Waterproof, versatile, and easy to pack away, a tarpaulin sheet has many uses when living outdoors. Tie one up between trees or poles for an instant shelter, providing a dry communal area away from the tents, or use it to add an extra canopy layer above the tents in case of particularly heavy rainfall

Tarpaulins can also be used to fashion makeshift shelters for storing camping equipment, firewood, and food, or to create a seperate kitchen or living area. They also make excellent groundsheets, thanks to their waterproof nature.