But knowing which is best for you can be a tad tricky. Flat tarps are great in forests where a ridgeline can be hung between trees, for example, and are ideal for beginners or for wild camping in the warmer, drier climes of spring and summer. They are the cheapest option too. Shaped tarps are best for a low-profile pitch, providing better protection from the rain and wind, but they are usually a lot more expensive. The cutouts in a shaped tarp, which mean it isn’t flush to the ground on all sides, may also improve ventilation and thus help prevent condensation. The advantage of tarp-tents, conversely, is that they can provide better headroom and protection from bugs, but there are downsides – a higher price, heftier weight and less versatility.

Buying A Tarp: Key Features To Look Out For

Weight: For a minimalist experience, go for the lightest tarp possible – and remember to count the weight of poles, pegs, guylines and bivvy too.

Size: For a solo tarp aim for about 2.5mx1.8m – you’ll get more versatility with a larger tarp, but it’ll weigh more.

Seams: Pick a tarp with sealed seams to ensure your shelter is waterproof – or apply the sealant yourself to prevent water ingress.

Attachment points: A good tarp will have eight or more attachment points for guylines and pegs, ensuring greater versatility and stability.

Prop points: Integrated grommets, which house a trekking pole’s tip, help improve the integrity and stability of a tarp.

Waterproofing: A tarp’s hydrostatic head rating will give a good indication of its waterproofing – aim for 3,000mm+ for rainy adventures.

Materials: Advanced waterproof materials are ultralight and thin, whereas thicker materials are more durable and cheaper, but heavier.

Extras: Additional features – such as integrated zips, doors, groundsheets or bug mesh inners – will provide enhanced functionality.

Four Ways To Set Up A Tarp

Before you throw the tarp into your backpack and start marching up the nearest hill, it’s important to do some initial planning and preparation. It’d be foolish to leave your first ever pitch of a tarp until you’re actually on a mountain or on the trail of your long-distance trek. Instead test run your tarp in the garden, for example, fine-tuning your set-up so it’s as taught, strong and as stable as possible. In particular, you’re likely to learn exactly how many pegs and guylines you need for an effective pitch (this may require modifications to the off-the-shelf product), as well as the type and height of trekking poles you need. Remember, Z-shaped poles – the type which collapse into thirds – are generally useless for tarps, so you’ll be better served by telescopic style poles instead.

Another important thing to consider is how you will protect your sleeping bag from moisture. Some campers use a bivvy to protect their sleeping bag from the wet ground; ultra-light aficionados might use a polycro groundsheet (basically a large, thin, waterproof sheet of plastic); or others will pitch their tarp so that part of it creates a groundsheet.

Once you’ve perfected your approach, you’re good to head for the hills and put your learning into practice. Before setting up, remember to choose your camping spot wisely. Pick a location that’s as flat, dry and sheltered as possible, and pitch so your entrance is facing away from the prevailing wind. The next decision is simply – what tarp orientation shall I go for? It can sometimes be tricky to decide – after all, there’s an almost endless number of methods – but here are four of the best (and most common) options:

A-Frame (with Poles)

This simple pitching technique involves pegging down both sides and using trekking poles and guylines to raise the other two ends into a roof. This creates a steep-walled, A-shaped shelter with twin openings. For a more airy setup, use guylines instead of pegs in the four corners to create a ‘Floating’ A-Frame; or for improved weatherproofing, ditch one pole and peg down the tarp’s rear to create a single-entranced ‘Closed’ A-Frame. Tend to hike without poles? All of these types of A-Frame tarp set ups can also be achieved with cord or guylines.