Best 10 Backpacking Tarps Of 2024

We could often use some backpacking tarps so that we can be more comfortable sleeping at night. Backpacking tarps are great against the weather. They can keep us comfortable by shielding us from rain and even snow. If you are using a hammock then it is even more important to have a very good tarp. There are lots of backpacking tarps to choose from. I have mentioned a couple of amazing backpacking tarps that have plenty of amazing features down below. I hope one of the tarps would be to your liking.

 

Best Backpacking Tarps – Quick Chart

 

 

How To Choose A Backpacking Tarp

Types Of Tarps

There are many different kinds of tarps. Here are just some tarps that people use.

Poly Tarps

Poly tarps are often made out of high density polyethylene. Poly tarps are very durable. They are created for long lasting purposes to resist UV rays, strong winds, and protect the user or object underneath from the weather. These tarps are often used for commercial and industrial purposes. Poly tarps are often waterproof as well.

Canvas Tarps

A lot of people get canvas tarps because they often have fire retardant properties. Canvas is a material that is closely woven, plain weave fabric made of natural or synthetic fibers. These tarps have high moisture resistance levels against most liquid chemicals. These tarps are often used by truckers and painters.

Mesh Tarps

Mesh tarps are often made out of Nylon. These tarps allow wind and water to go through. These are often found in screen tents. The mesh tarps will cover some of the sides of the tent to allow wind to go through and weaken it. Instead of blocking the wind, it allows the wind to go through.

Sports Tarps

Tarps are often used as athletic field covers that blanket a big area. For example, a baseball tarp will cover the grass fields. These tarps are often waterproof so that they can keep the grass cool and dry. Their main job is to protect the grass from the rain. Once that is done, they are folded and stored.

Outdoor Tarps

Outdoor tarps are commonly used for backpacking and camping purposes. They protect the tent, hammock or user from the weather. Some backpackers will only use a tarp to sleep at night. They will not use a tent or hammock. Outdoor tarps main job is to protect the user from the weather so these tarps are often waterproof.

 

Backpacking Tarp Designs And Shape

Asymmetrical Tarps

Asymmetrical tarps are often used with asymmetrical hammocks. This type of tarp is often sized to fit perfectly over most lightweight single hammocks. The simplest tarp would be asymmetric or diamond tarp that only has two guy lines and two anchor points.

Square Tarps

Square tarps are identical in size and shape on all of their sides just like a square. These tarps are very versatile and have been around for a long time. These tarps are not very efficient and will provide more coverage than necessary. They will often be heavier than most tarps as well.

Rectangular Tarps

These tarps are shaped to fit a solo person or solo backpacker. This tarp is very narrow on the sides and provide just enough protection for the hiker. Keep in mind though that the narrower the sides get, the less protection they will provide. You may get hit by rain if the sides are very small or narrow.

Tapered Tarps

Tapered tarps are for ultralight backpackers that really don’t want to carry any weight at all. These tarps are narrower on the foot end. They restrict movement and space. They just have enough space to protect the user. Honestly, I don’t like these tarps because they are very narrow and barely give any protection.

 

Backpacking Tarp Material

Sil Nylon

Silnylon is a combination or silicone and polyurethane. This is very waterproof which makes this ideal for backpacking. This material is very lightweight and durable while also provide some of the best waterproof and windproof performance on the market. This is often made in a ripstop weave pattern which means that any small tear in the fabric will not expand or fray.

Sil Poly

This is a polyester fabric that is combined with silicone. Silpoly is an excellent choice due to its durability, lower cost, price and reliability when compared to other fabrics. This fabric is often used in tents and waterproof tarps. Silpoly is very affordable which is why a lot of tarps are made out of this material. It is very good though.

Dyneema Composite (Cumen Fiber)

This is a is a patented, high-end laminate fabric constructed from non-woven composites. This fabric offers an unmatched strength to weight ratio. This material is often used by ultralight backpackers and hikers. This material is very expensive though so not a lot of people will have items made out of this material.

 

Backpacking Tarp Accessories

Stakes

Stakes are used to provide stability and support to the tarp. You will often have to pound down a stake to the ground. Try to use roots, large rocks, fallen tree or log, boulders and so on as an alternative to stakes. You do not need to carry a lot of stakes if you can use these alternatives.

