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Sun exposure can be a serious matter. It can cause serious damage to your skin as well as leave you feeling dehydrated. If you’re going camping or just want to enjoy the outdoors without the risk of suffering from sun exposure, then a tarp shelter might just be the perfect purchase for you.
In this guide, I have found 8 of the best tarps for protection from sun exposure that you can buy today.
Recommended Tarps For Sun Exposure
Do Tarps Protect From The Sun
The short answer is yes, tarps do protect you from the sun, however, you should also consider whether they protect you from ultraviolet (UV) light as well.
UV light can be bad for your skin and most tarps are designed to protect against UV rays as well as just from the sun.
In this list, all the tarps have been made to protect from UV rays as well as the sun.
How Long Will A Tarp Last In The Sun
How long your tarp will last in the sun depends on the type of material your tarp is made from.
A plastic tarp on average will last between three to five years when regularly exposed to the sun. This is because the UV light, over time, will break down the plastic material. To increase the life of your plastic tarp, make sure you don’t leave it exposed unnecessarily.
Canvas tarps can last in excess of ten years, even when regularly exposed to the sun. The most likely way that the life of a canvas tarp will be reduced will be through poor handling and storage.
Are Canvas Tarps UV Resistant
Now we know that a canvas tarp will last a long time in the sun, the question is, does it protect from UV light?
Yes, canvas tarps do protect from UV light, however, they will need to be treated with special materials in order for them to protect you.
Canvas material has been shown to intercept the direct flow of UV particles, but not diffused radiation that can penetrate around the material, therefore you should look for a material that has been specifically manufactured to protect from UV rays.
What To Consider When Buying A Tarp
Size
When deciding what tarp you would like to buy you should check how big the space is that you would need to cover.
If you are looking for an area that needs covering in your garden, such as a patio, you should measure the space with a tape measure. Once you know the size of your area, you should buy a tarp that is a similar size to the space to cover.
If you are looking to cover your tent with a tarp, you should check the footprint of your tent and buy a tarp just bigger than this, particularly if you would like a canopy area to sit under out of the sun.
Tarps generally come in sizes of between 2m x 3m and around 3m x 4m. You can get them all the way up to 6m x 9m.
Weight
Knowing the weight of your tarp might not seem like the most important factor when choosing which one to buy, but if you intend on taking one with you when backpacking or wild camping, it might be more significant than you think.
If you’re carrying your tarp in your rucksack, the chances are it will be in there with many other items, all making your rucksack heavier. Selecting a tarp that is fairly light will help to reduce the stress and strain your rucksack causes to your back and knees when out hiking to your camping spot.
Of course, if you’re just putting something up in the garden or where you can take it in your car, this will be less of an issue.
Most tarps that are good for UV resistance will weigh somewhere between 500g and 1,200g.
UV Protection
If you’re looking for a tarp to help you with sun exposure, then you’re probably going to want to buy one with UV protection.
Exposure to UV rays can have a significant impact on your skin and you should avoid it where possible. Regular exposure can cause premature ageing, wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots as well as sunburn in some circumstances.
Protection from sun exposure as well as UV protection should be a basic expectation of any tarp.
Waterproofing
Whilst you might be looking primarily for a tarp that will help protect from sun exposure, having a tarp that is also waterproof will ultimately make it much more useful in the long run.
If you are going to be camping with your tarp and carrying it in your backpack, you’re probably going to prefer a more versatile tarp than carrying several that only serve one purpose.
If you can get a tarp that is good for sun exposure and is waterproof, your essentially killing two bird with one stone.
Durability
Durability is another factor to consider when choosing which tarp to buy, as you will want to ensure you get a good amount of use out of your tarp before it needs replacing.
Think about how often you will need your tarp as well as how you will be storing/carrying it, as this will help you know how durable your tarp needs to be.
Are you only occasionally using it in your back garden/yard? Then this probably isn’t going to be as important.
Carrying it in your rucksack on a wild camping trick? The chances are it will be packed away with other equipment and will be rubbing against other items during your trip. Having a durable tarp in these circumstances is a lot more important as you don’t want to get to camp and find a hole in it due to wear and tear inside your rucksack.
Best Fabric Tarp For Sun Exposure
Unigear Hammock Rain Fly Tent Tarp – My Favourite Fabrics Tarp For Sun Exposure
If you’re looking for a fabric tarp to help protect you from sun exposure, the Unigear Hammock Rain Fly Tent Tarp is would be a great choice.
This polyester tent tarp is 100% UV resistant, meaning that you get the benefit of keeping cool out of the direct sunlight and reduce the impact of the UV light rays on your skin.
There is also the added benefit of 2,000mm water protection, which means that if the weather turns, or if you’re just after a tarp that is more versatile, you can be reassured that you will be protected whatever the weather.
This tarp comes in three sizes, 3m x 3m, 3m x 4m and 3m x 5m.
As a guide, the 3m x 3m tarp weighs 960g, which is decent for a tarp of this size.
