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10 Best Ultralight Backpacking Tarp 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Portable Multifunctional Outdoor Camping Traveling Awning Backpacking Tarp Shelter for Rain (Brown)
The FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Portable Tarp is a solid option for those in need of durable and reliable shelter during outdoor activities. Constructed from 150D ripstop polyester fabric, it boasts a 3000 PU waterproof rating, ensuring it can handle heavy rainfall while also providing UV protection. This makes it well-suited for a variety of environments and weather conditions. Measuring 10 by 10.5 feet, it offers ample coverage for up to two people, which is great for small groups or solo backpackers who want extra space.
Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,312
Weight
Material
Size
Most important from
3650 reviews
#2
onewind 12×10 ft Hammock Tarp, Ultralight Tarp Silnylon Hammock Rain Fly Lightweight Waterproof Camping Tent Tarp with Doors, Easy to Setup with Stuff Sack, Tent Stakes, OD Green
The Onewind 12ft Hammock Tarp is designed for ultralight backpackers seeking reliable protection from the elements. Weighing in at just 1.8 pounds, this tarp is made from 1.1oz 20D ripstop silnylon, a durable yet lightweight material treated to achieve a waterproof rating of 4000mm. This makes it not only light to carry but also strong enough to withstand rain, snow, and UV rays. Its dimensions (12 x 10ft) provide ample coverage, ensuring you and your gear stay dry and protected.
Rating
9.4
Material
Waterproof Rating
Setup and Versatility
Most important from
662 reviews
#3
AquaQuest Guide Camping Tarp - Ultralight Tent Cover or Rain Fly - Waterproof Camping Gear Must Haves for Hiking, Hammock, Bivy & Survival, 10 x 10 ft, Olive Drab
The AquaQuest Guide Camping Tarp is a versatile and reliable option for ultralight backpacking. Weighing just 1.3 pounds and made from durable 40D nylon, it's designed to be an essential piece of gear for campers, hikers, and survivalists. Its 10 x 10 ft size provides ample coverage of 92 square feet, which can comfortably shelter up to three people. The square shape with 17 tie-outs offers multiple setup options, enhancing its adaptability to various outdoor conditions.
Rating
9.2
Weight
Material
Waterproof Rating
Most important from
939 reviews
Top 10 Best Ultralight Backpacking Tarp 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Portable Multifunctional Outdoor Camping Traveling Awning Backpacking Tarp Shelter for Rain (Brown)
FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Portable Multifunctional Outdoor Camping Traveling Awning Backpacking Tarp Shelter for Rain (Brown)
Weight: 1.2kg
Material: 150D ripstop polyester
Size: 10 by 10.5 feet
Shape: rectangular
Waterproof Rating: 3000 PU
Setup and Versatility: 19 guy points, 5 grommets, various configurations
Chosen by 1312 this week
onewind 12×10 ft Hammock Tarp, Ultralight Tarp Silnylon Hammock Rain Fly Lightweight Waterproof Camping Tent Tarp with Doors, Easy to Setup with Stuff Sack, Tent Stakes, OD Green
onewind 12×10 ft Hammock Tarp, Ultralight Tarp Silnylon Hammock Rain Fly Lightweight Waterproof Camping Tent Tarp with Doors, Easy to Setup with Stuff Sack, Tent Stakes, OD Green
Weight: 1.8 pounds
Material: 1.1oz 20D ripstop silnylon
Size: 12 x 10ft
Shape: Rectangular
Waterproof Rating: 4000mm
Setup and Versatility: Hassle-free setup with included components
AquaQuest Guide Camping Tarp - Ultralight Tent Cover or Rain Fly - Waterproof Camping Gear Must Haves for Hiking, Hammock, Bivy & Survival, 10 x 10 ft, Olive Drab
AquaQuest Guide Camping Tarp - Ultralight Tent Cover or Rain Fly - Waterproof Camping Gear Must Haves for Hiking, Hammock, Bivy & Survival, 10 x 10 ft, Olive Drab
Weight: 1.3 Pounds
Material: 40D Nylon
Size: 10 x 10 ft
Shape: Square
Waterproof Rating: 5000 mm
Setup and Versatility: 17 tie-outs, multiple setups
Rain Fly12x10 Lightweight Survival Camping Tarp; 100% Waterproof; Makes a Great Backpacking Tarp or Hammock Shelter; Comes in Multiple Colors, Survival Bracelet Included; Grey
Rain Fly12x10 Lightweight Survival Camping Tarp; 100% Waterproof; Makes a Great Backpacking Tarp or Hammock Shelter; Comes in Multiple Colors, Survival Bracelet Included; Grey
Weight: 1.49 pounds
Material: 210T polyester with TPU
Size: 12x10 feet
Shape: rectangular
Waterproof Rating: 100% waterproof
Setup and Versatility: Setup with carabiners, stakes, ropes
JAICOM Waterproof Camping Tarp - 10X10ft Hammock Rain Fly, Ultralight & Portable & UV Protection Backpacking Tarp, Multifunctional for Outdoor Adventure, Hiking, Tent, Hammock
JAICOM Waterproof Camping Tarp - 10X10ft Hammock Rain Fly, Ultralight & Portable & UV Protection Backpacking Tarp, Multifunctional for Outdoor Adventure, Hiking, Tent, Hammock
Weight: 2.12 pounds
Material: Polyester
Size: 10X10ft
Waterproof Rating: Waterproof
Setup and Versatility: 11 attachment points, adjustable lines, stakes
Related Products
Travel Bird Ultralight Tarp, 14ft Hammock Rain Fly Lightweight Waterproof Camping Tent Tarp with Doors, Multifunctional Tarp for Backpacking Camping Hiking
Travel Bird Ultralight Tarp, 14ft Hammock Rain Fly Lightweight Waterproof Camping Tent Tarp with Doors, Multifunctional Tarp for Backpacking Camping Hiking
