Updated May 28, 2021
The tendency for backpackers is to look for ways to increase the efficiency of the load by decreasing the weight of various components. A tarp is a minimalist way of replacing your tent that has the versatility to serve numerous useful purposes on a hike. Easy to set up, it can provide a quick shelter to get out of the rain, as a respite from the sun, or just a place to hang out with your companions. Otherwise, tarps are versatile enough to serve as your main sleep shelter, as a rainfly for a hammock or tent, or as ground cover. In addition, the pricing is much lower than for most tents.
Choosing a tarp to suit your needs could take a little research. To help in that process, some of the best have been selected as an introduction. There is a comparison table to start that includes weight and dimensions, followed by key features, photos, videos, a buying guide, and some tips on setting up.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more information on camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Camping Knives Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpacks Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
Best Backpacking Tarp Shelter
- ENO, Eagles Nest Outfitters ProFly Rain Tarp
- Kelty Upslope Tarp
- Sanctuary SilTarp
- Aqua Quest Defender Tarp
- Aqua Quest Safari Tarp
- Aqua Quest Guide Tarp
- Free Soldier Waterproof Portable Tarp
- Chill Gorilla Hex Hammock Rainfly Camping Tarp
Backpacking Tarp Shelter Comparison Table
| Picture | Tarp | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | ENO, Eagles Nest Outfitters ProFly Rain Tarp | 10'6' x 6'4" | 1 lb 6 oz | $$ |
  | Kelty Upslope Tarp | 6' x 5'8" | 1 lb 6 oz | $$ |
  | Sanctuary SilTarp | 10' x 7/5' (Tapered) 10' x 8' (Flat) 10' x 10' (Square) 10' x 12' (Flat) 10' x 12' (Hex) | .63 - 1.2 lbs | $$ |
  | Aqua Quest Defender Tarp | 10' x 7' 10' x 10' 10 x 13' 10' x 15' | 2.4 - 7.2 lbs | $$$ |
  | Aqua Quest Safari Tarp | 10' x 7' 10' x 10' 10 x 13' 13' x 20' | 1.2 - 3.8 lbs | $$$ |
  | Aqua Quest Guide Tarp | 10' x 7' 10' x 10' 10 x 13' 13' x 20' | .9 - 3.1 lbs | $$$ |
  | Free Soldier Waterproof Portable Tarp | 9'10" x 10'6" | 2 lbs 10 oz | $ |
  | Chill Gorilla Hex Hammock Rainfly Camping Tarp | 11'10" x 9' | 1.4 lbs | $ |
| Picture | Tarp | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
ENO, Eagles Nest Outfitters ProFly Rain Tarp
Lightweight, Durable, Water-Resistant Ripstop Nylon, Double-Stitched Seams, Matches ENO Hammocks & Other Brands, Secure LineLoc Tensioners, Reasonably Priced
- Weight: 1 lb 6 oz
- Dimensions: 10’6” x 6’4″
- Packed Size: unavailable
- Fabric: 210D ripstop nylon, PU treated for water-resistance, sturdy double-stitched seams
- Other Features: 6 attachment points, LineLoc tensioners, works well with ENO hammocks and other brands, tree-friendly strap design, nylon rope, stuff sack, stakes sold separately
- Colors: grey, olive
- Warranty: 2-year manufacturer
- Price: $$
Lightweight, Packs Small, Durable 40D Nylon, Good Sun and Light Rain Protection, A-Frame & Other Pitch Options, Low-Priced
- Weight: 1 lb 6 oz
- Dimensions: 6′ x 5’8″
- Packed Size: 4.5” x 8”
- Fabric: 40D nylon
- Other Features: multiple pitch options, adjustable stake loops, guyline pockets to organize lines, poles sold separately (can use trekking poles), grommets on each side for pole placement
- Colors: green
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Price: $$
Lightweight, Packs Small, Durable 30D Ripstop Nylon, Dual Sil/PU Waterproofing, 5 Sizes – Tapered, Flat, Square, Flat, & Hex Shapes, Versatile, Full Kit of Accessories, Reasonable Pricing
- Weight: .63 to 1.2 lbs (5 sizes)
- Dimensions / Packed Size:
- 10′ x 7’/5′ (Tapered) / 8’ x 4” x 5”
- 10′ x 8′ (Flat) / 9” x 5” x 4”
- 10′ x 10′ (Square) / 9” x 5” x 5”
- 10′ x 12′ (Flat) / 9” x 5” x 5”
- 10′ x 12′ (Hex) / 9” x 5” x 4”
- Fabric: 30D ripstop nylon, dual silicon/PU coating for water resistance, fully taped seams
