Randy's Choice: BEST Camping and Hammock Tarp
- Randy Reek, The Great Out There
- Feb 22, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: Dec 7, 2024
The BEST camping and hammock tarp to make all your adventures more comfortable!
Hammock camping is increasing in popularity. There are a large number of novice hammock owners - and novice campers - venturing into The Great Out There. Unfortunately, this also means thousands of dissatisfied, cold, cramped campers...
In a previous article, we discussed the best practices for protecting yourself from the elements while hammock camping. Using a tarp for shelter is a new concept for most campers who only have experience in tents. In this article we will more thoroughly discuss the features of the BEST camping and hammock tarp.
For the most protection in cold and damp weather, I choose the 12' x 10' tarp shelter shown above.
Actually, since Be Prepared is my motto, I use this tarp 80% of the time - even in the heat of Summer! Check out the SLIGHTLY smaller tarp I rely on the rest of time below. In my opinion, this "tarp with doors" has the best protection and offers the most configuration possibilities.
Why do I consider this the BEST Camping and Hammock Tarp?
Tarp camping promises comfort in varied conditions.
The tarp shown has FOUR stake loops along each side. This provides multiple pitching options.
In severe weather, only the two CENTER guy lines on each side will be staked to the ground and the ends of the tarp folded in to form doors at both ends of the hammock.
In warmer conditions, the "doors" can be folded back (inside or outside) for better air flow. If you have neighbors, the doors can be closed temporarily for dressing.
I often close the "doors" on the windward end of the tarp, and leave the opposite end open for better air flow.
The lower left hand image below shows only two guy lines used per side when the tarp is more of a sun shade. Or the tarp can be staked out in a rectangle with four stakes per side.
For clarity, the right hand images in the photos above shows the "doors" folded back on the outside of the tarp. My preference is to fold the doors back on the inside, as shown in the lower left image. Then - if wind or rain interrupts my sleep - I can close the doors from under the tarp. The "doors" have stretch cords which are used to connect them together and for staking to the ground.
This VERSATILE tarp provides maximum versatility over your hammock. But it is also a roomy ground shelter for the solo camper or couple.
Like all tarps, you also have dozens of options if you choose to pitch this as a ground shelter. With 8 stake loops around the perimeter, 3 loops across the center ridgeline, and 4 more loops positioned in the body of the tarp you have DOZENS of options for pitching and lofting the tarp.
One reality of hammock camping is that sooner or later, you WILL need to sleep on the ground when trees aren't available! The 12' x 10' tarp above can be erected as a lean-to, or A-frame using just a ridgeline rope or poles.
Having a tarp with "doors" is important to shield you from the wind as well as the rain.
When hammock camping, you are at the mercy of the available trees. Ideally, you would want to erect your tarp with the prevailing wind quartering into one corner of the tarp. In reality, perfect positioning is seldom possible. As a result, the wind may be blowing directly down the length of your tarp, creating a chilling tunnel under your suspended bed. In this case, simply close the windward end of the tarp. The angled doors will deflect the wind under your hammock. You may still be able to leave the downwind doors open for a view.
On the other hand, if the wind is hitting your tarp broadside, the tarp has 2 reinforced tie outs per side to pull the fabric out and away from your hammock.
MOST hammock campers start with a tarp that is TOO SMALL!
Compare the large 12' x 10' tarp above with the typical 8' x 8' "hammock tarp" below, sometimes paired with inexpensive hammocks at a reduced package price.
When hung from opposite corners, or in a diamond shape, the ridgeline of this small tarp measures about 10-feet and barely extends past the ends of the hammock. In theory, when lying diagonally in your hammock, this is plenty of coverage. The diamond angles conveniently match the open areas above the hammock.
In truth, this small tarp is mostly decoration and will not protect you from more than a light mist of rain or from chilling breezes during the night.
If there is no rain in the forecast, why BOTHER with a "decorative" tarp?
At best, these small tarps are only sun shades and wind breaks for light breezes. If rain isn't in the forecast, hanging a small tarp high above your hammock really serves no purpose. On mild nights, I skip the tarp entirely! To provide protection from wind-driven rain you would need to pitch this small tarp at the level of the hammock ridgeline, then wrap the sides tight against the hammock.
A TINY tarp is too confining. A larger tarp is airy, yet warm and protective!
The ONLY advantage of a tiny tarp is shaving a few ounces of weight. Your pack, shoes, and other gear will be largely exposed underneath. The hammock itself is not waterproof material so any exposed surfaces will get wet in anything but a light drizzle. Seems like a poor bargain!
Combine the BEST Camping Tarp with ANY brand of hammock!
