Tarps and Shelters

Recent Tarp/Shelter Reviews

GoLite Hex 3 Shelter

I use this on short duration backpacking trips and it is great for two people or one person and a bike/dog. Combine with the matching nest and it is excellent in buggy climes. I use it mostly without the nest. I love this tee-pee (single pole) design over the dome type tents. I've had this tent for a number of years and among the dozen tents I own it is still my favorite. Best combination of space and lightweight. In buggy areas the Nest (bug net and floor) are a good idea. I mostly use it in fall/winter… Full review

Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape

Why I no longer use this as rain gear: In wind it blows all over the place unless tied at the waist. Hand and arms are exposed. Maybe not an issue for some, but if you are using hiking poles, your arms will be constantly exposed and rain will most like seep further up into your clothing. Want to get something out of your pack while it is still raining? It is possible, but not convenient to get your pack on and off without getting wet. Next, suppose it is still pouring rain when you want to put up… Full review

Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape

Shelter AND rainwear in one svelte package! For those looking to shed serious weight, it's tough to beat a beat a shelter AND rainwear that weighs in at 13 ounces for both! The new Gatewood Capes are made from a slightly lighter fabric and now weigh in at a very svelte 10 ounces (15% lighter than the previous version). My entire setup consists of the Gatewood Cape, six lightweight stakes, guy lines and 5 mini biners for a total weight of 13 ounces.  The biners are used to facilitate a quick change… Full review

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