Was skeptical about those $30 tarp shelters but now I use one every trip | Camping Gear Reviews - Freelance Forum - The Community for Independent Professionals
Was skeptical about those $30 tarp shelters but now I use one every trip
I used to think ground tarps were just for under your tent, not for sleeping under them directly. About 2 years ago my buddy brought a cheap blue tarp setup to a campsite in the Smokies and I laughed at him. Then a storm rolled in at 3am and his shelter held solid while my tent leaked like crazy. He paid $28 for the tarp and some paracord, my tent was $200. Now I bring a silnylon tarp on most trips when the weather looks iffy. Has anyone else gone back to basics with gear and ended up liking it more?
Oh man that reminds me of this time I was out in the desert and some guy showed up with just a tarp and a poncho liner. We all thought he was nuts but then a windstorm came through and blew down half the tents in camp. His tarp was still standing with a couple rocks on the corners. Made me rethink my whole setup honestly. Have you ever tried just sleeping under a tarp in bad weather?
My buddy Mike bought a $20 hardware store tarp for a week in the Smokies and we all roasted him. Then a flash flood hit and his dry patch of ground was the only spot not under water.