Lightweight Camping Tarp: 16 UK Picks Ranked & Compared 2025

You want a shelter that disappears in your pack but stands up to British weather when it matters. The trouble is, “lightweight camping tarp” can mean anything from an 88 g slipsheet to a storm‑worthy shaped shelter; fabrics range from PU‑coated nylon to silnylon, silpoly and premium Dyneema (DCF), and shapes vary from flat and catenary A‑frames to pyramids and modular systems. Add in real‑world concerns like midge season, exposed ridgelines and tight pitches, plus UK stock and pricing that change by the week, and choosing the right tarp quickly gets confusing.

This guide sorts it. We’ve ranked and compared 16 of the best lightweight tarps you can actually buy in the UK in 2025 — from sub‑£60 bargains to ultralight DCF icons — with clear at‑a‑glance specs, honest pros and cons, and typical UK prices and availability. You’ll see who each pick suits (solo, two‑person, hammock, bikepacking, group), what the fabric and cut mean in practice, and how much protection you’re really getting for the grams. First up: our editor’s pick for a solo all‑rounder.

1. Take a Hike UK editor’s pick: Rab SilTarp 1 (best overall solo tarp)

If you want a dependable lightweight camping tarp you can throw in any pack without overthinking conditions, Rab’s SilTarp 1 is the sweet spot. It’s genuinely light, packs tiny, shrugs off bad weather for its size, and — crucially — is sensibly priced in the UK, so you don’t feel precious about using it hard.

At-a-glance specs

A proven one‑person tarp that balances weight, packability and durability for UK hills and woodlands.

• Weight: 242 g (excluding bag)
• Packed size: 22 × 14 cm
• Capacity: 1 person
• Waterproof: Yes (Rab tarp range is designed as waterproof shelters)
• Use cases: Solo bivvy shelter, fast-and-light overnights, emergency cover

Why we like it

• Real‑world lightness that still feels robust: At 242 g (ex. bag), it’s light enough for gram counters yet not so wispy you’ll baby it on rough ground.
• Tiny pack size, big utility: 22 × 14 cm means it vanishes in a side pocket, but gives credible coverage when the weather turns.
• Good value from a trusted UK brand: Typical UK price sits well below many rivals, making it an easy upgrade from heavier PU tarps.
• Clear upgrade path: Need more coverage for duo or foul forecasts? The SilTarp 2 comes in at 460 g with a larger footprint, so the ecosystem scales.

Who it’s best for

• Solo backpackers and bikepackers who want a light, reliable shelter with minimal fuss.
• Bivvy users needing a compact, waterproof roof for shoulder‑season nights.
• Trail runners/fast‑packers looking for an emergency or planned overnight option that won’t swamp a small pack.

Price and UK availability

• Typical UK price: £69.99 (RRP £79.99) for SilTarp 1
• Also in the range: SilTarp 2 (2.4 m × 3 m) typically £119.99, 460 g
• Availability: Widely sold in the UK; check current stock and pricing before you buy as deals fluctuate.

2. Best value budget tarp: Alpkit Rig 3.5

If you want a proper lightweight camping tarp without spending big, the Alpkit Rig 3.5 hits a brilliant balance of weight, coverage and features. It’s sized for solo use, pitches easily thanks to plentiful rig points, and packs to the size of your hand.

At-a-glance specs

A compact solo tarp with serious attachment options and a tiny pack size for the price.

• Weight: 300 g
• Dimensions: 240 × 140 cm
• Packed size: 14 × 10 cm
• Material: 30D PU‑coated Cordura with siliconised outer; underside taped
• Attachment points: 16 reinforced Hypalon rig points
• Capacity: 1 person (Rig 7 at 280 × 240 cm suits two)

Why we like it

• Outstanding value: A true lightweight shelter at a sensible price, ideal as a first tarp or budget upgrade.
• Tiny pack size: Genuinely “hand‑sized” when stowed, so it lives in a side pocket without thought.
• Plentiful rig points: 16 reinforced Hypalon tie‑outs make A‑frame, lean‑to and low storm pitches straightforward.
• Practical fabric spec: 30D PU with a siliconised top sheds water well; taped underside helps block ingress.

