trying to get wild camping banned?
I haven’t seen the article myself as yet 😢
Yes, the court case is coming out. I believe there's some protests organised for this weekend, not that that will sway the outcome in anyway. Will just have to see what happens, I guess.
I've been using a tarp while camping on Dartmoor for quite a while (somewhere close to two months in total in the last 2,5 years) and decided recently to stick with DD 3x3 Pro tarp. One reason - it has grommets, that can be staked down to the ground, making the shelter really windproof. I've never used a ground mat but may go in winter with some alu 2x1,8 or something. As for camping in the really bad weather - there's a pyramid tarp configuration, that is fully enclosed - the only problem with that is really sealed, so expect a lot of condensation. In case of bad weather is also worth having extra stakes and paracord - tarps usually have many attachment points, making tensioning of the sheet easy and providing sturdy shelter even in the horrific wind. In fact, I survived something like a cloudburst in Dartmoor 2 years ago in "pyramid". The only problem was water, a lot of it, so bivvy is essential. I do not agree that the tarp setup is difficult - once you have a proper place you can literally build a shelter with 4 stakes and a walking pole.
I have a 1 person tent consisting of a bathtub & mesh inner and a rain fly. I simply replaced the rain fly with a large tarp and have enjoyed it so far. In my area I have to worry about bugs, especially mosquitos, so it's nice having the inner. One time I woke up and a line of ants was crawling up the side, which would not have been fun if it were my face instead.
As for the tarp, I kind of just set it up differently every time over the top of my inner. I enjoy experimenting with it. Overall this setup is a bit heavier than my tent because the rain fly was much smaller than the tarp, but it's a lot more versatile and fun.
Although I have a DD 3x3 tarp, 3 years down the "line", I've never used it.
Might be a good idea to do some tarpology vids Trev???
High guys! Really enjoyed your video. I have a question about a piece of gear you use at 1 min 16. It seems there is a gigantic black mattress under the tarp. What is it? Is it light and packable? What was your experience with this mattress?
I always tarp camp, but I take a smaller tarp to put inside the tarp, What I did was to make a tarp twice the size of the inside of the tarp tent, add a square of insulation then folded the tarp back so it fits nice and snugly inside the tarp tent. I also make a tarp tent with a proper door. So I have a nice floor, a door and I don't get the conduction effect so much, and I don't get hassled by insects. It it's going to rain, I peg out all the sides to prevent leakage and cold, but I try to leave some open to prevent condensation.
That sounds like you have covered every base, probably a bit too technical and fiddly for an idiot such as myself though lol. Cheers for watching!
If you buy a Durston XMid you could use only the outer and have a really good pre-formed tarp-like shelter with less setup hassle. Leave the doors open or closed, plenty of room inside.
That sounds great, Lisa. I may have to look into it. Cheers
Try Tyvek house wrap membrane as ground sheet. Not stealthy but ultralight, widely available online. Sold by meters, i got 2m x1.5m and this is my new ground sheet now.
One of the big advantages of a flat tarp is that your pitching options is only limited by your imagination. The ability to pitch over a rock, shrub or other debris opens up spots a tents couldn't handle.
I do bring a ground sheet to keep my gear dry less muddy from the ground. A moderately stout ground sheet is also useful for carrying small limbs either over the ground or over your shoulder.
I prefer using two poles just back from the entrance with the rear pegged to the ground facing the wind when wind directions are pretty steady. Makes for a much bigger entrance with a view and still blocks the wind.
I've only ever tarp camped. I just like the complete versatility of the tarp. I've pretty much gotten over sleeping on the ground as I've gotten older, but I always take a 60" X 82" Arcturus emergency tarp to use as a ground tarp even under a hammock so I don't step out of the hammock onto the ground barefoot. Can....don't wanna. lol It weighs almost nothing and comes in a decent little pouch that will also hold quite a few aluminum stakes.
That does sound like a great addition to the tarp set up, I shall have to look into it, cheers!
Brilliant walk through of your experiences. What sleeping bag are you using in your colder camps when it’s below freezing? Does it back down pretty small?
I was using a Rab Alpine 600 down sleeping bag amzn.to/40gs4mA but have recently moved across to the slightly less expensive but even warmer Naturehike Snowbird -amzn.to/40gs4mA - I absolutely love it! Being down bags, both pack down reasonably well, I sometimes pack the rest of the bag and then just shove the bag in afterwards around the rest of the bag - it fills it out nicely and stops things rattling about inside.
@@SummitOrNothing awesome. Thanks so much. It is nice to see someone doing great videos with reasonably priced gear :).
You want the tarp very close to your hammock. Wind blows rain in under the tarp.
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
Cheers! Good advice!
good stuff - balanced, real-life look at using tarps. seem Lee far more cons than pros though.