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Table of Contents
- The Best Camping Tarps for 2023
- 1. Rain Fly Evolution Tarp
- 2. Gold Armour Rainfly Tarp
- 3. RedCamp Waterproof Tarp
- 4. Rottay Waterproof Tarp
- 5. Terra Hiker Tarp
- 6. FreeSoldier Waterproof Tarp
- 7. Unigear Rainfly Tarp
- 8. Foxelli Waterproof Tarp
- How to Choose the Best Camping Tarp
- Camping Tarps Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
- Summary
Best Camping Tarps 2023 – Updated by Burbro Editors on April 14th, 2021
When you’re camping, you may want to add a camping tarp to your essential camping gear. A camping tarp can be used to create a makeshift shelter to protect you from the rain or wind. It can also be used to prevent water from leaking into the bottom of your camping tent by placing the tarp on the ground underneath your tent.
The best camping tarps are made from waterproof materials that protect you from the rain or the wet ground. Many of these tarps also come with UV protection that helps provide shelter from the sun. Some of the tarps are also made with rip-resistant material that prevents the tarps from getting destroyed while you’re camping.
If you’ve been looking at camping tarps, you may notice that there are hundreds of options on the market. However, this doesn’t mean that each tarp is high-quality, made from durable materials or worth your money. In this article, we’ll be reviewing the best camping tarps of 2023. The products on our list are made from high-quality materials, durable and affordable for the average camper. We’ll also provide tips for choosing the right camping tarp so you can find the perfect tarp for your camping trip.
The Best Camping Tarps for 2023
If you’re looking for the best camping tarp, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve reviewed the top tarps that can be used for camping and compiled the best products into a quick list that you can use to quickly find the right tarp for your camping trip.
Here are the Best Camping Tarps of 2023.
- Best Tarp for Camping and Hiking: Rain Fly Evolution
- Best Tarp for Tenting: Gold Armour Rainfly Tarp
- High-Quality Waterproof Tarp: RedCamp Waterproof Tarp
- Compact Camping Tarp: Rottay Waterproof Tarp
- High-Quality Basic Camping Tarp: Terra Hiker Tarp
- Best Tarp for Making Tents: FreeSoldier Waterproof Tarp
- Popular Rainfly Waterproof Camping Tarp: Unigear Rainfly Tarp
- Popular Lightweight Camping Tarp: Foxelli Waterproof Tarp
1. Rain Fly Evolution Tarp
Best Tarp for Camping and Hiking.
If you’re searching for the best camping tent, you’ll want to consider the Rain Fly Evolution tarp. The Rain Fly Evolution is a waterproof tarp that measures 12’ x 10’ and is made from diamond ripstop material to prevent the tarp from ripping. This waterproof tarp can easily be packed up and placed in your backpack and weighs about 1.5-pounds, which is light for any hiking adventure. It also comes with 6 carabiners so you can quickly set up the tarp, 6 heavy-duty stakes to keep the tarp from flapping in the wind, 7 adjustable guy lines for better stability, and a carrying bag that fits all the gear.
2. Gold Armour Rainfly Tarp
The Best Tarp for Tenting.
The Gold Armour Rainfly Tarp is made from a high-quality material with ripstop technology that prevents rips from getting bigger. The outside of the tarp comes with 33 loops that act as tie-down points so you can secure the tarp to the ground when you’re building a tent. This tarp also comes with the ropes, stakes and tensioners that are needed to build a tent. This tarp can create two tent designs, the traditional square design and the unique diamond tent design. We love the Gold Armour Rainfly Tarp because it’s covered by a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer, which protects you from manufacturing defects.
3. RedCamp Waterproof Tarp
A High-Quality Waterproof Tarp for Camping.
The RedCamp tarp is 12’ x 10’ and is made from a high-quality, 210T polyester fabric that’s waterproof and UV resistant, so you’re protected from the sun. This tarp comes with rust-free eyelets that can be used to hang the tarp in the air and secure it so the wind can’t blow it around. The tarp's corners also come with double layers and heavy-duty stitching to ensure that your tarp doesn’t rip when you’re securing the tarp. The Redcamp Waterproof tarp also comes with a one-year warranty from the manufacturer.
