How important are shelters? Let's look at view basics:
Setting it up,finding it and maintaining it! I'l call this topic, 'Shelter from the Storm.'
Setting it up,finding it and maintaining it! I'l call this topic, 'Shelter from the Storm.'
We've all experienced it or know someone who has, you've gotten to your destination unpacked your gear and suddenly it starts to rain, not just any kind of rain put the type that sends most rational people cowering indoors. What happens next will set the precedent for the rest of your trip. You dash over to your gear to find anything to use as a cover for the gear you've strewned across your site. It's quickly getting wet as the seconds,precious seconds, go by. You suddenly freeze in a state of disbelief and shock as you realize you never considered a tarp. Looking back at the time the gear was being packed no one thought the rain would begin before your tents were up. Show me a damp camper and I'll show you utter misery.
Can a tarp make that big of a difference? Absolutely. Once moisture gets into your gear it's a challenge to enjoy anything at this point. Forget about the fire it isn't going to happen anytime soon. Chances are the tent will propably take on some water as you unpack it in the dowsing rain. If your not an avid weather tracker at least investigate the local weather prior to leaving. What's a couple of bucks for a tarp as opposed to sulking in the rain? If you want to go top line I suggest a bat tarp or e-wing type tarps (example above) , it's very flexible and can be set up almost in any terrain setting. They can range in price from @ $70.00 upwards to $350.00 for a MEC Zing tarp http://www.basegear.com/enlarge.html?http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/basegear_2088_6089438 . They are versatile and can be adapted to many terrain scenarios . If cost is a factor try your tarp staple, poly-urethane, square special found at any hardware store or Canadian Tire.
