10 Best Camping Tarps UK 2024 | Quechua, Andes and More
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.
Quick List - Top Camping Tarps
Solognac
Master the Art of Camouflage With This Printed Polyester Tarp
RYACO
Lightweight Properties of Nylon With the Lower Price and Weatherproofing of Polyester
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How to Choose a Camping Tarp in the UK
- Decide Between Nylon or Polyester Material
- Check the Number of Attachment Points
- Choose a Size and Weight Suitable for Your Group Size
Consider a Nylon Tarp for the Best Weight to Durability Ratio or Opt For Polyester for a Naturally Weather-Proof Bargain
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.
- Polyester is the most popular of the two due to its UV resistance and waterproof qualities. It's relatively cheap and durable, with a distinct lack of stretch, which contributes to sturdy construction. Unfortunately, the thick fabric lacks breathability and can sometimes lead to condensation, which isn't great for storing dry elements underneath.
- Nylon is a little rarer and often more expensive, but its stretch and flexibility mean it's much more adaptable and less prone to damage. It's more lightweight than polyester but isn't naturally waterproof, however, this drawback is easily remedied if you find a nylon tarp with a waterproof coating.
Stay warm while camping with a top-quality sleeping bag.
Look for a Tarp With a Minimum of 8 Attachment Points for Pegs and Guy Ropes
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.
Choose a 2.5 X 1.8 m Tarp for Solo Trips but Size up for Large Groups and More Versatile Coverage
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.
10 Best Camping Tarps in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | DD Hammocks DD Tarp | | A Large PU-Coated Tarp That Still Remains Lightweight | |
2 | Solognac Bushcraft Waterproof Tarp - Furtiv Camouflage | | Master the Art of Camouflage With This Printed Polyester Tarp | |
3 | DD Hammocks Compact Waterproof Tarpaulin | | A Small but Mighty Option That’s Perfect for Solo Trips | |
4 | RYACO Hammock Rain Fly Tent Tarp | | Lightweight Properties of Nylon With the Lower Price and Weatherproofing of Polyester | |
5 | HIKEMAN Camping Tent Tarp Shelter | | A 4.4 X 5.5 m Tarp for Larger Groups With 22 Attachment Points | |
6 | Quechua Multifunction Camping Tarp and Awning - Fresh XL | | A Large Durable Design That’s Covered by a 5-Year Warranty | |
7 | GEEDIAR Hammock Rain Fly Tent Tarp | | A Popular Choice Among Campers With a Structure That’s Easy to Set Up | |
8 | Forclaz Trekking Tarp - 1.5 Person ｜MT900 | | A Lightweight Option for 3 People, Designed With Hikers in Mind | |
9 | Andes Waterproof Lightweight Tarpaulin | | An Incredibly Low-Budget Option in a Striking Orange Colour | |
10 | Quechua Basic camping Tarp | | An Eco-Conscious Design With an SPF 30 Protection Rating |
A Large PU-Coated Tarp That Still Remains Lightweight
The polyester material is durable and rugged, so it's ideal for erecting a sturdy construction. Plus, it's PU coated for weather-proofing, providing the perfect barrier against wind, rain and sun.
SolognacBushcraft Waterproof Tarp - Furtiv Camouflage
Master the Art of Camouflage With This Printed Polyester Tarp
With 21 attachment loops, this tarp has an incredible range of setup variations. The polyester is lightweight, and the camouflage pattern is perfect for blending in when camping in the woods.
This is a favourite among hunters and bushcraft enthusiasts thanks to its durability and camouflaging capabilities. The underside of the tarp is also black, which absorbs UV rays and protects you from overheating.
A Small but Mighty Option That’s Perfect for Solo Trips
It doesn't hold back on its features, though, with a PU waterproof coating that will protect you from the rain and wind. With all that at under 500 g, it would be silly not to take it along!
Lightweight Properties of Nylon With the Lower Price and Weatherproofing of Polyester
The polyester-nylon blend gets the best out of both materials, ensuring it's got excellent rain and UV resistance. The package also includes 6 guy ropes, 6 pegs and 2 carabiners, so setup will be a breeze.
A 4.4 X 5.5 m Tarp for Larger Groups With 22 Attachment Points
The rip-stop nylon is protected by a PU coating, so it's just as durable as polyester. With 22 attachment points, it's one of the most versatile tarps on the market and features multiple setup possibilities.
QuechuaMultifunction Camping Tarp and Awning - Fresh XL
A Large Durable Design That’s Covered by a 5-Year Warranty
Quechua's polyester camping tarp is covered by a 5-year warranty, so you can be confident it will last a long time. The UV protection boasts an SPF 50+ rating, so it's the perfect companion to keep you cool on those sunny days.
However, at 5.2 kg, it's the heaviest on our list, so it won't be the best choice if you're travelling light. If you're planning on packing it all into the car, though, it shouldn't be too much of an issue.
A Popular Choice Among Campers With a Structure That’s Easy to Set Up
Unfortunately, it only features 6 attachment points, so it's the least versatile choice on our list. If you're just in the market for a simple option, though, this one will be the easiest to set up.
A Lightweight Option for 3 People, Designed With Hikers in Mind
Designed during a hiking trip through the French Alps, this tarp was built with trekkers in mind. It can house up to 3 people at a time, plus it's one of the lightest on our list at just 490 g, so it could even be useful for a solo trip.
Forclaz has not specified the material used for this tarp, so if you're specifically hoping for polyester or nylon, you'll need to choose another product. Since the size and weight are already specified, though, this may not be an issue for you.
An Incredibly Low-Budget Option in a Striking Orange Colour
While the bright orange colour is particularly striking, it won't be ideal for hunters or those hoping to blend in. If you're looking for something a little more unique, though, this could be the perfect option.
An Eco-Conscious Design With an SPF 30 Protection Rating
With a UV protection rating of SPF 30, you'll be able to keep cool under this eco-designed tarp. Quechua have committed to reducing their environmental impact by dying their fabrics with a method which does not result in water contamination, making this one of our most eco-conscious options.
With only 7 attachment points, it won't be as versatile as some other designs on this list. Plus, it's relatively heavy compared to others of this size, but it's definitely still worth a spot in our top 10..
Top 5 Camping Tarps
No. 1: DD Hammocks｜DD Tarp
No. 2: Solognac｜Bushcraft Waterproof Tarp - Furtiv Camouflage
No. 3: DD Hammocks｜Compact Waterproof Tarpaulin
No. 4: RYACO｜Hammock Rain Fly Tent Tarp
No. 5: HIKEMAN｜Camping Tent Tarp Shelter
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.