Tarps are large sheets of fabric that are often made of plastic or other synthetic fibers. They come in different shapes, sizes, weights, and thicknesses. Tarps are used for many purposes, including shelter construction, water collection, ghillie camouflage covers, ground cover under tents, hauling cargo over wet surfaces, waterproofing structures against weather events, and more.
Here are some uses of the tarp, which you can apply on many occasions
Waterproofing structures or boat hulls against the weather – one side facing the outside environment and another side with some overlap attached to wall studs with screws on either side of overlap point using exterior hand screws
-stake down tarp edges along structure towards wind direction to prevent flapping
-multiple methods to plug holes and cover edges including duct tape, electrician’s aluminum tape, marine caulk, or food packaging plastic wrap such as saran wrap
Weatherproof vehicles such as trucks against rain – a large piece of tarp laid down on top of the vehicle with the broad side facing the ground and long sides draped over onto that same side then tightly sealed all around using electrician’s tapes or rafia that has been scissored into strips.
-Vehicle doors can also be closed up before sealing around the doorframe way to keep dust out while driving in dusty areas during dry seasons
Make shelter, tent, or survival equipment
Rectangular sheet of tarp draped over support structure which could be made from natural or manufactured materials.
Folded over edges at ends to strengthen and hold the structure together by using stakes, boughs, rocks, logs, jute twine, or other weights that could also be used as a windbreak during cold weather
Haul cargo over wet surfaces
Similar method as waterproofing but with many folds sewn into the tarp before use which creates a pocket for the cargo being moved from one environment to another while keeping it out of the water below
You can do it with wood planks if no sewing is available to catch rainwater, snowmelt, or dew in arid environments – square sheet draped between tree branches for support then edges folded downwards onto ground catching run-off then collected in containers using ropes or twine attached to tarp corners
Build small boats, rafts, or floats – plastic sheeting material for durability and strength. Folded tarp can act as a flotation device in case of capsizing if hit by high waves. Create shelter against the elements, outdoors – rectangle-shaped tarp draped over support structure that has been staked down onto ground then edges folded up towards roof which increases headspace allowing one to stand upright safely inside
Multiple tarps can be used layered on top of each other with fabric openings cut into them so occupants can enter and exit without worrying about undoing the system holding it together. Poke holes through tarps using sticks around windows, doors, and apex points of roof for use with paracord, rope, or twine to tighten up door flaps and keep the wind out
Wrap body parts in case of injury
Extreme cold weather use where the tarp is cut into strips then wound around limbs being covered such as head, face, hands, and feet before being covered by clothing. Multiple layers of plastic tied together over joints using cordage keeps wetness out while trapping heat closer to the skin
