how to find the best tarp for equipment to use outdoors

A good tarp is one of the most useful pieces of equipment to use outdoors. Here’s how to find the best tarp for you.
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A quality camping tarp is one of the most valuable and handy gear you can take with you on your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re heading out to remote areas for two weeks or just fishing in the lakeside afternoon, a heavy-duty tarp will make your experience more comfortable.
From simple ground coverings to survival shelters, sometimes a tarp just isn’t the right fit for a particular purpose. A great waterproof tarp will protect you from the weather, keep your gear dry when the ground is wet, and act as a moisture barrier for sleeping mats. Tarps are not created the same, and different types and construction materials are better suited for some jobs than others. Keep these features in mind when shopping for the best camping tents for outdoor adventures.
Since there are many tarps to choose from, it is important to determine the intended use. If you are going to carry it in a backpack, it should be light. If you’re going to tie it to your gear or over your head, it needs to have enough eyelets so you can tie it properly.
It must be durable if you are going to use it as a groundcover. If you want it to be used as a tent, it must have a specific loft function. Different types of tarps work well in different situations and conditions, so you may need more than one tarp to suit all your needs.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities in rainy or wet weather, consider waterproofing above all other factors when purchasing a tarp. Some heavy duty tarpaulins can withstand several hours of heavy rain without leaking. If you are back in Buni and have nothing to do but wait for the storm, you should carry this type of tarp in your backpack.
If you’ll be outdoors in wet conditions, consider using a durable polyethylene tarp. If your tarp is waterproof but doesn’t stand up to normal handling, it will tear when you need it most. Then, no matter how waterproof it is, you and your gear will get wet.
If you are camping in very harsh conditions, you will need a durable tarp. Look for a tarp that is durable so you don’t have to worry about it tearing or making holes. Tarpaulins are typically made from synthetic materials such as vinyl-coated polyester or HDPE, but they can also be made from canvas.
Tarpaulin thickness also affects durability. A tent track or ground tarp is usually much thinner than a general purpose tarp or tarp. If the tarp is very light or specifically made for hiking, you can assume that it is thinner (2-5mm) and will not last long for general use.
When it comes to camping essentials and outdoor gear, the old adage is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not own it. This is especially true for tarpaulins.
In a typical outdoor activity, a tarp can be used for a wide variety of purposes, it’s incredible. You can use it as a ground cover to prevent water seeping from below through the floor of your tent. You can place backpacks, stoves, and other gear on a tarp to keep them out of the damp ground. If it rains at night, you can cover your equipment and firewood, which may get wet. You can even make a tarp shelter. For this purpose, the camping tarp must be waterproof.
Outdoors sometimes you need cover unexpectedly. It can be protection from the scorching sun to avoid sunburn, from burning gout that can cause hypothermia, or from rain while you rest and recharge.
The awning is ideal for this purpose. Some experienced campers prefer to carry a tarp with them instead of a tent. When set up correctly, it can provide most of the comfort of a typical camping tent. However, replacing the tent with a tarp can reduce the weight you carry, which is especially important for those who are backpacking or carrying gear.
Some tarps designed for building shelters come with ropes, poles, and even stakes. You can use it as a standard tarp, deploy poles and make tents.
A tarp can be of great help in case of an emergency away from home. As mentioned earlier, the tarp can be used to quickly build a shelter if needed. You can drop one on your gear if a storm starts. You can wrap an injured or injured comrade in a tarp to keep warm and use it to get an incapacitated person out of the woods. If you need to get off the ground, you can make a tarp hammock. If your tent is cracked, cover it with a tarp to keep the inside dry. Tarpaulins are a good thing to always have in your emergency kit.
Why it’s on the list: The WHITEDUCK tarp is a durable, versatile 4-season tarp you can rely on no matter the activity or the weather.
This WHITEDUCK ripstop tarpaulin features rust resistant eyelets and double stitching with anti-corrosion thread on the seams and hem for long lasting performance. Because it is made from tarpaulin, it is heavier than other tarps, which are usually made from synthetic materials. It’s hard to find a good quality tarp made from mostly natural materials, but this tarp has a high level of durability and functionality.
With a variety of sizes, you can customize the tarp to suit your needs. While not the first choice for hikers, we love it for base camp, car camping, and overland. Reinforced eyelets provide a safe haven, while waxed tarps keep your gear well protected in the event of a sudden storm.
Another advantage of a tarp is that if a crack does appear, it will be easier to repair. All tarps can be repaired to some degree, but tears can seriously affect the integrity of the material, especially near seams or eyelets. The canvas allows for stronger patches, increasing the overall life of the tarp.
Why it’s on the list: The Xpose Safety Extra Heavy Duty Tarp is a 16mm waterproof tarp that’s ready to give you the ultimate outdoor protection.
The XPose Safety Extra Heavy Duty Camping Tarpaulin is made from extra thick material that can withstand harsh environments and is UV resistant. It comes in different sizes, so you should be able to find the one that’s right for you. From ground cover for small tents to protection from rain and snow at hunting camps or cover for winter stakes, this tarp is for everything.
Made from extremely durable polyethylene material and metal eyelets, the tear-resistant fabric will last much longer than standard tarps. UV resistance helps prevent premature damage when used outdoors or in the sun.
