Starvin Larry

Tarps are great shelter tools, especially when it is a tarp designed to be a shelter. For a good part of the year I’ve been using the Bushcraft Outfitters M.E.S.T. (Multipurpose Emergency Survival Tarp) and I really have nothing but good things to say.

While the name might imply that it’s only for use in emergencies, it has become my go to shelter tarp. It’s small, only about 5’ x 8’, which for me is perfect; just big enough for me and my gear. It’s lightweight, only 13 ounces, and in the included stuff sack it packs down to about the size of a 32 ounce bottle.

You see, I’m not looking for huge tarps so I can build a “Tarp Mahal”. I just want low profile, low weight, and durable; and this tarp delivers. I want something that doesn’t take up much room in my pack, and doesn’t weigh…