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Having shelter is important for any extended hike and especially if you are going tentless – sleeping on the ground or hammock camping. A tarp may be preferred over a tent for some backpackers, since even the most lightweight tents still come in at around 3lbs. Whether you need some shade, or need to stay dry in a storm, a tarp is an essential component of a hiker’s pack and our guide to the best backpacking tarps will guide you to the best choice.
Lightweight is always important when you are looking for backpacking gear, but you also need to make sure the size of your tarp will fit with the size needed to do the job, and that you also have any other gear needed to use your tarp effectively. Our buyer’s guide and top 5 product list are a great way to find the best backpacking tarp for your next trip, no matter your budget.
Quick Picks for the Best Backpacking Tarp (or read ahead for the guide and individual reviews)
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Backpacking Tarp Buyer’s Guide
All of the tarps on our list are waterproof, and they also make a great sun shade. What else should you be considering when choosing a tarp for your backpacking adventures?
Weight
Weight is one of the top considerations for any backpacker. The tarps on our list are all lighter weight than your average backpacking tent, with some tarps coming in at just under a pound. Even after accounting for guy lines and stakes, all of our top picks are under 2lbs.
Size and Shape
It is important to make sure that the size and shape of your tarp will work for your trip and needs. Some of our picks are designed specifically to be used with hammocks. These diamond shaped tarps may work for other uses, such as creating an A-frame style shelter, but not as well as a 10 x 10ft flat tarp. If your tarp does not fit the job, then the extra hassle of trying to make it work may not be worth the money saved by cutting down on other features.
Another important aspect is the number of tie outs on the tarp. Tarps designed as a rain fly for a hammock can make do with just four tie down points. However, a tarp with more tie downs will give you many more pitch options, making it a better choice if you need more versatility.
Additional Gear Included
A lot of tarps, including many on our list, come with stakes and guy lines. This is great for newer hikers, but many experienced backpackers often end up swapping out these components for ones that they already own and trust. However, it is convenient to have everything you need in one convenient carry sack. Some folks just don’t like the designs of the stakes that come in the kits, but for beginners it may be just what is needed in one easy package. It’s important to remember that if the tarp quality is excellent, the rest can be easily exchanged for better quality equipment over time if desired.
Our Top Picks for the Best Backpacking Tarp Individually Reviewed
Paria Sanctuary SilTarp – Most Versatile Configurations
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Paria Sanctuary is a great, ultralight tarp. Weighing just under a pound, the tarp is 10 x 8ft and flat cut with 17 tie downs (16 around the perimeter and 1 center loop). This tarp is made with 30D ripstop silnylon and provides 5000mm of hydrostatic resistance. It will keep you dry while being extremely durable and versatile. It is available in three different shapes so that you can pick the best one for how you will use it.
The full kit includes 60ft of reflective Dyneema guy line, 6 micro line-lok adjusters, and 6 aluminum stakes in a 9 x 5 x 4in stuff sack. This full kit has a weight of 20.5 ounces. By combining the provided equipment and a trekking pole, you can easily use this tarp to build a quick A-frame shelter. It would also work great as a hammock rain fly.
Our notes:
- Extremely versatile – can be set up in many different configurations
- Lightweight
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee
Bear Butt Double Hammock Rain Fly – Best Tarp for Hammock Camping
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Bear Butt Double Hammock Rain Fly may have a silly name, but it is some serious backpacking gear. Designed specifically for use with your hammock, this tarp is diamond shaped and measures 12’10” down the middle (and 9’4” along the sides), making it long enough to work well with most of the favorite backpacking hammocks. The tarp itself only weighs 14.1 ounces, with the whole kit coming in at just under 20 ounces.
This tarp is made of 100% waterproof polyester, with a 190D PU backing and reinforced attachment points, making it extremely durable. However, since it is designed to be used primarily with a hammock, it only comes with 4 tie down points. Even though it lacks versatility, backpackers love this fly and are impressed with its quality.
The whole kit comes with the tarp, 2 aluminum stakes, 4 guy lines, and the stuff sack. This one includes everything needed to make the set up very easy. You will also appreciate the reflective material used on both the tarp and the guy lines, making it easy to find in the dark.
Our notes:
- Lightweight
- Easy set up
- Great value
- Best tarp for Hammock Camping
Aqua Quest Guide Camping Tarp – Best Tarp for Ground, Motorcycle, and Car Camping
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Aqua Quest Guide comes in multiple size options providing more versatility depending on how you will use it. Compared with other tarps on the market it is an excellent buy. This review will be focusing on the 10 x 10 tarp, but this model also comes in 10 x 7, 13 x 10, and 20 x 13ft.
The 10 x 10ft tarp weighs 1.2lbs and packs up small in its included stuff sack. It is important to note here that this tarp does not come with any additional equipment. However, as mentioned in the buyer’s guide above, many backpackers end up swapping out other tarp kits with their own gear. However, for some buyers this may be a deal breaker.
The Aqua Quest is 100% waterproof, even during high wind storms, and made with 40D ripstop nylon with reinforced stitching, making it very durable. It is also extremely versatile, with 17 tie loops. This is a favorite tarp of many backpackers.
Our notes:
- Lightweight
- Versatile
- Works great, no matter how heavy the rain and wind
- Not a complete kit
Foxelli Rain Tarp – Best Overall Choice
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Foxelli rain tarp is another great choice for hammock camping and is our top pick for that activity. With just a 15oz weight for the tarp, and only 18.2oz for the full kit, the Foxelli rain fly is lightweight and compact. It is also very durable, and features a laminated center line stitch and double stitching on the corner loops. It is made of 210D ripstop polyester, with PU 3000 coating, and extremely waterproof.
This tarp is primarily intended for use with a hammock, so it does only have 4 tie downs and is diamond shaped. The kit comes with everything you need to have a nice, dry set up for your hammock. Included in the kit are 4 extra long (12’) reflective nylon guy lines and 2 aluminum stakes, all in the included stuff sack.
This tarp will impress you with its quality. It works great even in a downpour and also makes a great sunshade. This is a great backpacking tarp option.
Our notes:
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy set up
- Great tarp for Hammock Camping
Gorich Camping Tarp –
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you want to stay no frills, but you do need a bit more than a hammock rain fly, the Gorich camping tarp is the pick for you. At 10 x 10ft and with 8 tie downs, it is much more versatile than the other minimal feature options on our list.
The full kit includes 4 aluminum stakes and 6 nylon ropes, all in a convenient stuff sack. It packs up small at 10 x 5 x 5in, but it does weigh a bit more than our other picks (coming in at 1.8lbs). However, some people will not mind a little extra weight.
This tarp is made of 210D ripstop nylon with PU 2000 coating, and you will be very happy with how well it keeps you and your gear dry. The set up is also very simple. It is a durable tarp, however it does use metal grommets for the tie downs, something that many other tarps avoid because they are more apt to lead to tearing.
Our notes:
- No frills
- More versatile than the 4 tie down only for hammock tarps
- Simple set up
- Uses metal grommets at tie downs
- Almost 2lbs
Conclusion
If you are looking for the best backpacking tarp this list will have you covered. No matter if you need to keep your hammock and your gear sheltered from the rain, or would like to set up a quick sun shade at camp, our picks are a great choice.
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