Table of Contents
tarps for camping and hiking
see also:
- Remote Equipment Repairs - tent and camping repairs Hoppers Crossing, Melbourne
- I don't sell any of these nor do I receive any remuneration if you buy them, and I have not personally reviewed all of them, they are listed here to give you perspective
- nearly all tarps, even heavy extreme ones are subject to tears or holes if contacts a sharp object (eg rock, sharp teeth of a clamp) and placed under tension as with winds
- brief summary suggestions for buying a tarp for camping
- overnight hiking - buy a good quality, expensive 3x3m ultralight tarp with lots of guy out points eg. 19
- DD Hammocks Superlight Tarp 3×3 is a good option but if you want something even lighter then you will need to look at Dyneema fabric such as Zpacks DCF 2.6x3m tarp
- camping near vehicle
- a cheap polyethylene tarp from Bunnings will suffice to go under your tent or swag and provide extra protection for floor of tent as well as waterproofing if you clamp the corners to form a bathtub floor
- if you want something to walk on which is not as noisy as a cheap polyethylene tarp, get a better quality “Extreme” tarp (eg. Polytuf Industrial Xtreme polyolefin tarp) or use awning matting
- if you want something light to shelter from rain then a 3x3m or larger polyester tarp will be much less noisy in the wind than a cheap polyethylene one - try to get 19 guy outs (8-10 guy outs is NOT enough to provide adequate utility in the wind)
Introduction
- tarps have many uses and your choice of tarp will depend upon how you wish to use it:
- emergency shelter when hiking (you may still need a bivy for warmth and mesh head net for bug protection)
- use as a ground sheet to reduce risk of water (even if using an enclosed tarp tent)
- rain / shade protection for your camping shelter (eg. mesh tent, hammock, swag, or no tent)
- awning to extend from your car or your tent
- provision of extra protection of your tent during storms (in severe storms you may be better off taking down your tent so it is not damaged and can be set up after the storm has passed)
- temporary protective cover to assist in recovery and prevent further water issues from damage to house/vehicle/etc after storms
- light, compact, versatile - as long as you know how to pitch them
- tarps require use of mosquito nets or a bivvy to keep you from the bugs, but in the desert can be used primarily as a windbreak without a bug net
- flat tarps in A-frame pitch takes longer to set up than those with catenary cut tarp
- in storm mode, flat tarps only provide 3 sided protection which can be more problematic compared to pyramidal tarps
- tarp ponchos can be very useful for some types of hikes and for emergency rain/shelter use
- they are not good for1):
- extended wet and windy conditions such as in Tasmania or NZ
- long alpine trails above the tree line as they are too exposed
- narrow trails where they are likely to continuously snag on branches
- nothing short of a concrete bunker is likely to protect you from a tree falling, tornado, cyclone or bushfires - tarps will have minimal or no help to you in these conditions!
- large hailstones will break your vehicle windows as well as house roof tiling - a light tarp is not likely to protect during the storm but may have a use after the storm has passed
- tarps need to be well made and expertly set up to withstand very strong winds
- If you are riding out a lengthy storm underneath a tarp, especially a small tarp, you will want to make sure it is pitched tautly and in an appropriate location.
- you probably shouldn't be relying upon a tarp shelter when hiking above the tree line in alpine conditions in weather that is not optimal - you may be better off keep walking until you find protection or use a tent designed for those conditions.
- the smallest tarp for shelters when hiking for most people should be 1.6×2.7m (smaller tarps can be OK for shorter people or when using a bivy)
tarp fabrics
tarps size and minimizing risk of damage
- the minimum size for most camping uses is a 3m x 3m tarp as you need to allow for the wet zone around the edges in the rain
- most tarps are subject to damage from:
- sharp objects - hence avoid dragging them over a load and instead, lift them onto a load and don't drop heavy objects onto a tarp
- abrasion - avoid placing over sharper objects, and consider rotating tarp
- UV damage - most will deteriorate over time in the sun, some much more than others, if continuous use is needed, turn tarp over periodically.
- mildew - don’t roll up or fold tarpaulins when they are wet. This will result in growth of mold and eventual rotting.
- tears to tie down points
- Don’t over tighten a tarp when tieing it down.
- Consider using tarp clips if needing additional tie-down points.
- for high wind situations consider using tarps with D-rings
- When used for an awning, always make sure rain or condensation can drain away and not collect in the middle
- use appropriate tie methods for eyelets
- ensure number of tie downs are sufficient - consider using tarp clips if needing additional tie-down points
- ensure a rope is secured OVER a larger tarp to avoid it becoming a parachute and further straining the eyelets
- ensure all tie down points are actually tied down
tarp as shelter
reflective survival blanket / tarp
- these not only provide wind, rain and sun protection as with a normal tarp, but one side has a reflective layer which is important for maximising radiant heat from an open fire if you are in a survival situation, these should be used with something to sleep in (eg. a survival bivy) and something insulating to sleep on (eg. insulated mat or large garbage bag filled with leaves)
- Pathfinder Survival Blanket
- 1.5×2.1m 340g 6 guy outs;
- take 6 x 10“ plastic stakes for the survival tarp with one being able to be used as fuel for the fire if desperate
- you will need at least 4 guys and possibly a ridge line
ultra-light hiking tarps under 500g
- hiking tarps will TEAR in strong winds if there is contact with sharp edges such as rocks!
- Zpacks DCF tarps
- 7'x9' 2.1×2.7m DCF; 8 tie outs; 139g; https://zpacks.com/products/flat-tarp-7-x-9-w-8-loops?aff=158 $US349
- 8.5'x10' 2.6x3m DCF; 12 tie outs + 4 mid tie outs; 195g; https://zpacks.com/products/flat-tarp-8-5-x-10-w-12-loops $US399
- 10×13' 3x4m DCF; 8 tie outs; 258g https://zpacks.com/products/big-ass-camp-tarp-10-x-13 $US599
- Wild Sky Gear UK 0.51oz (17g/m2) 100XT Dyneema cuben fibre tarps (purchase via Ebay store, $AU price includes GST)
- 2.7m x 1.6m 99g 8 tie outs $AU424
- 2.7m x 3.0m 200g 21 tie outs $AU664
- 2.7m x 3.6m 238g 21 tie outs $AU807
- free delivery to Aust
-
- 2.59m x 2.59m 251g DCF8 Dyneema cuben fibre $US389
- 3.05×2.22m 276g DCF8 Dyneema cuben fibre $US399
- 3.05×2.44m 308g DCF8 Dyneema cuben fibre $AU699 https://www.wildearth.com.au/buy/hyperlite-mountain-gear-flat-tarp-green/2-03003-2
- 16 LineLocs are spaced around the perimeter of the tarp, and five guy out points are located in the middle; 10) Ultralight 2.8mm UHMWPE Core Guy Lines;
- Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil® Tarp-Poncho
- 2.8×1.45m 15D silnylon Nano Cordura fabric can be used as a poncho over yourself and backpack or as a tarp shelter
- not great as a poncho when it is windy (hard to keep in position and plastic snaps unsnap and not easy to fasten in the wind) or when walking on narrow tracks with branches that keep catching it2)
- better ventilation to reduce perspiration (just wear your thermals underneath) than most rain jackets and protects your backpack better than backpack rain covers which fail to protect the inner front part of the back pack from water running down your neck, but the 30D version may be better for you 3)
- Sea to Summit also make a slightly smaller 70D silnylon 137x253cm version weighing 400g and costing $AU99
- Exped make a Bivy Poncho PU ripstop polyester tarp which is 1.4mx2.4m weighing 460g which can even be used as a hammock and costing $AU239 at https://www.bogong.com.au/exped-bivy-poncho-green.html
- Sea to Summit Escapist 15D
- 15D Sil/PU coated Ultra-Sil® Nano fabric
- eight Hypalon tie-out points will each hold the tip of a trekking pole
- medium 2 x 2.6m 270g $AU255
- large 3 x 3m 350g $AU299
- Terra Nova Competition Tarp 1
- 2.45×1.48m, 290g 6 tie outs
- green 20D ripstop polyester 3000mm or is it Watershed Si2 fabric nylon?
- Terra Nova Competition Tarp 2
- 2.48×2.9m, 550g
- green Watershed Si2 silicone nylon 5000mm HH or is it 20D ripstop polyester 3000mm ?
- Mont Batwing UL tarp
- 20D ripstop double sil-coated nylon 3000mm waterhead
- designed for the optional Batcave Thru-Hiker Mesh Inner and uses hiking poles
- large: 3.4 x 2.9m $AU299 480g with 10 guy points
- medium: 3.15 x 2.6m $AU269 410g with 8 guy points
- DD Hammocks Superlight Tarp 3×3
- green ripstop nylon, with 3000mm PU waterproof coating, and has a taped central seam
- 3×2.9m 490g with 19 reinforced attachment points (can be used as a tent) and includes 4 tent pegs and guy lines and a draw-cord stuff sack - PACK SIZE: 19cm x 11cm x 8cm.
