Backpacking is an excellent way to get out into nature and let the worries of society drift away. It can also be a nearly impossible physical task if you don’t watch your weight. If you’re trying to cut down on the heft of your gear, you should look into an ultralight tarp. You can fold them up into an extremely small package. They also weigh next to nothing. All while providing just enough shelter in many types of weather.
It can be a bit tricky, however, to know that you’re getting the very best ultralight tarp. You definitely don’t want to find out that you got the wrong one in the woods. That’s why we decided to dig around and point you in the right direction.
Ultralight Tarp Material
An ultralight tarp is usually constructed from a single sheet of fabric. The common (and best) materials include silnylon, spinnaker cloth, or DCF8 Dyneema® Composite Fabrics (formerly Cuben Fiber). This is a strong, slick material that is water and windproof. It is also a highly flexible material that will allow you to pitch your shelter in myriad configurations. Plus, you can also use a tarp could as a ground cover. Which keeps you and your gear off the cold, wet ground.
If you choose to use it as a shelter, tarps are best used for camping in protected, low wind areas. They also perform best in calmer weather. You don’t want to take a tarp out in driving rain, snow, hail, or wind. But, if you do get caught up… they’re better than nothing. A tarp shelter will give plenty of ventilation, which is great in hot weather, but not so much when the mercury in the thermometer drops.
Since a tarp shelter is basically wide open, you’ll have a tough time trapping much heat. So you’ll probably want to make, or invest in a bivvy or quality underblanket (if you’re in a hammock). Ultralight vs standard tarp material do not matter much when it comes to staying warm or dodging weather. It does matter, however, when you’re schlepping a back around the backcountry.
Ultralight Tarp Shapes and Types
Many tarps are just a square sheet without a specialized shape. This leaves an endless number of pitching possibilities… only restricted by your creativity. It is easy to erect a shelter using your trekking poles or by tying it up to a tree and out with guy lines. But some ultralight options shed weight by leaving out unnecessary fabric. Sometimes it leaves you less protected… sometimes the shape increases price due to additional labor.
There is a subcategory called “Catenary-cut” tarps, or “cat-cut” tarps. These have curved edges that allow a more taut pitch, better wind-resistance, and less flapping. However, they must be pitched in an A-frame configuration to get a taut pitch, negating the flexibility of a simple tarp. These are often combined with a bivvy or inner tent.
What to Keep in Mind
Just like any piece of camping equipment, there are several things to take into account if you want to find the best ultralight tarp.
- Material – As you read above, there are several different materials to choose from when you are looking to buy an ultralight tarp. The three best are silnylon, Spinnaker, and DCF8 Dyneema® Composite Fabrics (formerly Cuben Fiber). Each of these materials will help you keep your carrying weight down, while also being durable and waterproof.
- Size – Before you hit the trail, it’s best to decide how big of a shelter you want or need. For instance, if you are going on a solo trek, you can get by with a smaller shelter. However, if you’ve got a friend tagging along, you would want a bigger size.
- Accessories – When you purchase your tarp, you should check to see if it comes with the required cordage and stakes you’ll need to set it up properly. Otherwise, you’ll have to purchase these separately.
- Setup Options – You should always look for a tent that has plenty of loops or grommets for you to attach your poles, cords, and stakes. The more places you have to attach supports to the tarp, the greater the number of configurations you’ll be able to conjure up.
Tarp Reviews
Gossamer Twinn Tarp
This two-person tarp is a dream come true for the ultralight hiker. It’s only with 11 ounces with guy lines, seam sealing, and eight stakes included. You can add a bug canopy for minimal cost and only a 3-ounce penalty! The SpinnTwinn is a cat-cut tarp made of spinnaker fabric, much lighter than silnylon and it doesn’t stretch or sag. To find a silnylon tarp that competes in weight, you will have to sacrifice a lot of room. It’s hard to beat this tarp for fair weather adventures!
Aqua Quest Guide Tarp (Silnylon)
While the Aqua Quest is a bit heavier than the Gossamer (it weighs just 1.1 lbs.) don’t cross it off your shopping list right away. It is made from extremely tough silnylon, which is really durable and, of course, waterproof. This tarp will also allow you to create any type of shelter you can imagine. It has a total of 12 webbing loops around the perimeter, giving you the freedom to put it up in the way that best fits your current situation.
It also is a great value, since it comes with stakes and cordage to help you to set it up quickly, and a stuff sack to help you pack it away efficiently. The Aqua Quest is also large enough for you and a friend, making it an ideal way to save some weight and keep your head covered while out on the trail!
Hyperlite Flat Tarp
This is one of the pricier options out there, but you will certainly get your money’s worth. This tarp comes in a variety of sizes and configurations and is made with DCF8 Dyneema® Composite Fabrics (formerly Cuben Fiber). The great thing about it, however, is that no matter if you get it in the smallest size, you will be getting a high-quality tarp that is both waterproof and extremely light.
You also won’t have to worry about this thing weighing you down either. No matter what size tarp you decide to purchase, you are guaranteed a product that weighs less than a pound. This combination of high-quality construction, size options, and light weight all make the Hyperlite Flat Tarp a worthy option for your next backpacking excursion.
A Weight Has Been Lifted
Ultralight tarps are the ultimate answer for the minimalist backpacker because it has a wide variety of uses and applications, all while maintaining a small and light size. Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll be able to find one that will work well for you in your backpacking endeavors. Best of luck, and may you only find blue skies and happy trails on your next jaunt!