What are the Best Tarps for Camping?

BySteve Wilde Updated on

In this article, we will be looking at the best tarps for camping. And if you want to make a decision right now, we’d say go ahead and buy the Go Outfitters Apex Camping Shelter/Hammock Tarp for its well-rounded features.

Quick Introduction

What’s a tarp? It’s a sheet. It’s a powerful sheet. It’s the protector of everything including you. This is how it looks like:
A tarp is a piece of a sheet that is durable made to protect objects from rain and damage

There are many uses for a tarp. Woodcutters use it to cover their logs. Water rafters (if there is such a word) attach it to their raft and sail. RVers protect their roof with a tarp from water damage. And plenty more.

But for camping, here are the common uses:

  • You can put a tarp underneath your tent if you find the floor too thin. This would also protect your tent floor from abrasions.
  • Need a quick shelter for sleeping, you can set up a tarp tent and sleep in a bivy. Or, set up a hammock and put up a tarp for shelter.
  • Use a tarp to cover your firewood and protect it from getting wet.
  • It can act as an emergency blanket to trap body heat if anyone is suffering from hypothermia.
  • Because it is so durable, you can also make a sack out of it and carry your goods.
  • Tarp can be used for fun too! Turn it into a slide, pour water and make it wet, then let your kids go crazy.

And for this article, we will focus on getting the right type of tarp with a good coverage and durability.

Our Top Tarps for Camping

Best Tarps for Camping Buying Guide

Materials

Tarps come in many types of materials. The common types for camping are Silnylon, Cuben Fiber, Poly and Tyvek.

Silnylon

Silnylon seems to be the most popular material for tarps. The material is very waterproof and lightweight which makes it a good choice for ultralight backpacking. However, it is not breathable and it stretches when wet. You have to keep tightening it periodically so that it won’t sag too much.

Cuben Fiber

Cuben Fiber is lighter than Silnylon but more costly than Silnylon. It does not stretch when wet and is theoretically 100% waterproof. It doesn’t take up much space. However, this material is prone to abrasion.

Poly

Poly tarps are cheaper than Silnylon. It does not stretch when it is wet also. However, they are heavier and use up more space than Silnylon. This might not be a good choice for ultralight backpacking.

Tyrek

Tyvek comes in different versions. Each serves a different purpose. The main characteristic of Tyvek is that they are lightweight, water resistant yet breathable. They are cheap as well but they tend to take up more space and usually ugly.

Backpackers on a lower budget would like to use Tyvek to make their gear like stuff sacks and tarps. If you want to find out what kind of Tyvek to get, there is an article on this.

Shape and Size

The size and shape of the tarp depend on what you are providing a cover for. If you are setting up a tarp tent, you need to decide what shelter configuration you are going for. There are choices like the A-Frame, Half Pyramid, Flying Diamond, etc.

Each configuration has a different requirement for the number of guy lines, stakes and tree branch or trekking poles. Each of the different configurations has its own advantages and disadvantages.

After that, you can decide how many people are going to stay under that shelter. Place your bivy or whichever sleeping equipment underneath the shelter to mark the area that you need to cover. Then, start pitching the tarp.

Having a big tarp can add unnecessary weight to your backpack. For protecting the base of your tent, measure your tent floor dimensions and find the next available size that is a little bigger than your tent floor. Also, take note of the shape of the tent floor so you won’t end up getting a square tarp for a rectangular floor.

If you are using the tarp as a shelter for your hammock, there is a guide on getting the right size and shape for sheltering your hammock.

Thickness

If a thin tarp can repel the water away, you can carry on using that. There is no need to get a thicker one. Having more thickness in the tarp adds more weight but may not provide any additional water resistance.

However, if you are using the tarp to protect your tent floor, you probably want to get a thicker one to increase its tear resistance for better protection.

Construction

Check out how the grommets and tie-outs are being installed on the tarp. When the tarp is set up, the area around the grommets and tie-outs will be handling a lot of stress because of the pulling. Check if the area is reinforced with another layer of fabric to distribute the stress.

Tie-outs are preferred for staking out as it will distribute the stress over a larger area uniformly compared to grommets.

