[Backpack Brain]

I’m sharing my personal top picks for hammock tarps for camping, with some brief reviews to give you the highlights. After that, I’ll dive into the key considerations for choosing the right waterproof hammock tarp for your needs. Can’t wait to hear what your favorites are and why they made the cut!

Top 3 Hammock Tarps

• ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters ProFly Rain Tarp
• Hennessy Hammock – Hex Rainfly 70D Polyester
• ENO HouseFly Rain Tarp

[Backpack Brain]

ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters ProFly Rain Tarp

When it comes to hammock camping, staying dry can make or break the entire experience. That’s where the ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters ProFly Rain Tarp has truly shined for me. I’ve used it during a couple of weekend camping trips, and I’m impressed with how well it performs, especially in unpredictable weather.

First off, the coverage is excellent. The ProFly’s dimensions offer just the right amount of protection without being cumbersome. Its six-point anchor system ensures it stays taut and stable, even in windy conditions. One of the trips I took was during a weekend where rain decided to visit sporadically, and I felt completely secure beneath this tarp. No drips, no sagging, just solid shelter all night long.

What I really appreciate about the ProFly is its durability and weatherproofing. The ripstop nylon material feels sturdy yet lightweight, and the taped seams are a godsend for keeping water out. Even after some heavy downpours, the ProFly held up like a champ, and I never had to worry about any leaks or wear and tear.

Setting it up is a breeze. If you’re like me and value efficiency when you’re out camping, you’ll love how intuitive it is to get this tarp up. With a few adjustable straps and solid anchor points, I had it overhead in no time. This is crucial, especially when you’re racing against an incoming storm.

One of the other things I like is that it packs down small. When you’re dealing with limited space in your camping gear setup, every bit of weight and bulk matters. The ProFly takes up minimal room in my pack, and at around 22 ounces, it doesn’t weigh me down.

Now, there are larger and more feature-packed tarps out there, but I find the ProFly hits that sweet spot between portability and reliable weather protection. It’s a great option for weekend getaways or multi-day camping trips where you might run into some rain but don’t want to lug around a massive tarp.

In terms of versatility, it pairs perfectly with my ENO hammock, but I’ve also used it with other hammock brands without any issues. And if you’re just looking for something to shield your campsite or create a shady spot on a sunny day, the ProFly does the job just as well.

Overall, I can say with confidence that the ENO Eagles Nest Outfitters ProFly Rain Tarp has become a go-to for my hammock camping setup. It balances lightweight convenience with robust weather protection, making it one of the best hammock tarps for camping that I’ve come across. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves hammock camping but hates getting wet, this tarp should definitely be on your radar.

[Backpack Brain]

Hennessy Hammock – Hex Rainfly 70D Polyester

When I first tried the Hennessy Hammock – Hex Rainfly 70D Polyester, I knew I was in for a treat. The moment you spread this tarp out, you can feel its size and coverage—it’s designed to give you maximum protection without making you feel like you’re setting up an elaborate fortress. For camping trips where the weather can shift quickly, having that extra peace of mind with a larger tarp like this one is invaluable.

Let’s talk about its size first. The Hex Rainfly offers an impressive amount of coverage with its hexagonal shape. On one of my trips, the forecast called for nothing but sunny skies. Of course, that meant nothing when a surprise storm rolled in! But thankfully, with this tarp, not only was my hammock dry, but I also had enough space to set up a little dry zone for my gear underneath. It’s like having an outdoor shelter you can trust.

One thing I particularly love is how versatile it is. While it’s marketed as a rainfly for Hennessy hammocks, I’ve used it with other setups as well, and it’s just as effective. Its generous coverage means I can create a sheltered cooking area or even use it for shade on those sunny afternoons. It feels like a multipurpose tarp rather than something purely for rainy nights.

