Tarp

The most basic shelter solution: light, simple, and remarkably versatile.

A tarp provides essential weather protection but still allows you to feel fully “outdoors.” Indeed, there are those who prefer tarp camping, in all weather conditions, precisely because of that feeling. And how much of that “feeling” you indulge in is up to you, since our tarp’s “shape” is limited only by imagination and pitching materials. Combine a tarp with our Bivanorak, and you get remarkable weather protection at an incredibly low weight.

A tarp can also add a new dimension to tent camping: Pitch a tarp over the tent’s entrance, and you have a breezy patio, or build a tarp kitchen away from your campsite for greater safety in bear country.

Hilleberg tarps come in three sizes, Tarp 5, 10 and 20, designed for solo, two person, and group use, respectively. Each is available in both a super light UL and a heavy duty XP version. The former is made from our Kerlon 1200, and the latter from Kerlon SP. Both are tremendously strong yet lightweight, silicone-coated fabrics, but where the Kerlon 1200 is nylon, the SP is polyester. On all models, the attachment rings have long guy lines with line runners on them. In addition, the stuff bag is cleverly integrated into the Tarp itself, both saving weight and allowing quicker deployment and repacking.

A Tarp 10 over a tent provides extra sun protection and creates a great backcountry porch. Photo: Bo Hilleberg

Two Tarp 20s used together provide an impressive amount of
coverage - perfect for group outings. Photo: Bo Hilleberg

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