Choosing the right camping tarp can significantly impact your outdoor experience. This year's market offers a diverse range of options, each prioritizing different features like weight, durability, and waterproofing. From ultralight backpacking tarps perfect for minimalist adventures to heavy-duty models designed to withstand harsh weather, the choices can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide reviews eight of the best camping tarps available in 2023, meticulously comparing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. We've considered factors such as material, weight, waterproofing capabilities, setup versatility, and price, offering detailed insights into each tarp's performance.This detailed comparison will assist you in identifying the perfect tarp to match your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned camper prioritizing weight savings or a beginner seeking robust weather protection, we've analyzed various options to guide you towards a satisfying purchase. Prepare to navigate the nuances of tarp selection as we delve into the features, pros, and cons of each product, empowering you to make the best choice for your next camping excursion.
Pros And Cons
- Comes in four sizes and several colors
- Made from 40D ripstop nylon, lightweight (1.7 pounds)
- 130 square feet of coverage
- Small packed size (6x6x3.5 inches)
- Handles adverse weather conditions well
- Reinforced stitching and heat-taped seams
- 20,000 mm water resistance rating
- 17 tie points for versatility
- Low denier count makes it vulnerable to rips from accidental damage
- Affordable
- Made from 210T ripstop polyester (resistant to rips)
- Polyurethane coating, 2500 mm waterproof rating
- Lightweight (2.10 pounds)
- Small packed size
- Compatible with trekking poles
- 19 guy lines and 5 grommets
- Potential for leaks through seams (reported by some users)
- Stitching could use reinforcement
- Lightweight (2 pounds 9 ounces)
- Small pack size (12x10x3 inches)
- Sealed and double-stitched seams
- 800 mm waterproof rating
- Good in heavy rain
- Thin 68D polyester, fragile
- Susceptible to rips in heavy winds
- Oddly shaped and hard to set up (according to some users)
- 70D ripstop nylon (more durable than Guide Tarp)
- Excellent build quality and waterproofing
- 20,000 mm waterproof rating
- Lightweight and packable
- 19 webbing loops for versatile hanging options
Read more: 5 Best PVC Camping Tarps for Your Next Adventure
Aqua Quest Guide Tarp: Ultralight Champion
The Aqua Quest Guide Tarp stands out for its incredibly lightweight design, weighing only 1.7 pounds, yet offering 130 square feet of coverage. This makes it a top choice for backpacking adventures where weight is a crucial factor. Despite its thin 40D ripstop nylon construction, it's surprisingly durable when handled carefully. The dual coating of polyurethane and silicone provides a remarkable 20,000mm water resistance rating, ensuring you stay dry even in heavy downpours.
With 17 tie points, this tarp offers exceptional versatility in setup configurations. You can adapt it to various camping situations and preferences. While slightly pricier than some alternatives, the Guide Tarp’s exceptional balance of weight, durability, and waterproofing makes it a worthwhile investment.
Eno ProFly Rain Tarp: Heavy-Duty Protection
The Eno ProFly Rain Tarp prioritizes durability with its 210D ripstop nylon construction. This significantly higher denier rating compared to other tarps makes it exceptionally resistant to tears and abrasions. Despite the robust material, it still manages to weigh only one pound six ounces, remaining surprisingly packable. Its large size (10.64 by 6.4 feet) provides ample coverage for most camping needs.
While the polyurethane coating provides excellent waterproofing, it's not entirely leak-proof. Minor water penetration has been reported by some users. The limitation to only six connection points reduces its versatility in comparison to tarps with more attachment options.
Kelty Noah's Tarp Sun Shelter: Lightweight and Portable
The Kelty Noah's Tarp Sun Shelter, despite its name, provides reliable waterproofing despite its thin 68D polyester material. This lightweight tarp (2 pounds, 9 ounces) packs down compactly (12 x 10 x 3 inches), making it a great option for backpacking trips. Its double-stitched, sealed seams contribute to its durability and prevent leaks, performing well even in heavy rain.
