The answer really depends on your situation. Many cases, the answer is yes, but it does have its pros and cons. Not everyone can carry a 4 season tent nor does everyone need one. Not all tents are great in every terrain.
For a survivalist, a good tent would be something light, that can house the number of people for the tent (or else have multiple tents), that will keep you dry and warm.
It may not offer protection from wildlife attacks, nor does it always provide the protection needed during inclement weather. The lighter the tent, the likelihood of it lasting over time is shorter. High quality is key here, and load sharing parts of the tent (i.e. someone carries the tent, and someone else carries the rainfly, poles, and footprint or tarp.) I personally use 2 tarps to create a base and cover. If there are branches around, I use that and some small trees to close one entrance and cover the entire thing. Keeps me warm, and mostly dry. It is definitely lighter than carrying a tent, just not as cozy and comfortable. Also a good recommendation is to learn to build a shelter out of what you find out in nature. That way you need to carry less to survive.
Tent
Pros
- Easy to setup – You should be able to setup a tent blindfolded in under 10 min, but try for 5 min
- A high quality 4 season tent protects you from the elements – make sure you have a rainfly and footprint
- It keeps most animals away, as long as you don’t have food inside your tent. It does keep bugs out fairly well
Cons
- Expensive – I will reiterate the high quality tent as a requirement because if you are going to carry around something this heavy, it has to be the best. Can cost upwards to $1000 depending on size and it can go even higher
- Heavy and Bulky – The best 4 season tents weigh close to 5 lbs with the tent, poles, rainfly and footprint and they don’t pack down so compact
Tarp
Pros
- Much lower cost – I pack 2 high quality tarps and it is significantly less to buy than the footprint for a high quality tent
- Lightweight and compact – I carry 2, and it weighs less than my 4 season tent and it packs very well
- Multi function versatility – With 2 tarps, I can keep on on the ground, and one overhead. I can also hang a hammock under the tarp and be off the ground. With a good fire outside with a way to keep bugs out, I have less bugs attacking me while I sleep
Cons
- For advanced survivalists – Difficult to set up as every location will provide you with a different challenge for a good shelter. If you are going to go this route, hike thru camp, bring a tent, but setup a shelter in 3 different locations (and terrains). Get good at it before you go the tarp route
- Animals and bugs may get you – I usually have a fire with a termite nest in it to keep most bugs away, though spiders and scorpions don’t care. Animals are curious so if there is an opening, they may enter