Tarp, also known as a camping sheet, is a lighter and more open alternative to the classic tent. Every outdoor enthusiast should have it in their gear. Since it weighs much less than a tent, you can take it on any trip. If you prefer cycling trips and don't want your gear to weigh a lot, buying a tarp is the perfect solution for you. If you appreciate being close to nature and don't want to separate yourself from the surrounding area with a wall of tents, know that using a camping tarp will give you a far better contact with nature. It also guarantees better air circulation and gives you the feeling of open space. In doing so, they satisfy one of the basic needs of shelter and a sense of security. Once you become proficient, unfolding them is quick and efficient, providing plenty of configuration options. For the first night under this type of canopy, it is advisable to choose a familiar place, which in addition is not far from home. More advanced users spend time in this way even in winter.
The hallmark of a travel tarp is, first of all, durability, so that it will last for years and will not tear at the least expected moment. Many people start by buying a tarp, which, apart from its low price, has few advantages. It is heavy, bulky and often fails, especially around the mounting eyes. It is good for a first trip, provided you don't mind its weight. After two or three nights in the field, usually your expectations of a camping tarp begin to rise, and a tarp is usually out of use by then. Instead of buying twice, you should take advantage of the knowledge of other campers and bet on buying a proven product. Good quality hiking tarps last for many seasons, provide shelter from wind and rain and snowfall. They are also characterized by unprecedented among construction tarps by their light weight and solidity of the mounting points. MILITARY.EU offers proven manufacturers of military and outdoor gear, such as Bushmen, Helikon-Tex, DD Hammocks, TigerWood, Eagles Nest Outfitters, Fjord Nansen and Mil-Tec. We also carry insulated versions.
When choosing a tarp for yourself, it is a good idea to estimate in advance its desired size. If you are traveling alone, usually a 2x3m tarp or even smaller will suffice. For two campers, using a 3x3 tarp will be optimal. When traveling with a larger group, we recommend 4x4 or even 5x5 meter solutions, which will meet the need for shielding your luggage and bicycle from the weather as well. They can also provide a practical canopy for the entire camp when you hang them high enough overhead. If you want to be in touch with nature and unobtrusive, it is advisable to choose hiking tarps in subdued colors that blend in with the surroundings. They can be an excellent complement to a hammock, a camping tarp hung in the right way will protect you from rain as well as from leaves and small twigs.
When considering the choice of a camping tarp, you should be guided by its quality and choose only proven brands. You can look for savings if you go on an expedition by car, for example. Then the low weight of the equipment does not play such a big role and you do not need to choose equipment from the ultralight category. Enthusiasts of militaria and preppers who want to hide among the bushes will probably be pleased to know that a good quality bivouac tarp also comes in camouflage versions.
It's a good idea to buy the right accessories for your camping canvas, especially when going to more difficult terrain. When going on a trip to a lake or near forests and rivers, it's worth getting an extra mosquito net, as well as tick and mosquito repellent. The openness of the structure, in addition to its advantages, exposes you to attacks from nuisance insects, from which you must defend yourself. In addition, it is advisable to carry with you several meters of strong rope. For example, paracord, or parachute cord, will work perfectly. Even when the model you choose is equipped with it, an extra rope or strong cord will always come in handy on a camping trip. Additional support for your shelter can be trekking poles, especially if there are no trees in the area. They also provide support while hiking. Alternatively, a bicycle placed with its wheels up can be the backbone of our canopy. When you want to spend the night in the field, we recommend using sleeping bags and warmers. A night in the field with the use of hiking tarps will certainly add variety to your summer excursions, and by using the right equipment you will wake up rested in the morning.