When you’re miles from the nearest roof, your hammock tarp becomes your first line of defense against the elements. A reliable shelter overhead is what separates a miserable, rain-soaked night from a cozy, dry retreat in the wilderness. Choosing the right tarp is a critical piece of gear strategy for any backpacker or camper.
The ideal hammock rainfly balances weight, coverage, and durability. From ultralight models for the gram-counting thru-hiker to versatile tarps that create a spacious living area, there’s a perfect option for every adventure. This roundup breaks down eight of the best hammock tarps available, highlighting their key features to help you make an informed decision for your next trip.
Our Top Picks for Hammock Tarps
- Hennessy Hammock – Hex Rainfly – Rain Tarp
- Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Rain Fly
- ENO, Eagles Nest Outfitters ProFly Rain Tarp
- ENO, Eagles Nest Outfitters DryFly Rain Tarp
- Kelty Noah’s Tarp Sun Shelter
- AquaQuest Guide Tarp – Ultralight Waterproof
- Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp
- Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Tarp
Hennessy Hammock – Hex Rainfly – Rain Tarp
The Hennessy Hex Rainfly is designed for versatility and reliable coverage. Weighing 27 ounces, this coyote brown tarp provides a substantial shield from rain and wind. Its hexagonal shape offers excellent protection while allowing for multiple pitching options to suit the weather conditions.
One of its standout features is its adaptability. You can angle it out to create a large covered area for cooking or relaxing during a rainy day, or stake it down near the ground on both sides for a sealed, storm-ready shelter. With a packed size of just 3.5″ x 11″, it consolidates into a compact package that is manageable for most backpacking loads.
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Rain Fly
Wise Owl Outfitters delivers a complete package with their Hammock Rain Fly. Constructed from ripstop nylon with fully taped seams, this tarp is built to block rain effectively and shield your hammock from wet conditions. It’s a dependable choice for both hammock camping and as a general-purpose rain fly on backcountry trips.
This tarp shines with its all-in-one setup. It includes six 10-foot guy lines, aluminum tent stakes, a stake pouch, and a waterproof carry bag, ensuring you have everything needed for a quick and reliable installation. At just 26 ounces, it is a lightweight and compact option that packs down small, making it an excellent addition to any backpacking kit.
ENO, Eagles Nest Outfitters ProFly Rain Tarp
The ENO ProFly Rain Tarp is a trusted shelter made from polyurethane-treated 210D ripstop nylon. This material offers long-lasting wear and superior water-shedding capabilities to keep you dry and comfortable through the night. Its classic rectangular shape is a proven design for hammock camping.
Security is a key benefit, with six connection points providing multiple anchoring options for a stable setup in sudden downpours or windy conditions. Weighing only 22 ounces and including a convenient stuff sack, the ProFly is an adventure-ready piece of gear that is easy to pack and carry on all your trips.
ENO, Eagles Nest Outfitters DryFly Rain Tarp
The ENO DryFly Rain Tarp features a unique shape that provides a spacious interior with generous headroom. Like the ProFly, it is crafted from polyurethane-treated ripstop nylon, ensuring you stay dry and cozy with its excellent water-shedding performance. The design offers allover coverage to protect both you and your gear.
This tarp is perfect for campers who value extra living space under their shelter. The added coverage gives you room to move and store your pack without feeling cramped. Also weighing 22 ounces and featuring a built-in stuff sack, the DryFly is incredibly simple to transport and deploy whenever you need reliable overhead protection.
Kelty Noah’s Tarp Sun Shelter
The Kelty Noah’s Tarp is a highly versatile sun shelter and multi-use awning. Its seam-sealed construction provides reliable all-weather protection, making it just as effective against rain as it is against the sun. Available in multiple sizes, it allows you to choose the perfect coverage area for your needs.
This tarp is built for adaptable pitching, thanks to its numerous reinforced tie-out points. Whether you need an A-frame over a hammock or a large group shelter, the configuration options are nearly endless. The durable corner guyline includes a convenient storage pouch, keeping your setup organized and straightforward.
AquaQuest Guide Tarp – Ultralight Waterproof
The AquaQuest Guide Tarp is a performance-oriented shelter built for demanding conditions. It is made from a dual-coated 40D ripstop nylon fabric with a 5,000 mm waterproof rating and heat-taped seams, guaranteeing you stay dry even in driving rain and shifting winds. Its robust construction is made to handle long miles and repeated use.
This tarp is designed for low-profile, stable pitches. The high density of tie-out points enables tight configurations like A-frame, lean-to, or asym setups that remain stable in changing winds. With features like a grosgrain ridgeline and dual-layer corner reinforcements, it’s a trail-tough shelter ideal for thru-hiking and stealth camping.
Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp
Sea to Summit is known for its high-quality, innovative gear, and the Escapist Tarp lives up to that reputation. Designed with the weight-conscious backpacker in mind, this tarp focuses on providing essential protection without unnecessary bulk. It utilizes advanced materials to achieve a low pack weight and volume.
