Tarps and Shelters

Recent Tarp/Shelter Reviews

MSR Front Range Tarp Shelter

This all-season pyramid tarp shelter is both lightweight and spacious, providing the best of both worlds for weathering a storm, or overnight hiking trips. Just over 1.5 pounds, this shelter uses trekking poles as the center-support which is approximately 5'4" at the apex. MSR's Front Range Tarp Shelter is a floorless design (Bug/Floor Insert available separately, 1lb 15oz) that is ideal for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts—day hikers that want an emergency shelter, overnight backpackers, or… Full review

Kelty Noah's Tarp 12

Excellent tarp, durable with multiple tie-down loops. I used this tarp in AK to shield meat in game bags and in heavy rain and 40 mph winds it held up on the Tundra.  We also used a second one on a Browning Tent because the rain was coming in. It was essential for keeping us dry.   Full review

Eagles Nest Outfitters HouseFly Rain Tarp

This tarp is unlike any other that I have used. If you are looking for a hammock tarp that offers you more coverage than most tarps, then this is for you. I bought this tarp for the sole reason it had doors on both ends. I had not seen a tarp like this before. I used it in a storm this past weekend and it performed perfectly. No water entry at all. I stayed bone dry. It is pretty lightweight at 29 ounces and is much larger than other tarps I have used. It is 10'8" x 8'10". You can tie this one off… Full review

Tentsmiths Forester Tent

Very poor customer service. Tent loops too small. The tent's loops are too small to use a large enough (i.e. strong enough) stick/branch to support the tent. I have asked repeatedly what type of pole is intended and Deborah passes my email to Peter who never responds. There is no real photo of this tent in use, only a drawing that I tried to emulate, without any success due to the loops being about 2-3 sizes too small. The end effect is that the top of the tent sags, which then causes water to collect… Full review

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