It also comes with 6 nylon guy lines, 6 ground pegs, a small bag for accessories and a bigger bag for the tarp.
A great choice if you want a versatile tarp to protect you from sun exposure.
ETROL Camping Tarp
If you’re after a fabric tarp that is light as well a versatile the ETROL Camping Tarp might just be the perfect choice.
This hexagonal, polyester tarp weighs just 800g for a 3m x 4m size tarp, which makes it one of the lightest available on the market.
There is also the added benefit of 100% UV resistance, to keep you protected from sun exposure when you’re underneath it.
This tarp is waterproof up to 2,000mm or rain, which makes it great for keeping dry as well.
A good choice for those looking for a tarp to take camping that it light and adaptable.
OneTigris BULWARK Camping Tarp
For those who want a durable tarp that will last for a long time, the OneTigris BULWARK Camping Tarp is a strong choice.
With heat taped seams, PU coating on both sides and reinforced webbing loops, this tarp is built to last.
It is also 100% UV resistant, which means that it will provide you with great protection from sun exposure.
Added to the UV protection, it is also waterproof up to 2,000mm of rain, so it can be used for both protection from the sun and from the rain as well.
At 2.9m x 3.9m, this tarp is a good size for pitching up at your campsite, which is made much easier with the included guylines (6) and tent pegs (6).
This is a really good choice for those who want to pitch up over their hammock, tent or camping area to avoid the strong sunshine.
Etechydra Camping Tent Tarp
Our final fabric tarp for protection against sun exposure is the Etechydra Camping Tent Tarp.
Unlike the other fabric tarps, this one is made from nylon, which in addition to reinforced edges makes for a strong and durable tarp.
Available in 3m x 3m and 3m x 4m sizes, this tarp weighs around 1,000g, which is slightly heavier than others tarps on the list.
It does benefit from being UV resistant and waterproof, which provides some added versatility.
It also comes with 6 guylines and 6 ground pegs for putting it up over your tent or hammock.
Another good choice of fabric tarp if you want protection from sun exposure.
Best Plastic Tarp For Sun Exposure
GIOVARA Multi-Purpose Tarpaulin – My Favourite Plastic Tarp For Sun Exposure
If you’re looking for a simple tarp to protect you from sun exposure, then the GIOVARA Multi-Purpose Tarpaulin might just be the right choice for you.
Let’s be honest, with a tarp like this one, it’s very much about substance over style. It might not look pretty, but it will protect you from sun exposure and it is 100% UV resistant.
It is also fully waterproof, so can be used for shelter from the rain as well as the sun.
This tarp is also lightweight, weighing just 560g for a 3m x 2m tarp.
A further benefit of this tarp is that it is incredibly versatile, so it can be used not only as a shelter but also as a waterproof floor or for covering other items that you need to protect from the weather.
You also get 6 elasticated tarpaulin tensioners to help hang the tarp up.
If you’re not concerned about style and are more concerned with protection from the sun, this tarp is a great choice.
URBANESSENTIALS Multipurpose Polyethene Woven Tarpaulin
The URBANESSENTIALS Multipurpose Polyethene Woven Tarpaulin is another highly versatile plastic tarp that can help to protect you from the sun.
100% UV resistant and 100% waterproof, you will be able to build yourself a shelter suitable for all weathers.
This tarp weighs just 480g for a 3m x 2m tarp, so this is a very light tarp for sheltering under.
It is also incredibly affordable, meaning you won’t break the bank if you do buy it.
SPRINKS Tarpaulin
If you want a more durable plastic tarp, which is strong and tear-resistant, the SPRINKS Tarpaulin will fit the bill perfectly.
With reinforced edges, that tarp is less likely to tear with regular use, particularly when using the included tarpaulin tensioners.
It is also 100% UV resistant, making it perfect for protecting you from overexposure to the sun.
Like all other tarps on the list, it is also waterproof so you know what you won’t suddenly get wet if there is a downpour.
This one is more expensive than the other plastic tarps on the list, however, it is a bit easier on the eye than the blue tarps.
Covers and All Heavy Duty Tarp
My final plastic tarp on the list is the Covers and All Heavy Duty Tarp.
Unlike the other plastic tarps, this one is made from vinyl, which makes it extra durable in all conditions.
This tarp is also 100% UV protective and fully waterproof, meaning that you will be protected from sun exposure and getting wet, depending on the weather.
It also comes in a range of colours and sizes, giving you plenty of flexibility in choice.
A great option for those who don’t want a polyethene tarp, but would prefer something made from a plastic material.
Summary
I hope from this list you have been able to find a great tarp for protecting you from sun exposure.
I personally prefer a fabric tarp and believe that the Unigear Hammock Rain Fly Tent Tarp offers the best balance between price and functionality.
Whichever tarp you buy, choosing one with UV protection is an absolute must, particularly if you are worried about sun exposure.
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Thanks for reading!
