depends on where I plan to go. if I'm going somewhere with lots of open fields and few trees then I take a tent as it is easier. if it's going to be in teh woods I usually take a tarp just in case it gets wet but usually just rig up a quick and easy shelter. a tarp also makes it easier to build a leaf litter shelter (just pile the leaves on the tarp then tip them onto the shelter frame) among it's many other uses