Tarp – Especially if you are an enthusiastic camper with a roof tent or folding caravan, it is a good idea to also pack a tarp tent.
This can be used individually as wind, rain or sun protection and is therefore ideal as an additional living area or for weather-related emergencies.
Whether as protection or additional space – a tarp is definitely a flexible must-have on the campsite and should therefore not be missing on your next vacation to enjoy a carefree and carefree time.
Find out more here.
Camping Ratgeber:
Tarp tent as an emergency plan: Carefree in any weather
Are you traveling in a camper or with a roof tent?
Then you are super flexible on your trip and can take a break at any time if necessary and spend the night in the most beautiful places.
Nevertheless, experienced campers often like to pack an additional awning or tarp as an emergency plan.
But what is a tarp, how is it used and how much does it cost?
What is a tarp?
A tarp consists of a universal tarpaulin that can be stretched out as required to create a shelter.
As it is quick and easy to set up, it is often taken along on excursions.
This allows you to take a break in the event of sudden rain or a storm, for example, and stay dry.
A tarp is therefore an all-rounder must-have when camping!
The whole thing is fastened using pegs and the existing fastening loops.
- Universally applicable tarpaulin
- Quick shelter
- To be fastened with pegs
A complete shelter is ready for you in just a few simple steps! 
Advantages: Why you need a tarp
7 good reasons to always have a tarp with you:
- Quick shelter for emergencies
- Can be used anytime and anywhere
- Stable and robust
- Wind and water resistant
- Breathable material
- Low dead weight
- Small pack size
- Easy to store and transport
How much does a tarp cost?
The price of a tarp can vary depending on the version and your preferences.
You can get a tarp that you have to cut to size for around 10.00 to 15.00 euros.
If you opt for a larger, higher-quality tarp with complete accessories, this can easily cost between 250.00 and 350.00 euros.
- From 10,00,- Euro for a simple tarpaulin
- Up to 350,00,- Euro for a fully equipped tarp tent
Instructions: How to set up your tarp correctly
Setting up your tarp – If you need to set up your tarp quickly when you’re out and about, you should be able to do so in just a few minutes.
To begin with, find a suitable spot where you feel comfortable, making sure it is flat and that the wind is blowing in the right direction.
You should also think about any wild animals running around and set up your tent away from them.
Materials: What do I need?
First of all, you don’t need much to set up your tarp.
Branches, logs or your hiking poles lying around are easy to get hold of.
Next, you should have a long, sturdy cord with you, which you can divide into several smaller cords.
Carabiners and pegs are used for fastening.
You will need the following materials:
- Branches, trunks or walking sticks
- Long cord (Reep cord if necessary)
- Carabiner
- Pegs
Assembly and dismantling: it’s that quick!
To stretch the tarpaulin for your finished tarp, you can simply use hiking poles, branches or trees to which the tarpaulin is attached.
The size and shape of the shelter can be flexibly determined and adjusted using the guy ropes provided.
It is precisely this flexibility that makes the tarp a popular product among many camping enthusiasts.
Setting up the tent is just as quick as taking it down.
In just a few minutes, you have a wind and waterproof tent that not only protects you from the sun and bad weather conditions, but can also be used as you wish.
Once dismantled, the tarp takes up very little space and storage space due to its low weight and small pack size and can therefore be easily taken along at any time. Quick assembly in just a few steps:
- Find branches, trees or hiking poles to attach them to
- Determine the size and shape of the tarp using the guy ropes
- Attach the tarpaulin to the branches
- Secure the whole thing with pegs
Structure and possible uses – Video!
Here is a short video about setting up a tarp!
If the tarp has convinced you so far, then take a look at this video to find out everything you need to know about the tarp in detail, learn how best to set it up and tension it and get to know other practical uses: https://youtu.be/Rc9QIop9GKA
Tarp variants: pitched roof, pointed roof & Co.
Now you can choose between different versions of your tarp.
Sloping roof – The simplest option is a sloping roof, which is attached to two branches or sticks and is particularly suitable as a very quick shelter.
Although you don’t have a lot of space here, the pitched roof is perfectly adequate in the event of a sudden shower.
Pitched roof – A pitched roof is also popular and you have numerous options for constructing it.
It practically hangs in the air!
You can flexibly determine the size and height and easily adjust it using the cord.
This tarp is particularly recommended for short breaks when it’s not quite so windy.
Complete shelter – The last variant is a complete shelter.
This is extremely wind-resistant and can be set up in just a few seconds.
So if you need a quick and easy shelter, you should use this technique.
The following variants are possible with the tarp:
- Pitched roof: quick shelter
- Pointed roof: Flexible height
- Complete shelter: wind-stable and easy to set up
Flexible use, waterproof & compact
Would you like a little more privacy on the campsite?
A tarp is not only suitable as protection from the weather, but also as a privacy screen, provided the tarpaulin is large enough.
Set it up quickly and you can sit down comfortably with your loved ones, cook something tasty, simply relax or use the extra space for storage – all without prying eyes!
You can create your own additional sheltered area to suit your purpose and preferences.
Either way, a tarp can be used flexibly, is easy to transport and uncomplicated to set up, making it convincing in many ways.
Your tarp can be used as:
- Protection from rain, wind and storms
- Privacy screen for more privacy
- Additional space on the campsite
Top 8: Which tarp is the best?
Still not sure which tarp is the best and the right one for your camping vacation?
Then here are some tips and recommendations for the top 8 tarp tents from various manufacturers.
Depending on your preferences and intended use, one or the other may be more suitable for you.
As a low budget tip, however, we also recommend a tarpaulin that you can easily cut to any size and use as a tarp.
The most popular tarp tents:
- AMAZONAS Ultra-Light Traveler Tarp
- MC Camo Tarp
- Ryaco camping tarpaulin
- Aqua Quest Defender Tarp
- Qeedo Smart Tarp
- V VONTOX tarpaulin
- PURE HANG Premium tarpaulin
- Tatonka awning tarp
Are you a camping beginner? Read all about the basics of packing lists, routes, costs, tips etc. here: Camping beginners.
Reading tips: Additional space, sun and privacy protection
What else do I need at the campsite?
To get an overview of useful accessories that you should generally have with you when camping, you can find a helpful packing list here.
If you need even more suggestions and tips to make your time at the campsite as pleasant and carefree as possible, read more articles on helpful gadgets here:
Advantages of tent extensions
Almost every experienced camper equips themselves with tent extensions at the start of their trip – and for one simple reason: they are super useful and make the most of your 10 square meters of living space.
More covered space, privacy and protection from all weather conditions.
Here you’ll find everything you need to know on the subject:
More space with an awning
Additional space on the campsite is not only recommended in the form of a tarp, but also with an awning.
This is big enough to relax and enjoy the evening with your loved ones, prepare a warm meal and play board games late at night.
Read more about this practical must-have for your camping vacation here:
Awnings as sun protection
As it can get very warm on the campsite, a fixed awning is also a good idea so that the sun doesn’t dazzle, at least when eating and sitting together.
However, the robust protection can usually also keep out rain and wind and also serves as a privacy screen if you want some privacy.
Read everything you need to know about awnings here:
