Best Tarps for Survival, Bushcraft, and Emergencies
Tarp, tarpaulin, or polytarp. You’re more than likely familiar with tarps. Everyone has used them for at least one of The post Best Tarps for Survival, Bushcraft, and Emergencies appeared first on TruePrepper.
Tarp, tarpaulin, or polytarp. You’re more than likely familiar with tarps. Everyone has used them for at least one of their many functions: to cover a trailer, haul a pile of leaves, etc. Survival tarps come in a range of materials designed with various toughness, reliability, and portability in mind. There are several options to consider when it comes to tarps: brands, weights, size, etc.
This is where we come in. We’ve researched the best tarps, tested them, and now the results are in: the overall best, a budget option, a bushcraft pick, and a canvas workhorse. If you need a versatile shelter that will have you covered in a survival situation, one of our picks will keep you protected.
Contents (Jump to a Section)
Best Survival Tarp
White Duck Heavy Duty Tarp
UV Resistant, Tear Proof, and Proven
A relentlessly tough tarp that gets the job done in a wide variety of situations.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
This multipurpose tarp is a beast that can keep up in any situation or disaster. It costs a bit more than the budget blue tarp, but it is over three times thicker, and the quality goes beyond that.
Specs
- Size: 8′ x 10′ pictured above, but available in 24 sizes to fit your situation
- Material: 100% Polyethylene, 16×16 weave at 8 oz per square yard (16 mil)
- Attachment Points: 22
- Attachments: Brass grommets
- Weight: 73 ounces
- Manufactured: Vietnam (not the USA, like Amazon shows)
Traditional polyethylene tarps are still the most versatile out of the various options due to their lower price and high durability. This heavy-duty tarp beats out the rest with its thick waterproof weave, double reinforced grommet tie-outs, and folded edges.
The tarp weighs a lot, which can be a downside for mobile survival kits. It’s also quite bulky and can take up a lot of space in a pack. I prefer this tarp in my home survival kit, a car survival kit, or a bug out vehicle. The size and weight don’t sound that bad when you find out Whiteduck also makes a 100′ x 100′ version that weighs over 550 pounds.
I’ve used heavy-duty tarps with sandbags to mitigate flooding, to patch a leaking roof, and as a wilderness survival shelter. The durability, combined with the versatility it provides across a wide range of survival situations, is why it earns our best overall pick.
The White Duck Heavy Duty Tarp is the best choice for a wide range of survival needs.
Budget Tarp
Grizzly Tarps
Dirt Cheap, Waterproof, and Lightweight
The quintessential ‘blue tarp’ is a perfectly reasonable budget option for preparedness.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
Also available to buy at Walmart.
Blue tarps are dirt cheap, and you can find them at any hardware store or big box store. They may not be the best, but you may not need the best when the cheapest option can get the job done.
Specs
- Size: 6′ x 8′ pictured above, but available in 10 sizes to fit your situation.
- Material: 100% polyethylene, 8×8 weave at 3.5 oz per square yard (5 mil)
- Attachment Points: 8
- Attachments: Aluminum grommets
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Manufactured: China
The best things about this tarp are the price and the weight. It won’t take up much room in your survival kit- whether it’s in your home, in your car, or on your back. It’s also affordable for anyone and an essential piece of emergency gear everyone can pick up.
The tarp will develop holes over time at just 5 mil thickness, but it is still worth the price. You can store it away from sharp tools and other gear it might snag on in your kits, and keep it out of direct sunlight when you aren’t using it. You won’t hear me saying this much about gear, but pack it away and use it for a true emergency. If you need one to use around the home, just buy two.
Pick up a Grizzly Tarp to keep yourself covered and under budget.
