Tarp vs Tent (in the rain)

[Hypnagog]

Thanks for all the replies. Tarp it is.

Tarp


Tent

What tarp is that? Is it SilNylon?

 

[bilmo-p5]

What tarp is that? Is it SilNylon?

It's a True North Big Tarp (4.5m x 3m) which I've modded with eyelets along one of the long sides so that it can be laced up when rigged like that. It is PU ripstop polyester.

 

[Tiley]

I know you've already made your decision but I'd go for a tarp every time. A good one will keep off the wet and you don't have to worry about wet kit once you're under it: the woodland floor will absorb all the water from your waterproofs or whatever else; wrestling with your clothes and boots in the porch of your tent and trying not to bring any water in with you is something of a thankless task. I would, however, also recommend using a bivvy bag unless you're going to hammock it - but you know that already. Hammock living is a great solution and gives you hanging space for your wet stuff as well as the space and air and shelter that you need. It's also a lot more comfortable.

 

[darrenleroy]

If you take a tarp I would recommend a decent ground sheet. A tub style one that is waterproof to a high level is ideal. I used to simply use a poncho to save weight and cost but a really wet camp in the New Forest resulted in wet gear.

 

[Firelite]

In cooler weather there's always the question of condensation in a tent to consider. My advice is to take the tent as security, but leave it in the car. You will gain confidence in your tarp that way.

 

[ozzy1977]

Condensation isn't a problem in a decent tent with ventilation though, that would be my first choice.

 

[nurvware]

Sorry to revive an old post but new here and reading through older stuff and picking up lots of info. A thought for others in this quandary. What about digging a a trench, the depth of a trowel around the tarp to channel any water around your camp spot?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[NGM6456]

Having read the threads of this topic I feel that the lesson learned is if you dont fancy getting rained-out do not go to Wales! Much better off in Bonnie Scotland (where wild camping is legal, unlike other countries of the UK)

 

[Lepmeister]

Im normally in the hammock, but want to have a good ground set-up also.

The below is a quick look at the single tarp tent option that i have. Im working on a two man set-up, just for some extra room.

[video=youtube_share;Z3qspt60ftU]http://youtu.be/Z3qspt60ftU[/video]

 

[leealanr]

Brave man in a tarp tent in Aus! Dont like the idea personally of allowing to much access to some of your countries top critters! Think I would prefef a swag these days, but then I rarely backpack these days either.

Noseeum however is very sensible ootion, light to csrry and does give a good measure of protection from insects, very essential in parts of UK as well, where the midge rules supreme.

Nice outfit snd respect.

Alan l.

 

[tent peg]

depends where you will be camping, but if you can, dig sun small trenches around you to encourage the rain to run around the tent/tarp.

for me, whenever I go out, the planning centers around how to get dry again. On this fair island If your stay out long enough you will get soaked!