Tarpaulin, commonly referred to as a tarp, is a heavy-duty fabric made from materials such as plastic, vinyl, canvas or rubber. Tarps are flexible, waterproof, and windproof making them a very versatile material for creating makeshift shelters and tents.
Choosing the right tarpaulin material
When choosing your tarp material, there are a few factors to consider:
Plastic tarpaulins
Plastic tarps are very cheap and waterproof but can tear easily. Best for temporary use such as a short-term camping trip or construction project. Plastic Tarpaulin is lightweight and pack down small, making them convenient for transportation. However, their durability is low – plastic tarps may only last one or two uses before sustaining tears or holes when staked out as a shelter.
Vinyl tarpaulins
Vinyl tarps are more durable than plastic, resist tearing better than plastic due to their thicker material, and are still completely waterproof. Vinyl makes a good basic affordable tarp material that will withstand more use than a plastic tarp. While heavier duty than plastic, vinyl tarps are still lightweight. They are a popular choice for 3-season tarp tent use.
Canvas tarpaulins
Canvas tarps are the most heavy-duty option, as canvas is an extremely tough and resilient fabric. Canvas tarps can easily withstand years of regular use and exposure to the elements. However, plain canvas is not fully waterproof – it will absorb water like any natural fabric. To be made water-resistant, canvas must be treated with a sealant. Even when sealed, canvas may still allow some water to seep through in very hard rains. Canvas tarps are best suited to 3 season use in dry conditions or mounted above the user’s head as a roof.
Synthetic materials like nylon
Synthetic materials like nylon have surpassed canvas as the top choice for many serious outdoor enthusiasts. Tarpaulins are light, durable, water-resistant without needing re-treatment like canvas, withstand uv damage better than vinyl or plastic, and dry quickly. Nylon offers the best features of the other materials without their drawbacks, making it an excellent long-term tarp tent choice. However, nylon also tends to be the most expensive material option.
Types of basic tarpaulin tent designs
A-Frame
A-Frame – The simplest design, like a triangular tent. It is formed by tying the corners of one long edge of the tarp to a central ridgeline pole. This creates a sloped roof shape using only one tarp. The A-frame is excellent for ventiliation and works well in windy conditions since it has a low profile. It also packs down very small, making it a convenient backpacking shelter. However, headroom may be limited. An A-frame tarp tent is best for 1-2 people.
Lean-To
Lean-To – A lean-to forms a covered sleeping area on one end with an open front. It is created by anchoring one short end of the tarp at an angle from the ground to a ridgeline pole at the other end, leaving the front open. This design provides overhead protection from rain or sun while allowing users to see out of the open front. However, it offers less protection from wind and weather coming in from the front. A lean-to works well for 1-3 people.
Diamond Design
The diamond design is a variation of the A-frame that uses two tarps joined at the peak to form an expansive covered space under the ridgeline. It is made by placing two tarps overlapping in the shape of a diamond, with poles or ropes forming the ridgeline and sides. This creates one of the most covered spaces of any tarp tent design but is more complex to set up. It works well for 2 or more people.
Hammock Tarpaulin
A hammock tarp Shelter is supported by tree straps or poles at each end, used to cover a hammock sleeping system. It provides overhead protection from rain and sun for a hammock suspended between trees.
FAQs
Can kids help make tarp tents?
Absolutely! Making a tarp tent is a fun project that can help develop kids’ skills. Just be mindful of helping with any parts that use sharp tools or materials. Kids can help select the tarp material, tie basic knots, hammer stakes, and set up poles under adult guidance. Making a shelter engages kids’ natural curiosity about the outdoors.
Conclusion
With basic materials like tarps, rope, and poles, anyone can create their own versatile and budget-friendly tarp tent shelter. Whether you’re a camper looking to travel light, a hiker needing a backup shelter, or someone interested in preparedness, being able to construct an improvised tarp tent is an invaluable skill.
Read More Articles: https://wallstimes.com/