Camping Tarps & Shelters

The ultimate minimalist shelter, the ultralight bivouac tarp is a simple sheet of fabric pitched to protect you from rain and wind, for next to no weight. Versatile and close to nature, it's the choice of those who swear by travelling light. Here's how to use it.

The tarp, the minimalist shelter

A tarp is a waterproof sheet that you pitch above yourself, using cordage and a few pegs or walking poles. It protects you from rain and wind without the walls of a tent: it's the minimalist's shelter, ultralight and close to nature. You sleep underneath it, directly on the ground on a mat, or alongside a hammock.

An ultralight, versatile tarp, from roof to shelter

Its main advantage is weight: a tarp weighs a fraction of a tent and packs down into almost nothing. Versatile by nature, it can be pitched in multiple ways depending on wind and terrain: as a roof, as an enclosed shelter, or as a windbreak. This freedom of setup takes a bit of practice, but gives you total adaptability to changing weather and landscapes.

Protection and limitations

A tarp protects well against rain and offers excellent airflow. However, it has no midge net or groundsheet, so you're more exposed to insects and ground moisture than you would be in a tent. For a fully enclosed, protected shelter, an ultralight tent remains the better choice. Compare options in our range of shelters.

What's it best for?

Ideal for ultralight walking, wild camping in fair to moderate weather, and anyone who loves simplicity, a tarp takes a little skill to pitch well. Once you've got the hang of it, it gives you an effective shelter that keeps you close to nature, for a remarkably low weight. A firm favourite among minimalist hikers, it shields you from sun and rain alike: on treks and camping trips, a well-pitched waterproof sheet becomes a reliable shelter for next to no weight at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bivouac tarp?

It's a waterproof sheet pitched above you with guy lines, pegs or poles, to protect you from rain and wind. Ultralight and minimalist, it replaces the tent for a record-low pack weight, bringing you as close to nature as possible.

Does a tarp really protect you from the rain?

Yes, when pitched properly and angled to shed water, it gives effective protection from rain while still offering good ventilation. You'll need to adapt the pitch to suit the wind; without full walls, though, you're still more exposed than you would be in a tent.

Tarp or ultralight tent?

A tarp is lighter and more versatile, but without an inner mesh or groundsheet, it leaves you more exposed to insects and damp. An ultralight tent offers a fully enclosed, protected shelter for a slightly higher weight. The choice comes down to how much comfort you want on the trail.

How to pitch a tarp?

Pitch it between two anchor points (trees, trekking poles) using guylines, then peg the corners to the ground, angling it to let rainwater run off. There are plenty of configurations depending on the wind - a bit of practice helps.

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