Best Waterproof Camping Tarps: A guide for choosing the right tarp for Backpacking, Hunting, and Camping
If you're searching for the best waterproof camping tarps, you're likely looking for a shelter solution that is light, can handle rain, wind, and unpredictable backcountry conditions. We'll cover what makes the best waterproof camping tarps stand out, how to choose the right tarp for your adventures, and why experienced outdoor enthusiasts rely on waterproof tarps for everything from emergency shelters to full-time backcountry camps.
What Makes The Best Waterproof Camping Tarp?
The best waterproof camping tarp can be somewhat subjective to your conditions and use case. Depending on what you value, such as weather resistance, durability, materials, and versatile setup options. Unlike standard tarps found at hardware stores, premium backcountry tarps are specifically engineered for heavy outdoor use and are designed to withstand challenging weather conditions, while remaining lightweight and packable.
When comparing the best waterproof camping tarps, look for:
- Fully waterproof materials (Hydrostatic head rating above 1500MM)
- Reinforced tie-out points
- Weight
- Diverse pitching options
- Durability in wind, rain, and snow
Why Do I Need a Tarp For Backcountry Camping?
One reason tarps are so popular among backpackers and hunters is their versatility. A quality tarp can serve as:
- A lightweight backpacking shelter
- A rain fly or awning over a tent
- A cooking or glassing shelter during storms
- Keeping extra gear dry
- An emergency survival shelter
- A shade structure during hot weather
Because of their adaptability, many serious outdoorsmen consider lightweight waterproof tarp an essential piece of gear to have in their backpacks.
How to Choose the Best Waterproof Camping Tarp
Waterproof Performance
The best waterproof camping tarps are built with fabrics such as Dyneema, Sil-Nylon, Or Sil Poly. These materials shed water effectively during extended rain events. Not all materials are created equal, Cheap Sil Nylon and Sil poly can feel lacking. High end manufacturers generally use quality materials that won’t rip or soak through. We prefer Sil Nylon or Dyneema.. Why? We use a custom 30D sil nylon with a 3000 mm hydrostatic head for our lightweight camping tarps (DST Tarp and Gunnison Tarp). Our fabric has an immense strength to weight ratio and allows you to pitch in a multitude of ways, while also keeping the price down. We also make our DST tarp in Dyneema, which comes at a higher price due to material costs. Dyneema is incredibly strong and lightweight but will not pitch as well in certain configurations due to its lack of stretch/material give. Sil Poly is a decent material, but we’ve found even higher end Sil poly materials fail quickly under high winds or heavy loads such as rain and snow. For fair weather camping or as a shade tarp. Sil Poly will work for you. Watch our in depth fabric test here
Versatility
Tarps are inherently versatile, some more than others. A tarp that is near square offers tons of different pitching variations, from A frames, to a dedicated shelter, a tarp that is relatively square will do well. The more reinforced guy-out points the better. They allow you different spots to tie cordage, or stake out your tarp which will only further your tarps versatility. Our DST Tarp features a reinforced center patch which allows you to use a stick or trekking pole to pitch the shelter in even more styles such as the popular Diamond pitch. Did we mention the DST tarp has 16 stake out points for even more versatility?
Durability in Harsh Conditions
As previously mentioned this really comes down to the material quality, manufacturing techniques, and the actual material properties. We recommend a quality Sil-Nylon or Dyneema fabric that is assembled by a reputable manufacturer. We build our lightweight camping tarps here in Grand Junction Colorado, to ensure quality is second to none.
Best Waterproof Camping Tarps for Hunting
Backcountry hunters face constantly changing weather conditions. The best waterproof camping tarps provide a dependable shelter option for glassing, spike camps, meat care, and emergency weather protection.
Lightweight tarps are especially valuable when every ounce matters during long approaches into remote terrain.
Why Seek Outside Makes Some of the Best Waterproof Camping Tarps
Seek Outside designs and builds lightweight, durable shelters and tarps for serious backcountry use. Built with premium materials and designed for adaptability in challenging environments. Seek Outside tarps deliver the performance outdoor adventurers expect from the best waterproof camping tarps. Our DST tarp or Gunnison tarp are excellent choices for people looking for a high quality tarp that will not fail in the backcountry. Our DST Tarp offers room for up to 3 people and can be pitched in 100’s of different configurations. With its 9’ 4” X 9’ 10” sizing and weighing only 19 ounces, this tarp takes up no space in your backpack or emergency kit and will keep you out of the weather no matter the conditions. Our Gunnison tarp, designed for 1-2 people comes in at 5’ X 9’ and an ultralight 9 ounces. This tarp takes up very little space and is an excellent emergency shelter for when the weather takes a turn. Both are made from our incredibly strong and custom made 30D Rip Stop Nylon. The DST comes in a Dyneema version as well and weighs just 10 ounces.
Whether you're backpacking deep into wilderness areas, hunting remote mountain terrain, or building a lightweight camp setup, Seek Outside’s tarps provide american made quality camping tarps with the most premium materials we can find. On top of all that, we have a lifetime warranty and a repair program to keep your Seek Outside gear running for a lifetime.
Final Thoughts on the Best Waterproof Camping Tarps
The best waterproof camping tarps offer a combination of weather protection, versatility, durability, lightweight, and packability that few other pieces of gear can match. From ultralight backpacking shelters to a shelter for glassing on hunting trips, a quality tarp can improve comfort, expand shelter options, and provide reliable protection when conditions become less than ideal.
If you're looking to upgrade your backcountry kit, investing in a lightweight waterproof camping tarp is one of the most versatile pieces of gear you can bring with you into the back country.