Rain fly tarps are an essential piece of gear for anyone who spends time outdoors. These versatile tarps can be used as a makeshift shelter from the elements, as a ground cloth for your tent, or as a standalone shelter. When properly cared for, a rain fly tarp can last for years and become an indispensable part of your gear collection.
Best rain fly tarp
What is a rain fly tarp?
Rain fly tarps are lightweight, waterproof tarps that protect hammocks from inclement weather. Rain fly tarps are made of durable, waterproof materials such as nylon or polyester. They are typically equipped with grommets or tie-down points to allow for easy setup and secure attachment to trees or other supports. Many rain fly tarps also feature a built-in bug netting to protect against insects.
Rain fly tarps are an essential piece of gear for hammock camping, as they provide protection from the elements and ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. They are especially useful in areas with high humidity or frequent precipitation, as they help to keep the hammock and sleeping bag dry. Rain fly tarps are also useful in sunny climates, as they provide shade and protection from UV rays.
When selecting a rain fly tarp, it is important to consider the size and shape of the hammock and the conditions in which it will be used. Some rain fly tarps are designed specifically for certain types of hammocks, while others are more versatile and can be used with a variety of hammocks. It is also important to consider the weight and portability of the tarp, as well as the durability and waterproofness of the material.
Overall, rain fly tarps are an essential piece of gear for hammock camping, as they provide protection from the elements and ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. They are especially useful in areas with high humidity or frequent precipitation, as they help to keep the hammock and sleeping bag dry. Rain fly tarps are also useful in sunny climates, as they provide shade and protection from UV rays. When selecting a rain fly tarp, it is important to consider the size and shape of the hammock and the conditions in which it will be used.
How to choose the right rain fly tarp for your needs
While you might have a tent that’s supposed to keep you dry, sometimes you need a rain fly. Although it’s not a necessity, it’s highly recommended. That’s why today we take a look at the features you should consider before buying the best rain fly tarp for your needs.
Types of Rain Fly Tarp
Shape
Rain fly tarps come in many different shapes. They can be A-shaped, pyramid-shaped, or even irregular. Generally, they follow the shape of your tent.
Size
Although you can find universal rain fly tarps, it’s recommended to get one custom-made for your tent. That way, you get the perfect fit and don’t have to bother with adjusting the tarp.
Materials
Rain fly tarps can be made from different materials. Silicone-impregnated nylon is a common choice because it’s lightweight and compact. It also provides a good shield against rain.
Features
Some features might be essential for you and your needs. For example, you might want a tarp with reinforced eyelets if you expect high winds. But you don’t need all the features to get the best rain fly tarp.
1. Consider the Shape
The first thing you should consider is the shape of the rain fly tarp. It needs to match the shape of your tent to provide the best coverage. There are a few common types you will find:
A-shaped
This is the most common shape and works best with smaller tents. However, it’s not the best choice if you expect winds because it can catch the wind like a sail.
Pyramid-shaped
A pyramid-shaped rain fly is more aerodynamic and is better at handling windy conditions. It’s also more spacious, so you can use it with larger tents.
Irregular
Some rain fly tarps, especially the ones designed for hammocks, have irregular shapes. They follow the shape of the hammock, and they are usually asymmetric.
2. Think About the Size
The size of the rain fly tarp is also important. It needs to cover your tent completely, so it’s best to get one that’s custom-made for your tent. That way, you get the perfect fit and don’t have to bother with adjusting the tarp.
Top 5 rain fly tarps on the market today
Rain fly tarps are an essential piece of gear for any outdoor enthusiast. They provide shelter from the elements, and can be used to create a makeshift campsite or to protect your gear from the rain. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which rain fly tarp is right for you.
So, to make your decision easier, we’ve rounded up the top five rain fly tarps on the market today. These tarps are all high-quality and durable, and they come in a variety of sizes to suit your needs. So, without further ado, here are the top five rain fly tarps on the market today.
1. The North Face Stormbreak Tarp
This tarp is made from durable, waterproof fabric and features reinforced corners and edges for added strength. It also has a reflective logo for added visibility in low-light conditions.
2. MSR Hubba Hubba NX Tarp
This tarp is made from durable, waterproof fabric and features reinforced corners and edges for added strength. It also has a reflective logo for added visibility in low-light conditions.
3. Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL Tarp
This tarp is made from durable, waterproof fabric and features reinforced corners and edges for added strength. It also has a reflective logo for added visibility in low-light conditions.
4. Black Diamond Alpine Light Tarp
This tarp is made from durable, waterproof fabric and features reinforced corners and edges for added strength. It also has a reflective logo for added visibility in low-light conditions.
5. Marmot Super Mica Tarp
This tarp is made from durable, waterproof fabric and features reinforced corners and edges for added strength. It also has a reflective logo for added visibility in low-light conditions.
So, if you’re looking for a high-quality and durable rain fly tarp, any of these five options would be a great choice.
How to care for your rain fly tarp
How to care for your rain fly tarp
Rain fly tarps are a great way to keep your belongings dry when you’re camping, but they can be tough to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for your rain fly tarp:
1. Make sure to always pack your rain fly tarp when you’re going camping. This will help to prevent it from getting damaged.
2. When you’re setting up your campsite, try to find a spot that is sheltered from the wind. This will help to keep your rain fly tarp from blowing away.
3. If it starts to rain, try to get under the rain fly tarp as quickly as possible. This will help to keep you and your belongings dry.
4. After it stops raining, make sure to shake off any excess water from the rain fly tarp. This will help to prevent the water from pooling and weighing it down.
5. When you’re packing up your campsite, try to fold the rain fly tarp carefully. This will help to prevent it from getting damaged.
6. Make sure to store your rain fly tarp in a dry place when you’re not using it. This will help to prevent it from getting moldy or musty.
Following these tips will help to keep your rain fly tarp in good condition for many years to come.
How to use your rain fly tarp
Rain, rain go away, come again another day – or not! When you’re out on the trail, rain is one thing you can never fully escape or plan for. You can pack extra clothes, a tent footprint, and a rain jacket, but sometimes it’s hard to cover every angle. One of the most important things you can do to protect your shelter is to use a rain fly tarp. These tarps can protect your tent from damage, keep you dry, and even provide you with a little extra living space. But how do you use your rain fly tarp? And what are some other ways that you can use it? Let’s find out.
There are a lot of different ways to set up a rain fly tarp, and the method you choose may depend on the kind of tent you have, where you’re camping, and how much coverage you need. In general, you’ll want to set up your rain fly tarp in a way that provides the most coverage for your shelter. You’ll also want to make sure that the tarp is properly secured so that it doesn’t blow away in the wind. Here are a few different set-up methods that you can use:
1. Diamond Shape: This is a great set-up for providing maximum coverage for your tent. To create a diamond shape, you’ll need to stake out four corners of your tarp, then stake out the remaining four corners at a 90-degree angle from the first set of stakes. This will create a diamond shape with your tent in the center.
2. A-Frame: This set-up is similar to the diamond shape, but it’s a little bit more simple. To create an A-frame, you’ll need to stake out two corners of your tarp, then stake out the remaining two corners at a 45-degree angle from the first set of stakes. This will create a triangle shape with your tent in the center.
3. Lean-To: This set-up is great for creating a covered area outside of your tent. To create a lean-to, you’ll need to stake out two corners of your tarp, then stake out the remaining two corners at a 45-degree angle from the first set of stakes. This will create a triangle shape with the open side facing your tent.