The versatility of gear is growing in popularity among backcountry hunters. For any equipment I consider purchasing, I'd like it to have multiple uses. Marsupial added features to its meat tarp to let your imagination find new and unique ways to use it.

But if your imagination needs a break, take one. Here are five uncommon uses for the Marsupial Gear Meat Tarp.

Hasty Shelter

Last rifle season, my father and I hiked in a snowstorm, hoping it would be clear enough to glass for elk when we reached the top. Like most late-season weather, we didn't get much of a break. We had small windows to glass, but most of the time was spent sitting by a fire in our rain jackets, waiting out the storm. While waiting for weather gaps, I used some paracord and the meat tarp to create a small weather shield to hide ourselves and our gear behind. It worked well and took no time to set up.

Make sure to store your tarp in an easily accessible location. That way, you can quickly make a shelter for sun, rain, snow, or anything in between.

Water Collection

Filtering water is a chore. But, if you find yourself using the tarp as a shelter, there's sometimes an opportunity for water collection to top off your Nalgene or bladder. You can also use the tarp as a stand-alone water collection point with some stakes and common cordage. Just make sure you're using a clean tarp when you do.

Signal Panel

In the armed forces, many have adopted the use of what's called a VS17 panel. This signaling device is used for extractions and landing zones, among other things. Hopefully, you never need to be rescued, but the bright orange tarp can serve as a signal panel if you do.

Also, in a non-emergency situation, it can flag a hunting buddy as you guide him into an animal, mark your pack when you set it down on a stalk, and make camp easier to find.

Sleeping pad protection

Use the Meat Tarp as a drop cloth for your sleeping pad. This adds an extra barrier between the rocky, thorny ground and your delicate, lightweight sleeping pad. The material is strong, but don't assume it won't be punctured by jagged rocks. Clean your sleeping area, drop the meat tarp down, and catch some Z's without worrying your pad will puncture.

Pack covers outside of tent

I often forget to pack a rain cover for my backpack. Using the same principles mentioned above, I can keep my pack outside the tent, throw the tarp over it and stake it down to keep my backpack dry. There isn't room for a pack inside a minimalist tent, so this came in handy several times last season.

Just be sure to throw in 4 extra stakes to accompany the tarp.

Hopefully, some of these ideas can expand your use for the Meat Tarp. If you have uniquely used the tarp, be sure to reach out. I'd love to hear how you use it.