When you follow camping-related activities, whether online or at a campsite, you can see that someone puts a tarp on top of a traditional tent. This is a very common way.
Why do people put a tarp over their tents, don’t tents serve a purpose?
So do you need a tarp over a tent?
The following content will introduce you in detail to the advantages and disadvantages of hanging a tarp above your tent.
Table of Contents
Should You Put a Tarp Over a Tent?
When you are camping with a waterproof tent, it has an extra layer that will provide extra protection for you and your gear in rainy weather.
This will make your camping experience more enjoyable.
Nonetheless, it is highly recommended that you have a tarp over your tent.
9 Benefits of Putting a Tarp Over a Tent
#1 Protection from Rain
For most tents, they are enough for a little rain.
For a large tent, if it rains heavily for several hours, the inside will also get wet.
A tarp provides additional waterproofing and protection from rain, avoiding rainwater rainfall directly on the tent.
so it can route water away from the immediate tent footprint.
#2 Reduce Condensation
Condensation is more likely to occur in a tent in humid or rainy weather conditions.
If you put a tarp over the tent, then open all the windows of the tent.
It provides more ventilation and prevents moisture buildup on the tent’s inner walls.
#3 Extended Tent Lifespan
The tent is a consumable item. If without proper precautions, your tent will wear out much faster than it should.
On the one hand, the harsh outdoor weather will damage your tent, such as direct sunlight and strong wind. on the other hand, dirt, sap, and pine needles will reduce the service life of the tent.
If you hang a tarp on your tent when camping, you can protect your tent from damage and extend the life of your tent.
#4 Shade
If your tent is pitched at a campsite in direct sunlight with no shelter from above, the temperature inside the tent will rise. This will degrade your camping experience.
At the same time, the fabric of ordinary tents cannot effectively resist strong ultraviolet rays. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays will not only harm your skin, but also damage the tent.
So, On hot days, the tarp blocks sun to create shade and keep your tent cool.
#5 Increase Warmth
When people choose to camp during the cold season, temperatures can get very low.
When you choose to hang a tarp outside your tent, the air trapped between the tarp and the tent acts as an additional insulating layer outside the tent. By blocking drafts and preventing cold air from entering the tent.
This can help maintain a more stable temperature inside.
Meanwhile, the tarp helps to minimize heat loss by creating a barrier that traps heat within the tent, especially during nighttime when temperatures drop.
#6 Extended Living Space
By stretching the tarp beyond your tent’s footprint, you can make a cool covered spot that can be used for cooking, eating, or just chilling.
This way, you can easily move from your sleeping area to the spot where you eat or make a fire without getting soaked.
It’s like having extra space to hang out during your camping adventure.
#7 Wind Protection
A properly pitched tarp can act as a windbreak.
When properly pitched, the tarp can reduce the impact of strong gusts of wind on the tent, making it less prone to shaking.
The tarp on the outside of the tent can also play a role in isolating noise, this helps to create a more comfortable camping environment.
Besides, the tarp shields the tent from direct exposure to strong winds, protecting it from potential damage.
All in all, the tarp can add an extra layer of protection to the tent from strong winds.
#8 Privacy
If you choose to camp in a crowded area, you can set up your tarp to provide some privacy by creating barriers around your campsite.
This can maintain a bit of separation from neighboring campers, and let you avoid embarrassment.
It can also cover your valuable stuff when you leave it outside.
#9 Drying Area
When camping outdoors, it is inevitable that you will get wet. If you encounter this situation, you can choose a large enough tarp and hang it near the tent, which can create a drying area for you.
Hanging your wet clothes and gears under the tarp to dry out, which is especially helpful in wet or humid conditions.
You also can use the drying area under the tarp to store gear, keeping it protected from the elements.
As a Complement to Cheap Tents
Sometimes people just can’t afford a better expensive tent.
They may choose to purchase an inexpensive tarp to supplement their tent.
Tarps can serve a variety of functions, such as waterproofing and waterproofing as well as thermal insulation.
This can save campers a lot of money.
What Are The Drawbacks of Putting a Tarp Over a Tent?
Firstly, tarps, along with more stakes, poles, and guy lines, can add weight and bulk to your camping gear. This can be a concern if you’re trying to cut the weight of your backpack or have limited storage space.
Then, setting up a tarp properly can be more complex than simply pitching a tent. It need more skill and experience, particularly if you encounter challenging weather conditions.
Finally, Some campers may find that a tarp setup is less aesthetically pleasing compared to a traditional tent. It may not blend as well with the natural surroundings, which makes campers have a feeling of isolation from nature.
When and Where Should You Put a Tarp Over a Tent?