4. Rottay Waterproof Tarp
A Compact Camping Tarp.
If you’re looking for a portable, compact camping tarp, then you’ll want to consider the Rottay Waterproof Tarp. The Rottay Tarp measures 10’ x 10’ and is made from heavy-duty and durable 210D Oxford Fabric. This fabric is strong enough to prevent rips from abrasions and puncture-resistant so you won’t get holes in your camping tarp. The Rottay Tarp is waterproof, UV resistant for better shade from the sun, and offers protection from the snow for those that enjoy cold weather camping. The tarp comes with 6 aluminum stakes, 6 guy lines, 9 tie-down anchor points, and a storage bag that holds the tarp and the accessories. The Rottay Waterproof Tarp also comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
5. Terra Hiker Tarp
A High-Quality Basic Camping Tarp.
While this tent may not have all the bells and whistles of other tarps, the Terra Hiker Tarp is a simple tarp that’s high-quality, durable and can be used for many purposes. It is made from high-quality 210D Oxford cloth combined with a waterproof material that protects you from rain and dampness. This tarp is easy to use and comes with metal eyelets that enable you to attach the rope to the tarp so you can hang the tarp or secure it with stakes. It's also compact and easy to fold once you’ve finished using the tarp and comes with a drawstring pouch that conveniently stores and carries the camping tarp.
6. FreeSoldier Waterproof Tarp
Best Camping Tarp for Making Tents.
If you’re looking for the best camping tarp that doubles as a tent, you’ll want to consider the FreeSolider Waterproof Tarp. The tarp is made from high-quality 210T polyester fabric with ripstop technology that prevents rips and tears. The fabric is also waterproof, which keeps you out of the elements, and provides better protection while you’re camping. It also features UV protection, so you can set up this tarp as an awning to protect you from the direct sunlight while you’re camping. This tarp comes with 19 anchor points, 1 hammock rain fly, 4 nylon guy lines with tensioners and a carrying sack that holds the tarp and the accessories.
7. Unigear Rainfly Tarp
A Popular Rainfly Waterproof Camping Tarp.
The Unigear Rainfly Tarp is made from high-quality, 210D Oxford Fabric with ripstop technology that prevents the tent from ripping or getting punctured while you’re camping. The fabric is also waterproof, protecting you from the rain, wind, and snow. The Unigear Rainfly Tarp comes with 8 double-stitched anchor points that can be used to secure the tarp to the ground and ensure that the tarp doesn’t get blown around by the wind. The fabric has also been coated with a PU material that provides UV protection so that you can use this tarp as protection from direct sunlight. The Unigear Rainfly Tarp comes with 6 stakes for securing the tarp and 6 ropes that can help you set up the tarp.
8. Foxelli Waterproof Tarp
Popular Lightweight Camping Tarp.
One of the best lightweight camping tarps is the Foxelli Waterproof Tarp. The Foxelli Tarp is made from premium polyester material with ripstop technology, so the tarp doesn’t rip, tear or get punctured. This tarp is waterproof and acts as a shield during rainstorms. It’s also UV resistant and can protect you from the direct sunlight when you’ve been outdoors for a long time. The Foxelli tarp comes with reinforced corners, metal corner loops, nylon guy lines, aluminum stakes to secure the tarp, and a storage bag that holds the tarp and the accessories. The Foxelli Camping Tarp also comes with a 3-year warranty from the manufacturer.
How to Choose the Best Camping Tarp
If you’re new to using tarps while camping, we’ve got you covered. In this section, we’ll provide a buyer’s guide that gives some tips for choosing the right tarps for your camping trip, so you know what to look for when you’re shopping for camping gear.
Here are some things to consider when picking a camping tarp.
