The Best Camping Tarps for Reliable Outdoor Coverage

Buying Guide: Camping Tarp

Tarps vs. Tents

One might think that why should we hustle with tarps when there are ready-made tents available in the market? There are many reasons to choose tarps over tents, as they can perform various other functions compared to tents.

• Tarps can be used as groundsheets and mats if you plan to stop for lunch on your camp trip.
• Compared to tents, tarps will still be helpful for you at your home even after you are done camping.
• Tarps are more affordable than most tents.
• You can get a heavy-duty tarp at the price you buy a fancy tent.
• Usually, tarps are also lighter to carry as compared to tents.
• Tarps are also more suitable if you plan to camp with more people.
• If you run out of water on a camp day, you can use the flat tarp to collect rainwater. Just tie it with trees and keep it deep in the center to collect fresh rainwater
• Lastly, tarps will give you more of a natural experience on a camp day as they are more traditional to set up.

Top Tents Made From Tarp

The A-frame shelter

This is one of the most accessible shelters, which can be made using tarps, a few ground nails, and a rope. It is recommended to use guy lines and tent stakes for easy and firm installation. You can easily make this tent by connecting a rope to the corner of your tarp with a tree. The opposite corner can be attached to the ground via nails or a tent stake. Similarly, the grommets present on the edges will be attached to the base making an “A-shape.” This type of tent can be quickly set up and is perfect if you are camping alone. Moreover, a large-sized tarp is not required to make this type of tent.

Flyline tarp tent

If you don’t have any trees around and want a simple shelter to protect you from rain or sun, it would be helpful to try this one. You can easily create this shelter with the help of four poles and ropes. Use the four corners of the tarp and install the poles and ropes at a right angle. The best thing about this shelter is that you can use it to accommodate more people in case of rain. You can even use this shelter for your car. Another advantage of this shelter is that you can also use it to collect rainwater.

Plow point tarp tent

This is the closest a tarp tent can get to an actual tent. The construction is easy as long as you have two trees at an adequate distance. You will require some nails or tent stakes and a single rope. Use the rope and connect it with two trees firmly. Pass your tarp sheet above the rope in a triangle shape. Next, connect the edges on both sides through the metal grommets to the ground with the nails. This tent is helpful for two campers and for running in the snow and rain.

Ridgeline lean tarp tent

If you are traveling in groups and need a quick shelter for protection against heavy winds or rain, it would be helpful to try this one out. You will require two trees and a minimum of three ground nails. Use the top edge of the tarp and attach it to two trees via one rope. Fasten the opposite edge of the tarp to the ground with the nails. Make sure to keep the face of the tarp from where the wind is flowing.

Things to Look for in a Camping Tarp

Weight

Weight is one of the essential features of any product related to camping. It is important to note that less weight is always not ideal in the case of camping tarps. The quality of tarps is assessed by their thickness which always increases the weight. Hence most durable tarps are usually heavy. So it’s always best to go with a weight suitable for your particular adventure. For instance, if you are planning on camping where the weather can get harsh, it’s best to go with a heavy-duty tarp. Carrying a few extra pounds will be better than having a leaking roof over your head. On the other hand, if you plan to go for a camp trip where you have to travel more and want a tarp just in emergencies, it’s best to go with a standard lightweight tarp.

Size

The wrong size will add unnecessary weight for you to carry. If you plan on camping alone and the weather conditions are normal, then opt for small-sized tarps for a single person. However, bigger is never that big of an issue since large tarps can be folded to compact sizes. You are going on a camp trip, and anything can go south. Extra feet of tarp can be very useful in this case. So it’s always best to opt for a bigger size than you need. If you are two people going on a camp, it’s helpful to keep the size of the tarp at least 5 by 12 feet.

Add Ons

If you plan to use your tarp as a tent, you need to consider a few add-ons. You can get an additional sheet of the tarp to use as the ground covering. Moreover, you can also buy insect-proof inners, which are pretty handy if you plan to sleep over during your camp. Other additional things, if they don’t come with your camping tarp, are also beneficial, like hooks, guylines, nails, and clips.