Take Shelter for Cheap: Get Tents, Shelters, and Tarps for Up to 70% Off at REI (2024)

FAQs

What is the best tarp for a shelter? ›

For use as a primary shaped tarp shelter, choose Gossamer Gear The DCF Whisper. This floorless, bugproof 1P tarp is preposterously ultralight, coming in at just 9.8 oz. The high price tag reflects its Dyneema construction, which does not sag or stretch as it becomes wet.

An 8-by-10 foot tarp can provide full coverage for up to two people; a 6-by-8 foot version provides adequate protection for only one. Grommets or tie-out loops on the tarp's corners and along its edges are a common—and essential—feature for an easy and taut pitch.

Naturally, tarp prices are rooted in the quality of the material used and their overall dimensions. Larger heavy duty tarps will cost more than smaller, lighter ones. So the initial challenge is figuring out how you plan to use that tarp. And with so many different ways to put them to work, that part can be tricky.

(1) Weight: Less materials mean that tarps are generally lighter than tents. (2) Durability: Simpler designs equate to less that can catch, rip or break. (3) Space: Tarps have the best space-to-weight ratio of all shelters.

Black tarps: Usually treated with UV coatings to provide extended life in sunlight, black tarps absorb heat and allow your covered objects to remain cool. If you're looking for a tarp designed to withstand continuous, extended outdoor exposure, black is the way to go.

Vinyl Coated Polyester

A vinyl-coated tarp is a heavy type of waterproof tarp due to its thickness and heavy-duty materials.

Most common are Vinyl Coated Polyester Tarp and awning tarps. The vinyl-coated polyester tarp is strong, waterproof, UV, and tear-resistant.

Durability Factor

Vinyl tarps are more long-lasting than poly tarps. They are designed to endure rough conditions and last for extended periods. Poly tarps are inferior to vinyl tarps in terms of durability and water resistance. Poly tarps can be used for jobs when durability is secondary.

What size tarp is best for shelter? ›

Because tarps are not enclosed, they have to be wider to account for bounce back and rain that is driven sideways. As a result, your tarp might need to be bigger than you think. For a solo camper, a tarp measuring 7' x 9' is a good size, while a 8' x 9' tarp will be big enough for two.

Conclusion. Tarps can and are most recommended when it comes to protecting your camping gear from nature and its harsh elements! There are many ways that they can be used, so don't limit yourself to the conventional uses that they are advertised for.

In woodlands and fields, put a tarp under your tent but be sure to fold it under so it doesn't extend beyond the edge of the tent. If the tarp extends too far, even dew will run down the tent walls and collect under your tent. When camping at the beach, don't put a tarp under the tent, but rather inside the tent.

When building shelters in the wilderness, natural resources become your best allies. Sticks, leaves, tree branches, and especially fallen trees, are invaluable. Fallen trees can serve as a sturdy base for primitive shelters like the lean-to and debris shelters.

The best materials typically are: Ripstop Nylon: Known for its strength and durability, ripstop nylon is resistant to tearing and ripping. It's lightweight and often used in high-quality survival tents and tarps. Polyethylene: This material is extremely waterproof and affordable.

Tie one side of your tarp down into the wind, then fasten the center of the opposite to a tree (the best height is just a few inches below your belt). Tie down the remaining corners, and you've got a wind-resistant, waterproof shelter that will keep you warm and trap potable water when it rains.

While canvas tarps are less durable than vinyl tarps and may not hold up well in extreme weather or heavy use, they are still popular for outdoor applications, camping, and equipment covers. Poly tarps are made from polyethylene, which makes them lightweight, waterproof, and resistant to tearing and UV rays.