- also available as:
- 2.9 x 3m 460g $AU149 at https://www.backpackinglight.com.au/dd-hammocks-dd-hammocks-superlight-tarp-3m-x-3m.html
- 2.9×4.5m, 690g at $AU229 at https://www.backpackinglight.com.au/dd-hammocks-superlight-tarp-xl-45m-x-29m.html
-
- some great features including better ability to create doors at each end and use with spreader poles over the top of ridgeline set up thanks to 4 panel tie outs
- 20D or 30D silnylon options
- $US150 for 20D 3×3.3m long 510g
- $US150 for 30D 3×3.3m long 539g
- $US185 for 30D 3×3.9m long 638g
superlight hiking tarps under 1kg for 9sqm
-
- PU coated cordura silnylon tarp 2000mm HH, orange or green;
- 3×3.66m (10×12'); 655g; 20 external guy points plus 1 central point;
- packs to 25x19cm; €180
- Luxe Polatouche tarp
- 3.4m x 2.9m 40D PU green ripstop 2500mm 260T silnylon hexagonal Catenary cut
- 600g 2 x Ridgeline + 4 x Corners + 4 Mid-Panel Guyline Loops = 10 Total tie out points
- packs to 10” x 3.5“ x 3.5”
- need to apply tent seam sealer for heavy rain around the mid-panel guyline loop attachment points (sealer not included).
- $US91 or $AU199 at https://www.backpackinglight.com.au/luxe-siltarp-340-x-290-polatouche.html
-
- ripstop nylon; 3.15mx1.93m; 540g; 2.5m cord to each of 6 attachment points; line lock buckles for tension and secure tie out; packs to 23x22cm; $AU88
- Aricxi tarp
- 210T 5000mmPU polyester taffeta with silver under-surface coating;
- 3x3m 19 tie outs; ~800g ~$AU58 eg. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003107689281.html
- 4x3m 19 tie outs; ~1000g
- 4x4m 19 tie outs; ~1400g ~$AU91
- 5x3m 19 tie outs; ~1200g ~$AU84
- 3.5×2.9m diamond cut 4 tie outs 500g
- 3.6×2.8m catenary cut hexagon 6 tie outs 610g
- Wilderness Equipment's Overhang Ultralight Shelter
- engineered tarp 30D high-tenacity nylon 66 fabric with a silicone elastomer coating on BOTH sides
- fully-catenary-cut fabric panels either side of this main seam
- 3m guy lines supplied on corners, 2m on sides - strong reflective fleck, with sliding cleat adjusters
- Tear drop guy cord pockets
- small 2 x 2.95m 550g
- medium 3 x 2.95m 700g
- large 4.5 x 2.95m 1060g $AU449
- Terra Nova Adventure Tarp 2
- 2.48×2.9m, 594g 8 guy outs?
- green 68D ripstop polyester 4000mm HH
- Aqua Quest Guide Tarp
- green 40D PU silnylon 5000mm waterhead, taped seams, sewn in tie off points (no grommets)
- 10'x13' (3m x 3.9m) $AU184 1kg incl pegs, guys
- 10'x10' (3m x 3m) $AU149 0.91kg incl pegs, guys; 16 peripheral tie off points and 1 in the centre
- Aqua Quest Safari Tarp
- 70D PU silnylon 5000mm WH;
- 3x3m 19 tie outs 770g $AU189 n Amazon
- 3x4m 19 tie outs 1kg
- 4.5×4.5m 29 tie outs 1.7kg $AU339 on Amazon
- 6x4m 25 tie outs 2kg
- DD Hammocks Tarp 3×3
- 190T polyester and is finished with a PU 3000mm waterproof coating
- 3×2.9m 790g with 19 reinforced attachment points (can be used as a tent) and includes 4 tent pegs and guy lines and a draw-cord stuff sack
- also available as:
- 5x5m, 1.9kg for $AU229 at https://www.backpackinglight.com.au/dd-hammocks-dd-tarp-5m-x-5m-green.html
- 4x4m, 1.29kg for $AU129 at https://www.backpackinglight.com.au/dd-hammocks-dd-hammocks-dd-tarp-4m-x-4m.html
- 3×4.5m, 1kg for $AU129 at https://www.backpackinglight.com.au/dd-hammocks-dd-tarp-xl-45m-x-3m-green.html
- 3.5 x 2.4m for $AU72 https://www.backpackinglight.com.au/dd-hammocks-dd-hammocks-tarp-m.html
