Camping

What Types of Tarpaulins Are Best for Camping?

When choosing a tarpaulin for camping, it’s essential to utilise tarps that are waterproof and durable – at Tarpaulins Direct, we make sure that all of our tarpaulins are made to the highest of standards to protect you and your belongings. That aside, you’ll need to consider what you need the tarpaulin for – is it for a groundsheet, shelter, or extra tent protection for example? And do you need a lightweight one for backpacking, or a more heavy duty one for a longer term solution? Our range includes various sizes and styles, allowing you to find the perfect tarp for your outdoor adventure.

What size tarpaulin do I need for camping?

Although your specific needs may be different to those of others when it comes to choosing the right size tarpaulin for your camping trips, a good general rule is to choose a tarpaulin at least 2 metres longer and wider than your tent dimensions to allow for adequate coverage-for example, if your tent is 3 metres long, you would want to choose a tarpaulin that is 5 metres long.

How Can I Use a Tarpaulin While Camping?

Tarpaulins are incredibly versatile for camping. They can be used as groundsheets to protect your tent floor from dampness, as overhead shelters to shield you from rain or sun, or even as windbreaks for added comfort. They can also be used for added privacy, shelter and protection from animals and others.

How to Erect a Taut Camping Tarpaulin

To erect a taut camping tarpaulin, it’s important to first find somewhere where there are suitable anchor points, such as trees or rocks. Next, lay out the tarpaulin and secure one corner to an anchor point using a rope and a knot. Repeat this process with the opposite corner, ensuring the tarpaulin is taut (has a reasonable amount of tension running through it). Next, secure the remaining corners, adjusting the ropes to maintain tension. Use stakes if necessary to keep the tarpaulin stable. Lastly, check all corners and adjust as needed to ensure the tarpaulin is secure.

Are tarpaulins lightweight and easy to carry in a backpack?

Yes, indeed - tarpaulins are designed to be easily portable, and depending on the material thickness and type of tarpaulin you should easily be able to take sufficient tarpaulin coverage with you. Most types of tarpaulin are not heavy and should be able to fold in alongside your other belongings whilst camping. On this page, we’ve gathered together all of the tarpaulin types that we provide that work well with camping excursions, so simply select what you need from this page and you’ll be away!

How do I protect my camping gear from rain using a tarpaulin?

To effectively protect your camping gear from rain with a tarpaulin, start by selecting a size that provides ample coverage over your tent and equipment. Drape the tarpaulin over your gear, ensuring it extends to the ground to prevent water runoff underneath. Use ropes or bungee cords to secure it in place, anchoring it to nearby trees or stakes.

To start with, make sure that you’ve equipped yourself with a tarpaulin that’s sufficiently large to cover both your tent and your equipment. Cover your gear with the tarpaulin, making sure that it goes all the way to the ground to prevent any water runoff occurring. You’ll want to secure it in place using ropes or bungee cords, which can be anchored in place using nearby trees or stakes, if you have any.  It’s also a good idea to position the tarpaulin at a slight angle, allowing rainwater to drain away instead of pooling. This will help to keep your gear dry, and extend its lifespan.

What types of tarpaulins are best for camping in harsh weather?

If you’re likely to be camping in harsher weather conditions you’ll want to use a higher gsm, more heavy duty tarpaulin (at Tarpaulins Direct we list the gsm ratings of all our tarpaulins so you can see how thick each one is) Additionally, consider tarpaulins with grommets around the edges for easy securing, which will enhance their ability to withstand high winds or heavy rain.

How do I maintain and clean my camping tarpaulin?

Properly cleaning and effectively maintaining a camping tarpaulin will help it to last for longer and give you the best performance on your camping journeys. After each time you’ve use the tarpaulin make sure it’s completely dry before it’s stored, otherwise mildew may form. To clean, use a soft brush with a mild soap solution and warm water. Don’t use harsh chemicals that can damage the material. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry completely. Store the tarpaulin in a cool, dry place, preferably in a breathable bag. Finally, check the tarpaulin regularly for any wear or damage and fix damaged sections if they appear.

What accessories do I need to securely fasten a tarpaulin while camping?

You may want to look into all of the following for securing a tarpaulin, which we stock in our tarpaulin accessories section:

• Bungee cords and ropes
• Ground stakes
• Tarp clips and grippers
• Pegs and a storage bag for easy transportation and organisation