Outdoor Blog
Tarp Camping: Beginner’s Guide to Camping Without a Tent

Camping with a tent can be challenging at times. You might be camping with lots of people and not a lot of tents, so you could feel crowded. There’s an easy solution: tarp camping. It provides the same safety from the rain that tents do, and it gives you lots of room for lots of people. It’s also a convenient way for backpackers to camp!
What is Tarp Camping?
First things first, what is tarp camping? It’s really simple; it’s just regular camping, but with a tarp as your shelter instead of a tent. It’s incredibly versatile while on a backpacking trip through the backcountry. Tarp camping pairs very well with bivy sacks.
For those who don’t know, bivy sack is short for bivouac sack, and a bivy is an ultralight single-person shelter that is basically a cover for your sleeping bag. Bivy sacks are good for minimalist hikers, but they don’t protect from heavy rainstorms. This is why the bivy sack and tarps are great for light backpacking.
Why Try Tarp Camping?
Tarp camping is great for a multitude of reasons. They’re very light because they have less material and equipment than regular tents; tarps cover lots of space, especially headroom. They’re a lot cheaper than tents, and they’re very versatile.
Tarps are also very durable; their heavy-duty, but simple design makes breaks or rips much less likely. Tarps are also very adaptable, so you can configure them into any shape you want. Tarp camping is most popular among hikers. Backpacking tarp is more convenient because of the reasons above.

Tarps are very common among backpackers because of their lightweight and durable design.
What Kind of Tarp Works Best?
The type of tarp doesn’t matter when it comes to tarp camping. Regular blue tarps are just as easy to use as the tarps that are sold by outdoor brands. Tarps are sold anywhere from Lowe’s to REI, and they range from $5 to $60. Tarps also range in material, durability, and quality. No matter which tarp you decide to go with, the most expensive tarp will still be hundreds of dollars less than a high-quality tent.
The type of tent you pick depends on what suits your lifestyle. If you’re an avid camper who wants to start tarp camping, for the time being, you might want to consider buying a heavy-duty tarp that will last you a long time. If you want to try tarp camping but you’re worried it might not be for you, you should consider getting a tarp that is cheaper.
If you’re the type of hiker who likes to go on long trips with lots of supplies, you should think about getting a tarp that is the lightest available. Whatever kind of tarp you want to buy, just make sure that it has grommets so you can set it up properly.
What Kind of Designs Do Tarps Come In?
There are a few different tarp designs. One of them is an asymmetrical tarp, which is usually used with an asymmetrical hammock. These types of tarps aren’t typically seen on the ground because they have bad coverage for the regular sleeping positions. The most classic shape of tarp is the square shape. Most square tarps are generously sized so you can spread out with all your gear or have multiple people camp with you.
Rectangular tarps are very similar to square tarps; however, they are more popular among solo campers than camping groups. One of the main problems with rectangular tarps is that the narrower they are, the less they protect you from the elements. So, be careful when trying to buy the lightest one because it might not be the best one for you.
Tapered tarps are just rectangular tarps that are narrower at the foot end than the head end. These tarps can be trickier to use and take longer to make, but they are good for ultralight backpackers. The final type of tarp design is the catenary cut or cat cut for short.
These kinds of tarps are made to spread the tension applied by the ropes and ridgeline so that there aren’t any floppy edges. They cost a lot, and you aren’t always able to set them up in a full pitch. Because of this, they aren’t always the best for what you’ll spend on them.
What Are the Different Kinds of Tarp Material?
There are three main materials that are used in camping tarps. Silnylon is a manmade fiber that is basically nylon covered in silicone. It’s very affordable and durable, which makes it great for backpackers. Out of all the tarp materials, silnylon is the heaviest.
Dyneema Composite used to be called Cuben Fiber, and it’s very light. The bad part about it is that it’s very expensive, so the cost doesn’t outweigh the advantages. Silpoly is a lot like silnylon; it’s polyester mixed with silicone. Out of the three materials, it has the best balance of durability and affordability.
What Else Do You Need to Tarp Camp?
