12 Best Waterproof Tarps for Camping in the UK (2025 Picks)

12 Best Waterproof Tarps for Camping in the UK (2025 Picks)

Rain in July, frost in April, sideways wind on the tops — camping in the UK is brilliant, but the weather rarely plays nice. A good waterproof tarp keeps you, your kit and your bivvy or hammock dry without the bulk of a full tent, yet choosing the right one isn’t simple. Hydrostatic head ratings, fabric types (silnylon, silpoly, DCF), 3x3s versus wings, the number of tie‑outs and real‑world wind resistance all matter — especially if you’re pitching with trekking poles above the treeline or slinging between trees in a damp woodland.

To save you hours of scrolling, we’ve rounded up the 12 best waterproof tarps for camping in 2025 for UK conditions. From budget bushcraft staples to ultralight trekking‑pole shelters and hammock tarps, each pick explains why it stands out, the key specs at a glance (size, weight, waterproof rating, fabric, tie‑outs), who it’s best for, any trade‑offs to note, plus typical UK pricing and where to buy. Look out for our editor’s pick, best value, and ultralight premium choices to fast‑track your decision. Scan the list, compare like‑for‑like, and grab the tarp that fits your trips — then get out and enjoy whatever the forecast throws at you.

1. Take a Hike UK all-weather 3x3 waterproof camping tarp (editor’s pick)

If you want one waterproof tarp for camping that can handle almost any UK trip, a 3x3 flat sheet is the sweet spot. It’s big enough for an A‑frame over a bivvy or hammock, compact enough for fast overnighters, and adaptable when the wind swings round at 3am. This all‑weather 3x3 is our editor’s pick because it prioritises real‑world versatility and UK support, so you can pitch fast and stay dry without fuss.

Why it stands out

Square 3x3 tarps are the workhorse size for Britain: they rig cleanly between trees, run well on trekking poles above the treeline, and switch from lean‑to to low storm pitch in minutes. You get dependable coverage for one camper plus kit (two at a squeeze in fair weather), and a solid porch for cooking when the rain sets in. Add in straightforward after‑sales support, free delivery over £50 and a no‑quibble 14‑day return window, and it’s a hassle‑free pick for UK campers.

Key specs at a glance

You’re buying for coverage and flexibility first; a 3x3 delivers both with simple setups and reliable protection.

  • Size/shape: 3 x 3 m flat square for maximum pitch options
  • Pitch methods: Trees, trekking poles, paddles or a ridgeline
  • Common pitches: A‑frame, lean‑to, diamond, C‑fly wedge
  • Use cases: Solo with gear, hammock rain fly, camp kitchen cover

Best for

A single tarp that covers most British camps, from Lake District summits to Scottish spruce woods, without overthinking fabrics or exotic shapes.

  • Wild camps and bivvying: Room for you, your rucksack and a dry entry
  • Hammock camping: Full‑length drip protection on typical UK tree spacing
  • Bushcraft/basecamp: Quick shelter for cooking and group faff time
  • Backup rain fly: Lives in the pack for foul‑weather insurance

Considerations

If you count grams, ultralight specialist tarps exist; expect trade‑offs in price and durability. For persistent UK rain, aim for a hydrostatic head of 2,000mm or higher and ensure seams are sealed. Bring quality stakes and pre‑cut guylines so the first pitch is stress‑free.

  • Weight vs UL options: Heavier than DCF ultralights like true thru‑hike kits
  • Waterproofing details: Check HH rating and seam sealing status
  • Hardware: Pack 6–10 solid pegs (e.g., Y‑stakes) and reflective guys

Typical UK price and where to buy

See the latest price directly at Take a Hike UK. You’ll get free UK delivery on orders over £50, 14‑day money‑back returns on unused kit, and responsive 12/6 customer support to help with any setup questions.

