Backpacking shelters offer vital protection from the elements and are one of the necessities of a backpacker. For those who are not expecting bad weather a bivy bag may be suitable protection, but for those who are expecting bad weather or who plan on setting up camp for a long period will want to create a shelter that will protect them when they sleep but also provide a sheltered area to socialise underneath.
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Tents provide the best protection whilst you are sleeping, as they are easily put up and are in most cases water resistant. Carrying a tent that is any more than a sleeping area though is difficult due to weight caused by the amount of poles and sheets that are required.
The best solution for a social area is to carry a backpacking tarp. This can be fixed in the air to provide rain protection for a large area relatively easily. Some backpackers like to erect this over all their tents so that they are sure of remaining dry and so that they do not have to step up out of the entrance of their tent into water. The area that can be easily covered will be dependant on the location of trees as this will be needed to support the tarp and keep it lifted. Care must be taken to ensure that the water drains off in one direction and does not pool in one area as this will eventually way cause the tarp to fall.
A simple shelter when you're backpacking can make all the difference.
Backpacking shelter can also be made from natural materials found in and around the camp. Long sticks can be used to form a frame and then branches with leaves on can then be attached to them. If this is then lent up against a tree it should provide enough protection for you to remain warm and dry throughout the night. If you are going to rely on this type of shelter it is wise to check the types of habitat you will be camping in in advance and also to take a knife with you to cut branches.
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