The best camping shelter by far is a tarp. Tarps are lightweight and can be folded down to size which makes it very easy to carry. Tarps are completely water proof unlike tents. If you have been out camping for a week or so, and you really stink you don't want that odor trapped in a tent. The only bad thing about a tarp is that you are vonerable to bugs, so make sure you wear a bug net. There for a tarp is the best camping shelter.