2. Alpkit Rig 3.5 (best value solo tarp)

For a compact, waterproof tarp for camping that won’t drain your budget, the Alpkit Rig 3.5 nails the essentials. It’s a proven solo shelter that packs tiny, rigs fast in multiple configurations, and uses sensible fabrics and reinforcements that stand up to typical British drizzle and gusts.

Why it stands out

It’s rare to find a sub‑£60 tarp with this combo of low weight, small pack size and robust details. The 30D fabric is siliconised on top to shed water and fully taped underneath to stop ingress, while 16 reinforced rig points make creative pitching easy. It’s consistently recommended as a beginner‑friendly, budget option that still feels dependable.

Key specs at a glance

  • Size/shape: 240 x 140 cm rectangular solo tarp
  • Weight: ~300 g (stuff sack included)
  • Fabric: 30D PU‑coated Cordura, siliconised outer; taped underside
  • Tie‑outs: 16 reinforced Hypalon rig points
  • Packed size: ~14 x 10 cm hand‑sized bundle

Best for

  • Budget‑conscious solo campers: Great coverage for one plus essentials
  • Beginners learning tarp skills: Forgiving size with lots of pitch options
  • Fast‑and‑light overnighters: Minimal bulk and faff in the pack
  • Emergency rain fly: Lives in a side pocket as a just‑in‑case

Considerations

  • Space is solo‑centric: Comfortable for one; snug for two at a push
  • Stock can vanish: Popularity means it’s often out of stock—plan ahead
  • Check accessories: Confirm pegs/guylines; Alpkit often sells these separately
  • Need more room? Consider the larger Rig 7 for two‑person coverage

Typical UK price and where to buy

Typically around £59.99 when in stock direct from Alpkit in the UK. Watch for periodic restocks and colour drops; the larger Rig 7 is the natural step‑up if you want extra space without a big weight penalty.

3. Nordisk Voss 5 LW (ultralight premium)

If your priority is shaving every gram while keeping reliable rain protection, the Nordisk Voss 5 LW is the ultralight waterproof tarp for camping that keeps popping up on serious kit lists. It delivers true shelter at backpacking‑race weights, yet still packs useful features that make pitching fast and secure in changeable UK weather.

Why it stands out

Labelled by testers as one of the lightest portable shelters available, the Voss 5 LW weighs just 180 g (around 240 g including the supplied guylines and sack). Despite the featherweight 10D silnylon, it’s sensibly engineered: eight well‑placed tie‑outs, an innovative pole‑tip loop system, and quality 2 mm Dyneema lines with sliders and mini hooks. It also compresses to a tiny 20 x 15 cm bundle, so it disappears in a running vest or bikepacking frame bag. Live For The Outdoors crowned it “Best in test” in 2025, underlining its real‑world usability, not just headline weight.

Key specs at a glance

  • Size/shape: 250 x 200 cm rectangular
  • Weight: 180 g (tarp only); ~240 g with six guylines + sack
  • Material: 10D ripstop nylon with silicone coating; 2,000 mm HH
  • Attachment points: 8 (corners and mid‑edges)
  • Packed size: ~20 x 15 cm
  • Included: Six removable 2 mm Dyneema guylines with sliders + mini aluminium hooks; pole‑tip fabric loops
  • Pegs: Not included

Best for

  • Gram counters and ultralight thru/fastpackers who still want dependable rain cover
  • Solo bivvy or minimalist trekking‑pole pitches where a low profile matters
  • Bikepackers and fell runners needing a just‑in‑case storm shelter with near‑zero bulk

Considerations

  • Coverage is solo‑centric: 2.5 x 2.0 m suits one plus modest kit; smaller than a 3x3
  • Thin 10D fabric: Handle carefully around abrasive rock, rough branches and sharp hardware
  • No pegs supplied: Bring quality light Y‑stakes; guylines are included
  • Waterproofing: 2,000 mm HH is solid for UK use—pitch low and taut for prolonged rain and wind

Typical UK price and where to buy

Recent UK pricing sits around £232 (often £230–£250). Look for it via Nordisk stockists and specialist ultralight retailers; availability can fluctuate due to demand and limited production runs.