Ropes / Straps / Guylines

Ropes, straps and guylines also provide stability and support to the tarp. They keep the tarp in one location. Ropes and guylines take a ton of pressure when very strong winds hit the tarp. It is important that they are very durable and strong.

 

Impact Of Colors On Tarps

Black / Silver – Offer more cooling and shade.

White – reflect some light.

Brightly Colored Tarps – easy to find the campsite, reflects some light.

Camouflage Tarps – hides the campsite.

Clear Tarps – used in a lot of green houses. Allows light to pass through.

 

Backpacking Features To Consider

Weight

The weight of the backpacking tarp matters a lot. We just cannot bring tarps that are too heavy. I wish I can bring a big tarp but the bigger they are, the heavier they get. So having tarps that are lightweight is good for us. We are carrying other things also like sleeping bags, tents, hammocks and so on. Each item that we bring has a weight. We have to budget that weight so we do not get tired easily.

Compact

The tarps that you need to consider has to be compact. They have to fit inside your backpack with other items with no problems. The pack size has be very small so that the tarp does not take up much space. Like I said before, we are also bringing other items to the backpacking trip. Those items also take up space in the backpack. We just have a limited amount of backpack space that we need to consider the space that the tarp is going to get.

Easy To Set Up

The tarp has to be easy to setup. You don’t really want to put a lot of effort into setting up any item after a long hike. You will be too tired. You just want to be able to sleep and enjoy the outdoors the next morning. So it is important to be able to setup the item as fast as possible with practically no effort. It is important to consider the packing of the item as well. You just want to be able to pack the tarp with as little effort as possible.

Waterproof

We are often looking for a waterproof tarp. I mean most tarps are waterproof anyway. It is like a big blanket that can protect your from rain and sometimes snow. A good tarp will be waterproof especially if you are going to bring it for backpacking purposes. There are lots of nice tarps that are affordable and good for the outdoors.

Durable

The more durable the tarp, the better. It must be able to handle lots of punishments. The outdoors can be unpredictable. You want a tarp that will last for a long time. A good tarp is very durable and will lasts for years. You don’t really want to keep paying for new tarps because the one that you bought is not durable.

 

 

 

 

Best Backpacking Tarps

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1. Kelty Noah’s Tarp Shelter

Short Review: This backpacking tarp is unbelievable and I love it. This is constructed out of 68D polyester and fully taped seam and comes with sturdy, attached corner guyline with handy storage pocket, and multiple reinforced guyout points. This shelter stores in a convenient roll-top carry bag to go with you on every kind of adventure, and comes in sizes to throw shade for groups of 1–20. This is incredibly durable, easy to setup plus this works well. Versatile item that makes backpacking and camping a lot easier. The positive consumer reviews of this tarp are accurate and I am pleased that I acquired this. Being very compact is amazing because we now have extra space in our backpacks. A very good tarp that you can use on a hammock and tent.

 

2. Amazon Basics Waterproof Camping Tarp

Short Review: I love this outdoor tarp and that’s why I am promoting it to you. This has a waterproof design and constructed out of durable rip-stop fabric with polyethylene lamination on both sides. This features tear-resistant, rip-stop fabric with polyethylene lamination on both sides to protect your tent from wet conditions or rough ground. This is a high quality item that made this company very popular. I see this a lot with people who love the outdoors because this is very useful. Not complicated and easy to setup plus hassle free. I have discovered this item to be fantastic and one of the very best that is available right now. This really does wonders for my situation.

 

3. Bear Butt Double Hammock Tent Rain Fly

Short Review: I really like this outdoor tarp. The high quality materials made this item look awesome and made it extremely effective. This rain fly is ultralight, just over one pound, and can easily be packed for camping or backpacking. This is constructed out of waterproof top-stock polyester and is stronger than similar nylon tarps in order to keep you shielded from the elements. I really like that this came far sooner than expected and I just love that this can provide shelter and protection from the rain. An amazing tarp to have if you love backpacking and this is also very durable. I’ve really found this to be easier to use than most of the expensive items in this category.

