Tarp for camping (outdoor use)

TARP

Don't need a tarp for camping? Necessity, advantages and disadvantages

A tarp is useful as a sunshade and rain shield when camping. With a tarp, you can protect yourself from strong sunlight or sudden rain, allowing you to camp with peace of mind.

However, it is not only a good thing, as it is inconvenient to carry because it increases the amount of luggage, and it takes time to set up. This time, we will introduce the advantages, disadvantages, and necessity of such a tarp in detail.

Benefits of using a tarp

A tarp is an item that can be used as a roof when outdoors. Like the roof of a house, it serves as a sunshade and rain shield, so you can create shade during summer camping and stay dry even when it rains.

Not only does it prevent your body and belongings from getting wet, but it also allows you to cook outside the tent on rainy days. With just a tarp, you can always enjoy a spacious and comfortable camping experience, regardless of the weather. Another appeal is that you can arrange the space according to the type of tarp and how it is stretched by arranging tables, chairs, and other gear to your liking.

Disadvantages of using a tarp

Poles are required to set up a tarp, which means you have to carry a lot of luggage, which makes it difficult to carry. Although it protects against rain, it is weak against strong winds and may be difficult to use in windy locations such as along the coast.

Additionally, setting up a tarp can take some time to get used to. When you first start camping, you may not be able to enjoy camping because it takes too much time to set up. If you plan to use a tarp, check the weather and climate of the area where you will be camping in advance. If this is your first time, it is best to prepare for the setup procedure.

When is a tarp used?

Tarps are especially useful during the rainy season, when the sun is strong and there is a lot of rain, when a roof is needed. It is also useful for solo camping, where you can camp with just a tarp during fall and winter when there are no insects.

When camping under a tarp, you don't need to carry a tent and you don't have to carry much luggage, so it's a popular style that allows you to enjoy camping easily. The area under the tarp can also be used as a living room, expanding the living space even when camping with a large number of people, so it is convenient to have one.

Points to consider when choosing a tarp

There are four points to consider when choosing a tarp:

shape of tarp
Decide the size based on the number of users
material
Check functionality such as water pressure resistance and light blocking properties.

Please refer to this when choosing a tarp.

Point 1: Check the shape of the tarp

Tarps come in a variety of shapes, and the difficulty of setting them up and the intended use will vary depending on the shape.

hexa tarp

Hexagonal tarp. It is easy to set up among tarps and has a beautiful hexagonal shape. This style is popular among a wide range of campers, from beginners to advanced campers, as it is easy to adjust to suit your camping style and weather.

wing tarp

Diamond-shaped tarp. Some products can be set up with a single pole, making them easy to set up, lightweight, and compact in storage. It is easy to carry and is popular among touring and solo campers. However, since the area used is small, you need to be careful about the number of people who can use it.

square tarp

Square or rectangular tarp. This type takes a long time to set up if you are not used to it, but it has a large usable area and is very useful as a camping living room! Ideal for camping with a large number of people, such as group camping and family camping.

screen tarp

A freestanding tarp that resembles a tent. The four poles firmly support the tarp, providing excellent stability and livability. However, because it has many skeleton parts, it is bulky when stored, and it takes time to set up.

car side tarp

A tarp that is connected to the side or back of a car. You can easily create a living space by simply attaching it to your car. There are various types such as roof-only types and fully closed types, which protect your private space from the rain and the sun.

Point 2: Decide the size based on the number of users

Decide the size of the tarp based on the number of people using it. If the tarp is smaller than the number of users, the area under the tarp will be cramped, while if the tarp is larger than the number of users, there will be too much space and the site will become unbalanced. As a guideline, choose a tarp with a width of about 3m for 1 to 2 people, 4m for 3 to 4 people, and 5m or more for 6 or more people for a comfortable and balanced use.

Point 3: Recommended materials are TC material and polyester.

Tarp materials mainly include polyester, cotton, and TC materials.

polyester

It is a well-balanced material that is lightweight, easy to carry, has excellent water pressure resistance and quick drying properties. However, it has the disadvantage of being weak against fire and easily punctured by sparks. When using it, be careful about the distance from fire.

cotton

The material is moisture absorbent, breathable, and fire resistant. However, it is heavy and once it absorbs moisture, it is difficult to dry.

Also, many products have low water pressure resistance, so they may leak during bad weather. You need to be careful about the weather when using it.

TC material

A mixed material containing polyester and cotton is called TC (technical cotton) material. It combines the lightness, quick-drying, and water resistance of polyester with the flame retardant properties of cotton. Although it is not as lightweight as polyester, we recommend tarps made of TC material or polyester because they allow you to enjoy camping without worrying about sparks or weather.

TOKYO CRAFTS also carries Macaon TC made from TC material.

Point 4: Water pressure resistance and light blocking properties should also be checked.

When camping, you can't predict the weather and it may start raining suddenly. Therefore, you should also check the "water pressure resistance" to see how much rain it can withstand.

Basically, if the water pressure resistance is 1,000mm to 1,500mm, it is functionally safe. The higher the number, the better the water resistance. Also, if you spend a lot of time under the tarp on days with strong sunlight, check its light blocking properties.

Products with excellent light blocking properties have a description such as "light blocking rate 〇〇%". In many cases, the UV protection rate is also listed, so if you are placing importance on light blocking properties or UV protection, be sure to check the product details carefully.

Items needed when setting up a tarp

The following four items are required when setting up a tarp. Tarp pole Guy rope Peg Hammer Some items are bundled with the tarp, so when purchasing a tarp, check the set contents and purchase any items that are not included.

① Tarp pole

The number of poles varies from 1 to 4 depending on the shape of the tarp, but basically you need two poles to support the tarp. Most tarps come with the correct number of poles, but you may need to purchase poles separately.

When purchasing tarp poles, pay attention to the length of the pole. If it is too long, it will be difficult to set up and the sun and rain protection will be less effective, and if it is too short, the living space will become cramped. If you don't know the length, you can purchase a pole with adjustable length.

② Guy rope

Guy ropes are necessary ropes to secure the tarp. Guy ropes are also often included. However, because the rope is long, it can get tangled or break. You won't be able to set up a tarp without guy ropes, so even if it comes with a set, it's a good idea to have a few spares.

③Peg

This is a necessary item to secure the guy rope. In most cases, the required number of pegs for setup is included. However, the pegs in the set are often made of aluminum, which is lightweight and short, and may not be usable depending on the ground conditions. In addition to the set pegs, it is a good idea to prepare strong, long forged pegs.

④Hammer

Hammer required for driving in pegs. A steel hammer is recommended for driving into metal. There are also easy-to-handle rubber hammers and lightweight plastic hammers, so choose a hammer that suits the hardness of the ground and your camping style.

Enjoy arranging your site using a tarp that can also be used as a sunshade or rain shield!

We told you about the advantages and disadvantages of tarps, and how to choose one. Tarps provide sun and rain protection and can expand your living space. You can use the site spaciously, so you can spend your time camping comfortably. Be sure to choose a tarp that suits your camping style and is easy to set up and enjoy. And enjoy various site arrangements!