The Escapist Tarp offers a smart balance of coverage and weight savings, making it a favorite among ultralight enthusiasts. Its thoughtful design includes features that simplify pitching and enhance stormworthiness, ensuring you have a reliable shelter that doesn’t weigh you down on the trail.
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Tarp
This general-purpose camping tarp from Wise Owl Outfitters offers great value and functionality. It serves as a reliable and affordable option for creating a dry space at your campsite, whether used over a hammock or as a standalone sun and rain shelter for gear and people.
Known for their user-friendly designs, Wise Owl likely includes practical features like reinforced tie-outs and a compact carry bag. This tarp is an excellent choice for car campers, festival-goers, and beginner backpackers who need a simple, effective shelter solution without a high cost.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Hammock Tarp for Backpacking & Camping Shelters
When I first started hammock camping, I thought any old tarp would do. I quickly learned that a good hammock tarp is your primary shelter, your shield against wind, rain, and sun. Choosing the right one makes the difference between a miserable, wet night and a cozy, dry one. Here’s what I look for when picking out a tarp for my hammock setup.
First, consider the size and shape. A larger tarp offers more coverage and protection from blowing rain, which is a lifesaver in a storm. However, it also means more weight and bulk in your pack. Smaller, minimalist tarps are light and compact but offer less living space and require more precise pitching. The shape is equally important. Asymmetrical tarps are lightweight and offer basic coverage at an angle that follows your lay in the hammock. Hex tarps are the popular middle-ground, providing great coverage with a good weight. Rectangle tarps offer the most versatility and coverage, allowing for many pitching configurations, but they are often the heaviest option.
Next, the material is a huge factor in weight, packability, and durability. Silnylon is a classic choice; it’s lightweight, strong, and packs down small, but it can absorb water and sag when wet, requiring re-tightening. Silpoly is similar but doesn’t absorb water, so it sags less. For the ultimate lightweight solution, DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric) is the king. It’s incredibly light, doesn’t sag, and is very strong, but it comes with a much higher price tag and can be less durable against abrasion over time.
Don’t forget about the features. I always look for plenty of attachment points along the edges (guyline points). These give you the flexibility to pitch the tarp in various ways depending on the weather. Doors are a feature I now consider essential for three-season camping. A tarp with doors can be fully enclosed, blocking wind and rain from the ends, creating a much more storm-worthy shelter. Finally, check what’s included. Some tarps come with a full set of stakes and guylines, while others are sold as “tarp only,” meaning you’ll need to supply your own. Investing in a quality set of lightweight stakes and reflective guylines is a good idea for any setup. By thinking about your typical camping conditions and balancing weight against coverage, you can find the perfect hammock tarp for your adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a tarp for hammock camping?
Yes, absolutely. While it’s tempting to sleep under the stars, a tarp is non-negotiable for any serious hammock trip. It’s your roof. It protects you from rain, blocks wind which can steal your body heat, and can even provide shade from the sun. Without one, you are completely exposed to the elements, which can quickly turn a fun trip into a dangerous situation.
What size hammock tarp should I get?
This depends on your priorities. For maximum protection from weather, especially in windy or rainy conditions, a larger tarp is better. Look for one that extends at least 8-12 inches beyond the ends of your hammock. If you are a fair-weather camper or an ultralight backpacker trying to save every ounce, a smaller, asymmetrical tarp might be sufficient. For most people, an 11-foot hex tarp is a great starting point for balancing coverage and weight.
What is the difference between silnylon and Dyneema (DCF) tarps?
The main differences are weight, cost, and performance. Silnylon is a trusted, affordable material that is strong and packs down small. Its main drawback is that it absorbs a little water, which can cause it to sag, requiring you to tighten it in the middle of the night. Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) is significantly lighter, doesn’t absorb water at all (so no sag), and is very strong. However, it is much more expensive and can be less resistant to abrasion over many years of hard use.
Are tarp doors important?
Doors are a fantastic feature that greatly increase your tarp’s weather resistance. They are panels on the ends of the tarp that can be closed to block wind and blowing rain or snow. For summer camping in calm conditions, you might not need them. For three-season camping where weather can be unpredictable, or for camping in exposed areas, doors provide a huge upgrade in comfort and protection, effectively turning your tarp into a fully enclosed shelter.
How do I set up my hammock tarp?
The most common method is a simple “ridge line” setup. You string a line between two trees, above your hammock. Then, you drape the tarp over this line and pull the corners out and stake them down. The key is to get a taut pitch so rain runs off and doesn’t pool. There are many other configurations, like an “A-frame” or a “porch mode,” which you can learn to adapt to different conditions. Practice in your backyard before you head out on the trail.
Can I use a regular tent footprint or a blue poly tarp?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it for backpacking. A blue poly tarp from a hardware store is bulky, heavy, and noisy in the wind. A tent footprint is usually too small and not the right shape. A purpose-built hammock tarp is designed to be lightweight, pack down small, and provide the right coverage for your hammock, making it a much better investment for your backpacking and camping shelters.