Now, as for durability, this tarp is made from 70D polyester, which is rugged and resists the wear and tear you expect from outdoor adventures. On a windy night, I was really grateful for how well the Hex Rainfly held up against the gusts. The fabric didn’t budge, and the strong guy lines kept everything steady. Plus, with the polyester being coated for waterproofing, I stayed bone dry even in the heaviest downpours.

Setting up the Hex Rainfly is a bit of a process if you’re new to bigger tarps, but once you get the hang of it, the six tie-out points and guy lines make for a customizable pitch. You can stretch it out tight for windy conditions or angle it just right to keep water off in a rainstorm. I’d say it takes a bit more time compared to smaller tarps, but once it’s up, the payoff in terms of coverage and stability is worth it.

Another bonus is that, despite its large size, it packs down reasonably well. Sure, it’s not ultralight by any means, but for the protection and space it gives, the weight feels justified. I’ve had smaller tarps that don’t give nearly as much coverage but weigh about the same. It’s a fair tradeoff, especially if you’re camping in places where you expect unpredictable weather.

All in all, the Hennessy Hammock – Hex Rainfly 70D Polyester has become one of my favorites when I’m looking for something that gives me total weather protection and a little extra comfort on those unpredictable camping trips. Whether it’s sheltering me from torrential rain or giving me shade in the heat, this tarp has proven itself to be one of the best hammock tarps for camping. If you want something versatile, durable, and large enough to keep both you and your gear safe, this is one tarp worth considering.

[Backpack Brain]

ENO HouseFly Rain Tarp

When it comes to hammock camping, the ENO HouseFly Rain Tarp has become one of my favorite go-to options for when I need that extra bit of protection. It’s like bringing a little campsite fortress along with you, especially when the weather gets unpredictable. The HouseFly is not just a rain tarp, it’s like having a full-on shelter above and around your hammock, which I’ve come to appreciate more than once on stormy nights.

One of the things that really stands out to me about the HouseFly is the built-in doors. This feature is a game-changer. On a particularly windy and rainy trip, I was able to close off the doors and basically create a cozy cocoon around my hammock. It gave me complete coverage and kept me dry and warm when the rain was coming down sideways. This kind of protection is hard to find in most tarps, and it makes the HouseFly feel more like a tent, minus the hassle of setting up poles.

The silicone-impregnated nylon is top-notch. I’ve camped with some thinner tarps before and always worried about how they’d hold up in heavy rain, but the 40D ripstop nylon of the HouseFly has never let me down. Even in a prolonged downpour, I stayed dry, and the tarp held its tension without sagging or letting any water pool.

What I also love is how versatile this tarp is. The adjustable guy lines and multiple tie-out points make it easy to configure it exactly the way you need, whether you want to fully enclose yourself or open it up for ventilation and a view. There was one night where I started with the doors open to enjoy the breeze, but when the wind picked up, I quickly secured the doors, and it was like having an instant weather-proof shield around me.

Setup is pretty simple too. It’s not as quick as some of the smaller tarps, but with the extra coverage and doors, I expected it to take a little more time. That being said, I’ve never had trouble setting it up solo, and once it’s pitched, I feel confident knowing I’m completely covered. The peace of mind this tarp provides, especially in uncertain weather, makes it worth the slight bit of extra effort.

On top of all this, the weight-to-coverage ratio is fantastic. It packs down small enough that it doesn’t dominate my pack, and at just over 27 ounces, it’s still light enough for longer treks where I might be worried about added bulk. You get a lot of protection for the weight, which is something I always appreciate.

Overall, the ENO HouseFly Rain Tarp is one of the best hammock tarps for camping, especially if you’re the type who likes to be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way. The added doors, excellent weatherproofing, and versatility make this tarp more than just a rain cover—it’s an all-in-one shelter that you can count on, rain or shine. For me, it’s worth every ounce and has become a permanent part of my hammock camping gear.