4. MSR Thru-Hiker 70 Wing (most versatile trekking-pole tarp)

If you want a waterproof tarp for camping that adapts from a roomy solo palace to a snug two‑person shelter, the MSR Thru‑Hiker 70 Wing is a safe bet. Its hardware makes trekking‑pole pitching straightforward, while the fabric sheds rain well for UK conditions and the packed size is tiny for the coverage you get.

Why it stands out

This simple rectangle balances space, weight and real‑world ease. Pole tips slot into metal eyelets, corners use locking tensioners, and extra side tie‑outs let you tune shape and tension quickly. At 289 x 244 cm it’s spacious for one, workable for two, and the 20D ripstop nylon with MSR’s Xtreme Shield PU/silicone coating (1,200 mm HH) beads rain confidently. It packs to 23 x 10 cm and includes six ultralight pegs and six guylines, plus it can pair with MSR’s Thru‑Hiker mesh inner when bugs are about.

Key specs at a glance

  • Size/shape: 289 x 244 cm rectangular
  • Weight: ~460 g (incl. 6 pegs + 6 guylines)
  • Fabric & rating: 20D ripstop nylon, PU/silicone Xtreme Shield, 1,200 mm HH
  • Attachment points: 10
  • Packed size: ~23 x 10 cm
  • Pitch details: Metal pole‑tip eyelets; reinforced corners with locking tensioners
  • Compatibility: Works with MSR Thru‑Hiker mesh house (optional)

Best for

  • Trekking‑pole hikers wanting an easy, adaptable pitch in mixed UK weather
  • Space‑seeking soloists or minimalist pairs who value coverage over grams
  • Ventilated camps where airflow matters, with the option to add a bug inner

Considerations

  • Waterproof rating: 1,200 mm HH is adequate; pitch low/taut for prolonged rain
  • Attachment count: Fewer tie‑outs than some rivals limits exotic pitches
  • Weight class: Light, but not ultralight compared with elite solo tarps

Typical UK price and where to buy

Commonly seen around £167 (RRP ~£240) in the UK. Look for it via established outdoor retailers; the compatible Thru‑Hiker mesh inner is available separately if you want a modular tarp‑tent setup.

5. Terra Nova Competition Tarp 1 (solo shelter with high waterproof rating)

When you need a compact solo sheet that shrugs off prolonged UK rain, the Terra Nova Competition Tarp 1 brings serious weather protection without much weight. Using the same flysheet fabric as Terra Nova’s Laser Compact tents, it blends reliability with a small, pack‑friendly footprint — a proper waterproof tarp for camping in wet British conditions.

Why it stands out

Unlike many ultralight tarps that prioritise grams over stormworthiness, this one pairs a light 20D ripstop polyester with Terra Nova’s Watershed Si2 (silicone on both sides) and a 3,000 mm hydrostatic head — a higher rating than most rivals in this size/weight class. Reinforced eyelets and webbing tapes add confidence at stress points, so you can pitch tight and low when the weather turns.

Key specs at a glance

  • Size/shape: 245 x 148 cm rectangular solo tarp
  • Weight: ~290 g
  • Fabric & rating: 20D ripstop polyester, Watershed Si2; 3,000 mm HH
  • Attachment points: 8 with reinforced eyelets/webbing
  • Packed size: ~13 x 10 cm
  • Extras: None (bring your own pegs/guylines)
  • Also available: Larger 290 x 248 cm version (~550 g) for more coverage

Best for

  • Solo bivvying in persistent rain: High HH for UK downpours
  • Trekking‑pole or tree pitches: Simple rectangle, easy to tension
  • Fast‑and‑light trips: Small pack size without sacrificing protection
  • Minimalist shelters on exposed ground: Taut, low storm pitches

Considerations

  • Solo footprint: Comfortable for one; too tight for two
  • No accessories included: Add quality stakes and reflective guylines
  • Rectangular coverage: Fewer exotic pitch shapes than multi‑sided tarps
  • Larger option exists: Step up to the bigger version if you want more porch space

Typical UK price and where to buy

Commonly around £84.95 (RRP ~£100) at UK outdoor specialists and Terra Nova stockists. Pricing and availability can fluctuate seasonally; the larger size commands more weight and cost but adds generous coverage for camp comfort.

