Getting into the world of hammock camping can be confusing enough as it is. You’ll soon realize you have to be a master of not only the hammock, but the top quilt, under quilt, and rain tarp, too!
We’re going to focus on getting you confident in how to choose and use the best hammock tarp rain fly, to keep you dry in all weather conditions. You can read reviews of my top picks too.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about hammock rain tarps. The rain fly does as the name suggests: it’s a sheet of material that goes over your hammock so you stay dry and sheltered from the elements.
I’m also going to review some of the best hammock tarps you can buy. That way you can spend more time camping, backpacking and less on shopping.
Table of contents
Best Hammock Tarp Reviews
Kammok Kuhli Shelter
Kammok are experts in hammock camping shelters and their tarps are top-quality. Using their own Patagium fabric, fully seam-sealed, with line locks and 10 guy-out points, you’ll have your shelter pitched in no time.
- Waterproof PU treated ripstop nylon with DWR for full weatherproof protection
- 12 foot ridgeline
- Easy to pitch without knots
Kammok is a cottage industry maker well known to experienced backpackers and they pay attention to every detail, bringing out innovative products such as the Kammok Mantis “hammock tent”.
Their tarps come with guylines, stakes, and seam-sealed materials for the ultimate in lightweight waterproof tarps. You’ll be ready to hit the trail as soon as your tarp arrives.
The crew at Kammok tests, retests, and constantly improves design and materials. I’ve talked to their research and design guys myself and I know they’re top-notch.
Best for excellent quality camping shelter and protection from all weather conditions.
VIEW AT REIBear Butt Double Hammock Tent Rain Fly
Imagine for a moment that your wallet rules you. We’re probably not so different in that case. So you’re looking for the best value on the market, right? Here it is!
- Waterproof polyester
- Diamond shape
- 5 colors to choose from
With nearly 13 feet of centerline length, you’ve got a lot to work with. However, keep in mind that the diamond shape means less coverage at the head and foot than a square shape. Just make sure you’ve got the right tarp size for adequate protection.
I like that you can get this tarp in different accent colors. They all look cool and the reinforced guy-out points are a nice add-on at this price point.
That brings me to the biggest positive factor here – its price!
I’m not a huge fan of the cheap-looking seam tape job on the ridgeline. Seam tape, as opposed to silicone seam sealer, has a habit of peeling off after a few seasons of use if not applied perfectly.
Best for hammock camping newbies looking to keep things affordable above all else – just know the lifespan may be limited to a few seasons. use.
VIEW ON AMAZONHennessy Hammock Hex Rainfly
Hennessy made the first camping hammock I ever bought. While I can’t say it was perfect, I can say their gear is among the top in the market for quality. That’s why this tarp makes sense for a lot of people.
- PU-coated polyester
- 27 ounces
- 12″ long centerline
You can get this in symmetrical or asymmetrical shapes. Mostly I’d recommend you get the symmetrical version just because the weight difference is minimal and the added protection is nice.
Did I mention you get your choice of olive drab or goldenrod yellow?
These tarps are a little heavier than a comparable UGQ model, but they’re also more affordable. They make a good “middle ground” if you’re a budget-focused backpacker but want something a little higher quality than the Bear Butt.
I’ve reinforced all the guy-out points, and let me tell you, their guyline cordage is top-notch! I know this from firsthand experience. It’s one of my favorite materials.
Best for backpackers looking for a proven quality tarp at a middle price point.
VIEW ON AMAZON VIEW AT REIGold Armour Rainfly Tarp Hammock
Gold Armour makes some pretty good outdoor stuff for the price. That’s the case with the rainfly tarp but I want to make sure you know what you’re getting so let’s go over everything.
- PU-coated nylon material
- 2lbs 4 ounces
- 12″ long centerline
The biggest differentiator of this tarp is that it comes with 2 centerlines, 33 tie-down points, stakes, ropes AND tensioners. If you are looking to get an all-in-one package, this is a good buy.
This rainfly tarp comes with 6 3-meter guy lines, 4 aluminum tent stakes, and rocking cheap plastic tensioners. You have the option to buy in sizes of 14ft x 12ft OR 12ft x 10ft OR 10ft x 10ft OR 10ft x 8ft.
Sizing-wise, the Gold Armour rainfly tarp is huge!
Overall I think you’ll be happy with this one once you get down to the tarp itself.
Best for budget price with a large rectangular tarp pitch and tons of surface area for protection from the elements.
ENO Housefly Rain Tarp
The ENO Housefly Rain Tarp is our top pick for cold-season hammock camping because when those temps plummet, you’ll want only the best weather protection.
- Doors ‘overlap’ so you feel you’re in a tent
- Ropes & tie-outs included for easy set up
- Lightweight, durable 15D Ripstop silnylon with PU coating
This large-size tarp weighs in at 1lb 9oz depending on configuration.
