3m x 4m Ultralight Tarp

The best camping tarp size is dependent on your specific needs and preferences. To compare all of our different camping tarp sizes, check out this size guide.

When developing our Ultralight Tarps, we chose to use a 30D ripstop nylon with a dual silicone-PU waterproof coating as it offers the best balance of weight, durability and performance for most outdoor use scenarios. 

Silnylon (silicone-coated nylon) has a little more stretch than silpoly (silicone-coated polyester), especially when wet, but in our experience this is actually an advantage. Fabrics that are more stiff can be more prone to tearing when subjected to impact, such as a sudden gust of wind, and may puncture or tear more easily if they come into contact with a sharp pressure point. 

All Alton Ultralight Tarps are extremely waterproof with a 3,000mm hydrostatic head rating and come fully seam sealed with heat tape. We use ripstop nylon with a dual silicone-PU coating that provides long-lasting and reliable performance in harsh conditions and excellent durability in the field.

In most cases, fixing a ripped tarp is a fast, easy process that requires minimal equipment. 

For small to medium rips, tears or punctures, we recommend using  Tenacious Tape Silnylon Patches. Ensure the tarp is clean and dry, then apply the repair patch to both sides for best results. 

For larger tears and rips, Tenacious Tape Repair Tape may be a better option. Cut to size and apply onto both sides of the damaged area to reinforce the fabric, then allow the adhesive to cure for 24 hours before exposing to water. 

For detailed step-by-step instructions for how to fix a ripped tarp, please refer to this guide.

Yes! As the largest camping tarp in our range, the 3m x 4m Tarp can be rigged to provide a large area of shade in hot, sunny conditions. It’s made from a high-strength woven ripstop nylon that has been third-party tested according to the AS4174:2018 standard and achieved a UVE score of 96%, meaning it provides the ‘most effective’ protection when used as a sun shade*. 

The fabric is designed to be resistant to damage from UV, but if you’re regularly using your Alton Tarp in the full sun, we recommend treating it with Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof® Spray to keep the fabric in good condition for longer. 

*When shade fabric is used for purposes such as shade structures for human protection, the ultraviolet effectiveness (UVE) may not be an accurate guide to the protection provided and may be less than the measured value due to factors including variations in design, height and size of shade structures, stretching of the fabric, the distance of the fabric from the persons, the direction of sunlight, and the physical location of the persons within the shade structure (e.g. at the edge or at the centre).