Who it’s best for

• Solo backpackers, bikepackers and bushcrafters wanting a light, reliable roof on a tight budget.
• Beginners learning tarp skills who still want quality hardware and robust tie‑outs.
• Fast‑and‑light day hikers carrying an emergency shelter that won’t weigh them down.

Price and UK availability

Expect around £59.99 when in stock. The Rig 3.5 is popular and can sell out during peak season; the larger Rig 7 offers more coverage for two if you need space. Check current UK availability before your trip as stock and colourways fluctuate.

3. Lightest option: Terra Nova Tarp Ultra 1 (88 g)

When every gram matters, this is the nuclear option. Terra Nova’s Tarp Ultra 1 uses the brand’s ULTRA fabric to deliver a featherweight, protective sheet you can deploy as a minimalist roof or race‑day emergency shelter. At just 88 g, it’s the lightest credible lightweight camping tarp we’ve seen offered in the UK.

At-a-glance specs

A hyper‑minimal solo tarp for the most weight‑sensitive kits.

• Weight: 88 g
• Fabric: Terra Nova ULTRA fabric
• Use cases: Fast-and‑light missions, fell races, mountain marathons, emergency shelter
• Notes: Exceptionally lightweight, strong and protective for its class

Why we like it

You buy this for one reason: it is outrageously light without feeling like a bin liner. Terra Nova’s ULTRA fabric keeps performance high while minimising weight, so it actually stands up to foul spells better than its mass suggests. As a just‑in‑case roof for fastpacks or a primary shelter for seasoned tarp users in settled forecasts, nothing else in this roundup touches 88 g.

Who it’s best for

• Gram counters and racers who need credible weather protection at the lowest possible carry weight.
• Experienced tarp campers confident with site selection and low storm pitches.
• Anyone building an emergency kit who wants real shelter without a weight penalty.

Price and UK availability

• Typical UK price: £409.99 (RRP £479.99; save £70 at time of listing)
• Availability: Listed as out of stock at the time of research; expect limited runs and fast sell‑through. Check current UK stock before planning around it.

4. Best DCF ultralight shelter: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 1 tarp

If you’re chasing a premium, ultra‑packable shelter with serious weight savings, Hyperlite’s Ultamid 1 tarp is the aspirational pick. It distils the brand’s ultralight pedigree into a minimalist, storm‑capable sheet that’s amongst the lightest and most basic forms of shelter available, ideal for hikers who value grams and reliability over bells and whistles.

At-a-glance specs

A minimalist solo tarp from an ultralight specialist, built for maximum performance at minimum weight.

• Weight: 235 g (ex pegs/bags)
• Category: Solo tarp shelter
• Standout: Ultralight and ultra‑packable; minimalist, high‑performance design
• Use cases: Fastpacking, thru‑hiking, alpine‑style overnights, emergency shelter

Why we like it

• Elite weight‑to‑protection ratio: At 235 g (weight excludes pegs/bags), it delivers credible weather coverage without tipping your base weight.
• Ultra‑packable confidence: Packs down tiny yet feels purpose‑built for committed miles, not just blue‑sky camps.
• Proven UL pedigree: Hyperlite’s shelters are renowned for premium composite builds and meticulous reinforcement, which shows in pitch tautness and longevity.
• No‑nonsense versatility: Works as a primary roof for seasoned tarp users or a just‑in‑case shelter for high‑output missions.

Who it’s best for

• Ultralight purists who want a premium, minimalist tarp that won’t compromise big days.
• Thru‑hikers and fast‑packers counting every gram but unwilling to skimp on performance.
• Experienced tarp campers confident with site choice and low, storm‑ready pitches.

Price and UK availability

• Typical UK price: £529.99 (ex pegs/bags)
• Availability: Offered by UK ultralight specialists at time of research; pricing and stock can fluctuate, so check current listings before you buy.

5. Best modular UL system: SlingFin SplitWing tarp

If you want one lightweight camping tarp that adapts to trip, season and forecast, the SplitWing is the clever modular choice. Used alone it’s a super‑light, easy‑pitch roof with more weather protection than a standard flat sheet; add the matching Mesh Body when the midges arrive and you’ve got a fast, minimalist shelter system without committing to a full tent.

At-a-glance specs

Built to be used solo as a high‑protection tarp or paired with its own mesh inner for modular versatility.

