Best Backpacking Tarp 2024 Lightweight & Ultralight – GWC Mag

Flat Tarp vs Catenary Cut Tarp

When choosing a backpacking tarp, the first thing you will need to decide on is whether to choose a flat tarp (rectangle, square, hexagon) or a catenary cut tarp (catenary refers to the curved ridgeline). And the answer to the question is largely dependent on intended use.

A catenary cut tarp can only be pitched as an A-frame, and thus its only function is as a primary shelter. Compared to flat tarps, catenary cut tarps are easier to pitch in A-frame mode, and are also more taut and secure in that configuration. If you are shopping for a tarp to use as a super ultralight shelter replacing a tent, or as an emergency shelter to supplement cowboy camping, we recommend a catenary cut tarp.

A flat tarp, on the other hand, is infinitely configurable and can be pitched in a wide array of modes to meet the specific needs of your group, environment, and campsite. Our favorite use case for a flat tarp is to create a communal sheltered area for cooking and hanging out in wet weather on group outings. But they can of course still be used as primary shelters, wind walls, tent porches, hammock rain protection, and much much more. Because of their ability to pitch in low-to-the-ground storm mode, flat tarps offer superior protection over catenary tarps in stormy weather.

While catenary cut tarps make for a superior A-frame pitch, flat tarps can also be set up in A-frame. However achieving perfect tension in A-frame with a flat tarp requires more work, and parts of the ridgeline or sidewall will often have just a bit of slack.

If you are only planning on purchasing one backpacking tarp, we recommend choosing a flat tarp over a catenary tarp, because they are more versatile – everything a catenary tarp can do a flat tarp can also do. But if you are open to creating a tarp quiver, then it would be ideal to have one flat tarp, and one catenary tarp.