Top 11 Best Tarp Shelter Brands For Hikers/Backpackers 2021
Tarps can be an invaluable part of a hiker’s kit for longer hikes. They’re lightweight and compact, making them superb for ultralight hiking. Whether the tarp is chosen as the only shelter, a backup shelter in case of tent damage, or an additional or secondary shelter option, having a quality tarp can certainly enhance the overnight hiking/backpacking experience.
When it comes to choosing the best tarp for your kit, there are plenty of factors to consider: price, weight, material, design and customizability, size, and durability all come to mind. Though the brand name is far from the most important factor, knowing the top tarp shelter brands will surely help you in your search for your first or next tarp.
With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find precisely what would work best for your needs and wants. In this article, we’ll share our take on the top tarp brands to look out for.
Though obviously subjective and prone to biases, we’ve done our best to list out these brands based on the following metrics (in no particular order):
- Company reputation
- Variety of tarps
- Performance of the tarps (in all climates)
- Longevity of the tarps
- Company must currently be in operation
With all that being said, let’s list out the brands.
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The top 11 best tarp shelter brands on the market are:
- Kammok
- REI Co-op
- Hyperlite Mountain Gear
- Sea To Summit
- Mountain Safety Research
- Big Agnes
- ZPacks
- Mountain Laurel Designs
- Hilleberg
- Yama Mountain Gear
- Six Moon Designs
Let’s get into each of these brands in greater detail and explain why they belong in the top 11 best tarp shelter brands. I’ll share their country of origin, a bit of history, examples of high-end, popular and/or budget-friendly tarp options, and a link to their official website.
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Kammok
Kammok is the maker of some of the most durable and reliable outdoor gear in the industry. Their focus is on the strength of the fabrics and the manufacturing techniques to provide clients with weatherproof gear. As you might know, this is not a mere detail but a crucial matter when you are outdoors.
Having the reputation of being a brand you can trust your life on gave Kammok a huge following and sky-rocketed sales. For those looking for an easy-to-carry and pitch, lightweight, sturdy tarp that can save the day, Kammok has many great options to offer.
The fact that each piece comes with a lifetime guarantee might be enough to show the durability of their products.
Top-of-the-line tarp option: The Kuhli XL
Made for the camping leader, the Khuli XL is the perfect shelter for large groups. It features 16 Hypalion-reinforced guyout points and a reliable knotless design. This dependable shelter will keep you and your group safe, sound, and dry regardless of the weather.
Most popular tarp option: The Kuhli
A jack of all trades, this ultra-versatile shelter is all you need to face any weather. It features 10 Hypalion-reinforced guyout points and the same knotless design found in its bigger incarnation. It doesn’t get much more adaptable than this in tarp-land.
Budget-friendly tarp option: The Kuhli UL
Made with Patagium fabric and featuring the same knotless design, the Kuhli UL Tarp is great for the ground and/or the air. Moreover, it only weighs 10oz, making it comfortable to carry everywhere.
Kammok was founded by Greg McEvilly in 2010, and its current headquarters are in Austin, Texas, USA.
Official website: kammok.com
REI Co-op
The second part of the name Co-op comes from the beginnings of this company as a cooperative to help mountaineers. In that sense, the brand’s reputation grew astronomically because they have the insight into mountaineers’ needs that only years of outdoor adventure can give you. It is no surprise that Jim Wittaker, the first USA-born person to summit Mount Everest, was their first employee.
If you are looking for a tarp that can not only get you through the harshest weather but will also be cleverly designed to occupy minimal space, be easy to pitch, and take exactly the shape you need, you can trust REI. Not only does REI make its own gear, but it also carries various other high-quality, reputable brands.
Furthermore, more than eight decades of non-stop innovation and hard work back their products up; it is a brand you can’t miss when shopping for a new tarp.
Most popular tarp option: REI Co-op + West Elm Outward Day Shelter
For those needing a set-it-and-forget-it approach, this seam-sealed, waterproof, square, symmetrical tarp is a perfect choice. It features webbing lash points to hang gear, reinforced corner grommets, and six reflective guylines that allow nighttime visibility. Finally, the 75-denier polyester won’t stretch when wet, and the adjustable poles can go from 79 to 98 inches.
Budget-friendly tarp option: REI Co-op Quarter Dome SL Tarp
Perhaps the most versatile of them all, the REI Quarter Dome SL Tarp is a polyurethane-coated ripstop-nylon tarp with impeccable durability and is waterproof. It can be used as a sleeping shelter, a temporary roof, or any other shape you can think of. Finally, it comes with eight stakes, six quick-attach guylines, and a stuff sack.
