Our camping tarps and shelters provide you with dependable, lightweight protection that stands up in the unpredictable UK weather. At Taunton Leisure, we stock high-quality gear from respected outdoor brands, all tested and trusted to perform when you need them most. The right tent tarp or camping shelter can make all the difference to your time spent camping, especially when camping in weather as unpredictable as the UK’s.
Choose a Camping Tarp or Shelter
A quality camping tarp is one of the most adaptable pieces of kit you can pack. Lightweight and compact, yet incredibly versatile, a tarp brings flexibility and freedom to your outdoor setup. Used as standalone protection or alongside your main tent, tarps can help you stay dry during sudden downpours, create shaded spots for relaxing out of the sun or act as a makeshift porch to keep your kit dry and organised. Bushcraft enthusiasts often turn to a tarp for a more natural, immersive experience, while festival-goers appreciate the simple practicality it brings. If you're hiking light or planning multi-day routes, a well-rigged camping shelter allows you to travel further with less weight.
Many experienced campers even carry a backup tarp, knowing that its simple design and multiple uses make it a reliable choice for the unpredictable nature of outdoor life in the UK. You can pitch them using walking poles, trees, guylines or adjustable poles, making them adaptable to any pitching site.
Popular Brands We Stock
We pride ourselves on providing outdoor equipment that’s fit for purpose, especially when it comes to weather protection. That means we only partner with brands with proven track records that create products suited to UK conditions. You’ll find options from Hilleberg, known globally for their expedition-grade materials and technical features. Their tarps are popular among serious adventurers who need reliability in remote settings. Rab, long revered for their mountaineering expertise, offer lightweight, packable camping tarps designed for fast-and-light travel.
Robens gear includes practical solutions, ideal for weekend campers, bushcrafters and families who want flexible sheltering options. And if you’re looking for a great all-rounder, Vango is a top contender, offering easy-to-use gear made to stand up to the British elements. All of the brands we stock have been field-tested by our experienced campers.
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FAQs About Camping Tarps and Shelters
What is a camping tarp used for?
A camping tarp is a multi-use piece of outdoor kit that protects from rain, wind and sun. It can be pitched independently as a camping shelter, used with a tent to extend living space or carried as a lightweight emergency backup. Many wild campers prefer tent tarps for their low weight and versatility.
Can I use a tarp with my tent?
Many campers pitch a tent tarp over the entrance or communal area to create extra dry space for storing gear. You can also use a tarp as an underlay or footprint to protect your groundsheet and help reduce condensation. If you're family camping or sharing with friends, a connected camping shelter can act as a central hangout space, keeping everyone dry without needing multiple large tents.
Are the tarps waterproof and wind-resistant?
Yes, the tarps we stock at Taunton Leisure are specifically designed for outdoor use in UK conditions, meaning they’re built to be both waterproof and wind-resistant. Materials like silnylon or polyester are often treated with durable water repellent (DWR) finishes and backed with coatings like PU or silicone for added weatherproofing. Reinforced guy points and high-denier fabrics help your tarp stand up to strong gusts, especially when properly pitched.