 

4. Grizzly Tarps 8 x 10 Feet Blue Multi Purpose Waterproof Poly Tarp

Short Review: I am loving this marvelous tarp because this is pretty high quality. This is constructed out of  tight 8×8 sq-inch polyethylene weave which provides durability. This tarp provides long lasting cover that is lightweight and easy to handle. This is a multipurpose tarp that is lightweight washable and mildew proof with rope in hem. High quality items like this one will always have people recommending it. If you consider the price tag of this item, you can certainly see why lots of people buy it. The affordable price tag of this item is one of the primary factors why I love it. This is a very good tarp that can be used in a lot of ways.

 

5. FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Portable Tarp

Short Review: This outdoor tarp is among the finest that you will find on the net. This is constructed out of 210T ripstop polyester fabric with 2500 PU waterproof rating, enhanced the shelter’s waterproof function and offers long-lasting protection. This has reinforced ridgeline seam, well prevent the connector from falling off, showing excellent protection performance for continuous stormy weather, reliable, durable and safe. This item is made by an amazing company and this company continues to produce unbelievable items such as this one. I am willing to recommend this to a large amount of men and women for the reason that I really like it a whole lot.

 

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6. Eagles Nest Outfitters ProFly Rain Tarp

Short Review: I like this lightweight tarp a lot. This is constructed out of polyurethane-treated 210D ripstop nylon, the ProFly offers long-lasting wear and features the best water-shedding capabilities. Stay dry and cozy all night long. This has six guy points give it a streamlined shape ideal for weathering sudden downpours or building a water-front basecamp. This is pretty simple to use and this works well. I am positive that you will really like this item for the reason that it is wonderful. Being very compact is great because we have more space in our backpacks. So far, this works amazing for me! Looking at the positive customer reviews, this works amazing for plenty of men and women too.

 

7. Lightweight Outdoor Tarp Hanjet

Short Review: When you need something amazing then this tarp for backpacking is correct for you. This has heavy duty rust-resistant grommets along the outer edge for securely tying down the tarp and comes with reinforced corners and edges for long-lasting strength. This is a multi-purpose outdoor tarp is great for covering items or placement under a camping tent. I have used a lot of different types of items and this is one of the greatest I have ever tried. There are a great deal of items on the web but this continues to be one of the best considering that the design is amazing and this is extremely high quality. The weight of this is very light which is why this is perfect for the outdoors.

 

8. OUTRY Waterproof Multi-Purpose Tarp

Short Review: This is an amazing tarp for backpacking that you will discover over the web. This is constructed out of 210D oxford fabric that is very waterproof, tear resistant and ripstop. This comes with 4 grommets in the corners, each hole is 8mm in diameter and can be used as tent footprints, hammock rain fly, picnic mat, ground cover etc. This has a great deal of positive consumer reviews which explains why I got interested in it. This superb item is what I was trying to find and it is full of awesome features that I need. A very good item to have if you love the outdoors which is why I highly recommend this.

 

9. Dry Top Heavy Duty Silver/Brown Reversible Full Size 10-mil Poly Tarp

Short Review: I am often amazed for the reason that this outdoor tarp continue to satisfy lots of individuals. This is a very heavy duty tarp that has dual laminated, 14×14 weave, polyethylene woven. This features a plastic capped reinforced corners, rope reinforced hems, rust-resistant aluminum grommets on corners and very durable material. The design of this is extremely imaginative. This item may be really budget friendly but they do not appear like it. This works well which is why I find this to be one of the most satisfying items that I have ever tried. A good multi-purpose tarp that works well to protecting yourself from the weather.

 

10. Hennessy Hammock – Hex Rainfly/Rain Tarp 70D Polyester

Short Review: There are a whole lot of consumers that love this lightweight tarp. This can an be angled out to provide a large covered area for cooking or relaxing or can be staked down near the ground on both sides of the hammock. This rainfly is constructed out of 70D polyurethane coated polyester rip-stop. This is carefully detailed with factory seam sealing and pockets for stowing tie out cords and this comes with an innovative hexagonal shape. One of the best tarps I have ever used. Great item for backpacking. Can be used for your tent or hammock. This is made out of lightweight material that is also very durable. One of the best tarps that is available right now.

 

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