Canoeing.com Definition: These shelters are super-lightweight protection from wind and rain. Some tarp shelters come with a pole or two, but many can be set up with a paddle and by staking out or stringing up the corners. Since these shelters don’t have a floor they won’t keep the bugs out, but minimalists prefer their scant weight and compressible size in lieu of a tent. For those who simply want an additional shelter in camp, the tarps featured here can protect you from rain and sun when cooking or relaxing in camp.