Yes, Putting a tarp under your tent is a great way to improve the overall camping experience. It helps protect against moisture and dirt getting into your tent, as well as providing an extra layer of warmth. It can also be used to provide additional insulation from the ground in colder temperatures. Before laying down the tarp, you should make sure the ground is clear of debris and stones. This will help prevent any potential damage to your tent’s floor. It’s best to use a tarp that is large enough to cover the area you want to camp in, as well as provide some extra space around the edges of your tent. It’s a good idea to secure the tarp with stakes or weights in order to keep it from shifting or being blown away by the wind. With the extra protection that a tarp provides, you can be sure that your tent is well protected, and your camping experience will be even more enjoyable.
What Is A Tarp?
A tarp is a heavy-duty piece of waterproof material that can be used for various purposes, including as a ground cover for camping. Tarps are usually made from polyethylene or canvas and are available in different sizes, weights, and colors.
Why Use A Tarp Under Your Tent?
You might want to use a tarp under your tent for several reasons. One reason is to keep the bottom of your tent clean and dry. A tarp can also help prevent moisture from seeping into your tent and making it damp. If you are camping in an area with lots of trees, a tarp can also help protect your tent.
#1 Ground Tarp Keeps You Dry:
The main purpose of a tarp is to keep you and your belongings dry. If you are camping in an area prone to wet weather, a tarp can help prevent your tent from getting soaked. A tarp can also be used as a ground cover to protect you from the wet ground.
#2 Tarps Protect Your Tent From Pine Needles:
Another reason to use a tarp under your tent is to protect your tent from wear and tear. A tarp can help prevent pine needles and other debris from damaging your tent if you are camping in an area with many trees.
#3 Tarps Make Pitching Your Tent Easier:
If you are using a tarp under your tent, you can pitch your tent on top of the tarp. This can make pitching your tent quicker and easier. It can also help keep your tent clean and dry while setting it up.
#4 Tarp Protect Tents From Punctured:
Another reason to use a tarp is to protect your tent from being punctured. A tarp can help prevent sharp rocks from piercing your tent while camping on rocky ground.
#5 Tarp Provides Insulation:
In cold weather, a tarp can help provide insulation for your tent. It can help keep you warm and dry inside your tent.
#6 Increases The Life Of Your Tent:
Using a tarp under your tent can help increase the life of your tent.
#7 Keeps The Bugs Away:
A tarp can also help to keep the bugs away. If you are camping in an area with mosquitoes, a tarp can help prevent them from getting into your tent.
How To Put A Tarp Under A Tent?
Tying A Tarp To A Tent:
- Find a flat, dry spot to set up your tent. If you’re car camping, you can just pull off to the side of the road. If you’re backpacking, look for a spot that’s not too close to a water source (since bugs will congregate there) and not in a low-lying area where water might pool during a rainstorm.
- Spread out your tarp; if you have a square or rectangular tarp, orient it so that the long sides run parallel to the tent’s long sides. If you have a triangular tarp, position it so that the point of the triangle is at the head of the tent, and the two longest sides run along the tent’s sides.
- Place your tent on top of the tarp, making sure that the door is facing away from the tarp’s point (if it’s a triangular tarp) or towards one of the tarp’s long sides (if it’s square or rectangular).
- Stake down the corners of the tarp. If you’re car camping, you can use tent stakes or even heavier objects like rocks or logs. If you’re backpacking, use light but strong stakes like aluminum shepherd’s hooks.
- Guy out the corners of the tarp. To do this, tie a length of cord to each stake and then secure the other end of the cord to a nearby tree or other large objects.
- Assemble your tent and stake it out as usual.
- Put the rain fly on your tent.
- Connect the rain fly to the tarp using clips or ties. Clips are easier to use, but ties will give you a more secure connection. If you’re using ties, make sure they’re not so tight that they put undue stress on the seams of the rainfly.
For Insulation:
- Choose your tarp. A tarp that is too small won’t provide enough coverage, and one that is too large will be difficult to manage.
- Spread the tarp out under the tent. Make sure that the tarp extends beyond the perimeter of the tent so that you have enough coverage.
- Secure the tarp in place. You can do this by weighing it down with rocks or other heavy objects or by staking it into the ground.
- Enjoy your insulated tent! The tarp will help to keep the ground beneath your tent warm and dry, making for a more comfortable camping experience.
For Abrasion Resistance:
- Choose a tarp that is made of sturdy material. Polyethylene or PVC tarps are good choices for abrasion resistance.
- Spread the tarp under the area where you will work.
- Secure the tarp so it doesn’t move around while you’re working.
- Enjoy your protected surface! The tarp will help to keep the area beneath it free from scratches and other damage.
Tips For Using A Tarp:
Here are some tips for using a tarp:
- Make sure that the tarp is big enough to cover the area you want to protect.
- If you are using a tarp as a ground cover, make sure that the tarp is secured so that it does not blow away in the wind.
- If you are using a tarp as a sunshade, make sure that the tarp is tied down so that it does not blow away in the wind.
- In cold weather, ensure the tarp is properly insulated so you do not get cold.
- When packing your campsite, ensure the tarp is dry before folding it up. If the tarp is wet, it can mildew and damage your gear.
Reasons Not to Bring a Tarp:
- You might forget it.
- It could rain, and you don’t want your sleeping area to be wet.
- If you have a small tent, the tarp could take up too much space.
- In warm weather, a tarp can make your tent hotter.
- A tarp can be heavy and difficult to carry.
Reasons to Bring a Tarp:
- A tarp can protect your tent from wear and tear.
- If it rains, the tarp will keep your tent dry.
- A tarp can provide extra warmth in cold weather.
- You can use a tarp as a makeshift shelter if your tent fails.
- A tarp can be used to collect water for drinking or washing.
FAQs:
Can I Put A Tarp Over My Tent?
Yes, you can put a tarp over your tent. When choosing a tarp, be sure to select the right size and material for your needs.
Does it Matter Which Type of Tarp/Ground Cloth I Use?
Yes, the type of tarp or ground cloth you use can make a difference in your camping experience. If you are looking for insulation, choose a thicker tarp made of a material that will hold heat well (like polyethylene). If you need protection from abrasion, select a tarp made of sturdy material like PVC.
How Do I Secure The Tarp?
You can secure a tarp by weighing it down with rocks or other heavy objects or by staking it into the ground. Make sure the tarp is secured in place before using it.
How Thick Should a Tarp Be Under a Tent?
The thickness of the tarp you use will depend on your needs. If you are looking for insulation, choose a thicker tarp. If you need protection from abrasion, a thinner tarp will suffice. Choose the thickness that best meets your needs.
Can I use a tarp as sun shade?
If you are camping in an area with hot weather, a tarp can be used as a sunshade. It can help protect you and your tent from the harsh sun.
Conclusion:
There are pros and cons to bringing a tarp on your camping trip. Ultimately, whether or not to bring a tarp depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, a tarp can be useful in your camping gear, so it’s worth considering bringing one along on your next trip.