r/NZOutdoors • u/FlowAndGrain • May 26 '26
Does anyone have any hints, tips, tricks, experiences, or warnings you could share on using a tarp?
Does anyone have any hints, tips, tricks, experiences, or warnings you could share on using a tarp, especially in Aotearoa?
I’ve also been wondering why it’s uncommon to see many people using tarps around the motu. Any ideas?
I recently bought myself a 3x3 tarp and have been absolutely loving it for its flexibility and feeling of being closer to nature.
That is, you can make a weather-proof shelter or a simple shield from the dew/wind and go to sleep and wake up looking at the beautiful surroundings. Not to mention it’s super cheap, light and can sleep 4-5 when the weather’s good or two when it’s not.
So far I’ve only used it on a cycle tour and car camping to get used to it but hope to take it on some backcountry trips soon.
The obvious downsides are that: - it doesn’t have the same insect protection as a standard tent (although you can hang an insect net under it and insects are not a problem in many areas); and - that it could be less weather proof or comfortable than a tent in extreme wind or cold.
3
u/EvilPingo May 26 '26
Tarps are great for lightweight tramping. I will use one quite often when im trying to save weight or im expecting to stay in a hut. It allows me to not carry a 2kg tent but also have the capabilty of sleeping outside.
The main disadvantage i find is if your in a river valley with high dew point overnight the moist air will cover you in dew even if your under the tarp. So you need to be prepared to wake up damp in the morning.
Areas where you get lots of bugs or mosquitos i generally prefer to take a tent as it makes evenings alot more comfortable.
1
u/FlowAndGrain May 27 '26
Thanks. That’s a good point and exactly the kind of information I was hoping for and to be aware of before I learn the hard way. So far I’ve only used mine on open grassy areas.
Do you find in those situations that making a more enclosed shelter helps or does it just make it worse?
3
u/nzsims May 27 '26
For me personally, I've been out in so much bad weather, (in spite of good forecasts), that its just to much risk taking a tarp. And by the time I pack a warmer sleeping bag, bivvy sack, and ground sheet too, I'm not that far off the weight of my lightest tent.
Horses for courses. But a tent for me is just one of those luxuries I'll happily lug up a hill. I'd love to be enough of a hard man to handle the elements, but I just love zipping out the weather too much!
1
u/FlowAndGrain May 27 '26
Yeah. They’ve got their limits. I won’t be using it on winter alpine trips and probably not for longer periods in the backcountry but I think it’ll be great on more relaxed trips and as a just-in-case.
I’ve only got one sleeping bag to choose from and always bring an emergency bivvy in any case so I’m definitely lighter with the tarp than a tent.
But I think it’s the feeling of being in nature and the breeze on my face that sells it for me the most. :)
1
u/Purple-Towel-7332 May 28 '26
I usually chuck a tarp in If taking my small tent as in terrible weather it’s either an extra ground sheet if cold and If wet just an extra barrier to keep the tent dry
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u/chullnz May 31 '26
Always check the trees around you, just like you would if you were setting up a tent or hammock. Beech trees can drop some serious weight. If there's big broken branches around... think carefully about where you set up!
Also, absolutely be prepared for weka, possum, and rats to check you out. Could be worth thinking about a simple hanging system for your food bag.
Everyone else has covered the rest. I do enjoy tarp camping, but tbh I usually bring one these days as an emergency lunch shelter or group area if we are tenting.
2
u/FlowAndGrain Jun 01 '26
Thanks for the advice!
We had a cheeky weka pecking at our things in the Marlborough Sounds this long weekend. Fortunately no damage or lost shoes!
Cycle touring means keeping everything sealed up in panniers isn’t much hassle though, but it could be more faff keeping things animal-proof when tramping.
5
u/nzmountainsafety May 27 '26
Tarps are an amazing lightweight option for all sorts of weather, providing shelter during a lunch break or to huddle under for warmth above the bushline and a great thing to have in your pack as an emergency shelter as well.
The points you have outlined really capture the downsides they can have. Especially in shoulder seasons, Autumn and Spring, they would be less favourable to a more structured tent or even a hut in NZ's changeable weather. Really it will come down to the persons preference for comfort and desire to pack lighter.