Camping tarps are essential if you want to ensure you're sheltered from the elements. With waterproofing and UV resistance, they're a versatile piece of kit no matter where you're headed. However, with so many options available, it's tough to know which one to pick to complete your setup.
But, don't worry. This article details everything you need to know about tarpaulin sizing, materials and attachment points to ensure you're making the most informed purchase. Plus, we've included links to the 10 best camping tarps in the UK that are currently available through Amazon and Decathlon. From small to large, lightweight to heavy, there are plenty of options available.
Grab a family camping tent for larger groups.
Above all else, your camping tarp is designed to be weather-resistant. This means they are generally made of waterproof fabrics; some even come with UV-protective coatings. Nylon and polyester are the most popular materials on the market.
Stay warm while camping with a top-quality sleeping bag.
The attachment points are easily overlooked when choosing the perfect tarp, but they're important if you want something that's versatile and effective in multiple situations. The attachment points are hooks, holes or loops where you can tie the tarp down with pegs or guy ropes.
These points determine how you will be able to hang your tarp, so ideally, you should have at least 8. Realistically, though, the more, the better. A tarp with more attachment points will be more versatile for setting up in unorthodox ways, and the additional attachments will make for a more stable structure.
Try a windbreak for simple, fuss-free setup.
Choosing the right-sized tarp is essential for ensuring proper coverage from wind and rain. If you are camping alone, a tarp of around 2.5 x 1.8 m should be sufficient. However, if you often camp with larger groups or want something a little more versatile, you can size all the way up to 4 or 5 meters.
Larger tarps are great if you need extra space, but they will be heavier and may seem like an unnecessary burden for solo trippers. Lightweight camping gear is always preferable, so regardless of your sizing needs, opt for the lightest tarp within that size range.
For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:
This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.
Image | 1 ![]() DD Hammocks | 2 ![]() Solognac | 3 ![]() DD Hammocks | 4 ![]() RYACO | 5 ![]() HIKEMAN | 6 ![]() Quechua | 7 ![]() GEEDIAR | 8 ![]() Forclaz | 9 ![]() Andes | 10 ![]() Quechua |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | DD Tarp | Bushcraft Waterproof Tarp - Furtiv Camouflage | Compact Waterproof Tarpaulin | Hammock Rain Fly Tent Tarp | Camping Tent Tarp Shelter | Multifunction Camping Tarp and Awning - Fresh XL | Hammock Rain Fly Tent Tarp | Trekking Tarp - 1.5 Person | Waterproof Lightweight Tarpaulin | Basic camping Tarp |
Features | A Large PU-Coated Tarp That Still Remains Lightweight | Master the Art of Camouflage With This Printed Polyester Tarp | A Small but Mighty Option That’s Perfect for Solo Trips | Lightweight Properties of Nylon With the Lower Price and Weatherproofing of Polyester | A 4.4 X 5.5 m Tarp for Larger Groups With 22 Attachment Points | A Large Durable Design That’s Covered by a 5-Year Warranty | A Popular Choice Among Campers With a Structure That’s Easy to Set Up | A Lightweight Option for 3 People, Designed With Hikers in Mind | An Incredibly Low-Budget Option in a Striking Orange Colour | An Eco-Conscious Design With an SPF 30 Protection Rating |
Price | £39.95 | £34.99 | £34.95 | £30.99 | £78.99 | £59.99 | £21.99 | £59.99 | £16.99 | £24.99 |
Material(s) | Polyester | Polyester | Polyester | Polyester, nylon | Nylon | Polyester | Nylon | - | Polyester | Polyester |
Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
UV Protection | - | Yes, internal heat insulation | - | Yes | Yes | Yes, SPF 50+ | Yes | - | - | Yes, SPF 30 |
Attachments | 19 | 21 | 19 | 12 | 22 | 20 | 6 | 12 | 8 | 7 |
Dimensions | 3 x 3 m | 2.97 x 2.85 m | 2.8 x 1.5 m | 3 x 4 m | 4.4 x 5.5 m | 3.7 x 4.27 m | 3 x 3 m | 2.85 x 2.4 m | 3 x 3 m | 2.85 x 2.85 m |
Weight | 790 g | 815 g | 450 g | 1 kg | 2 kg | 5.2 kg | 890 g | 490 g | 895 g | 2.3 kg |
Link |
This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
£39.95
Material(s) | Polyester |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
UV Protection | - |
Attachments | 19 |
Dimensions | 3 x 3 m |
Weight | 790 g |
£34.99
Material(s) | Polyester |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
UV Protection | Yes, internal heat insulation |
Attachments | 21 |
Dimensions | 2.97 x 2.85 m |
Weight | 815 g |
£34.95
Material(s) | Polyester |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
UV Protection | - |
Attachments | 19 |
Dimensions | 2.8 x 1.5 m |
Weight | 450 g |
£30.99
Material(s) | Polyester, nylon |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
UV Protection | Yes |
Attachments | 12 |
Dimensions | 3 x 4 m |
Weight | 1 kg |
£78.99
Material(s) | Nylon |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
UV Protection | Yes |
Attachments | 22 |
Dimensions | 4.4 x 5.5 m |
Weight | 2 kg |
£59.99
Material(s) | Polyester |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
UV Protection | Yes, SPF 50+ |
Attachments | 20 |
Dimensions | 3.7 x 4.27 m |
Weight | 5.2 kg |
£21.99
Material(s) | Nylon |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
UV Protection | Yes |
Attachments | 6 |
Dimensions | 3 x 3 m |
Weight | 890 g |
MT900
£59.99
Material(s) | - |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
UV Protection | - |
Attachments | 12 |
Dimensions | 2.85 x 2.4 m |
Weight | 490 g |
£16.99
Material(s) | Polyester |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
UV Protection | - |
Attachments | 8 |
Dimensions | 3 x 3 m |
Weight | 895 g |
£24.99
Material(s) | Polyester |
---|---|
Waterproof | Yes |
UV Protection | Yes, SPF 30 |
Attachments | 7 |
Dimensions | 2.85 x 2.85 m |
Weight | 2.3 kg |
Written and researched by Alicia Byrne
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