What you get is full control of every part of your hammock shelter. The design allows you to remove the ‘doors’ for use in warmer weather, when it’s fully closed you’ll get the ultimate in cold weather protection.
Heavier than an ultralight, minimalist tarp, the ENO will keep the wind out and manage a snow load with ease. An added advantage of the complete coverage is it affords privacy as well as keeping out the elements.
Best for 360-degree waterproof weather protection to keep you comfortable in your camping hammock.
VIEW ON AMAZON VIEW AT REIChoosing the Best Hammock Tarp
Hammock Tarp Materials: Durability & Tarp Weight
Hammock tarps come in a range of materials, from heavy-duty polyethylene to ultralight nylons.
Which you’ll need will depend on the type of camping trip you’re taking. Backpackers need an ultralight hammock tarp, but if you’re on a car camping trip you may want a heavier one.
Each one has pros and cons for outdoor use so let’s do a quick review:
Silnylon
Silicone impregnated nylon. It’s waterproof and effective but tends to stretch.
This is by far the most common material used for hammock tarps and your rain fly tent tarp. It’s not as durable, but will give you adequate protection for 3-season camping.
Silpoly
Silicone impregnated polyester. It’s more expensive but makes for a waterproof lightweight hammock tarp with less stretch than silnylon. It packs down small and takes up very little space in your backpack.
Ripstop
Polyester ripstop is a fabric where thick reinforcing fibers are woven in patterns. This increases the strength of the fabric construction while allowing the majority of the weave to be designed from smaller, ultralight fibers.
Ripstop fabric can be polyester or nylon base material, with just about any type of fiber woven in a grid pattern for extra strength. Thicker nylon or polyester fibers are common but advanced materials like dyneema and other hyper-strong reinforcing fibers can also be used for hammock tarps.
Spinnaker
Spinnaker sail cloth is a hybrid fabric that’s extremely lightweight but loud. It sounds like a crinkly potato chip bag and is very susceptible to damage, making it not very durable, and unsuitable for a camping shelter.
Dyneema Composite (Cuben Fiber)
Hammock tarps are made from Dyneema fiber sandwiched between plastic Mylar layers. The ultralight materials can be “welded” together to form a waterproof seam. This is the lightest fabric currently available, and very small when packed.
Polyurethane Treated
Polyurethane-treated camping tarps are either PE or nylon with a polyurethane layer for waterproofness. These are only as good as the PU layer and if that layer gets damaged or begins to peel you’ll have to replace or patch it. That said, they’re usually affordable and pretty durable.
All these materials are great choices – it depends on your priorities. If you have a tight budget, go with Silnylon – though it might be heavier and take up more space than others.
If you want the bleeding edge of waterproof tech go with a cuben fiber ultralight hammock rain tarp!
Camping Hammock Tarp Shapes
There are several different designs you’ll encounter. What you need depends on a couple of important factors.
- Asymmetrical hammock tarps are for, you guessed it, asymmetrical camping hammocks. These are designed so that users lay perpendicular (more or less) to the centerline of the hammock.
- Symmetrical hammock tarps are, again, symmetrical camping hammocks. I know – mind blown, right? The problem is if you get the wrong one you’ll be very wet.
How to Pitch a Hammock Tarp
What’s the best size tarp for hammock camping?
These shapes matter a lot if you’re cutting ounces (and corners). For the lightest, tightest-fitting tarp for best outdoor coverage, you need to match it to your hammock exactly.
If you’re buying an aftermarket rainfly or looking for a bigger waterproof tarp, you can safely switch from asymmetrical to symmetrical. The trick is to size up to make sure you’ve got enough coverage so you’re not outdoors in the rain.
The biggest problem is when asymmetrical hammock users try to reduce as much size as possible to save space. If in doubt – go up a size. It might weigh 2 ounces more, but you’ll give yourself better coverage and more room to pitch safely over the entire hammock.
In my experience, asymmetrical tarps aren’t as easy to set. Symmetrical ones will cover all your bases and leave you with more waterproof coverage for a mere ounce or two more (at most).
Square vs Diamond
Symmetrical tarps are usually square, diamond-shaped, and rectangular tarps. Diamond shapes try to reduce materials to keep weight and space down, while square tarps – not so much.
Diamond tarps are oriented so they taper toward the head and feet of the hammock. This offers very narrow coverage and minimal wind and rain protection near the ends (unless it’s oversized to begin with).
It’s up to you if you want the peace of mind of more coverage (square shape) or lighter weight (diamond). Rectangular tarps are often best for beginners.
Hammock Tarp Ridgelines
When you buy a hammock rain tarp it may or may not have a ridge line, which may or may not be continuous. The question is, how much does it matter?
Turns out it matters a lot.
