Tarped like rats.

No, it's not a typo. It's a pun, in keeping with the tone of this fun article. We've often thought about reducing weight by using a tarp, but have never made the leap, primarily for the reasons )(at last some of them) cited here.

OK--this is funny: https://www.backpacker.com/stories/essays/5-honest-reasons-to-tarp-camp/

That's why we've settled, very happily, on a Tarptent from Henry Shires, which includes bug protection and a floor, but still comes in under three pounds....