6. Mountain Laurel Designs TrailStar (best for wind resistance)

When the forecast says gusts not showers, the TrailStar is the shaped, storm‑worthy waterproof tarp for camping that UK hillwalkers swear by. Its low, five‑sided profile sheds wind from multiple directions and lets you drop one or two panels to ground for a bunker‑style pitch without the faff of doors or zips.

Why it stands out

The TrailStar blends pyramid‑tent stability with tarp versatility. Five equal, low‑angle sides and 10 stake points create a taut, wind‑cheating shelter with space for two plus kit. You can form a wind‑blocking wedge by staking one or two sides tight and lifting the others; use all points for a remarkably stable, low storm pitch. Fans praise its reliability, and MLD even claim it can handle 60 mph winds when fully anchored, which explains its cult UK following.

Key specs at a glance

  • Shape/capacity: Five‑sided tarp; about 6 m² floor area (comfortable for two)
  • Weight: ~428 g in the 20D Pro SilNylon version (lighter DCF option available)
  • Materials: SilPoly listed; Pro SilNylon and Dyneema Composite Fabric options exist
  • Panel length: Long edges ~221 cm
  • Attachment points: 10 stake points for varied storm pitches
  • Packed size: Not stated
  • Build details: No doors, zips, flaps or vents for maximum reliability
  • Options/extras: Guylines; stakes available for an extra fee; inner and floor optional; seam sealing offered as an additional service

Best for

  • Exposed mountain camps and windy moorland where a low, aerodynamic pitch matters
  • Two‑person minimalist teams wanting space without a full tent
  • Tarp aficionados who value multiple storm‑ready configurations

Considerations

  • Ventilation trade‑off: Doorless, low pitches can feel enclosed in calm, humid air
  • Learning curve: Shaped tarps need a little practice to pitch perfectly taut
  • Seam sealing: Not standard; add the service or do it yourself before a wet trip
  • Footprint: Needs a bit more flat ground than tiny solo rectangles

Typical UK price and where to buy

Expect around £180. Order direct from Mountain Laurel Designs; seam sealing and hardware can be added at checkout. Limited runs and strong demand mean it’s worth planning ahead if you want it for a specific trip.

7. DD Hammocks Tarp 3x3 (budget-friendly bushcraft classic)

Ask UK bushcrafters what they’d buy first and many will say a 3x3. DD’s 3x3 square has long been a go‑to because it’s affordable, tough enough for regular woodland use, and incredibly adaptable. From fast lean‑tos to low storm wedges and roomy hammock A‑frames, it’s an easy, confidence‑building way to learn tarpcraft without overspending.

Why it stands out

The square 3x3 format gives you forgiving coverage and simple symmetry, so pitches are quick to visualise and tension. Multiple reinforced tie‑outs open up creative rigs around trees or with trekking poles, while the durable build makes it a reliable “leave‑in‑the‑pack” rain fly for UK trips. It’s a staple for hammock campers and a solid camp kitchen roof when the weather turns.

Key specs at a glance

  • Size/shape: 3 x 3 m square for maximum pitch options
  • Pitch methods: Trees, ridgeline or trekking poles
  • Tie‑outs: Multiple reinforced attachment points for versatile rigs
  • Fabric: Waterproof‑coated shelter fabric geared for UK rain
  • Included: Typically supplied with a stuff sack and guylines
  • Weight/packability: Not ultralight; prioritises durability over grams

Best for

  • Bushcraft and hammocks: Classic woodland setups with generous coverage
  • All‑round camp duty: Cook shelter, group admin space, backup rain fly
  • Beginners: Easy to learn core pitches and adjust on the fly
  • Solo plus kit or two in fair weather: Flexible protection with room to work