However, users have reported vulnerabilities to strong winds, experiencing rips in some instances. Some also find the unusual shape somewhat challenging to set up. Despite these minor drawbacks, its portability and water resistance make it a solid contender.
Aqua Quest Safari Tarp: Durable and Waterproof
The Aqua Quest Safari Tarp builds upon the success of the Guide Tarp, offering increased durability thanks to its 70D ripstop nylon construction. This thicker material enhances resistance to scratches and rips, while still maintaining a manageable pack size and weight. Like its Guide counterpart, it boasts an impressive 20,000mm waterproof rating, providing exceptional protection from the elements.
With 19 webbing loops, the Safari Tarp offers a high degree of versatility in setup options. While slightly more expensive than some alternatives, its improved durability and waterproofing justify the higher cost. It’s a robust choice for those who prioritize toughness and weather protection.
Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp: Ultralight and Delicate
The Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp caters to ultralight backpacking enthusiasts, prioritizing minimal weight over extreme durability. Made from incredibly thin 15D Ultra-Sil Nano, it weighs just 10.5 ounces. Its double-stitched, heat-sealed seams provide reliable waterproofing despite its delicate nature. It works well with trekking poles for a tent-like setup and has eight tie-out points for flexible configuration.
Its lightweight nature makes it supremely portable, but the thin fabric is susceptible to rips and tears if not handled carefully. The higher price point reflects its specialized design and lightweight build. This is a tarp for those who value minimal weight above all else.
Aqua Quest Defender Tarp: Top-of-the-Line Protection
The Aqua Quest Defender Tarp is the flagship of the Aqua Quest line, surpassing both the Guide and Safari Tarps in features and price. Made from 70D ripstop nylon with reinforced stitching and heat-taped seams, it's incredibly durable. It also boasts a 20,000mm waterproof rating and a lifetime guarantee.
Its 21 tie points and included storage pockets and lantern loop provide exceptional versatility and convenience. While its loop placement might present a slight setup challenge for hammock use, the Defender's overall quality, features, and impressive weather protection make it a premium choice, though slightly more expensive.
Free Soldier Waterproof Portable Tarp: Budget-Friendly Option
The Free Soldier Waterproof Portable Tarp offers a budget-friendly alternative. Made from 210T ripstop polyester with a polyurethane coating, it provides a respectable 2500mm waterproof rating. It weighs 2.10 pounds and packs down small, making it suitable for backpacking despite its thicker material. With 19 guy lines and 5 grommets, it allows for various setup configurations.
However, users have reported inconsistencies in seam quality, with some experiencing leaks. Reinforcing the seams is recommended. Despite this potential drawback, its affordability makes it a viable option, especially for those willing to put in a little extra effort to ensure its waterproof integrity.
Chill Gorilla Fortress 2 Camping Tarp: Four-Season Hybrid
The Chill Gorilla Fortress 2 Camping Tarp stands out with its unique design, incorporating four doors for enclosed shelter. This feature makes it suitable for four-season use, unlike other tarps on this list. Made from 30D ripstop silk nylon, it offers good protection from the elements, though the thinner material makes it susceptible to tearing.
Its 8000mm waterproof rating is sufficient for most conditions, though users may need to seal the seams themselves for optimal leak prevention. Despite its potential for seam leaks, the Fortress 2 offers an interesting hybrid approach to tarp camping, combining shelter and protection with impressive versatility. This might be ideal for those who like something more like a tent but prefer the feel of a tarp.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tarp
The best camping tarp for you depends on your priorities – weight, durability, waterproofing, and budget. The Aqua Quest Guide Tarp excels in lightweight backpacking scenarios, while the Eno ProFly and Aqua Quest Defender offer superior durability and waterproofing. The Kelty Noah's and Sea to Summit Escapist are excellent lightweight options, while the Free Soldier provides affordability and the Chill Gorilla Fortress 2 offers a unique four-season design with enclosed doors. Careful consideration of your needs will guide you to the ideal tarp.
Consider your typical camping conditions, the weight you're willing to carry, and your budget when making your decision. Remember to check user reviews to get a sense of real-world performance and potential drawbacks.