Hilleberg Tarp 5

Tarps are a camper’s best friend! Not only do they make excellent, low weight minimalistic shelters in their own right, they’re also highly versatile additions to tent camping, whether as a simple porch extension, a standalone cooking area shelter, a sheltered seating area, or a bridge between multiple tents in poor weather.

I have the Hilleberg Tarp 10UL as well as this one, and both are well worth considering for both solo and group use.

Whilst the 10 is ideal for sheltering two people in a bivvy camp or a temporary shelter in poor conditions, its large size makes it a bit more work to set up. The 5 is a cinch. It’s perfect for solo bivvy camping (Hilleberg sell a mesh tent specifically for the Tarp 5), or for creating a porch for a small tent.

I use it with my Hilleberg Niak, Allak and Anjan 3 tents to create a porch in poor weather, providing ample space for cooking or just enjoying being outside.

The tapered shape is quite unusual but really works; because of the pointed front (which is marked by red fabric so when you’re setting it up you can easily find it), you can create a large lofted space to duck in and out from under the cover. I’m surprised more tarp manufacturers don’t do something similar.

I’ve used the tarp with Hilleberg’s own tarp poles, as well as paddles and trees. The pre-attached guy lines have ample length for a variety of pitch options.

You can’t go wrong with Hilleberg and their tarps are no exception. The very small pack size and light weight of the 5 means you’ll barely notice it in your pack; making it an excellent “bring along in case” item for camping trips.

Note that Hilleberg’s tarps do not come with pegs.