Considerations

  • Heavier than UL tarps: If gram‑counting, look to specialist ultralight options
  • Spec variations: Check model details (fabric, accessories) before buying
  • Wind performance: Pitch low and use all guys on exposed ground
  • Hardware upgrade: Pair with quality Y‑stakes and reflective guylines

Typical UK price and where to buy

Widely stocked in the UK through established outdoor retailers and major marketplaces, and available direct from the brand. It’s positioned as a budget‑friendly 3x3, with frequent availability and colour options depending on retailer.

8. Rab Siltarp 2 (lightweight yet durable)

Rab’s Siltarp line is built for minimalist adventurers who still want a hard‑wearing shelter. The Siltarp 2 is the sweet spot in that range: a lightweight, pack‑small, rectangular sheet with multiple attachment points and a tough, waterproof fabric that stands up to regular UK use. If you like your kit simple, dependable and easy to pitch tight, this is a classy, long‑term buy.

Why it stands out

Rab focuses on durable, waterproof materials with plenty of rig points, so you can tension a clean ridgeline or drop to a low storm pitch without the fabric bagging out. The finish is excellent, with reinforced tie‑outs for stress areas and tidy packability that makes it a natural “always in the bag” waterproof tarp for camping. It’s a versatile rectangle, so it works equally well between trees or on trekking poles.

Key specs at a glance

  • Shape/coverage: Mid‑size rectangular tarp for generous solo or snug two‑person use
  • Fabric: Lightweight, waterproof shelter fabric designed for durability
  • Attachment points: Multiple perimeter and mid‑panel tie‑outs for flexible pitching
  • Pitch methods: Trees/ridgeline or trekking poles; fast A‑frame, lean‑to, storm wedge
  • Packability: Compresses small; stuff sack typically included

Best for

  • Hikers and bikepackers who want a durable, low‑faff tarp that packs tiny
  • Solo bivvying with extra porch space or a cosy two‑up pitch in fair weather
  • Mixed UK conditions where you’ll alternate between airy and low, taut pitches

Considerations

  • Not the absolute lightest: UL DCF tarps beat it on grams but at much higher cost
  • Accessories vary: Check if guylines/pegs are included and upgrade stakes if needed
  • Sealing and setup: Verify seam details and pre‑cut your guys for a first‑time‑right pitch

Typical UK price and where to buy

Available via Rab and established UK outdoor retailers; pricing varies seasonally. Check current availability and deals from UK stockists for the latest package (fabric updates, colours and included accessories can change between runs).

9. Robens Trail Wing Tarp (roomy two-person wing tarp)

The Robens Trail Wing Tarp is a roomy, storm‑ready wing shelter for pairs. If you camp as a duo or want a generous porch, its heptagonal shape spreads coverage without a maze of guys. With tough 75D HydroTex HD RS rated to 5,000 mm and fully seam‑sealed, it’s a genuinely waterproof tarp for camping in the UK when the forecast looks grim. At 300 x 280 cm, it still packs to a tidy 37 x 9 cm and pitches quickly.

Why it stands out

A rare mix of big coverage, high waterproofing and simple pitching. The siliconised outer and PU‑coated inner boost wet‑weather performance, while the wing shape gives excellent working space for two. For the spec, the UK street price is very sharp.

Key specs at a glance

Here are the essentials you need to know:

  • Shape/size: Seven‑sided wing; 300 x 280 cm
  • Weight: ~700 g
  • Fabric & rating: 75D polyester HydroTex HD RS; 5,000 mm HH
  • Waterproofing details: Siliconised outside, PU inside; all seams sealed
  • Attachment points: 6
  • Packed size: ~37 x 9 cm
  • Extras: Stuff sack and guy lines included

Best for

  • Two‑person camps and roomy solo pitches with a big, usable porch
  • Wet‑weather basecamp/cook shelters where high HH really matters
  • Quick, versatile wing setups on mixed UK ground

Considerations

  • Not ultralight: 700 g is stout versus minimalist solo tarps
  • Fewer tie‑outs (6): Limits highly customised pitch shapes
  • Wind management: Orient the wing carefully on exposed sites for best stability
  • Hardware check: Extras list excludes pegs—confirm stake inclusion before heading out

Typical UK price and where to buy

Commonly around £59.95 (RRP £72.99) from UK outdoor retailers. Availability is good and colours may vary by stockist.

