What Size Tarp is Right For Your Camping Trip?
, by Laurence, 15 min reading time
Looking for the perfect tarp size for camping? Discover essential tips and guidelines for what size tarp for camping to choose the right tarp at Wood To Water.
Buy too small a tarp, and it won’t cover your tent or camp set up. But buy too large a tarp, and you’ll add unnecessary weight to your kit (and nobody wants to lug around extra weight on a camping trip). So what size tarp is right for your camping trip?
Tarps can largely vary in size and shape depending on the type of tarp it is, the materials it's made from, and the number of configurations it can be set up in.
But, most importantly, you want the tarp to fully cover whatever area you want to shelter on your trip, whether that be over a tent, hung over a sleeping bag, or as a roof for a camping kitchen.
To help you find out what size tarp is right for your camping trip, we’ve got a rundown of all the things you need to think about, as well as the most common tarp sizes.
In This Guide:
What is the Best Size for a Tarp?
When choosing the right tarp size for your camping trip, consider what you need to cover and how you’ll use it.
A good rule of thumb is to select a tarp at least 0.5m longer and wider than the area you want to cover. For example, a 2x2.5m tarp usually works well for a 2-person tent. For extra coverage for gear or larger groups, a 3x3.5m tarp might be better.
If using a tarp as a standalone shelter or hammock cover, you might need different dimensions. A 3x3m or 3x4.5m tarp offers ample protection from rain and wind while ensuring comfort.
Larger tarps, like 3.5x6m, are great for communal areas or kitchen spaces, sheltering multiple people and equipment.
Ultimately, the best tarp size depends on your specific needs. Evaluate your camping setup and choose a tarp that ensures both lightness in your pack and adequate protection from the elements.
We’ve outlined the most common tarp sizes below, along with our recommendations for each…
Bikepacker Tarp
For bikepackers, the ideal tarp size balances lightweight portability and ample coverage. A 2.5x3m tarp is typically optimal, providing sufficient shelter for both the bike and the rider without adding excessive weight.
This size ensures you can comfortably cover your sleeping area and protect your bike from the elements.
Given the compact and minimalist nature of bikepacking, it’s essential to choose a tarp that packs small yet offers robust protection. This will ensure a comfortable and dry camp set up after a day of cycling adventures.
Our Recommendation: DD Hammocks SuperLight Bikepacker Tarp
This ultra-lightweight tarp allows you to pitch camp wherever you want, using your bike as the pole. This one-person shelter weighs only 455g and can be strapped to your bike frame when packed down.
Made from 190T polyester, this simple tarp is fully waterproof to keep you sheltered all night.
2x2 Tarp: Bikepacking & Hiking
A 2x2m tarp is ideal for bikepacking and hiking trips due to its compactness and versatility. This size effectively provides sufficient coverage for solo campers, ensuring protection from the elements while keeping the gear lightweight.
Its small footprint makes it easy to pack and carry, which is crucial for bikepackers and hikers who need to minimise weight and space.
Additionally, a 2x2m tarp can serve multiple purposes, from shelter to ground cover, offering flexibility in various camping conditions.
The simplicity and efficiency of this tarp size make it perfect for those who value both functionality and ease on their outdoor adventures.
Our Recommendation: DD Hammocks 2×2 Tarp
The DD Hammocks 2x2 tarp is an ideal addition to your solo camping kit. This versatile tarp can be used as a groundsheet, bivy cover, hammock cover, and more! With a waterproof rating of 3,000mm, you can be sure you'll be protected from the elements no matter what they throw at you.
This tarp's dark olive green colour makes it ideal for woodland and forest camping, making it suitable for a wide range of adventures. Made from 190T polyester, this tarp can withstand even the roughest conditions for multiple trips.
You can set this tarp up in an A-frame or diamond shelter for maximum protection from the elements.
It also makes a fantastic shelter for the DD Junior Frontline Hammock!
2x3 Tarp: 1-Person
This tarp provides slightly more coverage than its square counterpart, making it ideal for solo campers who like a bit more room to spread out. This size provides sufficient shelter to protect against the elements while leaving space for essential items like backpacks and cooking equipment.
Its versatility allows it to be set up in various configurations, such as an A-frame or lean-to, ensuring optimal protection and comfort.
Compact and lightweight, a 2x3m tarp can be easily packed, making it perfect for those prioritising mobility and efficiency on their solo camping adventures.
Our Recommendation: Bushmen Ultralight Tarp 2×3
This tarp is the ideal option for solo campers who are looking for a quality product with a little more room. Made from durable 2,500mm waterproof Silnylon with a micro ripstop pattern, you can be sure you'll be protected from whatever the weather throws at you.
Despite being a compact piece of kit, this tarp is versatile in its applications. Whether you need ground cover, a protective rain cover, or a shelter on uneven ground, this tarp has got you covered.
Weighing only 340g in total, this tarp won't weigh you down on your hike to your campsite or take up a lot of room in your kit.
3x3 (or 3.5x3.5) Tarp: 1-2 Persons
A 3m x 3m tarp is ideal for 1-2 persons, providing ample coverage for a comfortable shelter. This size is perfect for protecting against the elements while ensuring enough space for sleeping and minimal gear.
A tarp of this size can also be set up in various configurations, such as an A-frame or Diamond configuration, making it a versatile choice for different camping scenarios.
If you need additional room for more camping equipment or extra comfort, a 3.5x3.5m tarp offers expanded coverage.
It allows you to keep your gear dry and within reach without feeling cramped, making it a versatile choice for couples or solo campers who prefer a bit more space.
Our Recommendation: DD Tarp 3.5 x 3.5 - MC
This tarp (33% larger than its 3mx3m counterpart) is ideal for dual camping trips, whether you're a couple or with a friend. Its larger size allows you to pitch a tarp shelter in a wider range of configurations without sacrificing ground coverage.
