Are you faced with the big question: tent or tarp? This decision can make the difference between success and frustration on your next outdoor adventure. Both types of shelter have their place, but which one suits you and your plans? In this article, you'll find out everything you need to know to make the right choice. We take a close look at the advantages and disadvantages of both systems and help you find the perfect companion for your next tour.
Table of contents
What are the basic differences between a tent and a tarp?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a tent?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a tarp?
What are the differences in weight and pack size?
What protection is offered in different weather conditions?
What are the most important buying criteria?
What are the basic differences between a tent and a tarp?
Before we get into the details, let's first clarify what we're dealing with. A tent is basically a complete, usually freestanding shelter. Most modern tents consist of an inner tent and an outer tent - the inner tent provides comfort and ventilation, while the outer tent protects you from the wind and weather. There are also free-standing tents that do not need guy ropes, but most still need a few pegs for optimum stability.
A tarp, on the other hand, is just a large tarpaulin - simple but ingenious. You stretch it between trees, trekking poles or other attachment points to create a flexible shelter. Sounds spartan at first, but it has its own advantages.
The areas of use are different: tents are the all-rounders for campsites, festivals and relaxed weekend trips. Tarps, on the other hand, are the favorite children of ultralight trekkers, bushcrafters and anyone who likes to travel with minimal luggage.
For beginners, a tent is usually the better choice - pitch it, put it in and you're done. With a tarp, you first have to learn how to set it up properly, but more on that later.
In terms of materials, both rely on robust ripstop fabrics that are tear-resistant and weatherproof. The difference lies in the construction: while a tent is a complete system with tent poles and often even an integrated floor, a tarp is kept minimalist.
Typical areas of use:
- Tent: ideal on campsites, when trekking in areas with lots of insects or changeable weather.
- Tarp: perfect for bushcraft, minimalist trekking and ultralight tours.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a tent?
The advantages of a tent
A tent is like your mobile home - it offers complete all-round protection. Wind, rain, snow? No problem. You are completely protected and can sit back and relax. The insect protection is a real blessing - no buzzing midges at night, no creepy-crawlies in your sleeping bag.
Privacy is another plus point. You have your own little space, can change without anyone watching you and have a protected area for your equipment.
Setting up is usually child's play. Modern tents, whether tunnel tents or freestanding tents, are designed so that you can set them up quickly even in bad weather. Put the tent poles in, pegs in the ground, tension - done.
All the advantages at a glance:
✔ Complete all-round protection
✔ Reliable insect protection
✔ Maximum privacy
✔ Easy to set up
✔ Independence from the weather
The disadvantages of a tent
The biggest disadvantage? The weight. A tent weighs considerably more than a tarp - often twice or even three times as much. If you want to travel ultralight, this is a real disadvantage. The pack size is also larger, which can quickly become a problem in a small rucksack.
Condensation is another issue. Especially in damp weather or when you cook in the tent, condensation forms on the inside. This can be annoying and, in the worst case, can even make your sleeping bag damp.
Flexibility is limited. A tent stands as it stands. You can't simply reconfigure it if the weather conditions change or you find a better spot.
All the disadvantages at a glance:
✘ Heavier weight
✘ Larger pack size
✘ Condensation problems
✘ Limited flexibility
✘ Higher costs
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a tarp?
The advantages of a tarp
The biggest advantage of tarps is clearly their weight. A good tarp often weighs only 200-400 grams - that's ultra-light compared to a tent. For those who count every gram, this is a huge advantage.
The versatility of the set-up is brilliant. You can set up a tarp in countless ways - as an A-frame between two trees, as a lean-to roof with trekking poles, as a tepee around a single pole. Depending on the terrain, the weather and your creativity, there is always a solution.
Tarps also give you a different connection to nature. You are not completely isolated, you can hear the sounds of nature and feel the wind. Many bushcrafters and nature lovers appreciate precisely this openness.
All the advantages at a glance:
✔ Ultralight weight
✔ Compact pack size
✔ Maximum versatility
✔ Intense connection with nature
✔ Affordable entry
✔ Rapid air circulation
The disadvantages of a tarp
The protection is limited. It can quickly become uncomfortable in wind and rain from the side. Without an additional mosquito net, you also have no insect protection - especially in mosquito-filled areas, this can be a nuisance.
The learning curve is steep. You need to master various set-up techniques, be able to tie the right knots and develop a feel for how best to set up your tarp depending on the weather conditions. This takes practice and experience.
In bad weather, setting up a tarp can be a real challenge. Whereas with a tent you quickly have a roof over your head, with a tarp you first have to find the right configuration - and possibly in the pouring rain.
All the disadvantages at a glance:
✘ Limited protection
✘ No insect protection
✘ Steep learning curve
✘ Weather-dependent setup
✘ Less privacy
✘ Ground protection required
How do weight and pack size differ?
An average one-person tent weighs between 1.5 and 2.5 kilograms, while ultralight versions start at around 1 kilogram. A comparable tarp weighs just 200-500 grams - that's a considerable weight saving.
The packing size is similar. A tent, tent poles and all the trimmings take up a lot of space in your rucksack. A tarp, on the other hand, can be folded up compactly and hardly takes up any space - perfect if you want to pack your rucksack properly.
