When 3-season backpacking, time spent in camp usually involves, sleeping and eating without a big emphasis on "communal camp time". Further, most of the meals I take on a backpacking trip tend to require simple preparation. As such, I really would not find much value bringing a second tarp on a backpacking trip.
If the trip revolves around a 'base camp", a tarp, chairs and such might find their way into a packing list.
I have a diy winter tarp that I will use over the hammock. As well as for 'living' under when the weather isn't great. We have no predators in the UK to be afraid of.
Like humpback I have a dd 4x4m tarp (my first tarp). The dd tarp is now my spare or loaner tarp. On car camping trips I will be taking it as a group shelter.
Because of the size/weight/durability/lowish cost it is a great group shelter and I feel like I can trust the tarp to hold up to the abuse that the clumsy oafs (myself included) that I camp with will accidentally give it while messing around.
As all we really do at the moment is car camp with cubscouts I carry a pop up dining fly. Dont want the kids hanging around where I sleep.
Where ever you go,
There you are.
From reading this thread it strike me that the tarp is also a function of how one trips. Some folks seem to consider food as a quick fuel stop so they are less prone to need anything as they have no fire. Others of us are more likely to build a fire to cook over and enjoy so we need the extra roof for inclement weather. I suspect we also spend more time in camp just kicked back and enjoying being there.
YMMV
HYOH
Free advice worth what you paid for it. ;-)
I just carry the Superfly. When my buddies are out with me they tend to hide under my tarp but we usually setup a cooking area close to a large pine and if raining we hide there. Only running out to the fire to check the food.
Brady
I have been known on occasion to carry what I call a "companion" tarp. It is simply a 60"x60" no seam piece of fabric with hemmed edges and tie outs. Its not much but does serve a few different purposes.
It is just big enough for a single person to use as a kitchen tarp. I have also rigged it as a top cover on my hammock. But, most commonly it gets used as a fire reflector.
My first diy project, simple to make and more useful than one might think. The finished product was only 6oz with guy lines.
-A.A.
"Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws." -Plato
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