Tarps and Shelters

Recent Tarp/Shelter Reviews

My Trail Poncho UL Tarp

For those willing to accept compromises in the pursuit of a low pack weight, the Poncho UL Tarp provides a reasonably durable, value option for rain gear, pack cover, and shelter—with a few important caveats. The Poncho UL Tarp is at its best as rain wear, pack cover, and shelter in more moderate conditions, but high winds or sustained heavy rain can make the user vulnerable to the elements. However, due to its versatility, it is an ideal multi-use item for day packs, emergency bags, etc. What… Full review

Hennessy Hammock Asym Hex

It's my portable veranda. At 33.7 ounces it's the heaviest part of my newest shelter system. The Hennessy Hex covers a lot of ground or a hammock, then some. This pairs with an XL 78" wide nylon hammock and a separate over-sized bug net enclosure. With these components I can be comfortable in all seasons. In fair weather I can use the bug net on the ground strung loose between two trekking poles and a large mylar emergency blanket inside it for a ground cover at a weight of 11.8 ozs. The XL hammock… Full review

BlueField Emergency Tarp

A lightweight simple tarp tough enough for general use. Suitable for one person, it measures 8 ft 6 in x 5 ft. This is advertised as an emergency one-person tarp sturdy enough for multiple times of use. Made from a light polyester PU proofed to 3000 hydrostatic head with six brass grommets and a zip-up carry bag with ample room for guy lines (not supplied). At 8 ft 6 in X 5 ft it is just enough to cover you with careful site selection and a tight pitch. My setup with six guy lines and eight carbon… Full review

Six Moon Designs Deschutes

This tarp is well made, spacious, and not difficult to pitch. It's essentially the more popular Lunar Solo, but without a floor/net. I've used this tarp on a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail, and in various trips in the Rockies, Ontario, Quebec, and the eastern U.S. It is easy to pitch, requiring one pole, and is well sewn so it's not terribly difficult to manage a taut pitch. It packs down very small, about the size of a Nalgene if necessary. Like all single-wall shelters, condensation can build… Full review

Kelty Noah's Tarp 12

Excellent versatile tarp that is extremely rain and wind resistant. Every camper/backpacker should own at least one of these! I own this tarp in the 12' and 9' size and love them so much. They can be set up in so many different ways. There are guide loops along one diagonal seam if you want to string a rope through them. There are also loops along the edges to create a shelter in any situation. There are poles that can be purchased separately to prop up one or two corners to create a raised shelter… Full review

Hennessy Hammock Expedition Asym Zip

Lightweight, versatile, comfortable, easy to use, but it has some drawbacks in certain areas. I've used this for over 10 years. I've even used it while taking a 47' Motor Lifeboat across the great lakes, and could manage to still put it up after a day of nasty Lake Erie sloughing waves. It goes up easy, is quick to use, versatile, and packs up really nice. Airline friendly as well. The downsides are simple; you have airflow on all sides, so it gets cold easier. If there are no trees or hammock stands,… Full review

Sierra Designs High Side 1

The Sierra Designs High Side tent is a good compromise between weight and space with a low profile, roomy if low interior, and intuitive setup. The 2-pound tent comes with poles and does not require trekking poles. The High Side 1 tent is a new tent from Sierra Designs, a company that is known for innovative designs at a reasonable price. This one-person, non-freestanding tent is lightweight, compact and intuitive to set up. The packed size is smaller than most due to the short length of the included… Full review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear UltaMid 2

Ultralite secure shelter. I've long been a fan of floorless single wall shelters. To me the advantages of space per weight, dry pitch, flexibility of just how much to bring along, tracking dirt in onto...the ground, more than offset the disadvantages of fussier pitch, condensation control, and BYO bug protection. I've been a fan of pyramid tents since I first got a Chouinard MegaMid. The Ultamids from HMG are what the MegaMid wanted to be. The UM 2 is a pretty easy pitch since it has a rectangular… Full review

Appy Trails Mark III

Cost-effective lightweight shelter for 1+ The AT MKIII could conceivably shelter three people, but not any of their gear. It is even a bit cozy for two, but is spacious bordering on luxurious for one. Light weight (21.25 oz / 602 g + 4.65 oz / 132 g for the included pole set) makes this a viable solo option. I have a deep-seated distrust of grommets, especially if it's possible that tension could be pulled in any direction other than exactly parallel to the fabric. I would never put a tent stake… Full review