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10 Best Tent Underlay Tarps 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Clostnature Tent Footprint - Waterproof Camping Tarp, Heavy Duty Tent Floor Saver, Ultralight Ground Sheet Mat for Hiking, Backpacking, Hammock, Beach - Storage Bag Included

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,209
Material
Waterproof Rating
Packability

Most important from
1798 reviews

Material
The material is nearly opaque, making it an excellent sunshade or canopy.
Waterproof Rating
The waterproofing effectively kept the bottom of the tent dry during an unexpected rainstorm.
Packability
Lightweight and easy to pack, it fits conveniently into a backpack after breaking camp.
Grommets and Tie-Downs
This ground sheet has both grommets and loops at the corners, enhancing its versatility for various uses.

The Clostnature Tent Footprint is a versatile and practical choice for camping enthusiasts. Constructed from ripstop 190T Polyester with a superior waterproof coating, it offers robust protection against wear and tear, making it an excellent investment to extend the life of your tent. Measuring 87 inches by 59 inches and weighing only 9.8 ounces, it's compact and lightweight, which is perfect for hiking and backpacking. The included drawstring storage bag makes it easy to pack and carry, roughly the size of a cellphone when folded.

Additionally, it can serve multiple purposes, such as a sunshade, picnic mat, or hammock rain fly, adding more value to your purchase. It fits well with Clostnature's 2-person tent, although it may not be as universal for other tent models. The one-year guarantee for material and workmanship defects is reassuring.

This footprint is best suited for campers looking for a lightweight, durable, and multifunctional groundsheet for various outdoor activities.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,209
Material
Waterproof Rating
Packability

Most important from
1798 reviews

Material
The material is nearly opaque, making it an excellent sunshade or canopy.
Waterproof Rating
The waterproofing effectively kept the bottom of the tent dry during an unexpected rainstorm.
Packability
Lightweight and easy to pack, it fits conveniently into a backpack after breaking camp.
Grommets and Tie-Downs
This ground sheet has both grommets and loops at the corners, enhancing its versatility for various uses.
#2

REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint, PU 2000 Waterproof Camping Tent Tarp with Drawstring Carrying Bag for Ground Camping Hiking (95"x87" UL Black)

Rating
9.6
Material
Thickness
Weight

Most important from
566 reviews

Material
The fabric resembles a raincoat material that is quiet and packs up compactly, adding to its convenience.
Thickness
Surprisingly thick and not noisy, making it perfect for use as a ground sheet.
Weight
Lightweight and durable, ideal for backpack trips where it served multiple purposes from a tablecloth to a canopy.
Packability
The fabric resembles a raincoat material that is quiet and packs up compactly, adding to its convenience.

The REDCAMP Ultralight Tent Footprint is well-suited for those engaging in various outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and beach outings. It's made from durable 210T ripstop polyester fabric, offering a solid waterproof rating of PU2000mm, which ensures it keeps moisture at bay effectively. The sizable footprint of 95''x87'' makes it ideal for 4-5 persons, providing ample coverage for most standard tents or as a groundsheet for other uses. Weighing just 0.95 lbs and packing down to a compact size, it is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry, which is a big plus for backpackers and hikers who need to minimize load weight.

Additionally, the tarp comes with a drawstring carrying bag, enhancing its portability and convenience. The tarp includes grommets, which are essential for setting it up securely. The UV protection feature is an added benefit for those using it as a canopy or sunshade. With a 365-day manufacturer warranty, REDCAMP provides a good assurance of quality and customer support.

Rating
9.6
Material
Thickness
Weight

Most important from
566 reviews

Material
The fabric resembles a raincoat material that is quiet and packs up compactly, adding to its convenience.
Thickness
Surprisingly thick and not noisy, making it perfect for use as a ground sheet.
Weight
Lightweight and durable, ideal for backpack trips where it served multiple purposes from a tablecloth to a canopy.
Packability
The fabric resembles a raincoat material that is quiet and packs up compactly, adding to its convenience.
#3

REDCAMP Waterproof Camping Tent Tarp - 83" x83'', 4 in 1 Multifunctional Tent Footprint for Camping, Hiking and Survival Gear, Lightweight and Compact

Rating
9.3
Weight
Packability

Most important from
1325 reviews

Weight
Compact and lightweight yet tough, making it an excellent tent footprint.
Packability
Helps keep dirt off the tent during rainy weekends, simplifying the packing process.

