My wild camping in the past has never been with a conventional tent. I’ve used a Trailstar, a Golite Hex 3, and a tarp. I have some great memories using them. Heck the later two I used on two TGOCs.

My shelter of choice for my return sees me returning to using a tarp by using a DD Hammocks – DD SuperLight Tarp. This is a 3 metre by 2.9 metre tarp. Don’t ask me why it’s not 3 by 3 exactly. I’m sure there is a good reason for this. It’s just that I’ve not been that interested to dig into what it is.

It comes with four pegs and guy lines. But these will be taken out and replaced with 550 para cord. I’m also using 5mm bungee cord that will be added to the tarps attachment points as small loops to attach to. The thinking is this will provide a little give in strong winds and take some of the strain off the attachment points.

I have bought some generic brand tent pegs that are aluminium. But I’ll also be using my titanium ones too.

I think a combo of these should cater for most ground types. And yes you do detect a very small ultra light weight tent peg used to pull the titanium ones out of the ground. I really should attach some cord.

Obviously I’ll be using my trekking poles with the tarp.

I’ve also got a DD Hammocks – DD Magic Carpet – XL to use as a groundsheet. This is a 2.2 metre by 1.4 metre waterproof groundsheet.

In my controversial post on my proposed sleep system I mention the goretex bivy bag from the US Military Modular Sleep System (MSS) that could be used as part of it. However it should also be thought of as part of my planned shelter.

There is the obvious use of just using the bivy bag with no tarp erected. My first ever wild camp was in a borrowed bivy bag on the side of a Welsh mountain in the Brecon Beacons the night before picking Strider up.

But the main use will be with the tarp to add that extra layer of protection to the rest of the sleep system from the elements.

Using a tarp isn’t for everyone. I get it. But I love using one. I love the flexibility they give. Tarps can be erected in a multitude of ways depending on weather, location, or just how you feel.

I love how they bring you closer to nature. I certainly feel more connected when using a tarp.

I think it’s this last point especially that I want to recapture when I do my first trip that is approaching fast.

So that’s my sleep system, and shelter covered. Water next?