Continuous ridgelines start at the tree (or another anchor – such as the hammock straps), attach to one end of the tarp, continue under the entire tarp, attach to the other end (of the tarp), and then finish at the second anchor point.
These are different than two-piece ridgelines which start at the anchor and terminate at one end of the tarp. The other end then has a second string which goes out to the other anchor point. In this case, no part of the ridgeline string goes under the tarp.
Continuous lines offer the advantage of transferring the load to the ridge line string and not the fabric. In this way, you can create decent tension on the line, without worrying about wind or loads tearing the tarp. This also provides a skeleton shape for the tarp to hang over so it doesn’t sag onto you.
With creative anchoring methods such as the taut line hitch or prusik knot, you can slide the tarp along the ridge line to adjust position and tension.
How Long Should My Ridge Line Be?
This is a personal choice. Generally, 12″ ridge lines are common. These usually have plenty of coverage, however, some shapes are smaller than others.
If you want more coverage look for a slightly longer ridge line but beware of going too long. If you have an absurdly big tarp shelter it will be heavy and hard to use.
Going too short will leave your toes sticking out and you’ll end up getting wet.
Seam Sealing Tarp Ridge lines
Make sure that the seam is sealed!
Seam sealing is the process of blocking out the tiny holes caused by sewing. In the case of a waterproof rain tarp you’ll need to make sure that the top line is sealed or it will drip on you all night.
To seal your seams I recommend following the process outlined in this video:
You’ll just need to buy a little SilNet first.
What Are Hammock Guylines?
These are the cords that extend from the corners of the rain tarp down to the ground. These keep it anchored and prevent it from moving too much in the wind.
Sometimes you’ll have center pulls that come from the middle of the tarp wall. These help keep the tarp from sagging onto you or your hammock.
Ideally, we want ultralight guyline cordage that still has enough strength to be wind, rain, and snow resistant.
You can use tent stakes to fix lines. Or you can attach it to branches, roots, rocks, or any other objects to hold the tarp at the correct angle.
What to Use for Guylines (Tie Outs)?
My preferred cordage for both guy lines and ridgelines is Dyna Glide throw line. The weight-to-strength ratio is unsurpassed, and it has a great slippery consistency that makes it easy to set with rough tree bark.
Being just 1.8mm in diameter, you can carry generous lengths of line and tie-outs without a lot of bulk or weight.
Alternatively, and less expensive, is the Amsteel cordage which is a bit bulkier and heavier, but not much. This makes a better choice for ridgelines.
Using Specialized Adjusters
For line setup, you can either learn a few knots or use some fun little adjusters.
If you’re struggling to adjust your tie-outs and you fumble with knots, there’s a quick and easy-to-use piece of hardware that will solve your problem. If you’re struggling to adjust your ridge line, there’s a gadget for that, too.
Dutchware Gear started as a DIY project, which gained traction as one hammock camper solved problems others were having. Now you can buy their innovative, lightweight, and easy-to-set solutions.
But – you can do everything necessary to set up a camping hammock rainfly pitch in any situation with just knots. The question is whether or not you want to put in the time and effort to master these knots and lashings.
If you do decide to do it the “old school” way you will master outdoor skills that may come in handy in other situations.
What’s Up With Hammock Stakes?
We’ve all heard of tent stakes but what about hammocks?
Stakes are used to tie down guy lines when you pitch your tarp for hammock camping.
By getting creative with rocks, roots, and branches you can tie out your hammock (or ground-based) tarp with fewer, if any, stakes. I have a habit of carrying about – as many stakes as I have guy lines. The rest I will find, make, or improvise in the field.
The idea of improvised stakes might not thrill you, but think about this:
Using tree branches under a little tension can make a self-adjusting guy line!
- Pull a small branch back a few inches, tie your guy line on it, and let it pull the material taut as it tries to snap back into position.
- As your tarp loosens or tightens due to rain, wind, or temperature changes, the branch(es) take up or give slack keeping it taut.
I still recommend you carry a couple of stakes in case you can’t find alternatives, my favorite is MSR Mini Groundhog stakes.
They’re lightweight and have amazing hold in any type of soil thanks to their “Y” shaped cross-section. Unless you’re camping in pure sand you don’t need the full-length version.
HELP! My Hammock Tarp Is Sagging!
Yep. You messed up. Fortunately, I can fix your hammock sagging problem. But not if you’ve got a rainfly hammock (where it’s built-in, not separate).
There’s one major secret to solving this problem and that is a separate hammock tarp. Do not use a tarp connected to the ridgeline of your hammock. If you are a beginner at tarp camping, we have a guide to help you get started.
My first hammock – with the rainfly connected to the hammock itself – and it’s a guaranteed recipe for sag.