The REDCAMP Waterproof Camping Tent Tarp is a versatile and multifunctional option for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable underlay for tents or a protective barrier against the elements. Made from 210D oxford ripstop polyester, it promises durability and a moderate waterproof rating of PU1000mm, which is sufficient for light to moderate rain conditions. The tarp's size, 82"x82", comfortably accommodates 2-3 people, making it ideal for small group camping, picnics, or as a base layer under a tent.

In terms of portability, it excels by packing down to 6"x4"x0.5" and weighing only 0.8 pounds, allowing for easy transportation without adding significant weight to your gear. The inclusion of a drawstring pouch enhances its compact nature, making it easy to carry on hikes or camping trips. However, if you're heading into heavy rain conditions, the waterproof rating might not be robust enough, suggesting it is better suited for fair weather camping.

Its multifunctionality shines, as it can be used as a tent footprint, a sunshade, or even a rain canopy, making it a versatile accessory for various outdoor activities. Although it does not mention specific grommets and tie-downs, its ability to be tied as a canopy suggests some form of practical attachment points. For those seeking a reliable, lightweight, and multi-purpose tarp for casual outdoor use, the REDCAMP Waterproof Camping Tent Tarp is a strong contender. It also comes with the backing of a 365-day limited manufacturer warranty, providing some assurance of quality and customer support.

Rating
9.3
Weight
Packability

Most important from
1325 reviews

Weight
Compact and lightweight yet tough, making it an excellent tent footprint.
Packability
Helps keep dirt off the tent during rainy weekends, simplifying the packing process.

Buying Guide for the Best Tent Underlay Tarps

When choosing a tent underlay tarp, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. A tent underlay tarp, also known as a groundsheet, is essential for protecting the bottom of your tent from wear and tear, moisture, and dirt. It can also provide an extra layer of insulation and comfort. By understanding the key specifications, you can make an informed decision that enhances your camping experience.
MaterialThe material of the tarp is crucial because it determines durability, weight, and water resistance. Common materials include polyethylene, polyester, and nylon. Polyethylene is durable and waterproof but can be heavy. Polyester is lighter and still offers good water resistance. Nylon is lightweight and strong but may require a waterproof coating. Choose a material based on your need for durability versus portability. For rugged terrain, a more durable material like polyethylene might be best, while for backpacking, a lighter material like nylon could be more suitable.
SizeThe size of the tarp should match or slightly exceed the footprint of your tent. This ensures full coverage and protection. Tarps come in various sizes, so measure your tent's dimensions and choose a tarp that is at least as large as your tent's base. If you plan to use the tarp for additional purposes, such as a shelter or picnic area, consider a larger size. For solo camping, a smaller tarp is sufficient, but for family or group camping, a larger tarp is advisable.
ThicknessThickness, often measured in mils (thousandths of an inch), affects the tarp's durability and weight. Thicker tarps (10-20 mils) are more durable and provide better protection against sharp objects and rough ground but are heavier. Thinner tarps (5-10 mils) are lighter and easier to pack but may not offer as much protection. If you are camping in rough terrain, a thicker tarp is recommended. For lightweight backpacking, a thinner tarp may be more appropriate.
Waterproof RatingThe waterproof rating indicates how well the tarp can resist water. This is usually measured in millimeters (mm) and refers to the height of a water column the material can withstand before leaking. A rating of 1000mm to 3000mm is generally sufficient for most camping conditions. Higher ratings (3000mm and above) offer better protection in heavy rain. If you expect wet conditions, opt for a higher waterproof rating. For dry climates, a lower rating may suffice.
WeightThe weight of the tarp is important, especially if you need to carry it over long distances. Heavier tarps offer more durability and protection but can be cumbersome to transport. Lighter tarps are easier to carry but may not be as robust. Consider how you will be using the tarp. For car camping, weight is less of an issue, so a heavier tarp might be fine. For backpacking, a lighter tarp is preferable to reduce your load.
PackabilityPackability refers to how easily the tarp can be folded and stored. Some tarps come with their own carrying bags or straps, making them easier to pack. A tarp that packs down small is ideal for backpacking and situations where space is limited. If you have ample storage space, packability may be less of a concern. Consider how much room you have in your gear and choose a tarp that fits your packing needs.
Grommets and Tie-DownsGrommets and tie-downs are features that allow you to secure the tarp to the ground or use it as a makeshift shelter. Grommets are reinforced holes along the edges of the tarp, while tie-downs are loops or straps. These features add versatility and stability. If you plan to use the tarp in various configurations, look for one with multiple grommets and tie-downs. For basic ground protection, fewer grommets may be sufficient.

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