Rei Co-op was founded by Lloyd & Mary Anderson in 1938, and its current headquarters are in Kent, Washington, USA.
Official website: rei.com
Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Hyperlite’s name is not a coincidence. Mike St. Pierre called his company that way because they make some of the lightest gear in the world. Moreover, the initial spark to get the company going was to solve his own weight problems whenever he hit the road.
For Hyperlite Mountain Gear, the past decade was a period of intense work, directed innovation, and growth. As a result, their outdoor products became better, and with a revolutionary combination of fabrics, they managed to reduce the weight of the gear while increasing its durability. After thorough testing in the harshest weather, their tarps became the go-to option for some of the highest-demanding athletes in the world.
If you love going out packing as light as possible, you’ll feel you’ve found a gold mine when shopping at Hyperlite Mountain Gear.
Top-of-the-line tarp option: Flat Tarp
The Flat Tarp is not only light as a feather; it is also durable, weatherproof, and UV resistant. Moreover, its composite fabric can be arranged in a virtually limitless array of options since it is available as an 8’6” square or 8’X10’ rectangle. Finally, the flat edges, non-catenary cuts, and square corners make it as versatile as it is lightweight.
Most popular tarp option: Echo 2 Catenary Cut Tarp
If you’re looking for the most lightweight option that can grant you complete outdoor freedom, this tarp is a great option. It features a tight catenary cut, double reinforced tie-outs, and a sealed ridgeline, providing almost 70 square feet of almost weightless coverage.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear was founded by Mike St. Pierre in 2010, and its current headquarters are in Portland, Maine, USA.
Official website: hyperlitemountaingear.com
Sea To Summit
The name Sea to Summit originated from the brand’s initial quest: providing gear that could endure an adventure going from sea level to the Everest summit. That happened over 30 years ago, and since then, the company has been working hard to perfect that initial outstanding gear that endured such crossing through a wide variety of temperatures and the harshest conditions imaginable.
Nowadays, whenever you see the Sea to Summit logo, you can expect expertly-made gear that features all the clever add-ons you would assume a life dedicated to the outdoors can give you, and that can endure any trip. Furthermore, the extreme reliability of their tarp line will save the day regardless of the weather conditions.
Top-of-the-line tarp option: Escapist 15D Tarp
The Escapist 15D Tarp features 8 Hypalon tie-out points that hold the tip of a trekking pole and have cord adjusters with reflective guylines pre-attached. With these features, you can create any setup you see fit and cover up to two people when set in an A-frame.
Most popular tarp option: Jungle Hammock Tarp
This is a great add-on to the Sea to Summit jungle hammock, allowing you a protected, insect-free, suspended sleep wherever you want. In addition, it is made of abrasion and water-resistant lightweight Cordura nylon fabric.
Budget-friendly tarp option: Hammock Tarp
This lightweight, easy-to-use, waterproof tarp is the perfect accessory for those who want to protect the aerial space while hanging from their hammocks.
Sea to Summit was founded by Tim Macartney-Snape and Roland Tyson in 1983. Their current headquarters are in Boulder, Colorado, USA.
Official website: seatosummitusa.com
Mountain Safety Research
MSR started as a mountaineering community in the shape of a newsletter. Through that experience and because of a life dedicated to the outdoors, Larry gathered enough insight to create a brand that could solve everyday, real-life problems mountaineers had when hitting the road.
As a result, whenever you see the MSR logo on a piece of gear, what you can expect is the perfect solution for your needs created by people who have been in your shoes before. Furthermore, the company was purchased by Rei in 1981, which resulted in a huge push forward in terms of production techniques, fabric knowledge, and reliability.
Nowadays, MSR manufactures some of the best-designed, most reliable tarps and mountaineering gear in the market. Moreover, over 50 years of successfully helping hikers reach their dreams, back their products up; if you haven’t already, check them out.
Top-of-the-line tarp option: Front Range 4-Person Ultralight Tarp Shelter
Ultra-light, this tarp occupies virtually no space in your backpack and can be a game-changer, protecting up to four people from all elements. Moreover, it is covered with Xtreme Shield, MSR’s coating technology enhancing durability and making it weatherproof.
Most popular tarp option: Twin Sisters™ 2-Person Tarp Shelter
With the Twin Sisters™ 2-Person Tarp Shelter, you get the protection of a floorless tent carrying only the weight of a tarp. Furthermore, it is easy to assemble, covers two people plus gear, and features DuraShield coating for maximum protection regardless of the weather conditions.
Mountain Safety Research was founded by Larry Penberthy in 1969. Its current headquarters are in Seattle, Washington, USA.