- 1.5×2.8m, 450g for $AU71 at https://www.backpackinglight.com.au/collections/tarps/products/dd-hammocks-tarp-s
- 1.4×2.2m for $AU50 at https://www.backpackinglight.com.au/dd-hammocks-magic-carpet-ground-sheet-tarp-xl.html but this only has corner eyelets and weighs 225g
- Nakie 3x3m no knot tarp
- 3x3m; 3000mm PU 30D recycled ripstop polyester; 23 attachment points; 6 guy lines; 9 pegs; 890g; white/green/black;
- Alton 3m x 3m Ultralight Tarp
- 3x3m; 23 tie out points; 3000mm Silicone and PU Coating ripstop nylon; green;
- tarp only 590g; 830g with pegs, Dyneema lines, etc; packs to 22x10x13cm
- Mountain Designs Tarp 9.0
- 40D PU 3000mm waterhead; 3x3m; 8 x Reinforced webbing tie-down points (6 with rope storage pockets); 6 x 3 m tie-down ropes; 820g; packs to 27 x 13 x 13cm;
- Helikon-Tex Supertarp
- coated ripstop polyester; 3x3m; 840g; 19 attachment points; two covers enclosed: a drawstring bag and zipped sleeve with mesh bottom for drying, attached to the backpack via nine webbing bands;
- https://www.survivalsuppliesaustralia.com.au/Helikon-Tex-Supertarp?quantity=1&custcol3=42 $AU109 in camo colours
- Quechua Fresh XL Multifunction Tarp Camping Shelter
- white, reflective, Ti0²-coated, SPF50+ PU polyester, 2000mmWH; 12 external guy out points, 8 internal points;
- 4.27×3.7m; 5.2kg inclusive of 4 x 2m poles plus 8 web guys, 10x 5mm galv. pegs and carry case packing to 45x40x20cm; $AU129
- Hidewalker tarp
- 3x5m 1.35kg 190T ripstop 3000mmPU https://www.amazon.com.au/HIDEWALKER-Lightweight-Tarpaulin-Waterproof-Backpacking/dp/B092V7183T/ref=sr_1_14 $AU111 from UK
- 5x5m; 1.6kg silver-coated inner 210T Ripstop Oxford 2000mm PU only 8 tie outs; octagonal catenary cut? packs to 36 x 33 x 12 cm; https://www.amazon.com.au/5m-Camping-Waterproof-Multipurpose-Tarpaulin/dp/B09Q5ZM18F?th=1 $AU156 from Germany
- Hidewalker car awning style tarp
- 2.9×4.9m 2.3kg with a large mesh window
- nice concept but seriously let down by only having 8 guy outs which is not enough in the wind for a tarp of this size
- Gold Armour
- 33 tie outs each with plastic hardware and two 7 tie diagonal ridge lines and two 3 tie normal ridge lines BUT NOT recommended!
- very thin ripstop polyester 5000mmPU; 6 panels sewn together and seam sealed; drawstring bag is poor quality;
- 2.4x3m
- 3x3m = 1kg incl. 4 pegs, 6 guys;
- 3.6x3m
- 3.6×4.45m
- https://www.amazon.com.au/Gold-Armour-Rainfly-Tarp-Hammock/dp/B088DLLYVS/ ~$AU65 for 3x3m; $AU98 for 3.6×4.5m
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A2K7j9sn9E review - but both bags needed to be ripped open! cordage ends have not been cauterised; tarp coating is sticky; fairweather use only!!! stitching not reinforced.
heavier car camping tarps
- polyethylene tarps
- these are the basic types and tend to be heavy (a 3×3.6m tarp averages 2kg but can be much more) and VERY NOISY
- standard lightweight poly tarps are 1000 denier material in a 10 x 10 mesh, with 0.04 mm lamination on each side.
- heavy-duty tarps have a tighter 14 x 14 mesh, and thicker laminate.
- often have a top and bottom layer in the manufacture to make them waterproof
- thickness is measured as grams per square meter (GSM) and thus weight is approximately this GSM x area thus a a 1.8m x 2.4m 105GSM tarp will weigh around 450g (eyelets and hem add slightly to this weight)
- eg.
