If you want some protection when you are camping you should consider investing in a tarp or canopy. If you want to remain dry or want protection from the wind and the sun, either of these options can help.
You can bring along one or both but most people go with one or the other. These are similar to tents but don't always have walls so you might not have the same type of protection.
If you don't mind a more open feel then you might want to go with one of these. You may even prefer one over a traditional tent.
If you want to use a tent, you can still use a tarp or canopy for additional protection. It will do more for you than just using a tent alone.
So you will have to decide if you want to go with one or both and that is usually a personal decision. Either way, most people don't regret taking one of these along on a camping trip and generally put them to good use.
Tarps and canopies are rather light so they won't add so much weight to your pack. They are also often very compressible so they won't take up all that much space either.
And when you have one of them with you, you are protected from the elements more than you otherwise would be. And you have shade from the sun in the summer or even in other seasons when you just want to get out of the sun.
So if you want one then you have to know where to get the right one for your needs. There are many available on the internet.
When making a decision, have the right information at your fingertips. The key to choosing the right canopy or tarp is having the right information. And getting the right information is easy if you go to the right place.
If you enjoy reading what Sheker says about camping tarps check out what he has to say about canopies and other camping gear at campitout.