Official website: msrgear.com
Big Agnes
By the time Bill Gamber joined forces with Brad Johnson, he was a big name in the outdoors industry because of his company named B.A.P. The leverage and know-how of being a lifelong outdoors enthusiast combined with the experience manufacturing gear for some of the harshest conditions on the planet provided the perfect background for Big Agnes’ exceptional leverage.
Today, Big Agnes is one of the best options for hikers and mountaineers trying to solve real-life problems with gear that won’t break the bank and can perform regardless of the weather conditions. Their line of tarps is cleverly designed to withstand anything, be easily pitched, and occupy the smallest space in your backpack.
Big Agnes offers real solutions for real mountaineers; if you’re looking for the real deal, look no further.
Top-of-the-line tarp option: Deep Creek Tarp Large
If you love sleeping protected but don’t want to be enclosed inside the walls of a tent, this is the best bet. It offers all the protection you need with only two poles, multi-loops, and guy-out points. Furthermore, it is so versatile you can use it in any shape you need.
Most popular tarp option: Ptarmigan Tarp Large
This tarp is as versatile as it gets. In the words of the manufacturer: “more options than a Swiss Army knife.” This is because it can be tied over a hammock, become a rain shelter, pitched over a sleeping bag, or even erected over a kitchen snow pit.
Budget-friendly tarp option: Ptarmigan Tarp Small
A tad smaller than its “large” incarnation, the smaller Ptarmigan Tarp is a great option for solo travellers.
Big Agnes was founded by Bill Gamber and Brad Johnson in 2000. Their current headquarters are in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA.
Official website: bigagnes.com
Zpacks
Joe Valesko is not only an expert designer; he is an experienced mountaineer with over 10,000 miles under his belt. During that time, he encountered countless setbacks and overcame as many obstacles as imaginable. That experience, together with his passion and talent, gave birth to a brand that designs and manufactures the kind of gear mountaineers dream of.
The company focuses on keeping simplicity as the core principle when designing its equipment; thus, you can expect your future ZPacks tarp to be functional, easy to use, and reliable.
With ZPacks gear on your back, you can face any challenge and get closer to having those 10,000 miles under your belt following Mr. Joe Valesko’s tracks.
Top-of-the-line tarp option: Hexamid Pocket Tarp w/ Doors
Set with just one pole and six stakes, this is easily one of the lightest, most portable, yet durable tarps on the list. Not to mention, you can have a nice breeze in beautiful weather or keep away from a storm on a rainy day with the dual doors.
Most popular tarp option: 8.5′ x 10′ Flat Tarp
This tarp can be set in a variety of configurations, making it possible to be protected and dry at all times. It accommodates two travellers plus gear.
Budget-friendly tarp option: 7′ x 9′ Flat Tarp
The 7′ x 9 Flat Tarp is quite similar to the 8.5′ x 10′ Flat Tarp except smaller. This is the lightest choice of the two and is made for solo adventurers.
ZPacks was founded by Joe Valesko in 2005. Its current headquarters are in West Melbourne, Florida, USA.
Official website: zpacks.com
Mountain Laurel Designs
Much of what makes this an outstanding brand in outdoor equipment is the leverage that, being a Search and Rescue Climber for Yosemite National Park, gave Rob Bell. During those years, he learned the hard way what it meant to travel with more weight than desired.
He understood that mountaineering gear needs to be as innovative as nimble and durable. Thus, buying from Mountain Laurel Design is to go in that direction. You can expect extreme reliability that will occupy the smallest possible space in your backpack and be extremely lightweight.
Furthermore, if you are looking for your next tarp, learning that this company was literally built over word of mouth for manufacturing the best in the industry is not a minor detail. Buy your next tarp shelter from the experts and enjoy the outdoors regardless of the weather.
Top-of-the-line tarp option: Supertarp Flat Tarp
With a total of 27 tie-outs, this is a state-of-the-art professional tarp that can endure anything you can throw at it. It can be a 10’ square Pro Silnylon or an 8.5 x 10’ Dyneema Composite Fabric (AKA Cuben Fiber) rectangle. In all cases, it is waterproof and UV-resistant.
Most popular tarp option: Cricket Pyramid Tarp
This is a great option for those searching for simplicity with a beak instead of a door. Moreover, it offers a plethora of pitching options without the hassle of a zipper. Simplicity meets protection in this ultra-lightweight tarp.
Budget-friendly tarp option: Monk Flat Tarp
This is a perfect choice for those who need protection on the fly, travel solo and embrace simplicity. Just pitch this rectangular-shaped tarp in any way you need and be safe, sound, and dry for the night.
