The best tarps for wild camping reviewed (2023)

Sleeping under a tarp is a magical and minimalist experience. Unlike a tent, which cocoons you from the environment behind twin layers of the inner and flysheet, a tarp leaves you gloriously open to the landscape. The golden dusk light is unfiltered, stars dazzle overhead and your views are unhindered – a more intimate way to sleep wild.

It’s a must-do for those looking to get closer to nature and the mountains, but it's not the easiest activity to wing your first time. If you're just getting into the idea, check out our beginner's guide to tarping before you hit the hills this weekend.

What is a tarp? It’s a single-skin sheet of waterproof material used to create an outdoor shelter. It can be pitched in numerous layouts and shapes using pegs, walking poles, guy lines and optional groundsheets or bug nets. This versatility allows a bespoke set-up tailored to the prevailing weather: pitch high for space and ventilation in fine conditions; pitch low for stability and protection on rainy, windy days. From the simple A-Frame and Lean-To to the more complex Tipi or C Fly Wedge, the options for tarp orientations are plentiful.

Our Shortlist

Nordisk Voss 5 LW – Best in test

Alpkit Rig 3.5 – Best value

MSR Thru-Hiker 70 – Best for versatility

Terra Nova Competition – Best tarp for solo trips

Mountain Laurel Designs TrailStar – Best tarp for weather resistance

Six Moon Designs Deschutes Plus – Best ultralight tarp

Robens Wing – Best tarp for group trips

Eagles Nest Outfitters ProFly Rain – Highly recommended

There are three main types of tarp: flat, shaped and tarp-tents. We've covered the full range in this article. Flat tarps are square or rectangular, and generally-speaking are the simplest and cheapest option on the market. Shaped tarps are multi-sided or have curved edges, with different shapes (e.g. hexagonal) optimised to a specific orientation. Tarp-tents – which blur the line between tarp and tent – can be pitched in different ways but include advanced features such as integrated bug nets, zippers and doors.

Whether you’re a long-term tarp aficionado or simply considering sleeping in a tarp for the first time, take a look at our picks and find the one that's just right for you.

The best tarps for wild camping in detail

What to look for when buying a tarp

Weight

Ultralight gurus will opt for the lightest possible tarp, thus helping to reduce the overall weight of their backpack. Under 250g is feasible for a high quality tarp for one person. However, a heavier, thicker tarp may provide better waterproofing, extra coverage and improved versatility.

Size

A larger tarp will be more versatile and capable of being pitched in a broader range of shapes and designs. A particular benefit of larger tarps is the ability to use part of the tarp as a groundsheet, thus protecting your sleeping bag from the wet ground (and potentially negating the need to carry an extra bivvy bag). You should also have space to store your backpack and kit under the tarp. But remember that larger tarps will be heavier and bulkier.

Attachment & Prop Points

A good tarp will have 8 or more attachment points for guy lines and pegs, ensuring greater versatility and stability when it comes to pitching. A good tarp should also have ‘prop points’ - integrated grommets which house a trekking pole’s tip, thus helping to improve the stability of your tarp’s skeletal structure.

Materials & Waterproofing

Tarps are often made from advanced and highly-technical waterproof materials, such as Dyneema DCF, siliconised nylon (sil-nylon) or siliconised polyester (sil-poly). Waterproof coatings and treatments such as Polyurethane (PU) or silicone are commonly used too. Some tarp materials are thin and ultralight, which generally comes at a price premium. Others are thicker and cheaper, but heavier.

A tarp’s hydrostatic head rating will give a good indication of how waterproof it truly is – aim for 3,000mm or higher for adventures in wet climates. Another key consideration is the status of a tarp’s seams – some products come with pre-sealed seams to ensure the shelter is water-tight, while on some you will have to apply a sealant yourself to prevent water ingress.

Type

Each different tarp type has different pros and cons. Flat tarps are cheap, simple and great for beginners, with good versatility. They work particularly well in milder conditions or in forests where a ridgeline can be hung between trees. Shaped tarps are best for a low-profile pitch, when you need to block out the horizontal rain in the mountains. Tarp-tents are best if you require a touch more luxury and better features, such as integrated zips, doors, groundsheets or bug mesh inners.

Camping accessories to go with your tarp

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