Best Ultralight Backpacking Tarps [2024]

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This is a gear review about the best ultralight backpacking tarps for 2024.

If you are going backpacking and want to have protection from the rain but not be weighed down with the extra weight of a tent, then purchasing an ultralight backpacking tarp is a great solution.

An ultralight rain tarp will provide you with waterproof protection against any harsh weather, however, it can be overwhelming to know which option is best for you as there are a lot of choices available on the market. For most of these tarps, all you need to pitch them are some Lightweight Trekking Poles and Lightweight Tent Stakes.

I’ve narrowed down the choice of the best backpacking tarps available in 2024.

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How We Tested

All the Ultralight Rain Tarps in this review have been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has many years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking. Some of the ultralight tarps were purchased by the author for this review. They have been rigorously tested by the author on thru-hiking trails and backpacking trails. The research, testing, and experience of the author have combined to come up with the best backpacking tarps for 2024. Read the Review Policy for further details.

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Best Ultralight Backpacking Tarps 2024

The Best Ultralight Backpacking Tarps for 2024 are:

The recommendation for best overall ultralight tarps is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp. It features a minimalist and ultralight design making it ideal for ultralight backpacking.

It comes with unlimited pitching options meaning that you can set up this tarp no matter where you are. There are two sizes available, so you can make sure you get the best size for you.

The design means that you can set up regardless of the weather conditions, terrain, or requirements making it highly versatile and handy for those who want to minimize the amount of equipment they carry on their backpacking adventures. 

What makes this the top pick is that it has flat edges and square corners as well as a non-catenary cut which provides maximum versatility. This is not only a lightweight tarp but it is functional and very strong.

The tarp itself is made from Dyneema Composite Fabric in an upgrade from the previous design’s Cuban Fiber meaning that this tarp is extremely durable and UV resistant.

You can use adjustable trekking poles to set it up depending on your size and height and you will need to buy ultralight tent stakes separately.

Overall, this is the Best Backpacking Tarp for 2024. It is a great balance between cost, ultralight weight, durability, and functionality.

The Zpacks 7′ x 9′ Flat Tarp shelter has a beautiful minimalist design that takes up little space and can be used on any terrain in any environment.

The lightweight materials mean that this tarp is ideal for ultralight backpackers such as thru-hikers who want to the lightest possible weight that doesn’t take up much space in the backpack.

It has been made from .55 oz/sqyd Dyneema Composite Fabric which has been treated to ensure that it is waterproof and resistant to harsh weather conditions. 

This tarp has been designed with a ridged seam that has been taped while the tie-outs have bonded reinforcements meaning that seam sealing isn’t necessary.

It comes with a small stuff sack so you can keep the full kit safe and secure in one place. When set up at camp, any condensation runs down the walls and out of the edges of the tarp thanks to the intricate design.

This tarp also comes with a two-year limited warranty so you can purchase it with peace of mind knowing that this is a product that is meant to last. 

Overall, this is the best ultralight tarp for thru-hiking or ultralight hikers.

The Six Moon Designs Gatewood Cape is a unique combination of an ultralight backpacking tarp tent and an ultralight rain poncho. As a rain poncho, it covers not only the hiker but the backpack, keeping everything dry. This combination is one of the best gear setups for ultralight thru-hikers.

It features micro buckles that help to connect the harness to the cape meaning that it is easy to install and remove while the full 360-degree protection means that you can use the tarp as a shelter regardless of the weather, terrain, or use.

As an ultralight rain tarp it has a full zippered entrance meaning that you will have complete protection and shelter whilst entering and exiting the tarp is quick and easy. The adjustable vestibule height means that you can adjust the ventilation without compromising the amount of rain protection. 

This tarp comes with a lifetime warranty so you can purchase it with peace of mind and the customer service team has been specially trained to assist with any technical issues or queries you may have so you can make the most of the product.

It can be set up with ultralight trekking poles or the poles and ultralight tent stakes are sold separately and do not come with this tarp’s kit. These ultralight tarp tents and ponchos can be combined with the Serenity Ultralight NetTent to provide complete bug protection.

Overall, this is the best rain tarp and poncho on the market.

The Kammok Kuhli Ultralight is the lightweight version of the very popular Kuhli Shelter. It is offering a coverage area of 11’ by 7.3’ but with the same incredible adaptability and durability.

You’ll find the same coated ripstop nylon fabric and reinforced guy points, giving you confidence in the security of your cover whatever the weather.

The Kammok Kuhli Ultralight has a knot-free set-up and four included stakes, perfect for anchoring quickly to the ground or trees.

There are eight guy points on this tarp, allowing for a wide range of configurations. With the addition of hiking poles or other flexible poles, you can rig an A-frame in no time!