- Wanderer 12’ x 20’ Medium Duty 105GSM Tarp - basic 3.6x6m tarp at BCF $AU45
- Boab 12’ x 18’ Premium Heavy Duty 160GSM Tarp with twin needle stitching for strength
- Wanderer 12’ x 20’ Extreme Heavy Duty 205GSM Tarp - 3.6x6m tarp with 22 D-rings, twin needle stitching, 5.1kg at BCF $AU90
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- Integrated TPO eyelets are welded into the tarp during manufacture for superior strength “4x stronger than normal eyelets”
- made from polyolefin which is stronger, thinner and lighter than the basic polyethylene tarps while still being UV resistant, chemical resistant, waterproof and mildew resistant and is completely recyclable
- despite the “Xtreme” category, they will still develop holes in strong winds if they pull over sharp edges such as teeth of clamps
- sizes: 1.8×2.4m $AU33; 2.4x3m $AU54; 3×3.6m $AU74; 3.6×5.5m; 4.9×6.1m; 6.1×6.1m; 6.1×9.1m;
-
- 70GSM medium duty camping ground sheet but generally not suitable for covers or suspended shelters
- 120GSM heavy duty can be used as a cover but generally not suitable for suspended shelters
- 150GSM extra heavy duty - can be used as a cover or as a suspended shelter
- heavy duty nylon
- Aqua Quest Defender tarp
- 70D nylon + heavy TPU coating + DWR; 20,000mm WH;
- 3x3m 19 tie outs 1.5kg $AU213 on Amazon
- 3x4m 25 tie outs 2kg $AU249 on Amazon
- 4.5×4.5m 37 tie outs 3.3kg
- 6x4m 47 tie outs 3.7kg $AU359 on Amazon
- polyester tarps
- We Overhang Tarp 3×4.5m
- 75 denier, waterproof polyester tent fabric
- unique teardrop guy attachment system reduces stress on the fabric, making the whole tarp stronger.
- Ten built-in reflective guy ropes, with pouches, make setting up a breeze.
- 1.7kg
- $AU309
- Lion AquaTech Heavy Duty Waterproof Cover for utes
- 610gsm PVC resin coated high intensity polyester
- black with Reflx Reflective edging for added safety
- 2 x 2.5m; 2.5kg; $AU139 https://www.bunnings.com.au/lion-2-x-2-5m-reflx-aquatech-cargo-cover-single-cab-ute_p0134404
- Etrol 210D polyester gingham plaid tarps
- 4 layers including blockout and PU5000mm;
- 1.5×2.3m 0.5kg $AU31
- 2.3×2.3m 0.8kg $AU40
- 3x3m 1.3kg $AU56
- 4.5×4.5m $AU99
- clear PVC / TPU tarps
- these are 99% transparent, flame resistant (will tend to melt away from the source rather than burn)
- would be useful for wind breaks on tent doorways when you want visibility
- generally have a perimeter rope embedded to provide structure and strength for the eyelets
- usually come in either 0.35mm or 0.55mm thicknesses
-
- upgraded eyelets;
- 1.9×1.9m ~$AU67
- 2.9×2.9m ~$AU162
- many size options!!
- canvas tarps
-
- 2.25x3m with C-clips and built-in sail track 4kg (incl. 2 poles) 280gsm ripstop polycotton canvas 1500mm waterhead $AU149 on special https://www.anacondastores.com/camping-hiking/tents/tent-accessories/oztrail-universal-side-awning/BP90197169-green
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- 2.25x3m 280gsm Ripstop polycotton canvas with a 3000mm waterhead rated PU coating and OZtrail's BlockOut technology
- adjustable webbing straps and C-clips it can attach to swags with a ridge pole
- built-in sail track can attach to your vehicle awning
- C-clips easily attach to gazebos and other structures to expand your shade and cover
- 4 corner eyelets and 2 ridge eyelets for the poles.
- 4kg incl. 2 poles; $AU199
shade awnings for swags or 2P tents
- Vango Adventure tarp
- 3m elasticated curved section at rear end to wrap around a dome tent or tipi doorway
- 3.75m front x 2m long awning
- Defthike Milky Way Sky Curtain Outdoor Galaxy TM-0001 awning
- 70D black silver coated silnylon 3000mm WH?
- 2 hoop tunnel design with a clear PVC/TPU window on each side
- 375*390*210cm high; 3kg; packs to 68x16cm;
awnings for cars
- they are at high risk of damage during strong winds and so generally should be taken down before storms or strong winds
- they are very popular for those who sleep in swags as they provide the rain protection to avoid swags getting soaked
tall 4WD cars
- there are many side or rear awning systems available
- most are quite heavy and have attached poles which are quick to set up
standard height cars
- side awnings can be fitted to most cars with roof rack systems but the low height of these makes them problematic for standing under
- this can be resolved by using domed awnings - essentially like elevated tent fly systems
domed awnings
- Repco Dusc lightweight vehicle awning rear DSUVAWN
- inexpensive, relatively light (3.7kg - tarp component is ~720g polyester - presumably 75D) and compact
- provides 3.2 x 2m shelter
- designed mainly for hatchback cars but potentially could be used in a variety of ways with or without a vehicle
- material will develop holes and the corner rings will tear out if more than light-mod winds
- $AU89