Tarp camping also requires ropes. While the type of rope also doesn’t particularly matter, a utility cord, paracord, or guyline would work best. These kinds of ropes can be found at any outdoor retailer. The type of rope you want also depends on how you want to set up your tarp shelter. If you want the widest choice of tarps and ropes, Amazon has a wide selection of everything you’ll need.
You need to make sure that your ropes and guylines are very durable because they take the brunt of the weather you’ll experience outdoors. Dyneema core rope is the best out there because of its strength. If you want a lighter cord that is still as strong as Dyneema, DynaGlide is what you’ll want to use. Just make sure that you get the best rope for your needs.
How Do You Make a Tarp Into a Tent?
There are a few ways to set up your tarp tent. However you want to sleep, tarp camping offers lots of versatility when it comes to this. How you set up your tarp also depends on what environment you’re in. Sometimes, the best way to set up your tarp is by simply laying it on the ground and putting your sleeping bag on top.
This way works best if you’re a hot sleeper. It provides some insulation from the ground and keeps you safe from bugs. However, be sure that inclement weather isn’t in the area unless you want to get soaked. You can also put a sleeping pad on top of the tarp if you want even more protection from the ground.
Another way to set up your tarp is by making it into a lean-to. This is a great way to still be in nature without being fully exposed to the elements. This can be created by using a small tree, a stick, or a few ropes to tether the tarp down. One thing to make sure of is that the tarp is not uphill from you!
One way to set up your tarp is a classic: the a-frame. This setup is great because it fits into tight spaces that other tents won’t fit in. To form the frame, use hiking poles as you would use tent stakes and put them at opposite ends of your shelter. Then, throw your tarp over the poles and climb right in! The a-frame is great for bad weather conditions because the heavy rain will fall right off the side of the tarp.
You can also make your tarp into a hammock! Tie your rope to the tarp, and then, tie it to two trees like you would a regular hammock. Once it feels secure, climb on in! Hammock tarps are good for when the ground is too wet or cold to lay on.

Hammocks are a great way to camp, and they pair with tarps very well.
Are There Any Downsides to Tarp Camping?
One of the cons of tarp camping is no protection from nature. Most campers like tents because they offer a great way to shield yourself from the outside world while being outside. Tarps can give campers protection from the weather, but they can’t give any protection from bugs or animals. If you want to camp with a tarp, you should consider getting a bug net, especially if you don’t like bugs.
Another con of tarp camping is weather-related. Freezing temperatures can make tarp camping very dangerous. When the temperatures get too low, you might want to try a tent that is well insulated.
Where’s The Best Area to Try Tarp Camping?
Some places are not that great for tarp camping. They could have a lot of bugs or the ground could be wet. If the area you’re hiking in is very buggy, you should try to find a campsite that has a good breeze and isn’t close to a water source because bugs tend to stay in humid areas near water. Unless you choose to have a flat tarp setup or you don’t have a groundsheet, you shouldn’t camp in a place that has bad drainage.
Dished campsites, gullies, and depressions should all be avoided when tarp camping. If you’re hiking high elevations, your campsite options might be limited if you’re not using trekking poles. You should try to get below the tree line if you’re up high and bad weather is coming. Also, if you don’t have trekking poles, try finding a few large sticks to support your shelter.
Which States are Best for Tarp Camping?
While you can tarp camp just about anywhere, some states in the US provide optimum sites to tarp camp. The best states for tarp camping have multiple national parks or seaside campsites. From sea to summit, tarp camping is easier in certain states.
California has lots of places to try tarp camping. Between Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and the beaches of Malibu, California offers so many places to pitch your tarp like a tent. In Yosemite, there are lots of trees to try any of the setups. There are also so many things to do, like bird watching, rock climbing, and hiking.
In Joshua Tree National Park, there are miles of desert land to explore. The main thing to do in this park is to visit the oldest trees in the world. Malibu has two campgrounds: Malibu Creek State Park and Leo Carrillo State Park. Leo Carrillo State Park is beachfront, and it has campsites that are perfect for tarp camping. Malibu Creek State Park has lots of access to California’s wildlife.