Bushcraft Tarp
Aqua Quest Defender Tarp
Ultralight, High Quality, and Efficient
The best for bushcraft translates into the best for bugging out with extreme quality and attention to detail.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
Known since 1994 to provide the best performance backpacking tarps, Aqua Quest has several models/weights, but the Defender is the big daddy of them all. It weighs a bit more, with the 7′ x 10′ above at 2.4 pounds, but it more than compensates for that with extreme durability and water resistance. Word of mouth in the bushcraft community (plus the stellar online reviews) all show that the tarp is proven, and it outperformed the rest in our tests as well.
Specs
- Size: 7′ x 10′ pictured above, but available in 5 sizes to fit your situation
- Material: 100% 70D nylon with TPU coating
- Attachment Points: 21
- Attachments: Polypro loops
- Weight: 38.4 ounces
- Manufactured: Taiwan
Besides the assortment of sizes, there are also 6 colors to pick from. I picked up the Olive Drab and like the subdued color, but you could grab one of the few camouflage options. The durability and the waterproofing are where this tarp earns its keep. The 20,000 mm waterproofing can’t be matched by any other tarp. The reinforced tie-outs help the tarp withstand a huge amount of force, offloading tension to the ridgeline center strap and perimeter reinforcement.
One major downside is the 2.4-pound weight. Despite the lightweight nylon, the additional web straps and reinforcement webbing add up. For bushcraft, this does not matter much- I’d rather be dry and not worrying about the tarp ripping. But for wilderness survival, the extra couple of pounds over our budget pick may keep it out of your bug out bag. All of that said, I run this specific tarp in my bug out bag instead of a tent, which represents a weight savings.
If you are looking for the best bushcrafting tarp, pick up an Aqua Quest Defender Tarp.
Canvas Tarp
Whiteduck Cotton Canvas Tarp
Heavy Duty, Thick, and Versatile
The best for bushcraft translates into the best for bugging out with extreme quality and attention to detail.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
Whiteduck comes in again with another useful survival tarp: the classic canvas. Canvas tarps are known for being heavyweight, heavy-duty, and repairable.
Specs
- Size: 6′ x 8′ pictured above, but available in 19 sizes to fit your situation
- Material: 100% cotton, 12 oz base weight, treated to 18 oz
- Attachment Points: 10
- Attachments: Stainless steel grommets with strap loops
- Weight: 17.6 ounces
- Manufactured: Pakistan
The reinforced corners and double tie-downs at every attachment point make this tarp versatile. With double-stitched hems and the heavy-weight fabric, this tarp is a beast. I was surprised at how pliable and flexible it is despite the bulky feel. The reflective tape at the corners also makes it easier to stay oriented when you are setting up camp at dusk.
The downsides of the tarp apply to pretty much any canvas tarp. The waterproof treatment can’t be expected to last forever- it’s impregnated cotton, not a laminated surface. You could wax it yourself when it wears off, but that seems cost-prohibitive even with the smallest-sized tarp.
If you are looking for a substantial tarp, pick up a Whiteduck Cotton Canvas Tarp for long-term wilderness survival.
Comparison Table
| Tarp | Pick | Price | Material | Size Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Duck Heavy Duty | Best Overall | $28 | 16 mil PE | 8′ x 10′ |
| Grizzly Tarp | Budget | $9 | 5 mil PE | 6′ x 8′ |
| Aqua Quest Defender | Bushcraft | $99 | 70D Nylon | 7′ x 10′ |
| White Duck Canvas | Canvas | $50 | 37 mil Cotton | 6′ x 8′ |
| Redcamp Tarp | $21 | 8 mil Polyester | 6′ x 9′ | |
| Tarpco Heavy Duty | $22 | 14 mil PE | 6′ x 8′ | |
| Guard Shield HD | $26 | 10 mil PE | 10′ x 12′ | |
| ProTarp Extra Heavy Duty | $32 | 16 mil PE | 8′ x 10′ | |
| Cartman Canvas | $33 | 12oz Cotton | 7′ x 9′ | |
| Tarps Now Canvas Tarp | $36 | 18 mil Cotton | 6′ x 8′ | |
| Free Soldier Portable | $40 | 150D Polyester | 10′ x 10′ | |
| Xpose Safety Canvas | $42 | 10oz Cotton | 6′ x 8′ | |
| AquaQuest Safari | $79 | 70D Nylon | 7′ x 10′ | |
| ENO Eagles Nest | $85 | 70D Nylon | 7′ x 10′ |
The Tarps We Compared
Our research narrowed the field down to several tarps that we tested: Aqua Quest, White Duck, Grizzly, Tarpco, Guard Shield, Eno, Tarps Now, and more.
