Travel tarp: The best models in 2024

Are you going camping? Do you want to keep your tent and equipment protected from bad weather? Take a tarp. This is a large waterproof tarpaulin that we deploy over our campsite for additional protection against rain and gusts of wind. There is an equally effective, but ultralight version that is specially designed for travel. To sort things out, refer to our selection of the five best travel tarps of 2024.

What is a TARP? What’s the point ?

Tarps are essential equipment for bivouac stays. They are all the more important in the tropics, in the mountains or in glaciers where rain and violent winds can catch us off guard at any time. Being well equipped can then improve our safety. For rainy, wooded destinations, tarps are attached obliquely so that they drain water on one side. On the other hand, in the mountains or under the snow, three sides are fixed to the ground and the center is raised, ensuring that the opening is not in the direction of the wind.

Review and Test: The best TARP Travel to buy in 2024!

The best travel tarp of 2024 is the Front Range Ultralight which can amply accommodate four medium-sized tents with a total weight of 740g. It is completely waterproof and limits internal condensation to a minimum, making it as ideal in the forest as on glaciers. In addition, it has two zipped sides that can be opened. The only downside is that it is only available in one size and requires prior order.

Choose and find the best model before purchasing!

Travel tarps are safety equipment, so they must be ultra-resistant. Therefore, prefer waterproof, tear-resistant and anti-UV models so that they are strong against bad weather. Also opt for tarps whose edges are perforated and coated with metal or rigid plastic to avoid accidentally piercing them. Then take tarps whose surface area is much larger than that of your tents and packages to cover them well. Finally, to better manage the heat inside the tarps, choose the colors that absorb or refract solar radiation. For a completely waterproof option, buy the Queen of Tarps. For individual versions, prefer the super compact Escapist from Sea To Summit. If you sleep in a hammock, the Eagles Creek Outfitters ProFly provides additional protection for your personal belongings. And, if you’re going in a group, opt for the Brooks-Range UltraLite tarps which can optionally be fully deployed.

Comparison of the 10 best travel tarps in 2024

My Conclusion & My Opinion

When traveling, prevention is always better than cure, especially if you venture out to explore mother nature. For campsites and nights under the stars, this means having excellent equipment to protect yourself from the vagaries of the weather. Indeed, there is no feeling worse than being cold and helpless when you are far from home. Having a travel tarp is never a frivolity, but more an assurance of being safe, and choosing the right one for traveling is crucial to be more than confident about your safety and that of your equipment.