Even with the best tarp-pitch known to man, the second you sit in your hammock, it’s going to sag because your weight has caused the two ends of the hammock, (and therefore the tarp), to come closer together – creating sag, and reducing protection from the elements.
The best way to solve this issue is to remove your tarp from the hammock’s ridgeline. Instead, use a separate dedicated line for tying your tarp to the trees. This isolates your weight from the tarp.
If you’re determined to keep your tarp attached to your hammock’s ridgeline, then you need some shock cord. An elastic shock cord can be used to pre-stretch the guylines and attachment points for your tarp before you get into the hammock.
Using a pre-stretched shock cord means that the elastic can take up the slack caused by your weight in the hammock and keep the tarp taut. It’s a heavier, bulkier, and more complicated solution than using a separate tarp line.
Self-tensioning line systems aren’t necessary if you use a separate tarp, with its ridgeline.
Catenary Cut Tarps
These tarps use math, science, and physics along with a hexagonal shape to stay 100% taut when pitched.
Proponents of “old school” square tarps will tell you that hexagonal (catcut) tarps have the following shortcomings:
- A perfectly taut pitch can overload seams when material shrinks due to changing weather conditions and humidity.
- If the material expands due to humidity and weather conditions, it immediately becomes saggy, compromising shelter
- Catenary tarps are more expensive compared to classic square-shape
- You must pitch catenary tarps in their originally designed position and orientation to achieve a taut pitch
The most important is the last drawback. Cat cut tarps have to be pitched at, or very close to, their originally designed orientation.
If you try to pitch a cat cut in an “odd” setup it wasn’t designed for, then the whole thing will become saggy. It offers less versatility for different setups.
All that said, square and rectangular tarps can sag no matter what you do so? either way, you’ll end up dealing with sag issues at some point.
Winter Hammock Tarps
All the logistical requirements aside, winter hammock camping requires a different approach. Cold weather protection is much more important!
Tarps for winter hammock camping are more durable and are uniquely shaped to help you shelter from the elements, with maximum protection and coverage from inclement weather conditions.
Most will have center pulls to keep the larger walls from slapping you in the face at night in strong winds. Furthermore, the walls drop lower and wrap around the front and back to maximize coverage in cold weather.
These tarps are more like hanging fortresses for inclement weather! For enthusiasts facing colder conditions, finding tents that can withstand harsh winter weather is crucial. For a selection of the best winter tents, check out this detailed guide.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Pretty much any waterproof tarp is going to work just fine for hammock camping. There’s no reason you couldn’t use the same one that you use for ground camping.
Generally speaking, you can’t use a tent rainfly or a tarp designed specifically for a different shelter.
I would avoid those blue plastic landscaping tarpaulins as well – they’re too heavy and bulky to carry.
Depends on the material it’s made from.
Polyester and nylon can be repaired by using a piece of the same material about an inch larger than the tear. Simply coat the repair piece and the area around the hole with SilNet, apply the patch, and let it dry overnight on a flat surface or pressed between heavy books.
Use wax paper to make sure the SilNet doesn’t stick to other stuff like your books.
Cuben fiber can easily be repaired with cuben fiber repair patches in the field. No sewing or extra go is necessary.
This depends a lot on the quality you buy. Well-designed tarps will last you many years, and some may even last a lifetime of backpacking and camping if maintained.
Sun exposure is dangerous for all fabrics. UV light damages synthetic fibers, and eventually, they will fade, wash out, become brittle, and tear. Don’t leave your tarp set up in direct sunlight any longer than necessary.
Leaving a tarp outdoors, exposed, in the middle of a yard for a summer will ruin it. They’re just not designed for that.
When you pack your tarp, use the stuffing method. Don’t fold and roll it because this can cause weak points or delamination of waterproofing along repeated fold lines. Stuffing ensures a sporadic and non-repetitive use pattern that won’t wear out any one area faster than others.
Nope. Materials vary depending on:
Type of fabric
Fiber thickness (denier)
Type of thread and stitch used for seams
Fiber type for ripstop grids
At some point, based on the surface area, expected winds, snow loads, and other forces, stronger materials aren’t necessary.
Ripstop is common and has many advantages, such as added strength, and resisting the spread of tears once started. However, it’s not the only viable option.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, you might go with the most expensive or the least expensive tarp out there. It all depends on how much you want to spend, your preferences, and your needs. Not everyone needs the top-of-the-line – many of us would rather keep that cash in our pockets!
That said, be careful about skimping on quality when you’re going to rely on it to stay dry and safe while hammock camping. Having a failure on a remote backpacking expedition in the great outdoors could force you into a survival situation before you know it. Safety first on the trail, folks!
Remember to think about your needs. Where will you be camping? How long? How risky is it? Then consider the other details like your color preferences, size preferences, and others.
Once you paint that picture you can identify the best hammock tarp for you and stay dry while hammock camping!
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