Best Emergency Tarps and Shelter for Survival

Shelter is one of the survival priorities—exposure kills faster than dehydration or starvation. A quality tarp weighs ounces, packs small, and provides protection from rain, wind, sun, and ground moisture.

This guide covers the best tarps and emergency shelters for bug out bags and survival kits.

Quick Picks

Need	Recommendation	Weight
Budget Emergency	SOL Emergency Bivvy	3.8 oz
Best Tarp Overall	Aqua Quest Defender	26 oz
Ultralight	Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil	11 oz
Heavy Duty	Kelty Noah’s Tarp	28 oz

Tarp vs. Tent vs. Bivvy

Each shelter type has its place:

Shelter	Weight	Setup	Protection	Best For
Tarp	10-30 oz	Medium	Good	Versatile, lightweight
Tent	2-6 lbs	Slow	Excellent	Base camp, insects
Bivvy	3-8 oz	Fast	Basic	Emergency, ultralight
Hammock	1-2 lbs	Medium	Good	Comfort, wet ground

Top Emergency Shelters

SOL Emergency Bivvy — Best Emergency Backup

The SOL Emergency Bivvy should be in every bag, vehicle, and hiking pack. It reflects 90% of body heat, weighs almost nothing, and provides waterproof protection.

Specs:

• Weight: 3.8 oz
• Packed size: 4” × 2”
• Material: Reflective polyethylene
• Color: Orange (signaling)

Pros:

• Reflects 90% body heat
• Completely waterproof
• Bright orange for signaling
• Extremely compact
• Reusable (unlike emergency blankets)

Cons:

• Condensation builds inside
• Crinkly/noisy
• Not a long-term solution

Best for: Emergency backup, every kit

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Aqua Quest Defender — Best Tarp Overall

The Aqua Quest Defender is a purpose-built survival tarp. Heavy-duty construction, reinforced tie-outs, and a size that actually shelters you and your gear.

Specs:

• Size: 10×10 ft
• Weight: 26 oz
• Material: 70D ripstop nylon, PU coated
• Waterproof: 5000mm HH
• Tie-outs: 19 reinforced loops

Pros:

• Bombproof construction
• 19 tie-out points for versatile setups
• 5000mm waterproof rating
• Large enough for two people + gear
• Reflective guy lines included

Cons:

• Heavier than ultralight options
• Overkill for day hikes
• No floor (need ground sheet)

Best for: Bug out bags, serious survival prep

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Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano — Ultralight Pick

When every ounce counts, the Ultra-Sil Nano delivers rain protection at absurdly low weight. It’s not as durable as heavier options, but perfect for gram-counting ultralight setups.

Specs:

• Size: 10×8 ft
• Weight: 11 oz
• Material: 15D Ultra-Sil Nano
• Waterproof: 1200mm HH
• Tie-outs: 8 loops

Pros:

• Ultralight (11 oz)
• Packs incredibly small
• Quality Sea to Summit construction
• Adequate for rain protection
• Good size coverage

Cons:

• Delicate material
• Lower waterproof rating
• Fewer attachment points

Best for: Ultralight bags, hiking, gram counters

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Kelty Noah’s Tarp — Heavy Duty Budget

The Kelty Noah’s Tarp has been a staple for decades. It’s heavier than specialized survival tarps but offers excellent durability at a lower price.

Specs:

• Size: 9×9 ft or 12×12 ft
• Weight: 28 oz (9×9)
• Material: 68D polyester
• Waterproof: 1800mm HH
• Tie-outs: 8 corner/edge loops

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Proven durability
• Good coverage area
• Bright green is visible
• Made by established brand

Cons:

• Heavier than alternatives
• Fewer tie-out points
• Basic construction

Best for: Budget-conscious, vehicle kits

Comparison Table

Product	Price	Weight	Size	Waterproof	Best For
SOL Emergency Bivvy	$20	3.8 oz	84” × 36”	Yes	Emergency backup
Aqua Quest Defender	$80	26 oz	10 × 10 ft	5000mm	Best overall
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil	$90	11 oz	10 × 8 ft	1200mm	Ultralight
Kelty Noah’s Tarp	$50	28 oz	9 × 9 ft	1800mm	Budget