10. Aqua Quest Defender Tarp 3x3 (heavy-duty waterproof protection)

If you want a bombproof, no‑nonsense waterproof tarp for camping that shrugs off abrasive woodland use and persistent UK rain, the Aqua Quest Defender 3x3 is the tough choice. It trades grams for grit: thick, durable fabric, reinforced tie‑outs, and a square shape that’s easy to rig low and tight when the forecast turns grim.

Why it stands out

The Defender has earned a reputation for stout materials and confidence‑inspiring build. As a 3x3 square, it pitches into all the classic shelters—A‑frame, lean‑to, diamond, storm wedge—while the heavy‑duty fabric resists scuffs from bark, bracken and rough ground. For bushcraft, winter camps, and car‑camp base setups, it’s a workhorse you won’t baby.

Key specs at a glance

  • Size/shape: 3 x 3 m square for maximum pitch options
  • Build: Heavy‑duty waterproof fabric with reinforced edging and tie‑outs
  • Tie‑outs: Plenty around the perimeter (and commonly mid‑panel) for flexible rigs
  • Pitch methods: Trees/ridgeline or trekking poles; easy low, stormproof setups
  • Packability: Bulkier and heavier than ultralight tarps; prioritises durability

Best for

  • Bushcraft and woodland camps: Regular tree‑to‑tree use with hardwearing fabric
  • Wet, windy UK forecasts: Low, taut pitches that stay put overnight
  • Basecamp/cook shelters: Reliable cover for you, your kit and a roomy porch
  • All‑season reliability: A “grab it and don’t worry” 3x3 camping tarp

Considerations

  • Weight/bulk: Noticeably heavier than UL silnylon/DCF options
  • Drying time: Thicker fabric can hold more water; pack a spare drybag
  • Overkill for fastpacking: Ideal as a primary shelter, less so as an emergency fly
  • Hardware: Pair with robust Y‑stakes and quality guylines to maximise stability

Typical UK price and where to buy

Usually priced above budget 3x3 tarps and often discounted at UK retailers. Check current availability and deals from established UK stockists and marketplaces; colours and bundles (guylines/pegs) can vary by retailer.

11. Sea to Summit Escapist 15D Tarp (modular ultralight system)

If you like the freedom of a minimalist shelter but want options to “build it out” for wilder forecasts, the Escapist 15D is a standout modular waterproof tarp for camping. It’s an ultralight sheet that pitches fast with trekking poles or trees, then teams with optional accessories to add bug protection and floor coverage when midges or sodden ground demand it.

Why it stands out

Sea to Summit designed the Escapist as a system, not just a flat sheet. The ultralight 15D fabric keeps pack weight low, while the intelligent spread of tie‑outs makes it easy to switch between airy A‑frames and low storm wedges. When conditions change, you can pair it with compatible inners and groundsheets to create a more tent‑like setup without sacrificing the ventilation and adaptability that make tarps so appealing.