You can see our full list of review criteria below in the What to Look For section, with an explanation for each.
We focused on tarps and excluded blankets and pocket sheets. Those have their own review roundups, and are great for serving similar purposes:
We’re always looking for new and better equipment, so if you have a tarp that you swear by, let us know in the comments. We review most of our tested gear annually, so we can always get it in the next roundup and see if it makes the cut, and we can see if it will beat out our top picks.
About the Tester
Hi, I’m Sean, and I’ve been testing tarps with survival in mind for a few years now. Tarps are a mainstay in my bug out bags, vehicles, and home survival kit. I’ve started using them as bushcraft shelters as I practice wilderness survival techniques.
In the military, we used tarps for equipment protection rather than shelter, relying on tents to protect us from exposure. Canvas and thick polyethylene tarps perform best for that function.
As an engineer, I’ve learned a lot about material science, especially about textiles. Before I got a bunch of tarps to test, I never really thought much about how many different materials and reinforcement strategies are used based on a tarp’s main function. There are a lot more tarps out there that apply to survival situations than I expected, so I learned a lot about using the right gear for the job during testing.
What to Look For
The best survival tarps have several important features to look for:
- Value
- Material
- Fastener Type
- Size & Weight
- Versatility
When you get the right blend of these, you can find a reliable tarp that shelters you in a wide range of conditions. Below, we break down what each of these features means for tarps that set themselves apart.
Value: Cost vs. Benefit
The amount of money you spend on something like a tarp shouldn’t blow out your entire budget. Don’t go overspending or overdo it. Budget according to your risk and your needs rather than just spending lavishly.
On the flip side, you don’t want to go too cheap or just plain get the wrong thing. If the tarp is paper-thin and falls apart with light use, it’s not going to last more than a few days (much less a season) in a survival situation.
You never want to spend too much money on one resource, especially something like a tarp. It’s better to diversify your preparedness gear to make sure you are covered for a wide range of scenarios. There is a sweet spot where you get high value with not too high a price, which is where our top pick sits.
Material
Tarps are made out of a wide range of materials these days. They vary based on intended use and cost. Here are the most common types:
- Polyethylene – Most tarps are made out of polyethylene (and are called a polytarp). What separates them is the weave types and weight of the weave, usually measured in mil. Typically, you will find that the cheaper it is, the lighter it is. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but we’ll touch on that later.
- Polyester – Polyester is fantastic for lightweight weather resistance, but is found only on budget bushcraft tarps due to its lower material durability compared to nylon.
- Nylon – Nylon tarps are lightweight and can be treated to have great weather resistance, making them a backpacking and bushcraft favorite. For tarp use, nylon is strictly better than polyester.
- Canvas – Waterproof canvas tarps (unlike painters’ tarps) are great options for survival, but can break your budget and your back with their high costs and heavy weight.
Most tarps have reinforced edges and attachment points, whether it’s a stitched fold, lamination, or added material like web straps. The polyester and nylon tarps often incorporate a rip-stop type of weave that strengthens the fabric when force is applied directly against the weave.
Even with the wide variety of options, it’s hard to beat the cheap effectiveness of a polytarp when it comes to basic preparedness.
Fastener Type
Steel, aluminum, and even brass grommets are common on tarps. They can easily tear out if they are not reinforced well, and steel grommets can rust quickly when exposed to the elements. The grommets themselves are tough, but their effectiveness is really limited to the material it is attached to.