Utah has three state parks: East Canyon State Park, Red Fleet State Park, and Antelope Island State Park. East Canyon is most popular for fishing and boating in the reservoir on its grounds. Red Fleet State Park is home to the region where many dinosaur fossils were found, so you can sleep right where dinosaurs roamed the earth. Antelope Island has so much wildlife that you might see an antelope, a bighorn sheep, or a bison walk by!
The state of Tennessee has two national parks and one state park that are great for tarp camping. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has lots of campsites that range along the east side of the state, and the campsites range from frontcountry to backcountry.
The Cherokee National Forest is beautiful in autumn because all 650,000 acres change colors, and you can set up just about anywhere in the forest without a permit. Fall Creek State Park is home to one of the largest waterfalls in the eastern US, Fall Creek Falls. However, the park also has gorges, rivers, and lakes for everyone to explore.
Washington state is home to Olympic National Park and Skyline Lake. Inside Olympic National Park is the Lake of the Angels, which is a beautiful body of water named for its seclusion and scenery. However, you will need a permit for backcountry camping. Skyline Lake is perfect for snow sport enthusiasts who want to spend the night next to the lake. Make sure you know the dangers of tarp camping before you try it in freezing temperatures.
Maine has two parks: Acadia National Park and Baxter State Park. Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the east coast, sits in Acadia National Park. While backcountry camping isn’t allowed here, the beautiful wildlife makes up for it. Baxter State Park is the place to go if you want a backcountry experience. It has one of the country’s most extensive forest management systems, so it’s great for hanging a hammock.
The state of Wyoming has Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, so it has lots of areas to camp. Grand Teton is perfect for campers who like everything because you can visit swampy wetlands and ice glaciers during the same trip.
Grand Teton is also home to Jackson Hole, which is known worldwide for its natural beauty. Yellowstone is one of the most well-known national parks because of its commitment to rehabilitating the local wolf population. Make sure to keep that fact in mind while tarp camping in the backcountry!

These rapids run along the road that separates Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
Final Verdict
Florida has three state parks and one national park. Blue Springs State Park holds a large population of manatees, so it’s great for people who love to view wildlife while camping. You can also go scuba diving and snorkeling off the shore. Ichetucknee Springs State Park is most well known for snorkeling in the clear water of Blue Hole and tubing in the springs. Don’t forget to look out for gopher tortoises and Sherman’s fox squirrels!
Little Talbot Island State Park’s website says that setting up a hammock and tarp is one of the best ways to camp there. There are ancient sand dunes, natural coastline beaches, and great off-shore paddling. Lastly, Ocala National Forest is 387,000 acres of protected sand pine scrub forest. Camping is available year-round here, which makes it a great place to try tarp camping any time of the year.
Outdoor Blog
Living Life on the Edge: Embracing Adrenaline-Fueled Moments

Life is an adventure, a journey filled with countless opportunities for thrill and excitement. For some, the idea of living life on the edge, embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is an exhilarating concept that fuels their passion for adventure. This article delves into the world of adrenaline-chasing, highlighting the benefits and experiences of such a lifestyle.
Kitesurfing: Riding the waves of excitement
The first step to living on the edge is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Kitesurfing, a water sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding elements, is an excellent example of an adrenaline-fueled activity. The activity entails utilizing a sizable maneuverable kite to capture the force of the wind, enabling the rider to traverse the water on a board specifically designed for kiteboarding. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of soaring through the air, feeling the breeze caress your cheeks, and mastering the art of maneuvering a kite. Kitesurfing is a remarkable adventure that captures the spirit of embracing excitement and pushing boundaries.
The psychological thrill
In addition to the excitement of the tangible experience, embracing a daring lifestyle offers a mental rush that is just as stimulating. Engaging in these activities provides an exhilarating experience that stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s innate pain relievers. This results in a profound sense of joy and an overwhelming feeling of invulnerability. The thrill of this frenzy can become habit-forming, compelling thrill-seekers to pursue fresh and increasingly demanding adventures consistently.
The benefits of embracing the edge
Embracing a daring lifestyle goes beyond pursuing excitement; it presents many advantages. Participating in thrilling adventures can enhance physical well-being, as numerous pursuits demand robustness, stamina, and skill. Furthermore, they have the potential to enhance one’s emotional well-being by offering a means to alleviate tension and unease. Engaging in these activities demands concentration, which can effectively alleviate mental clutter, resulting in a serene state once the surge of excitement diminishes.