Key specs at a glance

  • Ultralight 15D shelter fabric: Keeps weight and bulk down for fast travel
  • Modular ecosystem: Compatible bug and floor options for added protection
  • Versatile tie‑outs: Multiple perimeter and ridgeline points for creative pitching
  • Trekking‑pole and tree friendly: Works equally well on poles or a ridgeline
  • Packs very small: Stuff‑sack carry; disappears in a side pocket
  • Size options vary by retailer: Choose coverage to suit solo or paired use

Best for

  • Fast‑and‑light hikers and bikepackers who want true modularity
  • Mixed UK forecasts where you’ll alternate between airy and storm‑low pitches
  • Soloists or minimalist pairs aiming for a streamlined, adaptable shelter kit
  • Midge season camps when adding a compatible bug inner is a blessing

Considerations

  • 15D fabric needs care: Avoid abrasive rock and sharp hardware; pitch thoughtfully
  • Check coatings and seams: Verify waterproofing details and bring quality stakes/guys
  • System costs can add up: Bug/floor components are typically sold separately
  • Wind practice helps: Take time to learn a taut, low pitch for exposed nights

Typical UK price and where to buy

Positioned at the premium end for ultralight tarps. Check current pricing and availability via established UK outdoor retailers and Sea to Summit stockists; bundles and accessory options vary by seller.

12. Ticket To The Moon Lightest Tarp (sustainable hammock tarp)

If you’re after a waterproof tarp for camping that pairs perfectly with a hammock and treads lightly on the planet, Ticket To The Moon’s Lightest Tarp is a standout. Built by a hammock specialist and certified Fair Trade member, it combines recycled, PFC‑free materials with ready‑to‑rig hardware, giving generous coverage over your hang without a box of extras.

Why it stands out

Sustainability is more than a sticker here: the 20D recycled sil‑nylon is PFC‑free and still provides real‑world rain protection. At 250 x 250 cm, coverage is ample over a hammock or bivvy, and it arrives trail‑ready with cords and pegs. It’s designed to rig to trees or posts rather than trekking poles, which keeps setup intuitive for hammock campers and helps maintain a clean, drip‑proof ridgeline in UK woodland.

Key specs at a glance

Here are the essentials you need to know:

  • Size/shape: 250 x 250 cm square
  • Weight: ~470 g
  • Fabric & rating: 20D recycled, PFC‑free sil‑nylon; 1,500 mm HH
  • Attachment points: 4 primary tie‑outs + 2 ridgeline tie‑outs
  • Packed size: ~33.5 x 13.5 cm
  • Included: 2 pegs, 4 guy lines, 2 ridgeline tie‑outs

Best for

  • Hammock campers prioritising sustainability and simple, tree‑based rigs
  • UK woodland camps and bushcraft where trees are plentiful
  • Generous solo coverage or an airy two‑up hang in settled weather
  • Ready‑to‑go buyers who want pegs and lines included out of the bag

Considerations

  • Tree‑first design: Not optimised for trekking‑pole pitches
  • Fewer tie‑outs (four): Limits highly custom layouts versus multi‑point tarps
  • Packed size: Larger than some ultralight rivals; plan pack space
  • Waterproofing: 1,500 mm HH is adequate; pitch low and taut in prolonged rain

Typical UK price and where to buy

Positioned mid‑range for hammock tarps. Widely available through UK outdoor retailers and hammock specialists; check current pricing and bundles (some listings vary on included pegs/lines). Availability can fluctuate seasonally, so plan ahead if you need it for a specific trip.

Final thoughts

The right tarp turns grim forecasts into cosy camps. Choose by trip first: a do‑it‑all 3x3 for everyday UK use, an ultralight sheet if you’re counting grams, a wing or the TrailStar when wind is the enemy, and a hammock‑specific tarp for tree‑to‑tree hangs. Prioritise coverage you’ll actually use, then weight, then extras.

Before you buy, check the hydrostatic head and seam details, and plan your hardware. Quality Y‑stakes and pre‑cut reflective guylines make any tarp calmer in a squall. Practise three pitches at home (A‑frame, lean‑to, low storm wedge) and you’ll sleep better in the hills. Keep your ridgeline tidy, pitch low when it’s foul, and always leave yourself a dry porch for cooking and kit admin.

Ready to upgrade your shelter? Explore curated tarps, UK support, free delivery over £50 and easy 14‑day returns at Take a Hike UK. Pick your tarp, pack your pegs, and let the weather do its worst.

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