Using Tarps When Backpacking



Posted: Saturday, March 27, 2010

by Robert Page
Tarpaflex US LLC

There are many different ways you can use lightweight tarps. If you are an avid camper or like to backpack in the mountains, a tarp can be as valuable as a sleeping bag or tent. In fact, you can actually use a tarp in place of a tent in many cases or at least for an extra ground covering. Some backpacking tents don't have floors, so a good tarp can keep you and your sleeping bag from getting wet.

Having a tarp with you when backpacking can also be a good idea if you like to sleep under the stars. A tarp can be a good moisture barrier, no one likes getting up in the morning wet, or finding their sleeping bag wet from dew and having to spend an extra hour or so waiting for it to dry. If you keep some rope in your backpack, then you can make a quick tent as well. It can be as simple as securing one end to a tree, running the rope through the grommets on your tarp and securing the other end to another tree. If you have a large enough tarp, you can make a roof as well as a wall to protect you from the elements.

A poly tarp is very lightweight, so you can get one that is actually larger than you expect. There are many different sizes, up to 20'x30,' but you will probably want something smaller. There are sizes from 4'x6' and up, and a good backpacking tarp is usually about 10'x12.' This size is large enough to make a good temporary shelter, without being too bulky and can roll up to a nice compact size. Any of these smaller sizes are quite reasonably priced; depending on where you purchase them, they can be as cheap as twenty dollars or less.

There are some things you need to keep in mind when purchasing a backpacking tarp. If you want to blend in with your surroundings, then a good camouflage tarp is your best bet. You want a tarp that has reinforced nylon mesh, with double stitching around the edges and grommets. You also want the grommets made from steel or aluminum, which are rust resistant, and provide extra strength. Be sure that the inside of the holes are smooth, so they won't snag on your rope. A good poly tarp is waterproof, weather because of the materials, or coating.

When you are done with your tarp, make sure that it is dry before you fold or roll it up. While there isn't any worries about mold or mildew on the tarp itself, it can get your other camping gear wet if not dried out completely. Usually just leaving it up for an extra twenty or thirty minutes is plenty of time, and by the time you are finished with your morning coffee it should be ready to pack up.

You can find poly tarps at local mass marketing retailers, but for the best selection and value, you really have to go online. There are some really good websites available, and all of these have really good prices. The one thing you do have to check on is shipping charges, as well as any kind of return policies.

Tarpaulins expert Robert Page has worked in the tarps industry for over twenty-five years. For more information go to http://www.tarpaflex.com/ for information about camouflage tarps go tohttp://www.tarpaflex.com/acatalog/Camouflage_Tarps3.html.

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