The balance of risk and reward
While living life on the edge can be exhilarating, it’s important to remember the balance of risk and reward. Adrenaline-fueled activities often involve a certain level of risk, and it’s essential to approach them with a healthy respect for safety. Proper training, equipment, and precautions can help mitigate these risks, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without unnecessary danger.
Always research your activities and location. This understanding can help you decide if the risk is acceptable and if you have the skills and equipment. Check and maintain your gear, and never sacrifice safety. Finally, embracing adventure with a responsible and safety-conscious mentality lets you enjoy high-risk activities without risking injury.
Living life on the edge embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is a lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of thrill, excitement, and personal growth. Whether kitesurfing across the waves, scaling a mountain, or skydiving from a plane, these activities provide an escape from the mundane, a chance to challenge oneself, and an opportunity to experience life at its most vibrant. So, step out of your comfort zone, embrace the adrenaline, and start living on the edge. After all, life is not meant to be lived in the slow lane; rather, it’s about experiencing every thrilling moment it offers.
Outdoor Blog
Renewable Energy Farms That Make Beautiful Hiking Trails

Wind farms and solar panels are not just alternative means to get our natural resources. They have now combined with another industry and are making some unexpected news.
The tourism industry has marked renewable energy farms as hiking trails, and hikers are here for it. You can read more about renewable energy sites. Although you might not think of hiking on a wind farm as beautiful as hiking along a famous mountain trail, you might just be in for a surprise.
Let’s discuss the benefits that renewable energy farms have as hiking trails.
Why are Renewable Energy Farms Important?
Renewable energy farms are important for the future of civilization. These farms provide an alternative to our natural resources, such as wind and energy.
The most important benefit of renewable energy is that it doesn’t produce any greenhouse emissions and reduces the air pollution other traditional processes create when providing natural resources.
These farms also allow for the creation of the country’s own resources without having to import natural resources from another country and save their limited natural resources.
Here are some of the reasons why energy farms are important:
- Allows for sustainable rural development
This will allow landowners to make an extra income by generating energy.
- Test new technologies
Providing the opportunity to test technologies to find new ways to create renewable energy.
- Improving the effect of climate change
Climate change has left the environment filled with toxic pollutants, which has led people to become sick and breathe in harmful air.
Renewable energy can change this by lessening the number of pollutants that are released into the atmosphere and providing much safer, cleaner, breathable air.
- This leads to job creation
Job creation within the renewable energy farms industry is plentiful as there is a need for skilled workers such as construction, maintenance and manufacturing to build the necessary infrastructure that is needed to generate these wind and solar farms.
The Benefits of Renewable Energy Farms As Hiking Trails
Renewable energy farms have many benefits for both the environment and people who love spending their time outdoors.
Embracing the Use of Green Technology
Since wind farms and solar plants are located in areas that are unpopulated, they make for great hiking trails.
By visiting these sites, people get to experience green technology, and by integrating them into recreational spaces, people can visit these sites and embrace green technology by seeing how they work and the positive effects that it has on the environment.
The more people embrace the shift to green technology, the easier it will be to use it.
Energy Farms Offer A Unique Experience For Visitors
Visiting energy farms means you will have a unique experience while there. You will get to see how these large devices work and how they replace the basic resources needed to survive.
Tours can give visitors more information on the background of the construction of devices, their environmental impact and why it is important for us to switch to sustainable energy resources.
Visitors Get to Enjoy Natural Beauty
The sites for these renewable energy farms are often located in areas that are surrounded by natural beauty, such as large landscapes.
Natural pathways can be used as hiking trails without the need for carving out new roads and damaging the ecosystem.
Visitors can even discover native plant life and explore the natural wonders that are located at these energy farms, as they are often placed where no infrastructure has been built on the property before.
Providing Health and Wellness Benefits
Hiking has many health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving fitness, and helping aid mental well-being.
Energy Farms have Community Benefits and Increase the Economy
These hiking trails can help boost economic sales, bringing tourists to the community. This will give the local people the opportunity to expand their businesses.
