Check out ‘the camping tarp reimagined.’ It’s a party-friendly design whose designers say one person can set up quickly.
Part backcountry lounge, part shade sail, part tent — Indiegogo-funded Cinch introduced its simply designated “Shelter” to address seemingly disparate camping needs in one package.
First things first: The Shelter is a tarp tent. Its polyester/canvas cloth cuts a footprint that seeks to give enough space for four people to sit comfortably. A straight center pole made of steel keeps the canopy high, and one domed entrance should give all comers easy access.
Guylines keep the walls taut, and arc-shaped openings on both sides should keep humidity from building up inside. And you could imagine the lower, peaked opening opposite the half-circle entrance as completing a tunnel.
Cinch says it also designed the waterproof canopy to keep the weather out with 3,000HH water resistance and points to the reinforced stitching, fixtures, and fittings for durability.
Really, though, the distinctly shaped Shelter appears to stand out for its glamp-y flash and setup ease. According to Cinch, one person can pitch it alone in minutes. Takedown, it says, is “even easier,” and it packs down to a pretty tight roll — apparently about the size of an average three- or four-person backpacking tent.
Clearly, the company positions the tent squarely in the glamp-sphere.
“Deployed: the perfect size to bring your gang together to make juicy, nostalgic, marshmallowy camping memories,” Cinch gushes. “Camping trips, glamping trips, beach outings, backyard parties, Sunday afternoon tailgates, and so much more — the Shelter is ready to elevate each and every adventure.”
The Indiegogo campaign for the Shelter proved highly successful and comes to an end in 4 days. You can still get one of seven remaining early-bird specials. That will net you a Shelter for what seems like a pretty reasonable $239 (40% off MSRP). Cinch estimates deliveries will start in January 2023.
But wait, there’s more! The company also teased that it will drop an array of accessories for the Shelter after the funding round. Lanterns, a bamboo furniture set, a carpet, and something called a “Beach Kit” will all become available in 4 days.
Pinkies out, campers.
