From minimal coverage to closed doors, a hammock tarp can be extremely handy when you’re outdoors. It’s the one piece of gear that can completely save your hammock camping trip if the weather decides to turn on you.
Image | Product | Rating |
|---|---|---|
 | Foxelli Rain Tarp | |
 | Gold Armour Rainfly Tarp Hammock | |
 | Evolution Rainfly Hammock Tarp | |
 | Bear Butt Double Hammock Tent | |
 | Chill Gorilla Hammock Tarp |
Now that you’re here, we’ll make sure you know all that there is to know about hammock tarps. If you’re new to this process, the second half of this piece is a buying guide.
We’ll tell you what a hammock tarp is, why you should get one, how to go about narrowing your choices, and, of course, some of the finest tarps that are preferred by pro campers.
Our Hammock Tarp Reviews
Picking a hammock tarp can be tricky depending on why you think you need it in the first place. You have to consider weight, material, and durability. So, here are the top five hammock tarps out there that regular campers have given a thumbs up to. Take a look.
The Top 5 Best Hammock Tarps for 2022 are:
- Foxelli Rain Tarp
- Gold Armour Rainfly Tarp Hammock
- Evolution Rainfly Hammock Tarp
- Bear Butt Double Hammock Tent Tarp
- Chill Gorilla 10x10 Hammock Rain Fly Camping Tarp
Find out which is best for you in our full in-depth reviews below ...
Foxelli Rain Tarp
The Foxelli rain tarp is meant to make you feel safe and sheltered. It is lightweight and made of high-quality ripstop polyester material. It is meant for sun, rain, and snow. The product is also waterproof and blocks UV light with bankable snow protection.
This tarp comes in a diamond shape and has a 12-inch centerline to cover a standard size hammock. It’s good for heavy rains and strong winds. Like the other choices, this one is also a kit that includes a double-stitched, water-repellent rain tent with metal loops.
It has four 12-foot long reflective tracers made of nylon. The guy lines have heavy-duty tensioners. There are 2 x 7-inch aluminum alloy stakes. And all of it comes in a packable carrying bag.
Specifications
Benefits
It can be set up in no time so don’t worry if the weather turns on you. At 18.2 ounces (including ropes and stakes), it’s pretty easy to carry. You can use it to cover a hammock or as additional camping gear.
You can cover your bike, equipment, and clothes using this tarp. It is versatile, durable and a multi-functional shelter for camping, hiking, fishing, sporting events, festivals, and picnics.
Foxelli has a 120-day, money-back guarantee. No questions asked. And the product itself comes with a 3-year warranty for defects.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Easy to pack and carry around
- Comes in a kit with all necessary accessories
- Comes with a 120-day money-back guarantee
Cons
Verdict
This is great for first-timers. You will have most of what you need. It’s not too big and not too small. That lets you figure out what to do with the equipment at hand. This product is not a canopy but it will do in rough weather.
It is on the cheaper end of the spectrum which means it is affordable. But you don’t have to worry about quality. Most customers agree that this is value for money.
Gold Armour Rainfly Tarp Hammock
Second, on the list is this waterproof rainfly hammock tarp from Gold Armour. This is another hammock that is made of high-quality materials and is intended for bigger coverage use. It is light weight and made of ripstop nylon. The product is also tear-resistant and puncture-resistant.
The tarp hammock comes in a variety of sizes starting at 10 x 10 feet. It has two centerlines and 33 tie-down points. That’s right. This is serious business. The kit comes with stakes, ropes, and tensioners. So, you need not get any extra hammock gear.
And it’s also waterproof in the sense that it will save you from a downpour. The trick is to have a diagonal centerline. The tarp comes in different sizes but it generally works for a double or a single nest.
Like most good hammocks it has a square design, which makes room for more coverage. The item is easy to pack and carry around. The overall size and the many tie-down points make this one great as a tent harp or a groundsheet or a blanket too.
Whether you’re camping or hiking or backpacking, this is one must-have, thanks to how useful it is, whatever the season.
Source: ebay.com
Specifications
Benefits
This is a waterproof product and gives greater coverage than most tarps of this range. It is versatile in size and has many tie-down points (33 is fantastic). The kit comes with stakes and ropes. So, no need to purchase accessories. And it's proudly backpacker approved.