Ron Bell founded Mountain Laurel Designs in 2002. Its current headquarters are in Roanoke, Virginia, USA.
Official website: mountainlaureldesigns.com
Hilleberg
If you haven’t heard about this Swedish wonder, this brand manufactures some of the most reliable, durable, and sturdy gear in the world. Indeed, they were pioneers in supplying tents and shelters for expeditions going to the most hostile places on the planet, such as Antarctica.
That being said, the founders are also a couple of adventurers with decades of being out into the wild and overcoming obstacles. Thus, what you can expect from Hilleberg products is the know-how of a lifetime dedicated passionately to mountaineering coupled with non-stop innovation that has been going strong for over half a century.
You can never go wrong with a Hilleberg tarp in your backpack.
Top-of-the-line tarp option: Hilleberg Tarp 20 UL
This is the pinnacle of the Hilleberg tarp line and also one of the biggest in the market. That being said, it is ultra-lightweight and the easiest way to protect yourself and your group from sudden weather changes. It is made of durable, waterproof Kerlon SP, just like all Hilleberg tarps.
Most popular tarp option: Hilleberg Tarp 10 UL
With a plethora of possibilities thanks to its clever design, this tart is the perfect choice for weather inclemency, extending the tent, and even sleeping in the wild.
Budget-friendly tarp option: Hilleberg Tarp 5
Solo backpackers looking for the best shelter without compromising the weight on their shoulders will find this tarp the perfect choice.
Hilleberg was founded by Bo and Renate Hilleberg in 1971. Its current headquarters are in Frösön, Sweden.
Official website: hilleberg.com
Yama Mountain Gear
Founded by Gen Shimizu, Yama Mountain Gear is a reputable eco-friendly gear company. His inspiration for the company came from his crusade to create the best mountaineering gear to withstand the hardships of the road while keeping a minimal carbon footprint.
Yama Mountain Gear manufactures sustainable, eco-friendly products that can perform in any circumstance for mountaineers who are as serious about the environment as they are about their adventures.
You can expect gear with a smart design that won’t break the bank or cause harm to the environment while also being durable enough to last various adventures.
Top-of-the-line tarp option: 2P Cirriform Tarp – DCF
This tarp’s catenary curvatures are perfect for a wind-shedding pitch, and the rear brake provides protection at the foot. Moreover, Cirriform is the perfect material to keep the wind out of the equation while keeping the tarp as lightweight as it gets.
Most popular tarp option: 7’/5′ x 9′ Tapered Tarp – DCF8
The catenary design of this tarp for solo travellers allows a taut pitch. Moreover, the DCF fabric provides extremely efficient wind shielding, doesn’t stretch, and won’t sag with temperature drops.
Budget-friendly tarp option: 9’/7′ x 9′ Tapered Tarp – Silpoly
Using this Silpoly tarp in a classic a-frame configuration ensures you’ll be delighted with the sound of wind and rain over you while you remain dry, safe, and sound.
Yama Mountain Gear was founded by Gen Shimizu in 2006. Its current headquarters are in Missoula, Montana, USA.
Official website: yamamountaingear.com
Six Moon Designs
Six Moon Designs is the creation of a mountaineering veteran who completed his first Appalachian Trail in 1977. From that time until now, Ron spent his days and money perfecting the gear to hit the road with the lightest weight possible while keeping his equipment durable, sturdy, and, overall, reliable.
These 40+ years of experience made him an expert in all the fabric revolutions and gave him enough insight to create products that will perform without breaking the bank or weighing too much.
If you’re hitting the road, doing it with gear designed and built by experts like Six Moon Designs is your best choice.
Top-of-the-line tarp option: Deschutes Zero-G
Weighing only 8.1 ounces, this tarp is as light as it gets (40% lighter than the Deschutes line). Still, it provides the same 360-degree protection against even the harshest weather.
Most popular tarp option: Deschutes Plus Ultralight Backpacking Tarp – Sealed
If you are going to a destination where insects can be a problem, this tarp is the perfect solution. Be safe from the weather conditions and insects, and have the time of your life inside this state-of-the-art tarp.
Budget-friendly tarp option: Gatewood Cape Tarp
“Everything you need, nothing you don’t” is the company’s motto accompanying this ultra-lightweight, extremely durable, and weatherproof tarp that provides 360-degree protection in a budget-friendly package.
Six Moon Designs was founded by Ron “Fallingwater” Moak in 2002. Its headquarters are currently in Beaverton, Oregon, USA.
Official website: sixmoondesigns.com