Weight: 2.2 pounds
Material: 210T polyester with waterproof coating
Size: 14 x 9 feet
Waterproof Rating: PU2000 waterproof coating
Setup and Versatility: Aluminum poles, dual doors, stakes, bag
Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp Ultralight Shelter, Large
Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp Ultralight Shelter, Large
Weight: 10.6 ounces (300 grams)
Material: 15 denier Ultra-Sil Nano nylon
Size: 96 inches by 72 inches
Waterproof Rating: Waterproof
Setup and Versatility: Pitched using trees or trekking poles
Bear Butt Hammock Rain Fly & Camping Tarp - 11 x 9 ft Hammock Tarp Rain Fly for Hammock Camping - Easy to Set Up Tent Tarp for Tent Camping - Waterproof Camping Tarp - Ultralight Backpacking Tarp
Bear Butt Hammock Rain Fly & Camping Tarp - 11 x 9 ft Hammock Tarp Rain Fly for Hammock Camping - Easy to Set Up Tent Tarp for Tent Camping - Waterproof Camping Tarp - Ultralight Backpacking Tarp
Weight: 1.1 Pounds
Material: Polyester
Size: 11 x 9 ft
Waterproof Rating: Waterproof
Setup and Versatility: stuff sack, rain fly, 4 guy lines
Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp Ultralight Shelter, Medium
Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp Ultralight Shelter, Medium
Weight: 9.6 ounces
Material: 15 denier Ultra-Sil Nano
Size: 96"L x 72"W
Shape: rectangular
Waterproof Rating: Water Resistant
Setup and Versatility: 8 reinforced tie-outs, color-coded ropes
#10
LiteOutdoors Silnylon Tarp - 13.9 Oz. - Ultralight Backpacking Tarp or Hammock Shelter (Grey, 10' x 10')
LiteOutdoors Silnylon Tarp - 13.9 Oz. - Ultralight Backpacking Tarp or Hammock Shelter (Grey, 10' x 10')
Weight: 13.9 ounces
Material: 20D ripstop nylon, silicone coating
Size: 10' x 10'
Waterproof Rating: 2000mm hydrostatic head
Setup and Versatility: 16 webbing loops, center loop
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Buying Guide for the Best Ultralight Backpacking Tarp
Choosing the right ultralight backpacking tarp is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and safe outdoor experience. A tarp can provide essential protection from the elements while being lightweight and easy to carry. When selecting a tarp, consider the following key specifications to find the best fit for your needs.WeightWeight is a critical factor in ultralight backpacking gear. The lighter the tarp, the less burden it adds to your pack. Tarps can range from a few ounces to over a pound. For ultralight backpacking, aim for a tarp that weighs less than a pound. If you prioritize minimalism and have other lightweight gear, opt for the lightest tarp available. However, if you need more durability and weather protection, a slightly heavier tarp might be a better choice.
MaterialThe material of the tarp affects its weight, durability, and weather resistance. Common materials include silnylon, Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), and polyester. Silnylon is lightweight and affordable but can stretch when wet. DCF is extremely light and waterproof but more expensive. Polyester is durable and doesn't stretch when wet but is slightly heavier. Choose a material based on your priorities: if weight is your main concern, go for DCF; if you need a balance of cost and performance, silnylon is a good option; if durability is key, consider polyester.
SizeThe size of the tarp determines how much coverage it provides. Tarps come in various sizes, typically measured in feet. A smaller tarp (around 6x8 feet) is suitable for solo backpackers who want to minimize weight. A medium-sized tarp (around 8x10 feet) offers more coverage and is good for one or two people. Larger tarps (10x12 feet or more) provide ample space for multiple people or gear but are heavier. Consider how many people will use the tarp and how much space you need for comfort and protection.
ShapeTarps come in different shapes, such as rectangular, square, hexagonal, and catenary cut. Rectangular and square tarps are versatile and easy to set up in various configurations. Hexagonal and catenary cut tarps are designed to be more aerodynamic and provide better wind resistance. If you value versatility and ease of setup, a rectangular or square tarp is a good choice. If you often camp in windy conditions, consider a hexagonal or catenary cut tarp for better stability.
Waterproof RatingThe waterproof rating indicates how well the tarp can withstand water pressure. It is usually measured in millimeters (mm) and refers to the height of a water column the fabric can resist before leaking. A higher rating means better waterproofing. For ultralight backpacking, a rating of at least 1,500 mm is recommended to ensure adequate protection from rain. If you expect heavy rain or prolonged exposure to wet conditions, look for a tarp with a higher rating, such as 3,000 mm or more.
Setup and VersatilityThe ease of setup and versatility of the tarp are important for convenience and adaptability in different environments. Some tarps come with multiple tie-out points, allowing for various pitching configurations. Others may include features like reinforced corners or guy lines. Consider how easy it is to set up the tarp and how many different ways you can pitch it. If you often camp in diverse terrains, a versatile tarp with multiple setup options will be beneficial.