The eyelet space is also great for creating all sorts of shelters, which can be a great option for a canvas tent. All-weather protection gives you peace of mind while camping any time of the year. If durability is your main concern, then Xpose Safety Tarpaulin should be your number one consideration.
Why it made the shortlist: The Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp is an ultra-lightweight, versatile camping shelter for minimalist backpackers, especially when paired with their insect-proof tent.
If you are an ultralight hiker or looking for a shelter that can double as an emergency shelter, the Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp should be your first choice. It is so light that it can be packaged to be smaller than a standard Nalgene water bottle.
Thanks to this lightweight material, you can use it as your main camp shelter or as a cooking shelter when it rains. Pair it with the Sea to Summit Escapist Bug Tent for a complete ultralight tent.
While it really only functions as a hideout, there are plenty of configurations to choose from, allowing you to make the one that best suits your needs at the moment. All in all, this is a functional and durable tarp that you can’t go wrong with when going camping.
Why it’s on the list: The Kamock Kuhli Tarp is the perfect way to stay dry while camping in a hammock, and it’s versatile enough to be your average camping shelter.
The Kamock Kuhli tarp is the perfect hammock camping tarp that you can use as cover for your base camp. It has a seemingly endless configuration of settings, no matter what, you can get shelter. Unlike other pull cord systems, this tarp also features a knotless system, making it easy to put on and take off.
For the standard hammock camper, this hideout will be luxurious. For other outdoor purposes, it can be used as an emergency shelter, debris shelter, or standard camp shade/rain shelter. It comes with Sil/PU and DWR coatings and sealed seams for increased moisture protection.
The price can be a little intimidating, but the quality makes up for it. It is a durable tarp that provides protection in all weather conditions and is versatile enough for any backcountry adventure.
Why it’s on the list: The Kelty Waypoint Tarp combines everything we love about traditional tarps and car tarps to take your car camping to the next level.
Take your garbage collection to the next level with the Kelty Waypoint Tarp. Whether you’re enjoying a weekend getaway or life on the road, this tarp expands your camping habitat so you can enjoy cooking and lounging no matter the weather.
Unlike traditional square awnings, this tarp has more surface area and flares down slightly. The shape of the canopy provides additional protection from wind, rain and sun. The attachment points and overall security of the tarp are excellent and fit a variety of vehicle models.
For what you get, the price is amazing. Overall, this is a great car accessory for camping, durable, practical and easy to use.
Why it’s on the list: The REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint is a versatile ground tarp that can also be used as a canopy if desired.
While we recommend purchasing a ground tarp designed specifically for your tent, REDCAMP’s ultra-light tent trail offers a relatively versatile option. It feels more affordable than many brands, making it a good budget option.
The simple design makes it the most practical tent site, but it can also be used as a picnic blanket or canopy if you prefer. It is made of synthetic material with a water-repellent coating, so you don’t have to worry about moisture seeping into the tent floor.
It is lightweight and compact enough to fit in a tent bag or backpack for shelter. While traditional tarps can be used as trails, special ground tarps tend to be lighter and easier to pack, which may not be necessary depending on your preferred campsite.
Why it’s on this list: The Slumberjack Satellite Tarp is an extremely versatile shelter with design features that make it look more like a tent than a tarp.
The Slumberjack or SJK satellite tarp is a simple and functional backcountry shelter design. It has built-in climbing cradles and comes with ten stakes so you can make a compact and secure tarp shelter. Hanging pockets keep small items on the ground, while the tarpaulin can be tucked into the pockets for easy portability.
While slightly heavier than other climbing tarp options, the material is durable and well worth the extra ounces. Available in two colors/patterns, the tarp allows you to camp discreetly, great for hunting and even as a little debris cover for your peak camp.
The setup is simple, and depending on the environment, the configuration may change each time. Using trekking poles as poles for a tent is a popular way to make a framed shelter out of them, but you have plenty of other options beyond that.
Why it’s on the list: The Lewis N. Clark Tarp is a lightweight nylon tarp made from 210D Oxford nylon that’s exceptionally durable, with reinforced eyelets to make it easier to pull the tarp in.
This extremely durable tarp is lightweight and comes with a zippered carry bag that can be stored in your backpack. The 6′ x 8′ version weighs less than a pound, so it won’t weigh you down on the road. As for the tarp, the Lews N. Clark tarp is the standard tarp option. It’s stronger and lighter than the cheap blue tarp you can get at Walmart, but otherwise works like a tarp.
Don’t expect anything grandiose or extraordinary from this tarpaulin, but it gets the job done and you can rely on it. It is not very heavy for its size and overall strength, and the weather protection is decent. If you’re willing to spend a little more, upgrade your emergency tarp to this one. It will provide better security and is less likely to wear out as quickly as other budget tarp covers.
Why it’s on the list: The Stansport Tarp is a durable ripstop polyethylene tarp that’s laminated on both sides, making it easy to use at home and camp.
If you want a tarp that gets the job done without spending too much money, Stansport Ripstop Reinforced Tarpaulins are a good place to start. Available in a variety of sizes, you can choose the tarp that best suits your needs.
However, let’s be realistic: it looks a lot like a classic blue tarp. These tarps are great, affordable and easy to use. They are waterproof, but wear out over time, which also reduces their water resistance. Overall, this is a good choice if you need an all-purpose tarp. Take care of it and it will serve you for many years on and off the road.