The tarp hammock has some use no matter what type of weather you run into. It comes with a 100% guarantee and a five-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
This is a reliable tarp as it is made of good materials. The product is very useful in strong sun and heavy rain. It is waterproof but also has DWR (durable water repellent) on the face.
The coverage makes it big enough to be a hammock tarp but can also be used for other purposes. That’s always a good thing. The product comes in different sizes and has a lot of tie-down points. So, your usage of this tarp is limited only by your imagination.
Evolution Rainfly Hammock Tarp
This is essentially a survival kit and the main item is a camping tarp. The tarp has better tie-down points than the previous models. The kit also comes with two carabiners, a survival bracelet, six heavy-duty but ultra-lightweight stakes, a stake bag, seven adjustable guy lines, and a bag for all the gear.
Now, the bracelet is to help you navigate if it is pouring. There’s a whistle to help you locate basecamp if you get lost. There’s a knife tool whatever you want to use it for. There’s also a 1.5-ft military-grade paracord to set traps.
The tarp itself blocks rain and UV rays. So, come summer or monsoon, camping plans need not be on hold. It is large enough to cover a two-person hammock and is diamond-shaped. This manufacturer is all about keeping you warm and safe.
Source: walmart.com
Specifications
Benefits
This one is clearly for the pros. Apart from keeping you warm and tidy, it is also about those little extra items that make camping a lot easier. This tarp is waterproof and protects you from UV rays. So that’s great. It is lightweight and backpacker approved.
It works for camping, hiking, and similar kinds of traveling. It has been inspected by a third party to meet quality standards. And it comes with accessories and a bag for all of them.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
This is for folks who take their camping seriously. This tarp kit is very efficient. They have thought of almost everything. The tarp will save you from the scorching sun and heavy rain.
It is great for hiking and camping. It is easy to take out and put together. It’s also easy to dismantle, pack inside the bag, and move to the next location.
The tarp comes with a lot of gear that you will need on a camping trip (even unrelated to setting up your camp) and is made of sturdy materials and can withstand wear and tear.
Bear Butt Double Hammock Tent Tarp
This is a rainfly made with the Bear Butt double parachute hammock in mind but you can use it otherwise too. The item is 12 feet 10 inches down the middle and 9 feet 4 inches on the sides. It is lightweight and gives you maximum coverage.
This rainfly is quite easy to pack into a backpack, a car, or an airplane carry-on bag. Also, it’s made of waterproof polyester fabric to keep you dry on rainy days and protected from the sun. The kit includes two metal stakes to secure the tent. You don’t need a hammock stand to set up.
The product has super-strong guy lines with reflective tracers. So, they’re visible in any condition. The polyester keeps it from ripping and tearing. Overall, this item is tougher than other nylon flies.
Source: bearbuttteam.com
Specifications
Benefits
This rainfly is 100% waterproof. It is lightweight and has reinforcement attachment points for strength and security. It comes with a stuff sack, four guy lines, and two aluminum stakes. It is easy to set up and the knots work just fine.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Overall, it’s a pretty tough rainfly. Some customers have been through heavy downpours and rainstorms with this one as a savior. It is sturdy and is meant to take a beating and stand tough.
The product is good for all kinds of weather but is particularly helpful when the going gets tough. But this waterproof tarp, use it without a hammock stand and get it with accessories. You don’t need anything else for the tarp to do its job.
Chill Gorilla 10x10 Hammock Rain Fly Camping Tarp
Apart from hammocks, Chill Gorilla also offers some really good supporting gear, like hammock tarps. This one is a waterproof ripstop nylon hammock camping tarp. It is lightweight, can handle a little wear and tear, and is puncture-resistant. It has two centerlines, nine tie-downs, and a square design. Sounds good? There’s more.
The manufacturer has used premium materials so you can count on it to last a while. The attention to detail is for all to see. It is made and put together in a way that makes life easy for you (which is the whole point anyway). They also do a lot of testing. That, apart from being fun for them, is a bonus for you.
Source: chillgorilla.com
Specifications
Pros
Cons
Verdict
This is a reliable company that has made a product with good materials. There is pretty much no reason to doubt its authenticity. It’s strong, offers good coverage, and can be put to multi-purpose use. This should definitely make it to your top three list unless you have a specific reason not to buy it.
What Is a Hammock Tarp?
If you’re entering the world of hammock accessories, if you’re doing this for the first time or are a beginner, you’ve come to the right place to do your research. A hammock tarp is a covering on top of the hammock to protect you when you are outdoors.
