Over the past couple of years, I’ve gotten more and more into cold weather camping. This year, I decided to put together a Winter Tarp Camping Setup, which I’m going to break down for you all below (everything from the ground to above my head).
Tarp Ground Sheet
One of the biggest necessities you’ll find when sleeping directly on the ground is having a solid moisture barrier between you and the earth. I use the reusable emergency/space blankets from Grabber for this purpose, but Arcturus and UST make some good ones as well.
- This groundsheet (ie: emergency blanket) provides a moisture barrier so you + your gear don’t get soaked.
- They’re affordable, so you don’t have to worry as much about damaging them in the field.
- The groundsheet provides a nice place to work, prepare kindling for your fire, stretch your gear out on, etc.
- This is also a reusable piece of kit that can work as a standalone tarp shelter if you need it to. In fact, I often use this in my small haversack kits for day hikes.
- The reflective side of the blanket does a nice job of reflecting heat back to you. And there’s enough material that you could wrap up in it on very cold nights.
- Available on Amazon (starting at $10 or so)
Winter Sleeping Pad
This year, I added the Klymit Insulated Static V Recon sleeping pad to my kit. It packs away very neatly in its provided stuff sack and is pretty small for it’s size to warmth ratio. It has a 4.4 R-Value and has kept me plenty warm at 30º with stout winds (I haven’t had a chance to use it at lower temperatures just yet). On top of the warmth, it’s really comfortable to lay on.
- The proper sleeping pad will maximize your sleepings bag’s efficiency and performance. Which, will, in turn, keep you warmer.
- The Klymit Static V has an easy to use 2-way valve for quick inflating & deflating.
- It has plenty of loft and the “v chambers” provide a lot of comfort.
- Available on Amazon ($70 at the time of this writing)
Winter Sleeping Bag
I have been using the Paria Thermodown 0º Sleeping Bag for the majority of this year and I absolutely love it. This sleeping bag is full of loft, it’s extremely comfortable, yet it still compresses down small enough to lash onto the bottom of a small pack.
- This sleeping bag seems very true to its temperature rating. The maximum I’ve got it down to so far has been about 20º and I would’ve been comfortable with going into lower temperatures with it.
- With the setup you’ve seen so far (ground sheet, sleep pad and bag) I personally like to shed as many layers as I can and then hop into my sleeping bag. This generally means I’m wearing long underwear and a short sleeve shirt. I find that this helps maximize the sleeping bags full potential.
- Quick Tips: Put your socks in the sleeping bag with you to dry out & stay warm. When you wake up in the morning, plan to lay around for 30 minutes or so and slip your extra clothes into the bag with you to warm them up.
- Available Here
Tarp for Camping
Rounding things out for this tarp camping setup is the tarp itself. I’ve been using the Paria Sanctuary SilTarp for several years now with great results. All of the tie out points have held up very well. If I were to choose again though, I’d probably have gotten the square tarp. I find the rectangle shape a bit more difficult to work with in some configurations.
- If you’ve never tarp camped before, there is something so freeing about it and I’d recommend it, for sure. Laying on the earth makes you feel more connected with the overall experience. And you can easily close yourself off or leave yourself open to your surroundings, depending on what you prefer.
- I recommend picking a tarp for winter tarp camping that is large enough for you, your gear and to give you some extra room to move around. This will give you the ability to make your tarp camp your home, should the weather be nasty outside.
- Keep Sil-Nylon tarps backed away from fires & hot embers, they can get holes very easily. (also, carry a field repair kit)
- Available Here
Bonus Item!
If you really want to deck out your Winter Tarp Camping experience, I’d recommend the new UCO Mini Flatpack Grill & Firepit. This compact stove is awesome for using under a tarp setup, as long as you have a bit of headroom and keep the flames/embers under control.
This grill will also provide a bit of extra warmth & ambience to your shelter, and give you the ability to cook or boil water.
If you’ve been interested in putting together a great Winter Tarp Camping Setup, I hope this article has helped you out! If you have any questions about any of this gear, please feel free to drop me a comment or hit me up on social below.
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