1. Choose the Tarp’s Size
When you’re choosing a tarp for camping, you’ll want to ensure that you choose a tarp that’s the right size for your needs. If your tarp is too big or too small, it can cause issues, so you need to consider the size of your tarp. If you buy a tarp that’s too small, it won’t provide enough shelter and protection while you’re camping. If you’re laying the tarp underneath your tent to act as protection from the wet ground, it may not be large enough to keep all the water away from the base of your camping tent.
However, if you choose a tarp that’s too large, you’ll have other problems. A tarp that’s too large will get caught in the wind and may be hard to anchor to the ground or between trees. If it’s too large, it will also be difficult to pack up and take a lot of space in your camping backpack.
We recommend that you pick the size of your tarp based on your tent’s size and the size of your backpack. If you’re using the tarp to protect the base of your tent, you’ll want to measure the base of your tent and choose a tarp that’s several inches to two feet wider than the base of your tent, so there’s adequate protection from the wet ground. You’ll also want the tarp to have a compact design so you can easily fold it down and store it in your backpack. Remember, you’ll have other equipment, such as camping axes or camping hatchets to carry, so the more compact the design the better.
2. Pick the Fabric Materials
As you’re choosing a camping tarp for your camping trips, you’ll want to consider the materials and fabrics used to create the tarp. This may be the most important feature to consider because it determines if your tarp is too lightweight or if it’s durable and provides adequate protection from the rain and sharp objects that may be underneath your tent.
First off, you’ll want to look for a tarp that’s built with waterproof materials. Some tarps come with a hydrophobic coating that protects your tent from the rain or the wet ground, while other tarps are designed with waterproof materials that protect you from the rain when you’re camping.
If you’re camping or hiking throughout the summer months, you’ll want a camping tarp that comes with UV protection. If your tarp comes with UV protection, you can escape from the hot sun by hanging it between two trees and relaxing in the shade. This will help you hike throughout the hot summer months without getting heat stroke or getting overexposed to the sun.
The tarps are only useful as long as they’re in good shape, without rips. As you’re choosing a camping tarp, you’ll want to look for a tarp that’s made with ‘ripstop’ fabric or cut-resistant materials. This will prevent the tarp from getting destroyed by rocks, twigs, or sharp objects that may be underneath your tent. If possible, you’ll want to find a camping tarp that comes with a repair kit that can be used to repair your tarp while you’re camping.
3. Choose a Durable Design
When choosing a camping tarp, you’ll also want to ensure that the tarp is designed well and is built to last. While the materials may be durable, the tarp won’t last long if it’s poorly designed. First off, you’ll want to ensure that all the stress points on the tarp are double stitched so the stitching doesn’t rip when the tarp is put under pressure. If these pressure points are reinforced with extra stitching, it’ll make the tarp a lot more durable.
Many tarps come with built-in eyelets that can be used to anchor the tarp to the ground, or so you can rig your rope throughout the tarp and create a makeshift shelter. Unless these eyelets are reinforced and heavy-duty, we recommend that you avoid the eyelets because they can easily rip out of their socket. Instead, you’ll want to look for a tarp with reinforced loops that are built into the tarp so you can easily attach your rope to the tarp and anchor it to the ground.
If your tarp doesn’t come with attachment points for your rope, you’ll need to learn how to make a sheet bend knot with your rope or a wart knot so you can easily attach your rope to your camping tarp and create a makeshift shelter.
4. Other Features to Consider
You may want to consider other features when you’re choosing a tarp for camping. First off, you’ll want to decide if the tarp will be lying underneath your tent to prevent water from leaking into your tent or if it’ll be used to create a shelter.
If you’re looking to build a makeshift shelter, you’ll want to choose a tarp that comes with anchor points stitched into the tarp’s material. These anchor points will be specifically designed so you can hang a line between two trees and then use guy lines and stakes to anchor the makeshift tent to the ground. However, if you’re looking for protection from the wet ground, you’ll need to find a tarp made from waterproof materials so you’ll remain dry while you’re camping.
