Camping with a Tarp the Ultralight Way
Jake Kulju June 19, 2008
Some people call themselves ultralight campers—and some people actually are ultralight campers. These outdoor heavyweights strive for the least amount of weight and get creative doing it.
One of the most dynamic ways to reduce the weight of your pack is to use a tarp in place of a tent. While it might sound impossible at first, take a minute to think it through.
A tarp isn’t just for covering your old lawnmower behind the garage anymore—you can sleep under it, and you can do it in style. One of the benefits of a tarp shelter, besides the lightweight, is its versatility. Quality ultralight shelter tarps can be pitched in dozens of different shapes and variations, depending on the terrain and the weather. They weigh less than a pound and fold to the size of a ham sandwich.
Tarps are also astoundingly durable. With no zippers or poles, there is little else that can go awry. They can be pitched anywhere and are water, fire, wind and tear-proof.
Take a look at the GoLite Cave 1 Shelter tarp. It combines the versatility, small size, lightweight and ventilation of a tarp with the weather protection of a tent.
• Variable Geometry Beaks™ automatically change their angle with the height of your pitch
• Horizontal pitch position for superior ventilation
• Vertical pitch position to shut out an end entirely to block wind or driving rain
• Hugs the ground and can be closed on three sides
• Twin equalized lifter lines create a dome shape, maximizing room while keeping the weather out
• An interior clothesline lets you easily hand and dry your gear
Here are the specifics:
The GoLite Cave 1 Tarp is a 3-season, 2-person ultralight shelther.
• Area: 65 sq ft / 6m2
• WEIGHT: 14 oz main + 5 oz stakes
• Features SilLite™ silicone-impregnated ripstop nylon: ultra-lite, ultra-tough, ultra-waterproof
• Comes with 2 Variable Geometry Beaks™
• Comes with 12 skewer stakes, stake sack, SilLite™ stow sack
• Lair 1 Nest & Lair 2 Nest compatible
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[…] Jake Kulju wrote a fantastic post today on “Camping with a Tarp the Ultralight Way”Here’s ONLY a quick extract […]
[…] Sally B. wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptAn interior clothesline lets you easily hand and dry your gear. Here are the specifics:. The GoLite Cave 1 Tarp is a 3-season, 2-person ultralight shelther. • Area: 65 sq ft / 6m2 • WEIGHT: 14 oz main + 5 oz stakes … […]