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Protection from wind and rain for one night

Which shelter fits when a night outdoors with wind and rain lies ahead?

Tarp A-frame, lean-to and emergency bivouac solve the same problem in very different ways. The comparison shows what each method does and does not do – regardless of the choice, all three need a safe site and insulation from the ground.

Starting situation
Legend
Select methods to compare side by sideMethodRain protectionWind protectionGround insulationLow condensation riskManageable without much practiceLight and compact
Tarp A-frameYesPartlyNoPartlyPartlyPartly
Tarp lean-toPartlyDependsNoYesYesPartly
Emergency bivouac with blanket, bivvy bag or bin bagDependsPartlyNoNoYesYes

Legend:● Yes◐ Partly◇ Depends○ No* = note available

Tarp A-frame

Effort:
15–30 minutes to pitch
Needs:
Tarp, cord, stakes or sticks, two anchors or trekking poles, sleeping pad
  • Rain protectionYes

    In driving rain, some gets in at the open ends.

  • Wind protectionPartly

    Good with the narrow end into the wind; tolerates shifting wind better than a lean-to.

  • Ground insulationNo

    The method itself does not insulate from the ground – a sleeping pad or other insulating layer is always needed in addition.

  • Low condensation riskPartly

    Open ends ventilate; more condensation when the sides are pitched low.

  • Manageable without much practicePartly

    Requires knots and some practice with tensioning.

  • Light and compactPartly

    Depends on the tarp's size and material.

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Tarp lean-to

Effort:
10–20 minutes to pitch
Needs:
Tarp, cord, stakes or sticks, two anchors or trekking poles, sleeping pad
  • Rain protectionPartly

    Good with rain from the expected direction; the open side is unprotected.

  • Wind protectionDepends

    Only as long as the wind comes from behind.

  • Ground insulationNo

    The method itself does not insulate from the ground – a sleeping pad or other insulating layer is always needed in addition.

  • Low condensation riskYes

    Very well ventilated through the open front.

  • Manageable without much practiceYes

    Simplest tarp pitch; reading the wind correctly is the real difficulty.

  • Light and compactPartly

    Depends on the tarp's size and material.

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Emergency bivouac with blanket, bivvy bag or bin bag

Effort:
A few minutes
Needs:
Emergency blanket, bivvy bag or large bin bag; an insulating layer for the ground
  • Rain protectionDepends

    Bivvy bag good; emergency blanket and bin bag limited and prone to tearing.

  • Wind protectionPartly

    Keeps wind off the body but offers no space; a sheltered spot is crucial.

  • Ground insulationNo

    The method itself does not insulate from the ground – a sleeping pad or other insulating layer is always needed in addition.

  • Low condensation riskNo

    Not breathable – a lot of moisture collects inside.

  • Manageable without much practiceYes

    Hardly any prior knowledge needed; always keep the face uncovered.

  • Light and compactYes

    Very light and compact – one reason to always carry it.

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