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Developed in response to the lockdowns, Shelter by Cinch combines the coolest elements of tarps into one minimalist package.

The central gathering spot at most campsites is the fire: when you imagine the quintessential camp scene in your mind's eye, more often than not it's dusk or evening, with a group of tired, grimy and happy campers sitting around a blaze, sharing stories of the day and perhaps roasting a marshmallow or two.

But what if there could be another gathering spot, one that provides shade and shelter from the elements, and that can be set up by a single person in just a few minutes? Enter: Shelter by Cinch, an innovative. crowd-funded outdoor concept that promises to revive your campsite with an easy and beautiful gathering space.

Shelter by Cinch was created in response to the lockdowns of the past two years; founder Jake Jackson developed the new take on the tarp in an attempt to gather his friends and family after so much time apart. The result is a minimalistic standalone structure that combines the low-key vibes of a tarp and the sturdiness of a tent.

The Shelter is composed of a few parts. There is the tarp itself, which is made from 3,000HH ripstop polyester and features heat-sealed seams and SPF 50+ UV-resistance. Also included is a flexible fiberglass shock-cord pole that forms the arched main entrance, two carbon steel poles that hold the roof up, plus storm straps and pegs that keep the tarp secured to the ground.

Once assembled, the whole thing measures 78.7in H x 149.6in W x 112.2 in L. When it's time to break camp and head home, the Shelter can be packed down into a cylindrical package that is 23.6 x 7.9 inches. That compact form factor makes it an easy addition to any car camping kit — the ideal solution for campers willing to invest in a structure that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The Shelter by Cinch is currently being funded on Indiegogo, quite comfortably — with 14 days to go, it has already raised 1089 percent of its $10,000 flexible goal. The campaign is offering limited Earlybird deals of up to 40 percent off the retail price of $399, with plans to ship in January of 2023. If you're into the idea, act soon: there are only seven Early Bird shelters left at the time of writing.