You never know when your car may break down during a road trip, and hiking accidents are all too common. A breakdown or accident can leave you stranded in a bad situation, and that’s why you need to keep essential survival gear handy. A simple plastic tarp is a vital thing to keep in your survival gear; it’s a versatile piece of equipment that’s compact and easy to carry. Below are just five uses for a tarp in a survival scenario.
Shelter
Shelter should be one of the first things you establish when you’re in a survival situation. A waterproof tarp can be strung over a tent, to provide additional weather and waterproofing. It can also be used to create a tent, as long as you also have rope or cord in your survival gear. Likewise, a tarp can be placed over your firewood to keep it dry.
Ground Cover
It’s important to keep your sleeping area clean, dry, and free of vermin and pests as you can face serious health issues otherwise. A sturdy tarp spread on the ground can make a waterproof and bug proof base to set up your tent or to sleep on if you don’t have a tent. This will protect your other tools, your food, and your clothes from water and bugs.
Signal or Camouflage
The color of the tarp can be very useful; if you’re lost, a brightly colored tarp can be used to signal a search plane. Likewise, a camouflage colored tarp can hide your bug out location. A custom tarp can be very useful for both of these situations. If you might need to signal someone else, like a family member, let them know what color to look for in advance.
Water Collection
Collecting potable water in a survival situation is often the most important thing you need to do. You can use your tarp to collect condensation that forms overnight or rainwater during a storm. You can also use it to make a solar still. To make a solar still, dig a hole and place a jar or pot at the bottom. Spread the tarp over it, secure it, and place a rock at the center. Water vapor evaporating from the soil will condense on the tarp, and drip into the collection container. If you’re in a less humid location, put some vegetation around the jar or pot. These will also release moisture for your collection.
Improvised Pack
If you don’t have a pack for your tools and materials, your tarp can serve as an improvised pack. You can wrap your equipment in it and sling it across your back while walking. You can also use it to drag firewood or game back to your encampment. Likewise, an injured person or pet can be dragged to safety on top of a tarp.
As you can see, plastic tarps are a very versatile piece of survival equipment. You should always keep one in your car, as well as your hiking backpack. Disaster can strike at a moment’s notice, and you always need to be prepared.
