Best Camping Tarps to Pair with All Weather Tents
Best Camping Tarps to Pair with All Weather Tents
Blog Article
Combining a camping tarp with an all-weather tent would greatly improve your protection and comfort, particularly in heavy rain, strong wind, or blistering sun. Best Camping Tarps to Pair with All Weather Tents Some of the best camping tarps are:
1. Rectangular Tarps:
Versatility: Rectangular tarps are the most versatile, providing multiple pitching configurations (A-frame, lean-to, windbreak, etc.) to suit different campsite arrangements and weather conditions.
Coverage: They offer good coverage and can be sized to reach outside your tent's footprint, forming a dry entrance or a covered cooking/gear storage space.
Ease of Use: Although taking a little more ability to pitch well, their simple shape makes them easy to handle.
2. Square Tarps:
Symmetry: Square tarps have symmetrical pitching possibilities, which can be helpful for balanced coverage, particularly over a tent.
Hammock Camping: They are highly suitable for hammock configurations but can also be utilized well with tents.
Simpler Pitching (some configurations): Some square tarp configurations, such as the diamond pitch, are very easy.
3. Catenary Cut Tarps:
Taut Pitch: The catenary cut curved edges are cut to give a drum-tight pitch when installed correctly, cutting down on flapping in the wind and enhanced water runoff.
Stability: Their aerodynamic design helps to improve stability in windy weather.
Limited Configurations: They usually have fewer pitching configurations than flat tarps and are often optimized for particular setups such as A-frames.
4. Shaped Tarps (Hexagonal, Asymmetrical):
Specialized Coverage: These tarps are optimized for particular uses, such as adding extra coverage at the head or foot of a hammock or providing a more enclosed shelter.
Weight Efficiency: They can at times provide decent coverage with less material, which reduces weight.
Less Versatile: Their specific shapes make them less versatile for general tent use.
Key Features to Look for in a Camping Tarp:
Material:
Ripstop Nylon or Polyester: Light, durable, and tear-resistant. Higher denier counts will provide greater durability.
Silicone-Coated Nylon (Silnylon): Extremely light and extremely waterproof. Slightly sags when wet.
Polyester-Coated with Polyurethane (PU): Waterproof and resistant. May be cheaper than silnylon but heavier.
Waterproof Polyethylene (PE): Inexpensive and waterproof but heavier and not as durable long-term.
Hydrostatic Head (Waterproof Rating): To have good protection against rain, a rating of 1500mm or above is usually adequate.
Size: Select a tarp that will give you sufficient coverage for your tent and any extra area you want (e.g., for cooking or gear). Think about the size of your tent and the number of occupants.
Weight and Packability: If you're backpacking, lightweight and packable tarps are the priority. For car camping, weight may be less important than size and durability.
Attachment Points: Search for several reinforced grommets or webbing loops along the edges and occasionally in the center of the tarp. This allows for flexibility in pitching possibilities.
Reinforced Corners and Seams: These add strength to the tarp and avoid tearing at stress points. Double-stitched and taped or welded seams are essential for waterproofing.
Versatility: This is whether you desire a tarp that has more than one function, like being tarp, groundsheet, picnic blanket, or emergency shelter.
Top Tarp Brands:
Aqua Quest: Famous for rugged and highly water-resistant tarps.
DD Hammocks: Provides tarps in great variety and sizes and configurations.
Kelty: Gives dependable and inexpensive tarp options.
Sea to Summit: Provides lightweight and compact tarps.
Paria Outdoor Products: Recommended for affordable but practical tarps.
ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters): Great for hammock tarps also suitable for tent use.
MSR (Mountain Safety Research): Provides light but strong options suitable for backpacking.
Big Agnes: Considered to produce quality and functional designs.
How to Pair a Tarp with Your Tent:
Rainfly Extension: The most popular application is to lengthen the canopy of your tent's rainfly, particularly over the door to make a vestibule that won't get wet.
Full Tent Coverage: Set up the tarp over the tent as a whole for ultimate protection when there are torrential rains or steady rain. Make sure there is enough ventilation between the tarp and tent so that water doesn't collect from condensation.
Separate Cooking/Living Space: Place the tarp alongside your tent to provide a dry outdoor living/ cooking space.
Groundsheet: A tarp made from heavy-duty waterproof material can also serve as a groundsheet, covering the base of your tent to keep the bottom dry from water, soil, and tears. Make the groundsheet just a bit smaller than the tent footprint so that rainwater doesn't puddle on it and leak under the tent.
By taking great care to consider the type, characteristics, and size of the camping tarp, you can successfully match it with your all-weather tent to provide a more comfortable and secure campsite under different conditions.