Don't shy away folks!
Quite a few of you were showing more than a passing interest last year, even to the point of "having a go" in your gardens. I lost count of how many were saying "That looks great... must get one" etc.
Why, even one of the less sane UKCS members on here even said he's not too interested in using one for camping, but was seriously considering it for a nice big garden shelter for family gatherings and the like. Instead of gazebos, I guess. For once, he came up with a great idea, imo. (And will almost certainly do the same, once my garden's been done up... just starting a revamp now!)
So is this the year? Are we going to see a lot more tarps up on site?... and pics on here, of course! I for one certainly hope so!
And there's more than enough know-how available from the more experienced tarpists (Yes, it is a word... NOW!) amongst us, if you can't find the answers from the above links.
They can be interesting, some would say they are fun. They are certainly versatile, and even if some configurations prove to be a little awkward/fiddly to begin with, they make up for it in their sheer practicality.
As well as providing much needed shade from the unbearable sun, and maybe even record temperatures of the continent (Yes, Mr & Mrs G... it's not all about tablecloths and romantic meals! ), there's also a practical bit of shade for the panting dog, or your 6 month old twins on their first camp!
We all say how much we like to sit in the tent, looking out at the rainstorm around us. Multiply that feeling of satisfaction by ten, when you're actually out there, sat under nothing but a single sheet of material... but staying dry, mind! It's bloody marvellous!
And then of course, there's the more practical option of having your cooker/kitchen outside, sheltered from the elements (not just rain, but can act as a windbreak too, depending on your set up/design!).
And before you ask... no, I haven't (yet, at least) been charged extra for putting one up. I know some sites charge for utility tents and the like... maybe you'll "get away with it" with a tarp connected to, or adjacent to your tent! :-)
So come on folks... You know you want to, so make 2014 "The year of the tarp".
Grab yer pole, and get out there and have fun!
OH... and of course... tarps are the perfect, yes PERFECT solution to the biggest, most annoying, and downright irritating bane of camping life... the dreaded sloping front door, in the rain!!
I'm hoping to invest in one this year. I've no idea how they stay up, how easy they are to get up or how good the cheaper ones are. I'll take a look at the links you posted and will come back here for advice.
I got one a few years ago ; was a bargain price where I used to work , plus 30% discount ! Think I got it for £5
But I've never used it yet , it's in the boot of the car . I was going to use it as I have a front sloping door on the Icarus , now got an Outwell ; also with a front sloping door .
Would love to use it as a free-standing tarp but no idea how to do it
------------- Used to be LurcherPie until pc probs . Still a camper with 3 lovely Lurchers
Mucker, last year your creative tarp deployments really inspired me, especially after France.
But despite over-revving Google, I just could not find anything matching, or even close. And I'm sooo anal about that. And some prices for a couple of square metres were unbelievable.
During my searches I found Yeomans (on Amazon) selling a Coleman/Campingaz 12' square canopy/gazebo jobby, for £38. Campingworld had the same thing for £90 or so. So, sod it, I got it.
Will be using my decathlon tarp again this year. I know people say it's not as good as the Vango one but for my purposes it's grand. Played about with it in the back garden when I got it at first so I know what I was doing when I took it to site
Be warned about those instant gazebos not being very stable in the wind, in that the joints in the concertina sides can warp quite easily, as they are only held together at two fixing points each.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Since I shall be camping with another person during Easter, I have pushed the boat out and booked a jumbo pitch, in case the weather is good enough to put the tarp up.
Although the tarp and tent can easily fit inside a standard pitch, I prefer to have more space to move about.
Let's hope we shall have some good camping weather this year.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Quite a read, however, definitely worth the effort, however, I am a tad bias, of course!
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
You are too kind, I am not a legend as such, just a solo female camper of a certain age who is determined to go it alone.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Quote: Originally posted by dk168 on 16/3/2014
You are too kind, I am not a legend as such, just a solo female camper of a certain age who is determined to go it alone.
DK
Sounds like me , but you know how to put the tarp up !
I did see a guy put the poles up and use it as a washing line last year . But I was cooking at the time so didn't realise/take notice what he was doing at the time . Then I remembered I had my tarp and hadn't used it .
Seem to remember he had a piece of string laid out on the floor at first . Now I know why
------------- Used to be LurcherPie until pc probs . Still a camper with 3 lovely Lurchers
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: 2014 - The year of the tarp?
), there's also a practical bit of shade for the panting dog, or your 6 month old twins on their first camp!
. Now I know why 