Check out how the seams are being sealed. If the seams around the reinforcement are not well stitched or there are too little stitches, the reinforcements might tear when there is a tension on the grommets.

Tarps can also come in different styles. There are flat tarps and shaped tarps.

Flat tarps are simple squarish or rectangular tarps. Because of its flexibility, they can be set up in a wide range of shapes depending on the environment. However, they can be heavier because they use more fabric.

Shaped tarps are not squarish or rectangular. They tend to have catenary cuts which make the edges curved. These cuts reduce noise by preventing flapping. They also make the rain run off the fabric smoothly which reduces sagging.

They also have different positioning of the tie-outs and grommets. Because of this, it is less flexible than flat tarps. You have to pitch them in a certain way which are optimized for specific environments.

Colors

If you were someone who looks at the overall aesthetics of your camping area, you might be picky about finding the right color. This is to make sure the rest of your gear matches well with the tarp.

But there are practical advantages. If you are a wildlife photographer, you might want to get a forest shade green tarp to camouflage yourself while taking shots at the animals. However, this also makes it harder for you to spot your shelter when you come back from somewhere.

You can get a tarp with bright colors to easily spot your shelter. Bright colors also help in slowing down UV degradation because they reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it.

Setting up

Setting up a shelter using the tarp requires you to know a couple of knots. Tarps come with either grommets or tie-outs to tie a knot and connect your rope to a pillar. After tying your knots, the tarp should be stretched. It shouldn’t be sagging if not it will start collecting water.

EQUINOX Egret Tarps

4.0
$91.17
Pros:
  • Grommets are reinforced
  • Quiet tarp
  • Lightweight
Cons:
  • Only one color to choose from
  • May have water leaking through the single stitched seams
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/18/2024 09:01 pm GMT

The grommets installed on this tarp have been reinforced and are sturdy enough. You won’t be scared of ripping the grommets out when pulling it. The edges of the tarp seem to be folded back to provide the reinforcement for the grommets.

The key seams are double stitched but some users reported that the center area has single stitches only. Because of this, there are cases of water leaking through the seam when there is rain. You probably want to seal the seam first before bringing it out.

Because of the material it uses, this tarp is quiet even when there is the wind. You can sleep comfortably while feeling the breeze.

There is only one color to choose for this tarp. The color is leaf green which can blend well in the forest. But if you fancy other colors, then this one is not for you.

This product comes in various sizes. Unless you are getting the bigger sizes, the weight is considered light for backpacking. If you are looking for a lightweight and sturdy tarp, you can go for this one.

Go Outfitters Apex Camping Shelter/Hammock Tarp

4.5
$69.99
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/18/2024 07:23 pm GMT

Brought to life by a Kickstarter project, this tarp is designed for hammocks. However, the manufacturer decides to make it a multi-purpose tarp that can also be used as a tent tarp and shelter.

It has 20 tie-out loops which make it very configurable. The tie-outs are reinforced with a large triangular piece of fabric. This adds extra support to the tie-outs and prevents them from ripping off easily. However, this also adds extra weight.

There are a couple of colors to choose from. You can mix and match the color of the tarp to the rest of your gear.

It has catenary cuts which make it quiet during a windy situation and doesn’t sag when the rain comes.

The tarp comes with guy lines, tensioners, stakes and a stuff sack. These extra items are nice to have but some users reported that they are not made of good quality materials. You might be better off having your own set of guy lines, tensions and stakes.

This seems like a great to buy to a lot of people. It is not the lightest and cheapest tarp but it comes with plenty features that make it a multi-function product yet a configurable one. The size is also just right for most use cases. If you are okay with the price and weight, this would be the one to go for.

REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint

3.8
$18.99
Pros:
  • Very lightweight (8.96 oz) and easy to pack
  • Affordable and budget-friendly
  • Waterproof coating
  • Multipurpose use (footprint, ground cover, rain shelter)
  • Comes in several sizes
Cons:
  • Less durable for extreme conditions
  • Limited tie-out points
  • Not suitable for heavy rain or high winds
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/18/2024 09:01 pm GMT

The REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint is a budget-friendly option designed for campers who need a simple, lightweight tarp. Originally developed as a tent footprint, the manufacturer made it versatile enough to serve as a ground cover or rain shelter.

