In this section, we will go over the most important features to look for when looking at the right tarp to get for your next bushcraft or camping adventure. Below are the features you should be thinking about when searching for the most suitable product that meets your preferences.

Water Proof

The very most important feature of a tarp is the material. Is it waterproof? This is the first thing you should look for when searching online for a new tarp. Some brands claim to be waterproof or water-resistant. But, after you get it out, you are depending on it to keep you dry. You end up with hypothermia because it wasn’t waterproof. You had to learn the hard way instead of just doing a little research and finding something that can hold up during any type of storm and will keep you dry no matter what.

So, this must be the very first thing to look for when looking for a bushcraft tarp. Make sure to test it out before you do any cross-country cycling trips or a weekend retreat deep into the woods so that you know from your own experience if your tarp is going to work perfectly.

Durable

You want something that is going to be very durable and resilient to all the kinds of forces that are in and around nature. If you have a tarp and you are dragging it around through the woods, the chances are it is going to get ripped or starched, causing damage. 

It’s important to look for materials that are constructed to be strong and resistant to small punctures. Since you are going to be having your tarp sometimes on the ground for some bushcraft setups, you are going to be exposed to this type of wear and tear.

Compact

Having a compact tarp can be helpful when backpacking and make portability more efficient for travel. Sometimes having a heavy backpack can be strenuous on the back and other body parts, but if you go with gear that is light and durable, then you are not compromising the long-lasting lifespan you normally get with thicker and heavier products. It’s best to get something that is under 2 pounds normally, I would recommend it to anyone wanting to go bushcrafting.

Versatile

Here is something you should look out for, and depending on what you want to do with your tarp, you should already have in mind what you want to do with it and the type of setup you will be using. Your shelter, but as far as stuff goes, like the reinforced webbing ties loops, center loop for overhead hanging, corner pocket, etc. 

You should be looking for something that will be suitable for all your setups.

Multi-Purpose

In general, tarps are multi-purpose. A tarp for a motorcycle could be for bushcraft if you really wanted to use it. 

There is nothing saying you can’t do that, but in this day and age, it just would be silly to use a motorcycle tarp for bushcraft. Most tarps these days are multifunctional and can be used for several other activities.

Noise

Since some materials can make certain noises, if this is something that would bother you at night or whenever you use them, then you will have to do a little bit of digging here to see if you can find any mention.

We wouldn’t like anything that is very noisy, but as far as moving around a little bit and having a little bit of a sound, that would not bother us very much.