• Weight: 245 g (ex. pegs/bags)
• Design: Lightweight tarp; easy to erect with versatile set‑up options
• Modularity: Can be combined with the SplitWing Mesh Body
• Protection: Provides more weather protection than a standard tarp (manufacturer claim)

Why we like it

• True system thinking: Run the tarp by itself for the lightest possible kit, then clip in the Mesh Body when bug pressure or shoulder‑season drips demand it.
• Great grams‑to‑coverage balance: At 245 g (excluding pegs/bags) you’re getting meaningful protection without the penalty of a full shelter.
• Quick, confidence‑building pitches: It’s designed to be easy to erect and offers several configurations, so you can drop it low in a blow or open it up in calm weather.
• Future‑proof: Starting with the tarp lets you expand later instead of replacing your whole setup.

Who it’s best for

• Ultralight backpackers and thru‑hikers who want one adaptable shelter for varied UK conditions.
• Bivvy users seeking a higher‑coverage roof that still partners with an inner when insects are out.
• Fast‑packers who need a dependable, storm‑capable sheet for mixed forecasts.

Price and UK availability

• Typical UK price: £219.99 (ex. pegs/bags)
• Availability: Sold by UK ultralight specialists at time of research; stock fluctuates, so check current availability and lead times before you buy.

6. Best for bikepacking: DD SuperLight Bikepacker tarp

Built for riders first, this lightweight camping tarp is purpose‑designed to pitch with your bike as part of the structure. That means reliable shelter even when there are no perfect trees or poles to hand, plus enough length to cover you and your kit at the end of a long day in the saddle.

At-a-glance specs

A dedicated bikepacking tarp that integrates your bike into the pitch for fast, flexible setups.

• Weight: 308 g (excludes pegs & bags)
• Dimensions: 3.7 m × 2.3 m
• Design: Bikepacking‑specific tarp for use in setups that incorporate a bike
• Brand: DD Hammocks
• Use cases: Solo bikepacking bivvies, roadside trail stops, emergency cover

Why we like it

• Purpose‑built for bikes: Designed specifically to work in tarp setups that use your bike, so you’re not reliant on trees or trekking poles.
• Great coverage for the grams: The 3.7 m length offers generous room for rider and bags while staying properly lightweight.
• Quick, pragmatic pitches: Ideal when you’re rolling late and need a simple shelter that goes up with what you’re already carrying.
• Trusted budget‑friendly brand: DD’s SuperLight line is known for sensible specs and solid value.

Who it’s best for

• UK bikepackers and gravel riders who want a shelter that leverages the bike itself.
• Riders touring open moor, coast or farmland where trees are scarce.
• Weight‑aware minimalists who still want practical coverage over the bike and sleep area.

Price and UK availability

• Typical UK price: £71.99
• Availability: In stock at time of research; weight listed excludes pegs and bags. As with all seasonal kit, check current UK stock and delivery windows before your trip.

7. Best poncho‑tarp combo: Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape

When your waterproof layer can also be your shelter, you save real weight and space. The Gatewood Cape is the classic poncho‑tarp combo: wear it as rain protection on the move, then pitch it as a minimalist roof at camp. It’s a smart way to carry one piece that does two jobs without fuss.

At-a-glance specs

A dual‑use poncho and tarp shelter that’s lighter and more compact than previous iterations.

• Weight: 298 g
• Type: Poncho‑tarp combo (wearable rain cape and tarp shelter)
• Use cases: Fast‑and‑light trips, shoulder‑season mileage, emergency shelter
• Notes: Updated to be even lighter and more compact than before

Why we like it

• Two jobs, one item: As a wearable cape and a pitched shelter, it replaces both a waterproof layer and a lightweight camping tarp for many UK trips.
• Credible protection for the grams: At 298 g, it’s a practical all‑weather back‑up or primary roof for experienced tarp users.
• Refined details: The design has been honed so both set‑ups work well in the real world, not just on paper.
• Space and budget efficiency: One piece of kit to buy, pack and maintain.

Who it’s best for

• Ultralight hikers and fast‑packers who want to trim pack weight without sacrificing a proper shelter option.
• Solo bivvy users needing a compact, multifunctional roof and rain layer.
• Bikepackers and hillwalkers who value a single, always‑with‑you emergency shelter.