As well as the size being a bonus, the multi-camo print helps you blend into your surroundings no matter where you're camping, making it ideal for stealth or wild camping adventures as well as nature spotting day trips.
XL Tarp: 3-Persons or Small Groups
An XL tarp, typically measuring around 4.5x3m, is perfect for covering 3 people or small groups. This size ensures ample space for sleeping areas, essential gear, and even communal activities, all while providing robust protection against the elements.
Its larger dimensions allow it to be set up in various configurations, such as an A-frame or extended canopy, ensuring comfort and versatility for any camping scenario.
Whether you're camping with family or friends, an XL tarp ensures everyone stays dry and comfortable.
Our Recommendation: DD Tarp XL
DD Hammocks are leaders in durable camping tarp production, and their XL tarp is no different.
Measuring a generous 4.5mx3m, this tarp can easily cover a campsite of three people or more. Its versatile 19 attachment points allow for multiple configurations, ensuring maximum coverage and comfort.
Made from 190T polyester with a waterproof rating of 3,000mm, this tarp will withstand harsh weather conditions while keeping you and your gear dry and protected.
Best of all, this tarp is available in a variety of colours to suit your camping preferences.
5x5 Tarp: Group Shelter
A 5x5m tarp is ideal as a group shelter because it provides substantial coverage, ensuring there’s enough space for multiple campers and their gear.
This large footprint allows for a versatile setup, such as an A-frame or a communal canopy, which can shelter a group from rain, wind, and sun.
The generous dimensions mean you can create a comfortable shared area for socialising, cooking, or group activities, all while keeping everything dry and protected.
Additionally, despite its size, many 5mx5m tarps are made from lightweight and durable materials, ensuring that they won't be too cumbersome to pack and carry. This makes it perfect for family trips, DofE groups, or any group camping adventure.
Our Recommendation: DD Tarp 5 x 5
With enough space to cover an entire outdoor community, the 5x5m tarp from DD Hammocks is ideal for campers who travel in large groups or people who run outdoor events.
With 25 reinforced attachment points, 9 of which are central, there are multiple set-up options to help you adapt to your environment and provide shelter for your whole group no matter where you are.
Of course, this tarp is waterproof rated to 3,000mm, to keep your camp or activity dry and sheltered from the elements.
How Much Bigger Should a Tarp Be Than a Tent?
To ensure proper coverage, a tarp should be at least 2 feet longer and wider than your tent. This extra area effectively protects against rain and wind by creating an overhang that prevents water from seeping into your tent.
Of course, if you're using the tarp as an additional groundsheet for your tent, the tarp should actually be a little smaller than the footprint of your tent to prevent water from pooling underneath it. If you have a large tarp already, you can fold it to create an effective groundsheet.
What Size Tarp for a Rain Fly?
| Tent Capacity | Floor Size | Tarp Size |
|---|---|---|
|
2-Person |
7' x 5' |
10' x 8' |
|
4-Person |
9' x 7' |
10' x 10' |
|
6-Person |
10' x 10" |
14' x 12' |
|
8-Person |
16' x 7' |
20' x 14' |
When selecting a tarp to use as a rainfly for your tent, it is crucial to choose one that is both longer and wider than the tent itself. This ensures that the tarp provides adequate coverage, extending beyond the edges of the tent to protect against rain and other elements.
A larger tarp will create a protective overhang, helping to keep your tent dry by preventing water from seeping in.
What Size Tarp to Use Under a Tent
To determine the appropriate tarp size for use as a ground sheet, you'll need to measure your tent's footprint. This footprint is the area that the base of your tent will cover when it's set up.
Once you have the dimensions of the tent’s floor, you can use the following formula:
Tarp size under tent = Tent footprint size |
For example, if your tent’s footprint measures 7 feet by 5 feet, you should select a tarp that matches these dimensions as closely as possible. It’s essential that the tarp does not extend far beyond the tent’s base to avoid water pooling under the tent.
For the best results, ensure that the tarp edges are just slightly within the tent's boundary to keep the groundsheet functional and effective in preventing moisture from getting inside.
This precise fit will provide a protective layer between the tent floor and the ground, enhancing your camping experience by keeping the tent floor dry and clean.
Find out more about tent footprints with our guide for campers!
Key Takeaways: Getting Your Tarp Size Right
Choosing the right tarp size is crucial for a comfortable and hassle-free camping trip. A properly sized tarp offers enough protection from rain, wind, and sun to keep you dry and safe. It also provides adequate space for your group and gear without adding unnecessary weight or bulk.
Conversely, a poorly sized tarp can result in inadequate coverage, discomfort, and extra trouble, ruining your camping experience. So, picking the right tarp size is essential for a successful and enjoyable outdoor adventure.
Shop our full range of tarps online at Wood to Water and find the perfect ground or equipment protection for your next camping trip!
FAQs
Is Tarp Camping Better Than Tent Camping?
Tarp camping offers a lightweight, versatile alternative to tent camping, allowing closer interaction with nature. While it lacks the full protection of a tent, it provides greater adaptability in various terrains. Ideal for minimalist campers, it can be a rewarding experience if weather conditions are favourable.
What Size Tarp is Best for Survival?
Due to its versatility, a 10' x 12' tarp is often considered best for survival situations. It provides ample shelter, can accommodate multiple configurations, and is large enough to cover essential gear yet manageable to carry and set up quickly in emergency conditions.
Is a Tent or Tarp Better for Survival?
A tent offers superior protection from the elements, which is crucial in harsh conditions, whereas a tarp provides versatility and lightweight convenience. The choice depends on the environment and specific survival needs; overall, tents suit extreme weather better, while tarps are ideal for adaptability and minimalism.