The Kammok Kuhli Ultralight weighs 14oz / 397g at total packed weight, and measures only 3.75” by 7” when packed in the stuff sack that is included.

Overall, this is one of the best lightweight backpacking tarps. It is also a very good Hammock Tarp.

The Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp is ultralight and compact in design making it ideal for those who need a tarp for long hiking trips and want to minimize the amount of equipment and weight that they are carrying.

The Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp is made from a tape seam-sealed waterproof 15 denier Ultra-Sil (silicone impregnated nylon) Nano nylon meaning that the material is highly durable and reliable thanks to its waterproof nature making it great for use in all weather conditions on any terrain with ease.

It comes with eight Hypalon and bar-tack reinforced tie-out points that are evenly distributed making it versatile for any kind of setup while also ensuring that the tarp will be pitched securely no matter what. 

This tarp comes with reinforced corners that feature cord lock and guy lines meaning that they can be adjusted from under the tarp so you don’t have to be exposed to poor weather conditions while adjusting the tarp.

It can be pitched in a variety of different positions using trekking poles or even trees meaning that you can provide yourself extra protection in harsh weather conditions without exposing yourself to heavy rainfall or otherwise. 

Overall, this is a great ultralight tarp.

The Paria Outdoor Products Sanctuary SilTarp is made from waterproof 30 deniers ripstop nylon that has been treated with silicone/PU dual-coating as well as fully taped seams meaning that this tarp has 5000mm of hydro-static resistance.

This tarp comes with everything you need including 18 meters of 1.5mm reflective Dyneema guy line, six aluminum Y-stakes, and six micro line-Lok adjusters so you can use this tarp in any environment regardless of the terrain.

This kit is not as light as the other tarps in this review. The tarp weighs 22oz / 620g and the full kit weighs in at 27oz / 765g making it ideal for those who like to go on long hiking adventures regularly. 

This tarp is incredibly flexible when it comes to what you can use it for thanks to its flat shape which has been designed with a total of 16 perimeter attachment loops as well as one center loop meaning that you can set up the perfect shelter no matter where you are.

It also comes with a full lifetime warranty so you can purchase it with peace of mind knowing that this is a product that has been made to last for years to come. 

The Gossamer Gear Twinn Tarp comes in at a good price point for a backpacking tarp. Add to that the lightweight of only 9.7 oz / 275 grams and a compact pack size.

With a size of 8.6′ x 7′, the Gossamer Gear Twinn Tarp is not only a good size but the Catenary Cut makes the size just about perfect. It comes factory seam sealed and has guy lines and internal loops that can be used to hang a bug net or camping light. Just add two hiking poles and tent stakes and you are good to go.

Overall, the Gossamer Gear Twinn Tarp is a good-budget backpacking tarp.

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Backpacking Tarp Comparison Table

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Material

The first thing you need to think about is the material used to make the lightweight tarps. In many cases, this will determine the overall quality and longevity of the product.

The best materials to look out for are nylon and Dyneema. They have the best levels of durability and lightweight that are needed to go camping, especially during harsh weather conditions.

Nylon is also lightweight, economical, and doesn’t take up much space meaning that you don’t have to worry about it weighing you down if you are going hiking. 

Dyneema is extremely lightweight, very strong, naturally water repellent, and packs to a very small size. But all those advantages come at a price, they are more expensive.

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Size

When you research backpacking tarps, it’s important to know what size you are looking for so you can be assured that you have full coverage.

If you purchase a tarp that is too small then it isn’t going to cover the whole surface and thus not give you the protection needed while a tarp that is too large is going to overwhelm and not be as easy to control when setting it up.

Making sure that you measure your tent will mean that you can get a tarp that covers it properly. 

For most people and most situations, the tarps in this review will work great. Generally, 8′ x 8′ is good enough for most situations. If you want something bigger to sit out bad weather with either 2-4 people then the larger 10′ x 10′ sizes are better. Personally, I think the sweet spot is around the 8′ x 9′ size which is a great size if you use a bivy sack.

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Packed Size

There are generally a couple of reasons that you might consider using tarp shelters. One of the main reasons is the smaller pack size than a tent. All the ultralight tarps in this review pack up to a small storage size.

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Warranty

Another important factor to think about is whether the product comes with a warranty period or returns policy which will give you extra peace of mind.

Purchasing a product that is backed by a warranty will ensure that you make the most of the product. You can also be assured that the customer service teams are specially trained to assist you with any technical issues and queries you may have.

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Budget

Lastly, always consider your budget.

As you can see from the recommendations in this article, there are options available at varying price points which means that whether you have the money to spend or are working with a stricter budget, you’ll be able to find an option that is perfect for you that doesn’t break the bank. 

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Conclusion

The Best Ultralight Backpacking Tarps for 2024 are:

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Frequently Asked Questions

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