Get started with tarping

If you want to make your wild camp a little wilder, then a tarp is the way to go. Here’s everything you need to know to get started...

Sleeping under a tarp is being at one with the mountains. Unlike a tent, which cocoons you from the environment behind twin layers of nylon, a tarp leaves you gloriously open to the landscape. Stars dazzle overhead, the dawn light is unfiltered, and your views are unhindered – a magical, more intimate way to sleep wild.

A tarp is a single-skin sheet of waterproof material used to create a bespoke shelter. It’s configurable in numerous shapes and layouts using pegs, guy lines, walking poles and optional groundsheets or bug nets. This versatility allows modification to the weather: pitch high for space, ventilation and epic views in good conditions; pitch low for stability and protection during storms.

Choosing a tarp over a tent, therefore, won’t necessarily expose you to more wind and rain. With a little practice, you’ll quickly learn to pitch your tarp in a way that’ll protect you in the mountains, come rain or shine. The options are almost endless, from the simple A-Frame and Lean-To to the more complex Teepee or C Fly Wedge.

Tarps come in three types: flat, shaped and tarp-tents. Flat tarps, which are square or rectangular, are the simplest and cheapest. Shaped tarps are multi-sided or have curved edges, while tarp-tents – which blur the line between tarp and tent – can be pitched in different ways but include advanced features such as zips or doors.

Confused yet? Fear not – we’re here to help. Over the page is our ultimate beginner’s guide to sleeping under a tarp, including key features, how to set yours up, top tips and best buys.