This can also help increase employment within the community as these sites will be visited frequently and lead to new business openings to cater to tourists.
Conclusion
Renewable energy farms greatly benefit both the economy and the people who want to spend their time on them. These farms are especially important for transitioning from natural resources to newer energy resource power plants.
From learning how to embrace green technology to getting health and wellness benefits to enjoying nature’s natural beauty and finding job opportunities within the market.
Spending time on these renewable energy farms can be educational and recreational for anyone who visits them. To find more renewable energy farm hiking trails, you can visit https://outsidebozeman.com.
Outdoor Blog
Top Recommendations for RV Window Maintenance

Much like other sections of your RV, the windows sometimes need a bit of maintenance. It is essential to clean off dirt and insect smudges and also make sure they are adequately sealed to avoid leaks and water harm.
If you have a broken RV window, then you may want to consult Van Isle Glass. However, if you wish to know more about simple measures to ensure your RV windows stay spotless and secure, you are in the right spot! Continue reading below.
Polish Your Windshield Using Ultra-Fine #0000 Steel Wool
Numerous RV enthusiasts have praised the use of the finest grade of steel wool #0000 for removing stubborn bugs and water marks from their windshields. Before proceeding, first test the #0000 steel wool on a small portion of your windshield. Apply it with light, circular motions. Sweep away any remaining steel wool bits with a microfiber towel. Next, spritz the surface with a residue-free glass cleaner and wipe it down with a separate cloth.
Steel wool is also great when used with a spray lubricant for cleaning tires, maintaining grills, starting campfires, and repelling mice. A gentler alternative is cleansing dish pads. These pads are versatile, suitable for cleaning various materials such as wood, porcelain, stainless steel, chrome, painted areas, and glass.
Apply a Sealant to Avoid Leaks
Silicone sealant is effective in stopping leaks in areas like your windshield, RV windows, sunroof, and vents. It penetrates tiny gaps, creating a robust waterproof barrier. Ensure the surfaces are clean before application and do not have old caulk, dirt, oil, and other residues.
Furthermore, clear away any standing water on windows to prevent hard water stains. Make sure the inside of your windows stay dry to avoid condensation and mold build-up. If there is significant condensation on your windows, consider getting a small dehumidifier.
Use Tools to Access Difficult Regions
Using cleaners with long handles can prevent you from straining to clean those distant parts of your windshield. Windshield cleaning tools often feature a lengthy, swiveling triangular head that is ideal for getting into corners and spots difficult to access manually.
Opt for a Residue-Free Glass Cleaner
A high-quality glass cleaner will maintain the clarity of your windows and windshield. A great glass cleaner performs well on both standard and tinted windows, making sure to remove streaks or leftover residue. Another option is a natural concoction of half vinegar and half water, with a touch of lemon essential oil.
Steer Clear of Cleaning RV Windows in Bright Sunlight
A sunny afternoon may feel perfect for washing your RV windows, but the warmth can speed up the drying of the cleaner, resulting in streaks or spots. It is advisable to tackle your RV window cleaning during early morning, late evening, or when stationed in a shaded area for the best outcome.
Endnote
Keeping your RV windows clean and clear is not only about aesthetics, but is also vital for safety. The subtleties in cleaning, like steering clear of the sun and using the appropriate products, play a key role. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maintain a pristine view during your various journeys.
-
Guns & Shooting Gear Reviews9 months ago
Best Gun Brands – Top 10 Gun Manufacturers in the World
-
Best in Class Reviews9 months ago
7 Great Sleeping Bags for Tall People – 2023 Review
-
Outdoor Blog4 years ago
Camping Cots and Air Mattresses: What’s Best for You?
-
Best in Class Reviews9 months ago
The 7 Best Camping Dinnerware Items
-
Outdoor Blog3 years ago
5 Useful Items To Have When You’re Out On Your Hunting Trip
-
Best in Class Reviews3 years ago
The 7 Best Fixed-Blade Survival Knives – Tested & Reviewed
-
Best in Class Reviews9 months ago
Top 10 Outdoor TV Antennas for Rural Areas
-
Best in Class Reviews2 years ago
6 Best Long Range Trail Cameras