When you’re buying a camping tarp, you’ll also want to consider the price of the product you’re looking to purchase. If you’ve been shopping for tarps, you’ll notice that there’s a wide price range that spans from around $25 for budget-friendly options to $150 for the premium camping tarps. You’ll want to set a budget before you go shopping, so you find the perfect tarp that’s affordable to you.
We recommend buying a product that comes with a warranty that lasts more than one year so you can use the camping tarp and ensure that it’s built to last.
Camping Tarps Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
In this section, we’ll try to answer some of the frequently asked questions about tarps used for camping. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about camping tarps.
1. What are Camping Tarps Used for?
Your camping tarp can be used for various uses, such as creating a makeshift shelter, providing shade from the sun, acting as a windbreak for your campsite, or even protecting the base of your tent from the wet ground.
Some tents come with built-in anchor points, so you can easily create a tent with your tarp to protect yourself from the elements. Other tents come with metal ring loops that make it easier for you to tie down your tarp, so it doesn’t blow around during the night. With these attachment points, you can hang your tarp over your tent to prevent water from leaking in your tent, or you can tie your tarp down to the ground and place your tent over the tarp to prevent the water from soaking through the base of your tent.
2. Should I Put a Tarp Under my Tent?
When you’re sleeping on wet ground, it’s a good idea to place a waterproof tarp underneath your tent. A tarp underneath your tent will prevent any water from seeping through your tent and keep you dry during the night.
If you’re sleeping on dry ground, you may not need to place a tarp on the ground to keep your tent dry. However, it doesn’t hurt to put down a tarp under your tent so your tent won’t get wet from the morning dew. It’ll also help insulate your tent from the cold ground so you won’t feel as cold in your tent.
3. Should I Put a Tarp Over my Tent?
If you’re camping outdoors and expect it to rain, you may want to place a waterproof tarp over your tent to prevent the water from soaking in your tent. A waterproof tarp can provide excellent protection from rainfall and guide the water away from the base of your tent.
When you’re using a tarp to protect the top of your tent, you’ll want to be sure to use the attachment points to anchor it to the ground. If you don’t anchor the tarp, it may catch the wind and begin blowing around during the night, which could mean that it will come loose and blow away during the storm.
4. How Big Should a Tarp Be Underneath a Tent?
When you’re using a tarp to protect the base of your tent, you’ll want to be sure that it’s about 2-3 inches larger than the base of your tent. This will ensure that the entire base of your tent will be protected from the wet ground, and you’ll have room to anchor the tarp to the ground so it won’t move around during the night.
5. Can you make a Tent out of Tarps?
Yes. Many tarps come with anchor points that can be used to create a makeshift tent. All you’ll need to do is tie a rope between two trees, throw the tarp over the rope and then anchor it to the ground on each side to ensure that your tarp is securely anchored to the ground.
If you’re creating a makeshift tent, we recommend finding a protected area that’s out of the wind. This will make it easier to erect your tent, and the wind won’t blow around your tent or make it cold to sleep in your makeshift shelter.
6. What is a Tent Footprint?
A tent footprint is a waterproof ground cloth or sheet placed between the ground and the base of your tent. A tent footprint is used for many reasons, such as keeping your tent dry, cushioning your tent, insulating the base of your tent and keeping the bottom of your tent clean.
When you place your tent on the ground, you may place your tent on some stones, twigs or sharp objects that can puncture the base of your tent. With a tent footprint or a waterproof tarp, you’ll protect the base of your tent from any rips or tears caused by sharp objects on the ground.
7. Can Camping Tarps be Used as a Tent Footprint?
Yes, you can use a camping tarp as a tent footprint. You’ll want to make sure that your tarp is waterproof, cut-resistant and big enough to cover the entire base of your tent so you can maximize the protection for your tent.
Summary
We hope that article has helped you find the best camping tarp of 2023. If you’re new to camping, you may want to read through our buyer’s guide so you know what to look for when you’re choosing a tarp for your camping trip. Always remember to look for products within your budget to find the perfect camping tarp within your price range. You’ll also want to look for camping products that come with a warranty so you can have buyer’s protection if your product is faulty and doesn’t work properly.