Tarp Setup Configurations

Learn these basic setups before you need them:

A-Frame (Most Common)

• Ridgeline between two trees
• Tarp draped over ridgeline
• Stakes or rocks hold corners
• Pro: Excellent rain runoff, stable
• Con: Limited headroom

Lean-To

• One edge high (attached to tree/ridgeline)
• Opposite edge staked low
• Pro: Maximum open-side coverage, fire reflector
• Con: Less rain protection, wind exposed

Flying Diamond

• Center point high (hiking pole or branch)
• Four corners staked low
• Pro: Good coverage, wind resistant
• Con: Requires center support

Plow Point

• One corner pulled up high
• Opposite edge staked to ground
• Pro: Wind sheds, low footprint
• Con: Limited space

Essential Tarp Accessories

Don’t forget these supporting items:

Item	Purpose	Weight
Paracord (50 ft)	Ridgeline, guy lines	4 oz
Stakes (6-8)	Ground anchoring	2-4 oz
Prusik loops	Tensioning system	1 oz
Ground sheet	Floor protection	4-8 oz
Carabiners	Quick attachment	1-2 oz

Budget tip: Use rocks and sticks instead of stakes when possible. A tarp with many tie-out points gives you more options.

Ground Protection Strategy

A tarp keeps rain off, but you also need ground insulation:

1. Emergency bivvy — Reflective, waterproof, minimal weight
2. Ground sheet/footprint — Tyvek or polycryo, 1-4 oz
3. Natural materials — Leaves, pine needles, grass (primitive)
4. Sleeping pad — Foam or inflatable for insulation

Tarp Material Guide

Material	Pros	Cons
Silnylon	Light, strong, packs small	Stretches when wet
Polyethylene	Cheap, waterproof	Heavy, tears easily
Dyneema	Lightest, doesn’t stretch	Very expensive
Ripstop Nylon (PU)	Durable, affordable	Heavier than silnylon
Canvas	Breathes, very durable	Heavy, can mold

For survival: Silnylon or PU-coated ripstop nylon offer the best balance of weight, durability, and cost.

Budget Recommendations

Under $25:

• SOL Emergency Bivvy ($20) — Every kit
• Hardware store tarp + grommets ($10-15) — Heavy but cheap

$50-100:

• Kelty Noah’s Tarp ($50-70) — Budget workhorse
• Aqua Quest Defender ($80) — Best value

$100+:

• Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil ($90) — Ultralight
• Warbonnet Superfly ($150) — Premium hammock tarp
• Dyneema tarps ($200+) — Ultimate ultralight

Frequently Asked Questions

What size tarp do I need?

For one person, 8×10 ft is minimum; 10×10 ft is more versatile. For two people, go 10×12 ft or larger. Bigger tarps offer more setup options and better coverage but weigh more. For bug out bags, 10×10 is the sweet spot.

Can I use a regular hardware store tarp?

Yes, but they're heavy, bulky, and the grommets tear out under stress. They work for vehicle kits or caches where weight doesn't matter. For hiking or bug out bags, purpose-built tarps are worth the investment.

Do I need a tarp if I have a tent?

A tarp is lighter, more versatile, faster to set up, and works as a shade/rain cover while you're active. Many people carry both—the tent for base camp, the tarp for movement or as a vestibule extension.

How do I waterproof a tarp?

Quality tarps come waterproof. If water leaks through seams, apply seam sealer (silicone or SilNet). For additional waterproofing, use spray-on DWR treatment. Never wash tarps with regular detergent—it strips waterproofing.

Should I get a tarp or a bivy?

Both. An emergency bivvy weighs 4 oz and costs $20—there's no reason not to carry one. The tarp provides better long-term shelter, rain protection, and living space. The bivvy is your emergency backup and ground protection.

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Sources

• Sensible Prepper - Shelter Solutions
• REI - Tarp Camping Guide
• The Prepared - Emergency Shelter
• Outdoor Gear Lab - Best Backpacking Tarps

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Related:

• Emergency Bivvy vs. Sleeping Bag
• Bug Out Bag Complete Guide
• Best Paracord and Uses