Best Hammock Tarps: Stay Dry and Comfy in the Great Outdoors

If you’ve ever been caught in a surprise downpour while hammock camping, you already know this truth: your tarp is your lifeline. A good hammock tarp isn’t just about keeping you dry. It’s about creating a cozy cocoon that shields you from wind, rain, bugs, and blazing sun—without ruining the open-air freedom that makes hammocking so addictive in the first place.

So why does this matter? Whether you’re an ultralight backpacker, a casual camper, or someone setting up a chill backyard hangout, the right hammock tarp can make or break your setup. With so many styles and materials out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry—we’ll unpack everything you need to know to pick the best one for your adventures.

Feature Breakdown: Best Hammock Tarps Compared

To help you skip the guesswork, here’s a side-by-side look at some of the most highly rated hammock tarps available right now. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly pick or a premium, storm-proof fortress, this chart gives you a clear view of what each offers.

Hammock Tarp	Size (ft)	Weight	Material	Coverage Type	Best For
ENO ProFly Rain Tarp	10.6 x 6.4	22 oz	Ripstop nylon	Hexagonal	General hammocking
Warbonnet Superfly	11 x 10	19 oz	Silpoly	Full coverage with doors	All-weather camping
Hennessy Hex Tarp	12 x 10	23 oz	Polyurethane-coated polyester	Hexagonal	Versatile & large coverage
UGQ Winter Dream 13	13 x 10	21 oz	Silpoly	Four-season coverage	Snow and heavy rain
Rainfly Evolution Hammock Tarp	12 x 10	18 oz	Ripstop nylon	Diamond shape	Budget-conscious campers
Sea to Summit Escapist Tarp	10 x 10	10.5 oz	UltraSil Nano	Rectangle	Ultralight backpacking
Chill Gorilla Fortress	11 x 9	20 oz	210D ripstop	Hex with doors	Bug and wind protection

Quick Takeaways:

Best Budget Tarp: Rainfly Evolution Hammock Tarp – light, spacious, and wallet-friendly.
Best for Bad Weather: Warbonnet Superfly – full protection with extra flaps (aka doors).
Best for Backpackers: Sea to Summit Escapist – ultralight and compact.
Best Overall Versatility: Hennessy Hex – roomy and easy to pitch in multiple configurations.

Top Features to Look For in a Hammock Tarp (And Why They Matter)

Not all tarps are created equal. Choosing the right one means understanding what features truly affect comfort, durability, and ease of use. Here’s what to focus on:

Tarp Shape

Hexagonal: Popular for their mix of coverage and lightweight design. Great for most weather.
Rectangle: More versatile in pitching but slightly heavier.
Diamond: Light and simple, but offers less side protection. Best for fair-weather trips.
Four-season (with doors): Like a cozy tent fly—blocks wind, rain, and snow. Ideal for year-round use.

Tip: If you’re just starting, go with a hex tarp. It’s forgiving and easy to pitch.

Material & Waterproofing

Silnylon: Lightweight and packs small. Slight stretch and may sag when wet.
Silpoly: Resists water absorption better than silnylon—great for rain-heavy regions.
Dyneema (Cuben Fiber): Ultra-light, ultra-strong, ultra-expensive. Doesn’t stretch, but costs a fortune.

Look for: Waterproof ratings above 2000 mm for solid rain protection.

Weight & Packability

Backpackers care about every ounce. For day campers, weight is less critical.
Heavier tarps usually offer more protection but can be bulky.

Ridgeline and Tie-Outs

Reinforced ridge lines and multiple tie-outs allow for more pitching options and better wind resistance.
Built-in grommets or guy lines? Game changers for fast setup.

Coverage Size

Make sure it extends 8–12 inches beyond your hammock at both ends.
Bigger tarps are more versatile but heavier.

Built-In Doors or Flaps

Essential for windy or cold weather.
Help turn your hammock setup into a full-blown mini-shelter.

Ease of Setup

Some tarps come with tensioners, quick-clip systems, or color-coded corners—these can save tons of time.

FAQs About Hammock Tarps

Do I really need a special tarp for my hammock?

Yes and no. Any waterproof tarp can work technically, but a dedicated hammock tarp is shaped and sized for better coverage, breathability, and ease of setup.

Can I use a hammock tarp on the ground?

Absolutely! Many hammock tarps double as emergency shelters or ground tarps. Rectangle tarps work best for ground setups due to their shape versatility.

What’s better: Silnylon or Silpoly?

Silpoly tends to sag less when wet and doesn’t absorb water as much. If you’re often in rainy or humid areas, Silpoly is the better bet.

How big should my hammock tarp be?

A good rule of thumb: your tarp should be 2 feet longer than your hammock. For example, an 11-foot hammock pairs well with a 12-foot tarp.

How do I prevent my tarp from sagging?

Use a ridgeline and make sure you’re tensioning correctly. Choosing materials like Dyneema or Silpoly can also reduce sag.

Are doors necessary?

Not always. But if you’re camping in winter, wind, or sideways rain, tarp doors add crucial protection.

How do I store my tarp when not in use?

Store it dry, loosely rolled, and in a breathable sack. Avoid leaving it in stuff sacks long-term—this can degrade waterproof coatings.

Conclusion: Picking the Right Hammock Tarp for You

A hammock tarp might seem like a simple piece of gear—but it can make the difference between a restful night in the forest and a soggy, miserable experience. Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or just getting into hammock camping, investing in a quality tarp that matches your environment and style is a smart move.

Here’s a quick recap to help you choose:

Casual campers? Go with a hex tarp like the ENO ProFly.
All-weather warriors? Invest in something like the Warbonnet Superfly with doors.
Backpacking minimalist? The Sea to Summit Escapist or Dyneema-based tarps are your friends.
Budget-focused? The Rainfly Evolution tarp gives great value without cutting corners.

No matter which one you choose, the right tarp turns your hammock setup into a cozy haven. So next time you’re swaying between trees, listening to the rain tap gently above you instead of soaking your sleeping bag—you’ll know you made the right call.