When it gets warmer I want to take the children wild camping. Depending on how many of them want to come, there could be three children and me! I have a Vango Spectre tent, which will accommodate three at a push, so I need some more space. Given that I will be carrying most of the gear, I need something light.

I have a goretex bivvy bag, but using a tarp would give me extra space and a bit more shelter for when it rains. It's quite likely that if the weather is kind the children will sleep under the tarp and I'll get the tent:) I have been searching on Google for tarps, but really found anything suitable. Can someone suggest some suppliers?

Thanks,

Ian.

Hi Ian,

Try here http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/page112.asp or here http://www.raymears.com/Bushcraft_Products/Sleeping_Out/.

Regards,
Mark

I've bought plenty of stuff from Mountain Laurel Designs in the US. Good quality stuff.

Try here http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/page112.asp or here http://www.raymears.com/Bushcraft_Products/Sleeping_Out/.
Mark

Thanks the backpackinglight Little Tarp looks as though it might be what I want. It's quite big for one, but I can see it having other uses other than just for camping.

I've bought plenty of stuff from Mountain Laurel Designs in the US. Good quality stuff.

Thanks also. Interesting site once you get over the problem of it not working at all in Firefox.
Ian.

Ian,

I bought a 3m by 1.5m TN tarp on impulse while killing time in Cardiff.
After playing about with it I think a 3m by 3m with 4 guy points down each
side and 2 guy points in the centre would have been better.

I believe that the extra cost and weight would be saved by the fact that you
could use a less expensive pertex bag cover rather than a fully waterproof and
breathable bivi bag.

You're kids will love it. We take it walking and build shelters in the woods
for lunchtime. You can even rig it as a play tent in the garden. (Probably depends on
how old the children are mind.)

I'm determined to give my tarp ago in the wilds this year. Sometime after the weather stats to
warm up and sometime before the midges start. ;-)

Regards,
Mark