The weather considering using a tarp
Rainy Season
When you plan to go camping during the rainy season, check the weather forecast in advance.
If rain is expected during your camping trip, using a tarp over your tent is definitely a smart choice.
Hot Conditions
If you are camping in the summer, it is necessary to know the local temperature in advance. If you haven’t decided on a specific camping spot, just prepare a tarp ready in case. When the temperatures get high enough to affect your camping experience, it’s time to hang the tarp outside your tent.
It not only keeps your tent cooler during the day but also protects the tent’s fabric.
Winter Camping
In cold weather, a tarp can help trap heat and reduce wind chill, making winter camping more comfortable.
The location considering using a tarp
Windy Locations
Some campsites often experience strong winds. If you choose to camp in such a place, your tent will easily be blown away.
You can use a tarp to act as a windbreak, providing protection from gusty winds.
High Altitudes Locations
At higher altitudes, day and night temperatures vary greatly, and weather conditions can change rapidly.
In such areas, strong winds and showers are very common. Preparing a tarp can effectively deal with extreme conditions at high altitudes.
In addition, high-altitude areas have strong direct UV rays, and the tarp above the tent can effectively protect against UV rays.
Tropical Area
Tropical areas often experience heavy rainfall. A tarp provides an additional layer of waterproofing, keeping your tent dry and preventing leaks during downpours.
Besides, tropical regions are known for their intense sunlight and high temperatures. A tarp can create shade over the tent, helping to keep the interior cooler during hot days.
Camping in the Desert
If the camping location you choose is in a desert, the damage to your tent from wind, sand and dust is an unavoidable problem.
This can be avoided by using a tarp, using a tarp is a quality solution.
Choosing the Right Size Tarp Over a Tent
Choosing the right tarp size mainly depends on two aspects.
One is the size and shape of the tent, and the other is how much coverage you want the tarp to provide.
Measuring the size of your tent is easy, you just need to measure the length, width, and height of your tent.
Remember to measure from the ground up, including vestibules or extensions if the tent contains them.
If you are covering the entire tent, you will need a larger tarp to ensure full coverage.
Sometimes, campers not only want the tarp to just cover the tent, but also need to extend beyond the footprint of the tent to create additional covered space. For example, to create a dry area for storing dry camping equipment, or use as a recreation area.
The following data is based on the number of people in the tent corresponding to the tarp size.
Keep in mind that using the number of people in the tent as a reference is a convenient starting point.
1-2 People (Solo or Couple)
– A tarp size of approximately 8 feet by 10 feet (2.4 meters by 3 meters) should provide adequate coverage for a small tent accommodating one or two people.
2-4 People (Small Group)
– For a tent housing two to four people, consider a tarp size around 10 feet by 12 feet (3 meters by 3.7 meters) .
4-6 People (Medium Group)
– A larger tent accommodating four to six people may require a tarp that measures roughly 12 feet by 14 feet (3.7 meters by 4.3 meters) for proper coverage.
6 or More People (Large Group)
– For larger tents with six or more occupants, a tarp measuring 14 feet by 16 feet (4.3 meters by 4.9 meters) or even larger.
Factors to Consider When Choose A Right Tarp for Your Tent
If you are considering buying your first tarp, here are a few reference factors to help you avoid detours while camping.
Tarp Material
The choice of tarp material is crucial.
It will involve many properties of tarps, such as weather resistance, durability, UV Resistance, and ventilation.
Common options include polyethylene, polyester, nylon, and silnylon.
Choosing the most suitable tarp can make your camping experience less troublesome.
Weight and Portability
Generally speaking, the weight of a tarp is an important factor to consider when buying it, as it will affect its portability during your move.
Lightweight options are ideal for backpacking, while heavier tarps may be suitable for car camping.
Attachment Points
Please give priority to the tarp with built-in attachment Points, which will reduce the difficulty of installation.
Then you can easily secure your trap to trees, stakes, or other anchor points.
Color
Tarp color can impact visibility and temperature. Bright colors are easier to spot in emergencies, while lighter colors may help reflect heat. The most important thing is to choose a color you like
Price
Tarps come in various price ranges.
If your tent is a high-quality waterproof tent and the tarp is just a supplement, then give priority to the cheaper one. If your tent is of average quality and needs the extra protection of the tarp, please don’t be stingy with money. Otherwise, you may regret it when you go camping.
Balancing your budget with the features you need is the key.
Final Thoughts
After considering the various benefits discussed, it is generally recommended to put a tarp over your tent.
When used thoughtfully and correctly, a tarp can be a valuable addition to your camping gear. It provides an extra layer of protection against the forces of nature and enhances your outdoor experience.