Ultralight options are available for both systems. Ultralight tents made from Dyneema or other high-tech materials can weigh less than 1 kilogram, but often cost a small fortune. Ultralight tarps are available for less money and are still light and compact.
But beware: you need to plan more for the additional equipment for a tarp. Pegs, guy ropes, possibly trekking poles as supports - all this adds to the weight of the tarp. Nevertheless, it is usually lighter than a complete tent.
| Criterion | Tent | Tarp |
|---|---|---|
| Average weight | 1.5 - 2.5 kg | 200 - 500 g |
| Ultralight variants | from 1 kg | from 150 g |
| Pack size | Large (with tent poles) | Very compact |
| Additional equipment | Mostly complete | Pegs, cord, supports |
Weight comparison in practice
The figures speak for themselves:
- Standard 1-person tent: 1.8 - 2.2 kg
- Ultralight tent: 0.8 - 1.2 kg
- Standard tarp (3x3m): 300 - 600 g
- Ultralight tarp: 150 - 300 g
This corresponds to a weight saving of 60-80% on the tarp!
What protection is offered in different weather conditions?
Here is an overview of how both systems perform in different weather conditions:
| Weather conditions | Tent | Tarp |
|---|---|---|
| Light rain | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good (if set up correctly) |
| Heavy rain | ✅ Very good | ⚠️ Limited (depending on wind direction) |
| Wind | ✅ Very stable in wind | ⚠️ Requires correct alignment |
| Storm | ✅ Good (with quality tent) | ❌ Difficult |
| Snow | ✅ Very good | ⚠️ Only with steep structure |
| Insects | ✅ Complete protection | ❌ No protection without add-on |
Rain protection in comparison
Tents offer a clear advantage here. A waterproof outer tent with sealed seams keeps you dry even if it rains for hours. You have a floor that shields you from the ground moisture and you are protected all round.
Tarps can also be waterproof, but the level of protection depends heavily on the type of set-up and the wind direction. In rain and wind from the side, it quickly gets damp under the tarp. It mainly offers good protection from above.
Wind stability and storm safety
Both have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to wind stability. A well-constructed tent is very wind-stable, especially geodesic tents or modern tunnel tents. However, extreme gusts of wind can damage even the best tent.
Tarps are surprisingly wind-resistant when pitched correctly. The trick lies in the wind direction - you set up your tarp so that the wind blows over the flat side instead of blowing against it head-on. But this requires experience and the right choice of location.
Extreme weather conditions
When it comes to snow load and other extreme weather conditions, tents usually have the edge. They have been developed and tested for such situations. A tarp can quickly reach its limits in heavy snow, unless you erect it at an appropriately steep angle.
What are the most important buying criteria?
Here is your checklist for making the right decision:
-
✅ Define the intended use
The most important question first: Where and how do you want to go camping? A tent is usually the better choice for camping - you have more privacy, comfort and don't have to worry about fastening options. For bushcraft and wilderness trekking, a tarp may be the better option. It's lighter, more versatile and gives you that authentic outdoor feeling. -
✅ Space and comfort
Is the shelter big enough for you and your equipment? A tent usually offers more usable space and defined room. With a tarp, the available space depends on the type of set-up.
Aspect Tent Tarp Defined space ✅ Clearly demarcated ⚠️ Variable per structure Standing height ⚠️ Mostly limited ✅ Can be arranged flexibly Equipment space ✅ Vestibule/vestibule ⚠️ Depending on the structure Privacy ✅ Completely closed ❌ Open -
✅ Durability and material quality
Both tents and tarps can be very durable - it all depends on the material quality. Ripstop fabric, high-quality coatings and solid workmanship are important for both. -
✅ Budget and value for money
There are big differences here. Simple tarps are often cheaper than comparable tents, but high-quality ultralight tarps can cost just as much as good tents. Think about what you really need and invest in quality rather than features you will never use.
Tent category tent Tarp Beginner 80-200€ 30-80€ Middle class 200-500€ 80-200€ Premium 500-1000€+ 200-500€+
Conclusion: tent or tarp - what suits you?
The decision between tent and tarp ultimately depends on your priorities. Here are the most important decision-making aids:
Choose a tent if you:
- want comfort and all-round protection
- Are a beginner or camp occasionally
- Are traveling to campsites or in bad weather
- value privacy and insect protection
Choose a tarp if you:
- Every gram of weight counts (ultralight tours)
- value flexibility when setting up
- Like to experiment and learn
- Are looking for a close connection to nature
- Already have experience with outdoor equipment
The most important differences at a glance
| Criterion | Winner | Why choose |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 🎯 Tarp | 60-80% lighter |
| Weather protection | 🏕️ Tent | All-round protection in all conditions |
| Structure | 🏕️ Tent | Easier and independent of the weather |
| Versatility | 🎯 Tarp | Many set-up options |
| Price (beginner) | 🎯 Tarp | Cheaper entry-level models |
| Comfort | 🏕️ Tent | More privacy and space |
In the end, there is no universally correct answer. Many experienced outdoor enthusiasts have both a tent and a tarp and choose the right system depending on the tour and conditions.
Our tip: start with what suits your current level of experience and your goals. You can always try out the other system later. The main thing is to get out into nature - whether under a tent or a tarp!
