Best Tarps for Survival, Bushcraft, & Emergencies
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.
After first using tarps extensively in the military, I’ve been testing tarps for survival for close to a decade now, using crane scales and IR cameras to help me gather data, as well as using them as shelters in the woods.
My top recommendation is for the Arcturus Insulated Tarp, which combines mylar thermal regulation with polytarp durability at a reasonable price.
If you want a high-quality ultralight bushcraft tarp, the AquaQuest Defender is my top performer. I also suggest heavy-duty tarps for emergencies, in polytarp, canvas, and budget-friendly picks.
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Best Survival Tarp
Arcturus Insulated
Heat Reflective, Versatile, and Durable
An even more versatile tarp with its laminated mylar layer providing thermal reflection.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
The best survival tarp does more than the rest: it reflects heat with its Mylar coating, which can be used to both trap and repel heat. The Arcturus Insulated Tarp Blanket addresses significantly more survival situations, and it still performs well as a standard-duty tarp.
Specifications
- Size: 5′ x 7′
- Material: Polypropylene and Mylar
- Thickness: 10 mil
- Color Options: 7
- Attachment Points: 4
- Attachments: Stainless grommets, reinforced at corners
- Weight: 22.4 ounces
- Manufactured: India
The tarp comes with a carrying case, like most polyester or nylon tarps designed for bushcraft. But that is where the similarities end for the most part; it is much more similar to a traditional polyethylene tarp used for emergencies.
Pros vs. Cons
For weight and thickness, this tarp hits the middle ground for its size, making it viable for portable survival kits like car kits or even bug out bags.
Some of the downsides include its low number of grommets, with only one on each corner. This limits how you can configure it in a tarp shelter without modification or additional gear. The tarp is noisy and not very conforming, as you would expect from polytarps, even though it’s meant to be wrapped around you as insulation if needed.
Because of those limitations, I’ve found it most useful as a ground sheet or rain fly after using it for a few years. Its thermal reflectiveness is better than a standard mylar blanket, because the tarpolin material provides a modest amount of insulation as well. The main benefit it has over mylar blankets, however, is that it is reusable due to its much better durability.
The Arcturus Insulated Survival Tarp is the best choice for a wide range of survival needs.
Best Bushcraft Tarp
AquaQuest Defender
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, AquaQuest 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.
Specifications
- Size: 7′ x 10′ pictured above, but available in 5 sizes to fit your situation
- Material: 100% 70D nylon with TPU coating
- Thickness: 5 mil
- Color Options: 7
- 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.
Pros vs. Cons
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 worry 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 AquaQuest Defender Tarp.
Best Emergency Tarp
White Duck Heavy Duty
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.
Specifications
- Size: 8′ x 10′ tested, but available in 24 sizes
- Material: 100% Polyethylene, 16×16 weave at 8 oz per square yard
- Thickness: 16 mil
- Color Options: 3
- Attachment Points: 22
- Attachments: Brass grommets
- Weight: 73 ounces
- Manufactured: Vietnam
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.
Pros vs. Cons
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 a durable option that’ll handle emergencies with ease.
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.
Specifications
- Size: 6′ x 8′ tested, but available in 10 sizes
- Thickness: 5 mil
- Material: 100% polyethylene, 8×8 weave at 3.5 oz per square yard
- 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.
Pros vs. Cons
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.
Best Canvas Tarp
ProTarp Extreme Canvas
Heavy Duty, Thick, and Versatile
One of the thickest tarps available for when durability is your greatest concern.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
ProTarp has somewhat perfected the classic canvas tarp. Canvas tarps are known for being heavyweight, heavy-duty, and repairable, and this ProTarp is about as heavyweight as you can get.
Specifications
- Size: 5′ x 7′ tested, but available in 24 sizes
- Thickness: 36 mil
- Material: 100% polyester, 20 oz
- Color Options: 5
- Attachment Points: 10
- Attachments: Oversized brass grommets
- Manufactured: South Africa
The reinforced corners are triple-thick due to the heavy-duty folded hems. With double-stitching and heavyweight fabric, this tarp is a beast. I was surprised at how pliable and flexible it is despite the bulky thickness.
Pros vs. Cons
The downsides of the tarp apply to pretty much any canvas tarp. The waterproof treatment can’t be expected to last forever- it’s woven polyester, not a laminated surface. You could wax it yourself when it wears off, but that amount of surface area is cost-prohibitive even with the smallest-sized tarp. That leaves you with DWR spray, which costs less and is easier to apply- but still isn’t ideal.
You also don’t want to oil it- that’s for older cotton tarps, and it’ll degrade the synthetic material this tarp uses. The waterproofing longevity could be considered a drawback, but polyester is better overall for durability in outdoor elements and absorbs less water, even when it is woven thick.
If you are looking for a substantial tarp, pick up a PROTARP Extreme Heavy Duty Canvas Tarp for long-term canvas durability.
Comparison Table
| Survival Tarp | Recommendation | Price* | Material | Size Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arcturus Insulated | Best Overall | $25 | 10 mil PP | 5′ x 7′ |
| Aqua Quest Defender | Best for Bushcraft | $99 | 70D Nylon | 7′ x 10′ |
| White Duck Heavy Duty | Best for Emergencies | $30 | 16 mil PE | 8′ x 10′ |
| Grizzly Tarp | Best for Budgets | $8 | 5 mil PE | 6′ x 8′ |
| PROTARP Extreme Canvas | Best with Canvas Durability | $55 | 36 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′ |
How I Tested
Tarps, when used for survival, bushcraft, and emergencies, need to provide shelter as their main use. Whether it’s creating a makeshift tent in the woods or patching a hole in the roof, tie-down strength and tarp material durability are important considerations.
To test these, I went beyond just practical testing and used specialized testing equipment to collect data on the tarps to compare them impartially. Specific tests included:
- Weathering/Durability Test – I used each tarp set up in an A-frame tent configuration in the woods to compare how well they performed in the elements.
- Grommet Strength Test – I used a ratchet strap and crane scale to verify that grommets and tie-downs could withstand the force advertised by the manufacturer.
- Thickness Measurement – I used a micrometer to measure the thickness of each tarp, in mils.
- Infrared Thermal Test – I wrapped my body in the tarps to determine their thermal efficiency using an infrared thermal camera.
I also collated the manufacturing data into a comparison table to be able to compare the different brands.
I focused on tarps and excluded blankets and pocket sheets. Those have their own review roundups, and are great for serving similar purposes: Best Survival Blankets for Emergencies.
We’re always looking for new and better equipment, so if you have a survival 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.
Why Trust TruePrepper
Shelter is one of the most important considerations for survival, according to the survival rule of threes. A tarp is one of the most versatile tools to help meet this basic human need, and the best survival tarp excels at keeping you covered and temperature-regulated in a wide variety of environments.
I’m Sean Gold, and I’ve been testing tarps with survival in mind for several years now. Tarps are a mainstay in my bug out bags, vehicles, and home survival kits. 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 overspend 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 the 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 & 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)
Conclusion
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
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- INCH Bag List | Never Return Home
See more of our expert-written guides, resources, and reviews in your search results – add TruePrepper as a preferred source.
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My friend wants a trailer to help him travel around the country without worrying about lodging. I like your idea of investing in durable and safe tarpaulin covers. I will talk to him about finding a store that sells protective covers before he drives somewhere far away.