- Other Features: multiple attachment loops, line-lock adjusters, and aluminum Y-stakes (numbers depend on the shape/size), Dyneema guylines, compact stuff sack
- Colors: gray
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Price: $$
Heavy-Duty, Extra Durable 70D Ripstop Nylon, 100% Waterproof Coatings & Seams, 4 Square or Rectangular Sizes, Unlimited Set Up Options, Compact Packing
- Weight: 2.4 to 7.2 lbs (4 sizes)
- Dimensions / Packed Size:
- 10′ x 7’ / 7” x 7” x 5”
- 10′ x 10′ / 8.5” x 6” x 4.5”
- 10’ x 13’ / 10” x 6” x 4”
- 15’ x 15’ / 15” x 8” x 7”
- Fabric: 70D ripstop nylon, heavy TPU and DWR coating for impenetrable water-resistance, reinforced stitching, and heat-sealed seams
- Other Features: 19-37 reinforced webbing tie loops, corner pockets, lantern loops, stuff sack
- Colors: camo or olive drab
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Price: $$$
Easily Portable Weight, Medium-Duty, Durable 70D Ripstop Nylon, Water-Resistant Silicone & PU Coating, Sturdy Seams, 4 Square or Rectangular Sizes, Unlimited Set Up Options, Compact Packing
- Weight: 1.2 to 3.8 lbs (4 sizes)
- Dimensions / Packed Size:
- 10′ x 7’ / 11” x 5” x 2”
- 10′ x 10′ / 12” x 5” x 3”
- 10’ x 13’ / 11” x 5” x 4”
- 13’ x 20’ / 17” x 7” x 3”
- Fabric: 70D ripstop nylon, silicone, and PU coating for water resistance, reinforced stitching, and heat-sealed seams
- Other Features: 15-25 reinforced webbing tie loops, lantern loops, stuff sack
- Colors: camo or olive drab
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Price: $$$
Ultralight, Compact, Great for Backpacking, Resilient, Durable 40D Nylon, Water-Resistant Silicone & PU Coating, Sturdy Seams, 4 Square or Rectangular Sizes, Unlimited Set-Up Options
- Weight: .9 to 3.1 lbs (4 sizes)
- Dimensions / Packed Size:
- 10′ x 7’ / 11” x 4” x 5”
- 10′ x 10′ / 11.5 x 4.5” x 3”
- 10’ x 13’ / 10.5” x 5” x 2.5”
- 13’ x 20’ / 15” x 4” x 2”
- Fabric: 40D nylon, silicone, and PU coating for water-resistance, reinforced stitching, and heat-sealed seams
- Other Features: 13-21 reinforced webbing tie loops, lantern loops, stuff sack
- Colors: green or olive drab
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Price: $$$
Free Soldier Waterproof Portable Tarp
Mid-Weight, Single Size, Multi-Functional, Sturdy Construction, Water-Resistant Ripstop Polyester, Glued Ridgeline Seams, Budget Priced
- Weight: 2 lbs 10 oz
- Dimensions: 9’10” x 10’6″
- Packed Size: unavailable
- Fabric: 210T puncture-resistant ripstop polyester, PU treated for water-resistance and UV protection, reinforced waterproof glued ridgeline seam
- Other Features: 19 guy points, 5 strengthened grommet points, 4 nylon guy lines with tensioners, reinforced connectors, stuff sack, poles not included
- Colors: blue, brown, gray, or orange
- Warranty: check with the seller for full details
- Price: $
Chill Gorilla Hex Hammock Rainfly Camping Tarp
Lightweight, Single Size, Multi-Purpose, Durable Construction, Water-Resistant Ripstop Nylon, Great for Survival, Military, or Camping, Bargain Priced
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Dimensions: 11’10” (centerline) x 9’ (asymmetrical hex)
- Packed Size: 9” x 6” x 6”
- Fabric: ripstop nylon, PU treated for water-resistance
- Other Features: 6 tie-down points, 4 aluminum stakes, 6 guylines with tensioners, stuff sack, poles not included
- Colors: old green
- Warranty: “no-hassle” money-back guarantee
- Price: $
Backpacking Tarp Shelter Buying Guide
Fabric
Nylon and polyester are the most common materials used in tarp shelters for backpacking use. They are both lightweight with polyester slightly lighter. The most durable use ripstop technology, which provides an added level of protection from abrasions, punctures, and tears. Both materials are inherently water-resistant to a degree. Look for silicone impregnation and/or PU coating as an additional measure to ensure impermeability.