Price and UK availability

• Typical UK price: £194.99
• Availability: Sold by UK ultralight specialists at time of research; stock and deals can change, so check current availability before your trip.

8. Best pyramid for two: Liteway PyraOmm Duo tarp 2P

For a two‑person lightweight camping tarp that stays calm when the wind pipes up, a pyramid is hard to beat. Liteway’s PyraOmm Duo gives you that stable, storm‑shedding shape in a sub‑500 g fly, making it a brilliant fast‑and‑light shelter for partners who still want proper living space.

At-a-glance specs

Compact, stable and purpose‑built for two with trekking‑pole pitching.

• Weight: 455 g (ex. bag)
• Type: Pyramid tarp
• Trekking pole tent: Yes
• What’s not included: No pegs; cordage must be attached yourself
• Variant: PyraOmm Duo Tarp Tyvek 2P — 444 g, breathable and waterproof Tyvek

Why we like it

• Storm‑smart geometry: Pyramid walls and a single high apex mean fewer panels to flap and an easy low pitch when forecasts turn grim.
• Serious space for the grams: A two‑person, sub‑500 g fly is excellent value in weight and pack size for multi‑day trips.
• Dial it your way: Supplied without pegs or lines so you can choose your own cordage and stakes for terrain and season.
• Breathable option: The Tyvek version (444 g) adds a waterproof, breathable fabric choice that helps manage clammy nights.

Who it’s best for

• Duos fast‑packing or hiking who want stable coverage without carrying a full tent.
• UK hillwalkers pitching on breezy moor and fell where a low, wind‑shedding profile pays off.
• Taller users who appreciate the headroom a central‑pole pyramid provides.

Price and UK availability

• PyraOmm Duo Tarp 2P: £274.99 (455 g, ex. bag)
• PyraOmm Duo Tarp Tyvek 2P: £399.99 (444 g)
• Availability: Listed by UK ultralight retailers at time of research; note no pegs/cordage included and weights exclude the bag. Stock can fluctuate seasonally — check current UK availability before you buy.

9. Most stormworthy shaped tarp: Mountain Laurel Designs TrailStar

When the forecast looks ugly and you still want to travel light, the TrailStar is the shaped lightweight camping tarp UK hikers trust. With a cult following for its wind resistance, this five‑sided shelter pitches low, sheds gusts and gives two people room to ride out a hoolie without hauling a full tent.

At-a-glance specs

A five‑sided, low‑profile tarp prized for stability and space.

• Weight: 428 g (20D Pro SilNylon version)
• Shape: Five‑sided (pentagon), low‑angle panels
• Coverage: Approx. 6 m² (comfortably fits two plus gear)
• Tie‑outs: 10 stake points
• Design details: No doors, zips or vents; multiple low storm‑mode pitches
• Variants: Lighter Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) version also available
• Seam sealing: Offered as an additional service

Why we like it

• Storm pedigree: With all 10 points staked, MLD claims the TrailStar can handle serious winds (up to 60 mph), and UK users back its calm, low‑flap pitch in foul weather.
• Spacious yet simple: The equal, low‑angle sides create a big, usable interior for two with minimal faff and fewer failure points.
• Pitch versatility: Run a wedge by dropping windward panels to the deck and lifting the lee side for entry and airflow.
• Durable fabric choice: The 20D Pro SilNylon balances toughness and weight; step up to the DCF build if gram‑shaving is the priority.

Who it’s best for

• UK hillwalkers and backpacking pairs expecting exposed camps and gusty passes.
• Solo hikers wanting palatial space and bombproof pitches for shoulder‑season trips.
• Experienced tarp users who value simplicity over zips, doors and annexes.

Price and UK availability

• Typical price: Around £180 for the Pro SilNylon version (DCF option costs more).
• Availability: Widely recommended in UK circles; check current stock and lead times direct from the maker or specialist retailers. Seam sealing can be added as a paid extra.

10. Best solo shaped tarp: Six Moon Designs Deschutes Solo tarp shelter

If you like the simplicity of a tarp but want more built‑in protection than a flat sheet, the Deschutes Solo is a brilliant halfway house. Six Moon Designs calls it a “lean, mean, no‑frills” shelter, and that’s exactly the appeal: fast to pitch, stable in poor weather, and properly light for big days in the hills.

