Master the Art of Tarp Shelters
Scouts Bushcraft Tarps
A tarp is one of the most useful pieces of equipment a Scout can take on camp. It is lightweight, waterproof, easy to carry, and can be pitched in many different ways. A tarp can keep you dry in the rain, provide shade on sunny days, create a sheltered cooking area, or even become an emergency shelter.
Explore Some Tarp Shelter Options
Lean-To Shelter
The Lean-To is one of the quickest and easiest tarp shelters to build. It has an open front, making it ideal for relaxing around camp while still providing protection from the weather.
A-Frame Shelter
The A-Frame is one of the most popular tarp shelters used by Scouts. It is simple to build and offers excellent protection from both rain and wind.
Plough Point Shelter
The Plough Point Shelter uses one high attachment point to create a strong triangular shelter. It is ideal when you need a quick place to get out of the weather.
Diamond Fly
The Diamond Fly is similar to the Plough Point but creates more sheltered space underneath. It is popular with hammock campers and lightweight backpackers.
Baker Tent Tarp Pitch
A Baker tent is a traditional canvas lean-to shelter featuring an open front, a projecting horizontal awning, and angled side wings designed to reflect campfire heat.
Flying Diamond
The Flying Diamond is an angled shelter designed to cope with poor weather. It gives excellent protection while still providing useful covered space.
Closed Pyramid Shelter
The Closed Pyramid is one of the most weatherproof tarp shelters. It surrounds you on nearly all sides, helping to keep out rain and cold winds.
Tarp Tent
The Tarp Tent is a simple, lightweight shelter that provides excellent protection from the rain while remaining quick and easy to pitch. With its partially closed end it gives extra protection from wind and bad weather. This makes it a popular choice and making one is a great activity.
Safety Tips for Tarp Shelters
Safe Tarp Shelter Use
When setting up a tarp shelter, safety should always be a top priority. Begin by choosing a site free from potential hazards like dead or overhanging branches, often referred to as widowmakers.
Ensure your tarp is pitched away from open flames to prevent fire hazards. Brightly colored or marked guy lines can help minimize trip risks, especially in low-light conditions.
Pitch your tarp into the prevailing wind for added stability, and remember to re-tighten guy lines after rain, as ropes may stretch when wet.
Protect trees by using tree-friendly straps or padding around ropes to prevent damage. Regularly inspect your tarp for any signs of wear, such as damaged eyelets or tears, before heading out.
Essential Knots for Tarp Shelters
Clove Hitch
Round Turn and Two Half Hitches
Taut-Line Hitch
Bowline
Prusik Knot
Figure Eight Knot
Square Knot
Alpine Butterfly Knot
Timber Hitch
Constrictor Knot
Overhand Knot
Slip Knot
What is a tarp used for in Scouting?
A tarp is a lightweight waterproof sheet that can be pitched in many different ways. Scouts use tarps for sleeping shelters, cooking shelters, dining areas, equipment storage, sun shades, and emergency shelters.
What size tarp is best for Scouts?
A 3 × 3 metre tarp is the most popular size for Scout camps and for hammocking. It offers enough space for one or two people while remaining lightweight and easy to carry. Larger tarps are useful for group shelters, tarp temts or dining areas.
Which tarp setup is easiest for beginners?
The Lean-To Shelter is usually the easiest tarp setup to learn. It only requires a ridgeline, a few pegs, and some basic knots, making it ideal for new Scouts.
Can you use a tarp instead of a tent?
Yes. A tarp can be used instead of a tent if it is pitched correctly. Tarps are lighter than tents and allow more flexibility, but they require good knot-tying skills and careful campsite selection.
Which knots should I learn for pitching a tarp?
The most useful knots are:
- Clove Hitch
- Round Turn and Two Half Hitches
- Taut-Line Hitch
- Bowline
- Trucker's Hitch
- Prusik Knot
Learning these knots will make pitching your tarp faster and more secure.
Is it safe to have a campfire near a tarp?
A tarp should never be pitched directly above or too close to a campfire. Heat, sparks, and flames can quickly damage the material. Always keep a safe distance between the fire and your shelter.
Why do people with a tent put a tarp overhead?
Pitching a tarp over your tent offers several practical benefits, especially when it completely covers the tent and extends a few feet beyond the entrance. The extra layer blocks the early morning sun, helping to keep the tent cooler for longer. It also provides additional protection from rain, shielding the tent's rainfly and sidewalls from prolonged exposure to the elements.
By extending beyond the tent's vestibule, the tarp creates a dry, sheltered area where you can remove muddy boots, store equipment, or sit comfortably during wet weather. It also reduces the amount of harmful UV exposure your tent receives, helping to slow fabric deterioration and extend the life of your tent. Best of all, when it starts raining, you have a covered space to relax, cook, or socialise outside your tent instead of being confined indoors.
How do I protect trees when pitching a tarp?
Use wide tree straps or padding around ropes to avoid damaging the bark. Never hammer nails or screws into trees, and always follow the Leave No Trace principles.
Why do people with a tent put a tarp overhead?
Pitching a tarp over your tent offers several practical benefits, especially when it completely covers the tent and extends a few feet beyond the entrance. The extra layer blocks the early morning sun, helping to keep the tent cooler for longer. It also provides additional protection from rain, shielding the tent's rainfly and sidewalls from prolonged exposure to the elements.
By extending beyond the tent's vestibule, the tarp creates a dry, sheltered area where you can remove muddy boots, store equipment, or sit comfortably during wet weather. It also reduces the amount of harmful UV exposure your tent receives, helping to slow fabric deterioration and extend the life of your tent. Best of all, when it starts raining, you have a covered space to relax, cook, or socialise outside your tent instead of being confined indoors.
Recommendation
During my Scouts Bushcraft training days, I often demonstrate skills using equipment from DD Hammocks. Their tarps, hammocks and camping accessories offer excellent quality and represent good value, making them a popular choice for Scout leaders and outdoor enthusiasts.
DD Hammocks also offer a Scout discount, helping leaders and groups equip themselves more affordably. If you're looking to purchase bushcraft or lightweight camping equipment, it's well worth checking their website for the latest offers and eligibility requirements.
This recommendation is based on my own experience and is provided to help leaders choose suitable equipment. It is not an official endorsement by Scouts or The Scout Association.
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