When the time comes to roam the woods, one of the most essential items every outdoorsman considers is shelter. It provides cover and protection from the elements and offers a place to rest, ensuring a good night’s sleep—truly a home away from home.
While shelters can be built from natural materials, most campers and hikers rely on portable systems like tents or tarps. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, which we’ll explore here.
Tents: The Traditional Option
Tents are one of the most common types of shelters. Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small one-person bivouac tents to large family-sized models or even military tents, tents offer versatile shelter options for almost every need. For the purpose of this article, we’ll focus on portable 1-2 person tents that easily fit in any backpack.
Tents are made from different materials, including canvas, nylon, and sil-nylon.
- Canvas tents are known for their rugged durability. They excel in withstanding tough use, and when waxed, they offer excellent waterproofing. Canvas is also fire-retardant, making it a great choice for camping near open fires, as a spark won’t easily burn through it. However, canvas is heavier than synthetic fabrics like nylon or sil-nylon, which can be a drawback for backpackers.
- Nylon and Sil-Nylon tents are lighter, more water-resistant, and typically cheaper, but they’re not as bombproof as canvas. While they offer great durability for most conditions, they’re more vulnerable to damage from sharp objects or excessive wear.
Military surplus tents often offer a blend of both durability and portability. Some tents are designed as two-piece systems, where one person can carry one part, and a companion can carry the other. When combined, these pieces form a 2-person shelter, making them ideal for group camping. Many of these military tents are made from canvas, which adds weight but also increases longevity.
A key advantage of a tent is its ability to house a small stove, turning it into a hot tent for cold-weather camping. Additionally, tents provide privacy and better protection from the elements, offering full coverage on all sides. In contrast, a tarp leaves at least one side exposed.
However, tents have some notable drawbacks:
- Weight and Bulk: Even the lightest bivouac tents are usually heavier than a tarp due to their poles and additional floor mats.
- Setup Complexity: While tents are generally quick to set up, the added components (poles, stakes) can make them more cumbersome compared to tarps.
Tarps: The Minimalist Approach
A tarp is essentially a large piece of cloth—made from materials like canvas, nylon, or sil-nylon—that’s reinforced with grommets or loops for tying down. Tarps come in various sizes, but the most popular for backpackers are 7×7 and 8×8 feet, offering lightweight, portable, and versatile shelter solutions.
The key benefit of a tarp is its versatility. With just a few ropes or natural materials like sticks, you can set up a tarp shelter in several configurations, including:
- Lean-to shelters
- Plow-point or A-frame designs
- Hammock shelters (great for hammock camping)
Tarps are lightweight, typically weighing much less than a comparable tent, and they require fewer components. This makes them ideal for long-distance backpacking where weight is a critical factor.
The breathability of a tarp setup also minimizes condensation, a common issue in tents, as tarps have much better airflow. However, tarps don’t offer the same privacy or full protection from the elements as tents. With at least one side open, you lose shelter from wind, rain, and prying eyes, though this can be mitigated with the right setup.
Other advantages of tarps include:
- Quick Setup: Tarps can be pitched in multiple ways, allowing for swift shelter setup with minimal effort.
- Better Fire Management: The open design allows you to safely build a fire in front of the shelter, which is great for warmth and cooking.
Maintenance: Keeping Your Shelter in Top Shape
Both tents and tarps share similar fabric materials, such as polyester, nylon, sil-nylon, and canvas. The maintenance requirements largely depend on the material.
- Synthetic Materials (like nylon and sil-nylon): These shelters are easy to clean. A mild soap and sponge, followed by air drying, is all you need to maintain them. Be sure to store your tent or tarp completely dry to prevent mold buildup. If you use it frequently in wet environments, you may want to apply a coat of waterproofing spray to restore its water resistance. For long-term storage, store your shelter loosely in a breathable bag to avoid creases and maintain its shape.
- Canvas Shelters (including waxed or oilskin canvas): These require more care. After use, they should be cleaned with a brush or a damp cloth, as harsh detergents or machines can damage the fabric. If your canvas shelter is waxed or oilskin-treated, reapplying wax is essential to maintain its waterproofing. Store your canvas shelter in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew and maintain its durability.
Price Range: Finding the Right Shelter for Your Budget
Shelters are available at a wide range of prices, depending on the material, brand, and features. Here’s a general overview:
- Tents: Entry-level tents made from synthetic materials can cost as little as $50, but high-quality models (especially ultralight options) can reach $500 or more. Military surplus tents made from canvas are often priced lower but may require careful inspection for wear and tear.
- Tarps: Basic tarps start at around $50, but well-made waxed canvas or sil-nylon tarps can go for $100–$200, depending on size and quality. Tarps are generally more affordable than tents, but you’ll need to consider additional factors like the setup and shelter style.
Before purchasing, think about the type of camping you’ll be doing. If you plan on hiking long distances, a lightweight tarp might be your best bet. If you’re camping by car and want more comfort and privacy, a tent may be worth the investment.
Conclusion: The Right Shelter for You
Whether you choose a tent or a tarp, the most important thing is that it meets your needs. The best shelter is the one that will encourage you to get outdoors more often. Think about your priorities—weight, setup time, comfort, and budget—and choose accordingly. In the end, both shelters have their pros and cons, but they all offer an essential element: a way to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort or safety.