Ultralight tarp free hiking advice - first timer

Question

Hi, I have decided after much contemplation I might try my hand at free camping with a tarp this Summer in Portugal doing Camino. As I'm on a budget there are areas with no cheap accomodation so thought I could do some free camping.

I am trying to keep the weight (and price) as low as possible. My complete pack weight is 2.5k with camera and phone so doing well here.

I've been looking at these two products.

Aricxi Ultralight Tarp Lightweight 276g

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000883842194.html

Ultralight 310g Flysheet Tent

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000056321083.htm

I can see how the flysheet tent has more protection but is a little more than I want to spend. I will shop around. This was helpfully suggested by someone here on another post.

I have done plenty of camping with normal tents before on camping grounds, have a Naturehike 1 person but feeling trepidatious about doing free camping using a tarp. I will be taking only a sleeping bag apart from this and hoping I can sleep well enough just on the ground. Maybe also take a bin liner as groundsheet. The weather will be dry, and won't camp out if it's threatening to rain. Just need to feel some protection and comfort.

Any advice appreciated.

Posted Apr 7, 2026, 11:14 AM UTC

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