Tie straps are a great alternative found on many tarps, especially nylon backpacking tarps. Some high-end tarps may include both grommets and tie straps, making them even more versatile.
Occasionally, a tarp will come with integrated cords or other fasteners, but grommets and tie straps are usually the best options.
Size & Weight
The optimal size of your survival tarp depends on who or what you plan to cover. To create an emergency shelter for just yourself, a 7′ x 10′ is more than enough. But as you add people to your family, larger tarps will help ensure that everyone has shelter.
Versatility
Some tarps come with even more versatility, including stuff sacks, fasteners, and cordage, or they are more versatile due to their material properties.
Nylon tarps are more flexible than the more rigid polytarps, letting you more easily wrap people or gear with them like a survival blanket.
Canvas tarps can be more easily repaired with a survival sewing kit, giving them some versatility in their longevity.
How to Use a Tarp for Survival
Tarps have all sorts of uses for survival, including:
- tent shelter
- rain cover
- groundsheet
- patch roof damage
- cover broken windows
- water collection
- carrying sack
- equipment/gear covering
- personal blanket
- cordage (cut into strips)
- hammock
- signal (depending on color)
- privacy screen
- camouflage blind
- trapping pit cover
A lean-to or a tarp tent are both pretty easy to set up, but there are many types of shelters you can throw up with a tarp. Here are 15 of the best shelters to make with a tarp:
Who Needs a Tarp?
A tarp is one of the necessary pieces of equipment in several kits. A good survival tarp can come in handy in almost any survival situation. It is more versatile than a tent and can provide much-needed shelter just the same.
We consider tarps essential for your:
There are a ton of uses, so it is very unlikely that you will regret adding one to your kit.
How We Review Products: We research thoroughly before selecting the best products to review. We have vast prepping and survival experience and bring in outside experts when needed. Hours on end are spent testing gear in stressful conditions and using specialized testing gear to verify claims. We assign performance criteria and impartially rate each tested item. Learn more about how we test.
Sources and References
All of our experience and the testing we do to determine the best tarp is useless without listing our research sources and references. We leaned on these for the book knowledge that we paired with our hands-on testing and practical military and prepping experience:
Guerrero, J., et al. (2010). Effect of storage system and tarpaulin color on nutritional quality and digestibility of stored lucerne hay in the irrigated Sonoran Desert. Animal Feed Science and Technology. Volume 162. Issues 1–2. Pages 28 – 36. (Source)
Heding, N., et al. (1988). Improved tarpaulin materials for rain protection of small chip piles. Skovteknisk Inst., Copenhagen. (Source)
Velterop, E., et al. (2022). Safe Shelter: A Case for Prioritizing Housing Quality in Climate Adaptation Policy by Remotely Sensing Roof Tarps in the San Francisco Bay Area. AGU: Earth’s Future. Volume 10. Issue 8. (Source)
The Final Word
Shelter is imperative for survival, and a good tarp is one versatile way to make sure you can keep yourself covered. With a wide range of prices, there is a survival tarp for every budget and no excuse to not be prepared with one in your kit. Pick one up today to make sure you’re covered tomorrow.
Here are a few related articles our readers have also found helpful:
- The Best Survival Gloves | Reviews & Buying Guide
- The Survival Rule of 3 | Air, Shelter, Water, & Food
- INCH Bag List | Never Return Home
We presented quite a lot of information, but as always: if you have any questions, let us know and we would be happy to help. Our research and testing found the White Duck Heavy Duty Tarp to be the best option given its value, material, fastener type, size/weight, and versatility.
If you pick up one of our suggested tarps- make sure you know how to use it before you need it. They have unlimited uses, but it’s good to know how to quickly patch your roof, pitch up a shelter, or wrap a pack.
Keep exploring, stay prepared, and be safe.
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The post Best Tarps for Survival, Bushcraft, and Emergencies appeared first on TruePrepper.
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