There are numerous brands of hammocks that either sell small tarps or include a tarp in a package. BUT - one of the big advantages of hammock camping is that you can "mix and match" components.
For example, I am a HUGE fan of the super-comfortable and roomy Haven "tent" (hybrid bridge hammock). But I DO NOT use the small tarp that is sold with it - INSTEAD I use the larger 12-foot tarp (shown above. folded back). The standard Haven tarp barely covers the sides, BUT the larger tarp extends TWO feet beyond the ends of the Haven tent.
Not only does the BEST Camping and Hammock Tarp add infinitely MORE protection from the wind and rain, but I can STAND under the tarp to erect and pack the hammock, get dressed, and store my gear!
Nessmuk said, "We go to the woods to smooth it - NOT rough it!"
In fair weather, the 12' x 10' tarp can be hung higher above the hammock with one side extended like an awning – or simply unstaked and flopped back over the ridgeline. But cold, rainy, and windy conditions PROVE the versatility of the BEST Camping and Hammock Tarp.
In fact, I encourage you to get in the habit of erecting the tarp FIRST when you reach camp, then packing the tarp LAST. You and your gear will benefit from the maximum protection of the tarp shelter.
Make tarp camping MORE secure: Combine your tarp with a continuous ridgeline.
Most tarps are usually supplied with thin guy ropes that are shown attached to the tabs or grommets. These short, thin lines are fine for the corner guy lines. But my preference is a continuous rope ridgeline. My FAVORITE camping tarp is supplied with 4 guy lines for the sides, plus 4 stakes. There are 4 more shock cord lines with carabiners to stake out the corners, which also serve to close the doors.
For ALL hammock camping, I ADD a continuous ridgeline to stretch tightly between the trees.
You can build your own ridgeline with paracord, then tie on Prusik loops to connect to the tarp.
Although I am a rope and knot fan, I choose the ready-made option built with thin and high-strength ultra-high molecular poly cord (UHMWPE) that includes a reel to keep everything tangle-free!
By first erecting the continuous ridgeline, you create a much stronger support for the tarp. This is important as your tarp gets larger. You can tie the ridgeline with much greater tension than thin guy lines running to the tarp fabric. The ridgeline bears the strain if storm winds get the trees swaying - not the tarp fabric. But the main benefit is being able to slide the tarp back and forth along the ridgeline until positioned exactly where desired. This saves time when pitching your tarp, especially when faced with a storm rolling in!
Check out the video below for a visual demonstration:
Finally, for the most versatility, you will need to carry a few extra stakes. I would carry at least 6 or 8 stakes. You can always scrounge a rock or sharpen a stick to add more as needed - or when one "goes missing"!
Like me, you may wind up with multiple tarps for varying conditions and group sizes. It has always been my practice to erect the tarp first upon getting to the campsite. If it starts to rain, all the gear can be sheltered. If necessary, several people can spend hours under the protective tarp before needing to assemble your hammocks. In a group, you may have a variety of tarps, but it is handy to carry one larger tarp where everyone can huddle for meals. Even on sunny days, it is often helpful to have the windbreak of a tarp when cooking and to provide shade.
Some campers will obsess over the weight of the 12' x 10' tarp that I favor. Actually, the weight difference between the smallest and largest tarps depicted here is miniscule. I can GUARANTEE that in the middle of a thunderstorm on a windswept island, you will give ANYTHING for the larger, more secure tarp. I will also guarantee that I can find plenty of unnecessary and duplicate items in your pack that exceed the added tow ounces of a larger tarp!
There is ONE exception when I choose a different tarp for camping: NO trees!
I love hammock camping in the Northwoods whether backpacking, bikepacking, or canoe tripping. Often, it is a REAL challenge to find a dry, level spot that is big enough for a single sleeping pad! And yet there are BILLIONS of handy trees everywhere to provide a warm and dry hammock camp with the promise of a restful recovery after a day of adventure.
But this changes when my travels take me to more open farm country, the prairies, or desert. In these cases, my hammock may become a ground "bivy". In addition, in some areas and seasons, bugs are a non-issue so I might choose to leave the hammock (with bug net) at home and simply tarp camp with a ground bed.
When the large tarp with door is not necessary, I choose the next smaller version. The is still a 12-foot tarp that is more protective than the "decorative" 8 or 10-footers discussed above. This larger tarp gives me the options to pitch it between two trees - or any two objects, one of which mught be my bike or motorcycle. Worst case, I can pitch this tarp with just one support. I can pitch a lean-to with only a small tree, fence post, my bike, or a sturdy stick. There are MANY lean-to variations and they also provide extreme wind protection
Also note that this larger 12-foot tarp - while light and compact for solo camping - is ALSO large enough to SHARE as a ground shelter for two people!
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