High Sierra Topix

OK--this is funny: https://www.backpacker.com/stories/essa ... tarp-camp/

That is pretty funny and true. When I see articles or hear a friend talk about using a tarp I think what a great idea. But when compared to todays ultralight tents I'll skip the bugs and rain thank you.

It wasn't supposed to snow, but we loved tarp camping. When not snowing/raining, we just cowboy camped on top of the tarp.
We carried two back then. Made the Burrito with zip ties.

This was Trinity on a deer/bear hunt. So, we made a shelter and had good bags.
It was a heavy trip anyway, but I agree a tarp tent is a great improvement.

One of my favorite trips ever was a trip where the last day we were camped near the Tyndall Creek ranger station. The ranger at the time told us a winter storm warning had been put in place and "Recommended" that we batten down the hatches because a nasty storm was going to hit. He actually was telling us not to move. This was June. We were in for a treat. Light rain, some sleet, winds and snow-thunder.

While I didn't sleep for about 3 hours of the night because the storm was raging loudly, I was cozy, dry and warm in my tarp.


Tarp camping is THE best wilderness experience and beats camping in a tent any day. The article is filled with sillyness.

Nice. We had a similar experience years ago in Yosemite...but with a tent:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ejrqz3qidZhMiYHi6

@balzaccom beautiful photo.

Many of the new tents can be set up with the fly only, which is essentially tarp camping, the advantage being the ability to set up above timber. Tarps have their advantage and are not necessarily less weather-proof than a tent but they take a bit more skill to set up. In rainy areas I have observed that groups often take one tarp when they have tents, so they have one rain sheltered place to cook and hang out as a group. And if you do not have the money to buy an expensive tent, tarps will still work in many cases, and provide an entry-level lower cost shelter. I have spent many days and nights under a tarp and survived just fine. It is not an either/or question to me. I have tents, a tarp, and a bivy. Granted, I use the tent most often, but I still like having several shelter options.