At-a-glance specs

A minimalist, solo, shaped shelter that “bridges the gap between rectangular tarps and a tent.”

• Weight: 364 g
• Capacity: 1 person
• Design: Shaped tarp shelter (no‑frills, fast pitch)
• Protection: Great coverage for its weight (brand claim)
• Use cases: UL backpacking, bivvy roof upgrade, emergency shelter

Why we like it

• More protection than a flat tarp: The shaped canopy and low, tidy pitch add real foul‑weather assurance for minimal weight.
• Fast, confidence‑building setup: No faff, no gimmicks — it goes up quickly when the weather turns.
• Serious grams saved: At 364 g you’re carrying storm‑capable coverage without paying a tent penalty.
• Purposeful minimalism: “No‑frills” means fewer failure points and a calmer night when the wind picks up.

Who it’s best for

• Solo ultralighters who want a tougher weather pitch than a flat sheet without moving to a full tent.
• Bivvy users upgrading to a higher‑coverage roof for shoulder‑season trips.
• Hillwalkers and fast‑packers who value quick pitching and a low, wind‑shedding profile.
• Note: want bug protection baked in? See the Deschutes Plus Solo next.

Price and UK availability

• Typical UK price: £229.99
• Availability: Stocked by UK ultralight specialists at time of research; prices and availability fluctuate seasonally, so check before you buy.

11. Best solo with insect protection: Six Moon Designs Deschutes Plus Solo

Love the simplicity of a tarp but hate sharing your sleep with midges? The Deschutes Plus Solo builds on the much‑loved Deschutes shape and adds integrated insect protection, so you get calm, low‑profile pitches and proper bug defence in one lightweight camping tarp package.

At-a-glance specs

This is a minimalist solo shelter designed to keep weather and insects at bay while staying light and simple to use.

• Weight: 474 g
• Capacity: 1 person
• Design: Solo shaped tarp with integrated insect protection
• Protection: Better coverage and protection than a basic tarp, at much lower cost and weight than a traditional solo tent
• Use cases: Midge season, summer valleys and woods, shoulder‑season fastpacking

Why we like it

The Plus takes the “lean, mean, no‑frills” pitching of the Deschutes and makes it summer‑proof. You don’t need a separate inner, so there’s less faff and fewer failure points than a multi‑piece setup.

• Built‑in bug defence: Keep midges and mozzies out without carrying an extra mesh body.
• Serious shelter for the grams: At 474 g it remains properly lightweight yet confidence‑inspiring in foul spells.
• Fast, tidy pitch: The shaped canopy drops low for storms or opens up for airflow in settled weather.
• Great value proposition: More protective than a flat sheet and far lighter (and cheaper) than most solo tents.

Who it’s best for

If you’re going light but need guaranteed bug protection, this is the one‑and‑done solo shelter that makes sense for UK summers.

• Solo backpackers in midge‑prone areas (Highlands, lakesides, forests).
• Bivvy users wanting a higher‑coverage, insect‑proof roof without the weight of a tent.
• Fast‑packers and bikepackers who prize quick, reliable pitching after long days.

Price and UK availability

• Typical UK price: £239.99
• Availability: Stocked by UK ultralight specialists at time of research. As with seasonal kit, prices and stock shift — check current availability before your trip.

12. Best under £60: DD Superlight Tarp S

Need a genuinely lightweight camping tarp that won’t drain your budget? DD Hammocks’ SuperLight Tarp S nails the essentials: it’s fully waterproof, compact, and properly light for solo shelter — all for well under £60. It’s an easy recommendation for first‑time tarp users and seasoned hikers who want a low‑cost, low‑weight roof that just works.

At-a-glance specs

A compact solo tarp that prioritises waterproof performance and packability at a bargain price.

• Weight: 260 g (ex. pegs/bags)
• Capacity: 1 person + kit
• Waterproof: Yes (fully waterproof)
• Design intent: Lightweight, compact shelter for backpacking and adventure sports
• Recognition: UOG Top Pick (retailer accolade)

Why we like it

• Serious value for money: A proper solo shelter that’s lighter than many pricier options, without the faff.
• Fully waterproof confidence: Credible weather protection for UK showers and overnight squalls.
• Small packed size: Lives in a side pocket as an always‑there backup or planned overnight roof.
• Beginner‑friendly: Straightforward pitching and sensible tie‑out layout make it easy to learn and trust.