Tarp shelters are usually configured without a floor which provides a gap for ventilation. This means that breathable fabric is not necessary to avoid condensation.
Sealed Seams
To further boost water resistance, sealed seams are an asset. This can be done at the factory by taping with a waterproof material or through the use of heat. Your best bet is to purchase such a tarp. Otherwise, there are methods you can use to do it yourself which obviously is more of a hassle.
Weight
Backpackers like to make hiking easier by keeping the tarp weight down. Most of the tarps reviewed here, even some of the largest, are three pounds or less. The weight of the larger-sized extra heavy-duty Aqua Quest Defender Tarps reviewed above extends beyond three pounds. You’ll need to keep in mind how large a load you are willing to bear and for what distance.
Size
The dimensions of the tarp shelter you need are largely determined by the number of people and purpose you have in mind. You should consider how much floor space is needed and the type of configuration you need for protection from the elements. Of the tarps discussed here the dimensions range from 6’ x 5’8” of the Kelty Upslope suitable to sleep one or two up to 13’ x 20’ of the Aqua Quest Safari or Guide Tarps suitable to sleep small groups and that will hold even more as a standing shelter.
Packed Size
For backpacking, occupying a minimum of space in or attached to the pack is paramount. Even the largest models selected for review here can be stored in reasonably small manageable stuff sacks.
Attachment Points
The tarp has numerous points where a pole, line, or stake can be applied to anchor the tarp. They can be located in the corners, dispersed along the edges, or in the middle to allow suspension. These can be in the form of round metal holes (grommets) or fabric loops. Because there can be a lot of stress at attachment points, reinforcement with a double layer of fabric adds to the durability.
Guylines
These are cords or ropes that use attachment points on the tarp to secure the position by attaching to stakes or other tie-down locations external from the tarp, such as a tree. Most of the tarps have a large number of attachment points to secure a guyline to. To effectively pitch a tarp you probably need at least 4 guylines to secure the corners. A number of the tarps reviewed above provide pre-measured guylines adding to the convenience.
Line-Lock Tensioners
These are buckle-like devices on the end guylines that allow you to tighten the line to the proper level of tautness or tension without a lot of fiddling around, tieing and re-tieing, etc. You just hold the cord in position at the attachment point, such as a stake, and pull on the loose cord connected to the tensioner. When you reach the desired tension, you release the cord and the tension level is locked in place. It’s probably easier than this explanation makes it sound and goes a long way toward simplifying the process.
Multiple Setup Configurations
One of the best features of a tarp is that the very simple design allows for many possibilities in the way you can pitch it. A tarp can be used as an awning, in an A-Frame shape, flat, or something more creative and complicated as can be seen in the above photo for the Free Soldier Waterproof Tarp. With a little creativity, you can adapt to a variety of circumstances.
For more information on camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Camping Knives Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpacks Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
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