[Backpack Brain]

Best Hammock Tarps: A Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to hammock camping, a reliable tarp is one of those pieces of gear that can make or break your experience. It’s not just about keeping you dry; a good tarp offers comfort, protection, and peace of mind when you’re out in the elements. After testing different hammock tarps, I’ve gathered what I think are the key factors you need to consider to find the best one for your needs.

Price
Let’s start with price, because it’s always something on my mind when I’m picking out new gear. Hammock tarps can range from budget-friendly options to more expensive models with premium features. My rule of thumb? Don’t go too cheap if you want something that’s going to last through rough weather. You can find solid tarps in the $50 to $100 range that offer good quality without breaking the bank, but if you’re looking for extra features like doors or ultra-lightweight materials, you might need to spend a little more.

For beginners or those on a budget, there are plenty of affordable options that still get the job done. But for more seasoned campers, investing in a higher-end model can save you headaches down the road.

Shape and Style
When it comes to shape and style, it’s important to think about how much protection you want and how easy the tarp is to set up. There are a few common shapes, like rectangular, hexagonal, and even diamond-shaped tarps. Personally, I prefer hex tarps because they offer a balance of coverage and airflow, without feeling too closed in.

Rectangular tarps are great for maximum coverage, but they can be a little more bulky and harder to set up perfectly. On the other hand, diamond-shaped tarps are lightweight and fast to set up, but they don’t offer as much side protection. Think about where you’ll be camping most often and what kind of weather you’ll be dealing with when choosing your shape.

Tarp Material and Weight
The material and weight of your tarp can make a huge difference, especially if you’re hiking long distances. Most hammock tarps are made from nylon or polyester, with a range of coatings to make them waterproof. Silicone-coated nylon (silnylon) or polyurethane-coated polyester (polyester PU) are common options, both of which provide excellent waterproofing.

In my experience, silnylon tends to be lighter and more packable, making it ideal for backpacking trips where weight is a concern. But polyester holds up better over time and doesn’t stretch as much when wet, which is something to think about if you’re expecting a lot of rain.

Size and Coverage
Size and coverage go hand in hand. You want a tarp that’s big enough to keep both you and your gear dry but not so big that it feels like overkill. If you’re just protecting your hammock, something in the 10×12-foot range works well. However, if you like extra space for gear or want to create a sheltered area to cook under, go bigger.

On windy or stormy nights, having a larger tarp with more coverage can be a lifesaver. I’ve been in situations where my smaller tarps left my gear exposed or made me feel cramped in bad weather. So if you expect heavy rain or just like a bit more room to move around, err on the side of a larger tarp.

Durability
Durability is a big deal, especially if you’re camping in rugged terrain or areas where the weather can turn nasty. Look for tarps made from ripstop materials with reinforced seams. I’ve had a few tarps fail at the seams during heavy rain, and trust me, that’s not a fun situation.

Tarps with thicker fabric, like 70D nylon or polyester, tend to be more durable but also weigh a bit more. If you’re not worried about shaving every ounce, a more durable tarp will last longer and stand up to more wear and tear.

Ridge Lines
A solid ridge line is crucial for getting a taut, weather-resistant pitch. Some tarps come with a ridge line, while others don’t, so you may need to set one up yourself. I like tarps with centered ridges that run the length of the tarp, providing solid structure and allowing water to run off easily.

Make sure the ridge line is reinforced, especially at the anchor points. If you’ve ever had a tarp sag in the middle because the ridge wasn’t strong enough, you know how frustrating it can be. Look for tarps with guy-out points along the ridge line to ensure a tight, wind-resistant setup.

Guy Lines
Guy lines are another important feature to consider. They’re what keep your tarp stable and secure, even in high winds. I like tarps that come with pre-attached guy lines and multiple guy-out points. This gives you flexibility in how you set up the tarp, allowing you to adjust for different weather conditions.

If you’re camping in windier areas, adjustable guy lines with tensioners are a must. I’ve had setups where the wind picked up in the middle of the night, and being able to quickly tighten everything down without having to retie knots was a lifesaver.

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