One of the essential items in your pack before a camping trip is a waterproof Large Tarpaulin. A good tarp can really transform your camping experience, making it much easier to utilize and more comfortable to enjoy. It can help you avoid rain, wind, and even excessive sunlight. For the camping hardy, having the right tarp is more than just an add-on piece of camping gear, but a critical piece of survival equipment.
This article will dive into the best waterproof tarpaulins for camping, including what they are beneficial for, and hopefully help you figure out what kind of tarpaulin you should get for your next camping adventure, plus more!
Why Waterproof Tarpaulins Matter
When hiking or camping in nature, the weather can change quickly. You can get caught in an unexpected rainstorm, which can soak your tent, gear, and possibly you if you are not prepared. Tarps will serve as an umbrella. You can use it as a ground sheet under your tent, a cover to block rain, or as a shelter itself.
Personal use aside, tarps protect against a wet environment and give shade when the sun gets hot. Tarps can keep your firewood, cooking supplies, or backpack dry and free from contamination. For a person who camps frequently, a good tarp can make the difference between a good night’s sleep and a terrible time.
Features to Look for in Camping Tarpaulins
Not all tarps are equal. Some are quite flimsy and tear easily, while others are very robust and durable. Things to look out for in a waterproof tarp are:
- Material Strength: Tarps made from polyethylene or heavy-duty canvas are tough and wear-resistant.
- Waterproof Coating: A proper coating will stop any water from seeping through during torrential rainfall.
- Grommets and reinforced edges: these make it easy to tie the tarp to trees, poles, or stakes.
- Size options: choose a tarp that is large enough to totally cover your tent or that will give you enough shelter.
Best Types of Waterproof Tarpaulins for Camping
1. Poly Tarps
Poly Black Tarpaulin sheets are the most popular choice for camping tarps. They are lightweight, cheap, and fully waterproof. They are very easy to fold and pack into your backpack. The poly tarps usually come in bright colors, which also makes it easy to see your campsite from afar.
2. Canvas Tarps
Canvas tarps are thicker and more durable than poly tarps. They will last longer and handle the abuse better. Many canvas tarps have been treated with a waterproof coating that will keep the rain out. The downside to a canvas tarp is its weight; you are better off car camping if you use a canvas tarp, rather than attempting to hike with it.
3. Heavy-Duty Tarpaulins
Camping in extreme situations calls for a sturdy tarp. Heavy-duty tarps are made from heavier fabrics with reinforced seams. They can withstand the rain, heavy winds, and even snow. They are more expensive, but they are well worth it if you are a year-round camper.
How to Use a Tarp When Camping
Another positive attribute of tarpaulins is their versatility of use. You can put a tarp under your tent to protect against moisture from the ground. You can hang a tarp over your tent to provide more protection from the rain. Some campers even build a tarp shelter if they are not carrying a tent at all.
If you are cooking outdoors, you can put up a tarp to cover the cooking area. It protects your stove or firewood from the rain. Tarps can also act as emergency blankets, picnic blankets, or temporary privacy.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Tarpaulin
A tarpaulin can last a long time if it is properly cared for. Always fold it up neatly and store it dry when you get home. Don’t drag it across pointy rocks or sticks that can tear it. Also, if your tarp is muddy, be sure to wash it off with clean water and dry it completely before storing it.
Also, when you set it up, if you plan on using ropes or bungee cords, do not pull it too tight. That puts excessive stress on grommets and the edges of the tarp that can tear or become brittle over time.
Benefits of Using Tarpaulin for Camping
Here are the benefits of using tarpaulin for camping explained clearly:
1. Weather Protection
Tarpaulins are water- and wind-proof, and thus ideal for protection from rain, gusts of wind, or even direct sunlight. A tarpaulin sheet can serve as an additional roof over your tent or as a groundsheet to prevent moisture.
2. Groundsheet and Comfort
Having a tarpaulin under your tent provides a clean, dry layer of protection between you and the ground. It prevents the base of the tent from tearing, keeps you warmer, and keeps mud or water out.
3. Lightweight and Portable
It is simple to fold and transport tarpaulins, which is great for campers who don’t want bulky gear but instead are looking for long-lasting equipment.
4. Multi-Purpose Use
- In camping, one tarpaulin can be used in multiple ways:
- Shade or canopy for cooking and dining spaces
- Rain emergency cover
- Windbreaker
- Picnic mat
- Gear, bike, or firewood cover
5. Durability and Reusability
Heavy-duty tarpaulins are made for the outdoors. Unlike thin plastic sheets, they are robust, tear-proof, and reusable for several trips.
6. Cost-Effective Solution
Tarpaulins are relatively inexpensive compared to other dedicated camping equipment but very versatile. A single sheet substitutes for many items, thus making them a cost-effective option for campers.
7. Easy Setup
With only a few poles and ropes, a tarpaulin can instantly be converted into a shelter or awning. This is particularly useful during emergencies when you require instant cover.
Conclusion
For camping enthusiasts, a waterproof tarpaulin is more than a backup; it is an integral part of the adventure. Whether you use a lightweight poly tarp, a heavy-duty canvas tarp, or a heavy-duty poly tarp, a tarp will help you stay dry, safe, and comfortable.
So before you go on your next camping trip, make sure you get your high-quality, waterproof tarpaulin packed. It may be the one piece of gear that makes your time outdoors actually enjoyable.
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