With multiple grommeted tie-out points, this tarp can be configured in several ways, though it doesn’t offer as many tie-out loops as higher-end models. This helps keep it lightweight, making it ideal for backpackers. The waterproof coating ensures it can hold up in light to moderate rain, but it’s not designed to withstand heavy downpours or high winds for extended periods.

Available in a couple of color options, it allows you to coordinate it with the rest of your gear. While the tarp is very light, some users have mentioned that its thin material may not hold up well to heavy-duty use. The guy lines and stakes that come with the tarp are adequate, but it’s a good idea to invest in sturdier replacements if you plan on using it frequently or in more demanding conditions.

This footprint isn’t meant for extreme conditions, but for the price and weight, it’s a great option for casual campers or backpackers who need a simple, reliable ground cover. If you’re after something lightweight and don’t mind the trade-off for durability, the REDCAMP Ultralight is a great choice.

Aqua Quest Defender Tarp

4.5
$109.99
Pros:
  • Highly durable 40D ripstop nylon
  • 100% waterproof with a 20,000mm hydrostatic head
  • 19 reinforced tie-down loops for versatile setups
  • Excellent wind and rain resistance
  • Available in multiple sizes and colors
Cons:
  • Heavier than ultralight models (3.3 lbs)
  • Accessories (guy lines and stakes) could be better quality
  • More expensive than lightweight alternatives
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/18/2024 09:01 pm GMT

Originally designed for rugged outdoor conditions, the AquaQuest Defender Tarp is known for its durability. Although it’s primarily marketed as a shelter for extreme weather, its multi-purpose design makes it great for ground cover, hammock shelter, and more. The tarp comes in various sizes, allowing you to select the best fit for your specific camping needs.

The tarp features 19 reinforced tie-down loops, providing plenty of configuration options to suit different setups. The tie-outs are reinforced with an additional piece of fabric to prevent tearing under pressure, which adds to the overall weight. While it’s not the lightest option, this extra durability is ideal for heavy-duty use, making it reliable for those who need strong, long-lasting protection from the elements.

You can choose from a couple of colors, which allows you to match the tarp to the rest of your camping gear. The AquaQuest Defender Tarp also features a hydrostatic head rating of 20,000 mm, ensuring that it holds up well in wet conditions. However, while it comes with stakes, guy lines, and a stuff sack, some users have noted that these accessories could be of better quality. It might be worth investing in sturdier alternatives if you plan on using the tarp for long-term or high-wind setups.

This tarp isn’t the cheapest or lightest, but its rugged construction and weatherproof capabilities make it a top choice for serious campers. If you are willing to carry a bit of extra weight for more durability and weather protection, the AquaQuest Defender is definitely worth considering.

Geertop 1-4 Person Ultralight Waterproof Tent Tarp

3.0
$24.99
Pros:
  • Very lightweight
  • Cheap
Cons:
  • Might not be able to stand up to strong rain
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/18/2024 07:23 pm GMT

This tarp is made of ultra light fabric which is also resistant to abrasion, wear, tear and water. It comes with a couple of sizes to choose from. You can find the best fitting size for your tent if you are using it as a footprint. Because it is so light, it will be easy to carry it around.

If you are looking to use it as a shelter, you might want to get a bigger one to cover more area. There are only 4 tie-out loops. You will only be able to do a simple roof shelter out of it.

I think the price is really good for the larger sizes. It serves its purpose well for protecting the tent floor from abrasions. It’s also a good choice as a picnic mat. However, I wouldn’t recommend using it as a canopy to protect yourself from the rain. You won’t be able to stay dry in a torrential rain.

If you are looking for a tarp to protect your tent floor, use it as a picnic mat or cover your gear at the back of a car, I would recommend going for this one.

Conclusion

After looking through the list of tarps again, I’m going to pick Go Outfitters Apex Camping Shelter/Hammock Tarp.

The size, weight, and versatility were the ones that influenced me to make this decision. This tarp has a good size, is lightweight and made to adapt to different camping environments. I would also say it is a safe buy as many people were pleased with their purchase.