Who it’s best for

• Budget‑minded solo hikers/bikepackers wanting light, waterproof coverage on the cheap.
• Beginners learning tarp skills without risking an expensive sheet.
• Day hikers and race crews carrying reliable emergency shelter at minimal weight.
• Bivvy users who need a compact roof to keep the worst off.

Price and UK availability

• Typical UK price: £54.99
• Availability: Widely sold in the UK; the listed weight excludes pegs and bags. As with all seasonal kit, check current stock and delivery windows before your trip.

13. Best two‑person A‑frame: Gossamer Gear Twinn Tarp

If you want classic A‑frame simplicity for two without carrying tent weight, the Twinn is hard to beat. It’s cut to pitch drum‑tight, gives honest two‑person coverage, and still lands under 300 g — ideal for long UK miles where every gram and every minute of faff saved counts.

At-a-glance specs

A minimalist, catenary‑cut A‑frame built for two that stays light and packs tiny.

• Weight: 268 g (ex pegs/bags)
• Capacity: 2 persons
• Shape: Catenary‑cut, tapered A‑frame (easier taut pitches than flat tarps)
• Fabric: 10D SIL/PU nylon
• Tie‑outs: 8
• Use cases: Duo ultralight backpacking, fast‑and‑light overnights, solo + palatial space

Why we like it

• Sub‑300 g for two: Proper shared shelter at a weight many solos would envy.
• Taut, confidence‑building pitch: The catenary cut makes A‑frame setups quicker, tighter and less flappy in a breeze.
• Small packed size, big utility: Lives in a side pocket yet covers two sleepers and kit comfortably.
• Great value UL: Premium geometry and materials without DCF pricing.

Who it’s best for

• Ultralight pairs who want a no‑nonsense A‑frame that pitches fast and rides out mixed UK weather.
• Solo hikers who prefer spacious living and higher margins in foul forecasts.
• Tarp users who mostly run A‑frame and want easier tensioning than a flat sheet.

Price and UK availability

• Typical UK price: £149.99
• Availability: Listed by UK ultralight specialists at time of research with “Add to Cart” availability; weight stated excludes pegs/bags. Stock and deals move seasonally — check current UK availability before you buy.

14. Best lightweight group shelter: Hilleberg Tarp 10 UL

When you’re sheltering more than one person and the weather looks fickle, build quality beats gimmicks. Hilleberg’s Tarp 10 UL is a lightweight, compact sheet with the brand’s usual top‑tier materials and construction. It’s a practical two‑person tarp that’s tough enough for repeated UK use and versatile enough to create a small communal space when you need to cook, sort kit or wait out a squall.

At-a-glance specs

A premium, compact tarp for pairs and small teams that prioritises reliability.

• Weight: 734 g
• Capacity: Practical two‑person tarp
• Design brief: Lightweight, compact, reliable protection from the elements
• Brand note: Hilleberg quality materials and construction

Why we like it

• Serious durability for group use: Hilleberg’s fabric choices and stitching inspire confidence when you’re pitching for two and handling the tarp daily.
• Versatile sheltering: As with any good tarp, you can pitch it high for airflow, low for storms, and adapt to trees, poles or bikes as anchors.
• Light for the coverage: At 734 g, it’s an easy win when you want a dependable shared roof without hauling tent weight.
• Proven pedigree: It’s designed as a practical all‑weather solution rather than a fair‑weather gram saver.

Who it’s best for

• Pairs and small teams who want a robust, packable shared shelter for camps, cook spots and kit admin.
• Leaders and regulars who value longevity and consistent pitching over chasing the lowest possible weight.
• UK all‑season users looking for calm, low pitches on exposed ground without moving to a full tent.

Price and UK availability

• Typical UK price: £269.99
• Availability: Listed by UK specialists at time of research; check current stock before your trip.
• Need more space? Consider the Hilleberg Tarp 20 UL (4.4 m × 4.4 m) at 1426 g, typically £504.99, for larger group cover.