These are usually made of very tough materials and are meant to protect you when it is extra sunny or windy or rainy and sometimes even in snow. A hammock tarp looks like a regular nylon or polyester sheet. Most of them are made of ripstop nylon or polyester.
If you like to camp in all seasons, this is essential gear. Some of these tarps come with ropes and stakes. These are things you will need to tie the tarp or rainfly down. Most of them are quite easy to set up.
But you must check out some bare minimums on the internet (like this place) to get a hang of what you’re getting yourself into. The factors to consider before buying a hammock tarp, for instance.
Benefits
This has been quite popular among campers, backpackers, and even motorcycle riders as protection from rain, wind, and bad weather. It’s also useful as a sunshade. The design is fairly basic which makes set up and taking it down quite easy. Overall, this tarp is useful as an emergency shelter, tent footprint, and even camping canopy.
The manufacturer is very proud of how this product “crushes” the competition. Additionally, they have useful 24-hour customer service.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Hammock Tarps
Now, the products seem like an exciting addition to the gear and you want to pick one as soon as you can. But here’s what you need to look for before you click the “Buy Now” button.
Weight
The weight of a tarp is quite significant. You want something that is easy to pack in and carry around with you. So you need it to be lightweight. Otherwise, your back and your shoulders will be killing you by the time you reach the campsite.
That kind of takes the fun out of it. Plus, you won’t have the energy or interest in pitching a tarp or hanging the hammock.
If you are looking to shell out some cash, look for silnylon or Cuben Fiber. But nylon and polyester do a pretty good job too. Basically, the thicker it gets, the heavier it is. So learn your fabrics.
Material
Ripstop nylon, which you’ve seen in the above choices, is lightweight and durable. Many of these are combined with lethal waterproof abilities. These tarps are known to be good in different seasons and strong.
Polyester is pretty good too. Make sure you check the coverage and weight as you keep an eye on the material.
Size/ Coverage
Speaking of coverage, you will usually find ultralight hammock tarps in square or diamond sizes. This is actually the deciding factor. You need the tarp to be big enough to cover your hammock (and perhaps then some). So look at your hammock dimensions and buy the tarp accordingly. Some manufacturers do both. So if you’re getting a new hammock, keep an eye out for the matching tarp.
When it comes to coverage, consider privacy, ventilation and weather resistance. A big tarp will give you lots of coverage and privacy but it’s also big and heavier. If you get a small one, you might fall victim to air drafts but it works if you want ventilation. So the choice is yours.
Squares usually give more coverage and are lighter. But tarps in diamond shape are more common. They are better than asymmetric tarps but a bit heavier.
Durability
You want the tarp to last for longer than one trip. But you also want to make sure it has your back in all weather conditions. So find something that is waterproof. This is why rainfly hammock tarps are great. The materials should be high quality (but watch the weight) and hopefully comes with all the accessories you need.
If you camp throughout the year, look for 4-season tarps. Some of these also come with doors, because, winter camping! They are meant to cover you from all angles which is great for any weather. But bear in mind that these are slightly heavy and you need some experience pitching them.
What Is the Difference Between Asymmetrical and Rectangular Tarps
Asymmetrical tarps have a rear corner that's 45 degrees, while rectangular ones have straight corners. The most popular one is the asymmetrical tarp as it provides ample coverage in the rain and keeps water, wind and sun out.
Conclusion
Buying a hammock tarp is actually quite easy. You need to figure out the size: do you want to change in there or are you just looking to escape some sun? Do you want it over a single hammock or a double? You just need a list of such questions and you’re sorted.
Most folks go for winter (four-season) tarps or full-coverage tarps. These are known to be the best hammock shelters and come in handy throughout the year. They are also set to offer maximum weather protection. Some of them have extra flaps or doors too. In fact, some makers also sell these “doors” as an add on.
You must also keep an eye out for accessories. It’s not enough if you have the sheet. You need ropes to tie it and stakes to pin it down. So look for a kit that is lightweight and has the accessories.
At this point, it goes without saying that you must pick a fabric that keeps the weight under control while being waterproof and wind-resistant.
And always remember that if you’re doing this for the first time, you might have some trouble pitching the tarp. It will take you a couple of tries to get it right. But once you do, you have the advantage of camping outside the moderate weather condition locations.
Good luck and enjoy your upcoming trip!
