If you feel your tent is too small, or too heavy, or too confining, maybe it's time for you to explore the option of sleeping under a tarp instead. Tarps are lightweight, versatile, durable, and inexpensive. Granted, a tarp will not trap in warmth or protect you from bugs, like a tent will, but in most conditions and with a little practice you may find yourself converted.How to choose your tarp

• Tarp material - Plastic tarps don't hold up very well but are cheap enough that you can replace them often. Coated-nylon tarps come with reinforced sides and corners for easy rigging.
• Tarp size - The most versatile tarp size is about 9 by 12 feet - luxurious space for 2 people and their gear and adequate for 3 or even 4. A tarp measuring 11 by 14 feet will handle 4 campers comfortably. Because the outer margins of tarp-covered ground are usually only barely protected, usable space quickly approaches the vanishing point if your tarp is smaller than 9 by 12 feet. <ul>What to bring.
  • Grommets or cord for tying - If your tarp doesn't have grommets, sew on permanent loops of fabric, such as nylon or trill tape, before leaving home. Alternatively, you can just tie off each corner around a small cone or pebble from the campsite. Take along some lightweight cord to string the tarp and perhaps a few light stakes.
  • Ground sheet - Put down a waterproof ground sheet, but if rain results in a surprise flood, be ready to move camp.

Backpack: Bear Country: Basics

Backpack: Bear Country: Camping & Food Security

Backpack: Bear Country: Hiking & Bear Encounters

Backpack: Desert: Basics

Backpack: Desert: Camping Considerations

Backpack: Desert: Hazards

Backpack: Desert: Hiking

Backpack: Desert: Water & Food: Dry Camping

Backpack: Desert: Water & Food: Finding & Carrying

Backpack: Desert: Water & Food: Food

Backpack: Finding Water

Backpack: Fitness

Backpack: Food & Water: Plan Meals

Backpack: Food & Water: Repackage

Backpack: Fording Rivers

Backpack: Highcountry: Basics

Backpack: Highcountry: Camping Considerations

Backpack: Highcountry: Hazards

Backpack: Highcountry: Hiking on Scree & Talus

Backpack: In Camp: Bathing

Backpack: In Camp: Campfire: Basics

Backpack: In Camp: Campfire: in the Rain

Backpack: In Camp: Campfire: Low-Impact Fires

Backpack: In Camp: Cooking/Camp Kitchen

Backpack: In Camp: Food Storage

Backpack: In Camp: Ideal Campsite

Backpack: In Camp: Making Camp in Adverse Conditions

Backpack: In Camp: Managing Human Waste

Backpack: In Camp: Sleeping Warm

Backpack: In Camp: Washing Dishes

Backpack: In Camp: Women's Sanitation Concerns

Backpack: Packing Your Pack

Backpack: Plan Your Trip

Backpack: Putting on Your Pack

Backpack: Staying Found: Emergency Signaling

Backpack: Staying Found: How to Use a Compass

Backpack: Staying Found: Why Carry a Compass?

Backpack: Treating Water

Backpack: What to Bring: Clothes