15. Best hammock rain fly: ENO ProFly rain tarp

If you sleep between trees more than on the deck, you want a fly that rigs fast, sheds rain cleanly and keeps cord faff to a minimum. ENO’s ProFly is a purpose‑built hammock rain tarp with tidy hardware, taped seams and enough coverage to protect you (and a mate if needed) without lugging tent weight.

At-a-glance specs

A streamlined, hammock‑first rain fly with robust fabric and smart, no‑knots setup.

• Weight: 640 g
• Dimensions: 320 × 190 cm
• Fabric: 70D ripstop nylon with PU coating (1000 mm HH), waterproof taped seams, double‑stitched construction
• Rigging: Six‑point anchor system, LineLoc tensioners, aluminium ridgeline hooks, reflective cords
• Included: 4 aluminium ground stakes
• Packed size: 20.5 × 11.5 cm
• Capacity: Suits hammock use and ground pitches; ample for two (shaped tarp)

Why we like it

• Hammock‑ready hardware: The ridgeline hooks and LineLocs make for a quick, knot‑free setup after a long day.
• Tough for the grams: 70D fabric, taped seams and double stitching give welcome durability in repeated wet pitches.
• Clean weather shedding: The six‑point pattern and tensioners help keep a taut, drip‑free pitch over a standard hammock.
• All the bits in the bag: Reflective cords and stakes included, so you’re good to go out of the box.

Who it’s best for

• Hammock campers wanting a dependable, quick‑pitch rain fly with sensible hardware.
• Bikepackers and paddlers who favour tree‑based camps and value visible, tangle‑free guylines.
• Beginners moving from improvised sheets to a purpose‑built hammock tarp.

Price and UK availability

• Typical price: £81.90 (at time of research)
• Availability: Common from international retailers; UK stock varies seasonally — check current availability and delivery times before you buy.
• Notes: Includes cords and stakes; waterproof rating is 1000 mm HH on 70D PU‑coated nylon.

16. Best two‑to‑three‑person value: Rab SilTarp 2 (2.4 m x 3 m)

If you want big‑enough coverage for two (and workable space for three in a pinch) without carrying a tent, Rab’s SilTarp 2 is the value standout. It keeps weight sensible, packs down small, and pitches quickly into dependable shelter for camps, cook stops and foul‑weather admin — exactly what most UK duos need.

At-a-glance specs

A durable, lightweight tarp that stows tiny yet covers two to three people with ease.

• Weight: 460 g
• Size: 2.4 m × 3.0 m
• Capacity: 2–3 persons
• Packability: Packs down small for fast, easy stowage
• Use cases: Duo shelter, small group cook awning, palatial solo tarp

Why we like it

• Superb coverage‑to‑weight: At 460 g for a 2.4 × 3.0 m sheet, you get real living space without paying a kilo penalty.
• Fast, flexible pitching: Rectangular cut works for A‑frame, lean‑to, low storm mode or a high shade — whatever the hill throws at you.
• Genuinely compact: It disappears in a side pocket yet deploys into a proper two‑person roof.
• Value sweet spot: A proven UK brand tarp at a price that undercuts many rivals for this size.

Who it’s best for

• Backpacking pairs wanting a reliable, roomy tarp for mixed UK conditions.
• Small teams (2–3) needing a quick communal cover for cooking or admin.
• Solo hikers who prefer extra margin in wind and rain without much added weight.

Price and UK availability

• Typical UK price: £119.99 (RRP £139.99; save £20.00 at time of listing)
• Availability: Widely sold in the UK; listed weight is 460 g. Stock and pricing fluctuate seasonally — check current availability before you buy.

Final thoughts

Pick the tarp that matches your trips, not just the spec sheet. Flat tarps are the most versatile, shaped sheets add foul‑weather assurance, and pyramids give the calmest low pitch when the wind swings. If you’re gram‑counting, choose lighter fabrics and smaller footprints; if you’re chasing comfort, size up and carry better stakes. Practise a low storm mode at home, add decent cordage, and always check current UK availability before you bank a route around a specific model.

Ready to gear up? Explore more lightweight shelter ideas, active kit and current deals — with free UK delivery over £50 and a 14‑day returns window — at Take a Hike UK.