Winter Camping Essentials! 10 Recommended Hexa Tarps for a Comfortable Stay

For winter camping, it's common to use a screen tarp for protection against the cold, but why not try a hexagonal tarp to enhance the sense of openness and immersion in nature?

This article will introduce key points for using a hexagonal tarp during winter camping and recommend our top tarp picks.

What you'll learn from this article
・Recommended hexagonal tarps for camping
・The importance of hexagonal tarps

Article Contents

• What is a hexagonal tarp?
• Benefits of using a hexagonal tarp for winter camping
• Precautions when using a hexagonal tarp for winter camping
• How to choose a hexagonal tarp for winter camping
• Top 10 recommended hexagonal tarps
• Summary

What is a hexagonal tarp?

There are various types of tarps used for camping, but this time we'll focus on the "hexagonal tarp."

A hexagonal tarp, as its name suggests, is a tarp that forms a hexagonal (hexagon) shape when set up.

The shape of a hexagonal tarp isn't a precise hexagon; rather, it's characterized by beautiful curves along its longer sides when pitched.

These curves make it easier to enter and exit the tarp.

Furthermore, hexagonal tarps strike a perfect balance between shaded areas and areas exposed to sunlight, making them incredibly comfortable as you can cool off in the shade while still enjoying a pleasant amount of sun.

They are also recommended as a first tarp for beginner campers.

Ease of setup and usability are unique charms of hexagonal tarps.

Benefits of using a hexagonal tarp for winter camping

While screen tarps, which can maintain internal temperatures, are popular for winter camping, hexagonal tarps also offer many advantages.

Due to their open structure, hexagonal tarps tend to get cold inside, so cold weather対策 is essential.

However, that very openness is also the hexagonal tarp's greatest appeal.

Compared to screen tarps, hexagonal tarps offer a more direct sense of immersion with the surrounding nature.

You can experience a special feeling, as if you're melting into nature.

Another major advantage of hexagonal tarps is that you don't need to worry about ventilation when using a stove.

Precautions when using a hexagonal tarp for winter camping

When using a hexagonal tarp for winter camping, there are several precautions to keep in mind.

First, choosing appropriate clothing for winter camping is crucial for cold weather protection.

For detailed information on how to select effective cold weather gear and layering techniques, please refer to the following article:

https://overdrive-movie.jp/blogs/blog/minus15/

Also, a stove is an indispensable item for winter camping.

With a hexagonal tarp, you can freely use kerosene or wood-burning stoves without worrying about ventilation.

However, using a stove inside a tent is strictly prohibited.

For information on choosing a stove for winter camping and safe usage, this article will be helpful:

https://overdrive-movie.jp/blogs/blog/stove/

How to choose a hexagonal tarp for winter camping

When choosing a hexagonal tarp for winter camping, the three important points are material, size, and water resistance.

Material

Hexagonal tarp materials are broadly divided into three types: polyester, cotton, and polycotton (a blend of both).

Polyester is lightweight, easy to handle, and strong against wind and snow, making it a recommended material for beginners.

On the other hand, cotton offers excellent flame resistance and light-blocking properties, as well as a luxurious appearance.

If you plan to use a campfire, it's wise to choose a cotton or polycotton material.

Size

The key to choosing a hexagonal tarp size is to match it to the number of users and your intended purpose.

For 2-3 adults, a compact size of around 320cm x 420cm is suitable. For 4 or more people, choose a larger size of 420cm x 520cm or more to allow for ample space.

Water resistance

For winter camping, you must anticipate the possibility of snow or rain.

The waterproof rating of the hexagonal tarp serves as a guideline for this.

A waterproof rating of 1000mm or higher provides peace of mind in sudden snow or rain.

If you want a hexagonal tarp that will last, choose one with a high waterproof rating.

Top 10 Recommended Hexagonal Tarps

Now, let's introduce a selection of 10 recommended hexagonal tarps.

DOD (DoD) Itsuka no Tarp

Source: Amazon

"DOD Itsuka no Tarp" uses an easy-to-handle polyester material.

It's strong against UV rays, wind, and snow, and lightweight, making it a recommended tarp for beginner campers.

A key feature is that the guy line adjusters are color-coded, making it easy to tell at a glance which rope goes where during setup.

The main poles are black, and the guy lines are silver, so you won't get confused about which is which.

Furthermore, an extension rope is included, allowing you to arrange the tarp setup in various ways once you get familiar with it.

By running a rope between the poles, you can hang lanterns, making it perfect for decorating and aiming for that "Instagrammable" look.

Connecting the extension rope is done with buckles, so no difficult knot-tying knowledge is required.

The operation is secure, so there's no worry of it coming undone due to incorrect knots.

The fact that a full set of items is included and the extension belt for hanging lanterns is convenient.

The storage bag also keeps everything neatly together, making it an easy-to-manage product.

ColaPuente Hexa Tarp

Source: Amazon

The ColaPuente Hexa Tarp is a hexagonal tarp that offers versatile setup options.

With a total of 6 grommets (holes) between the poles and the four corners, and between the four corners themselves, you can adjust the length of the poles to freely change ease of entry and exit and the extent of shade.

As a note, poles are not included with this tarp and must be purchased separately.

If you already own a tarp, you might be able to reuse your existing poles.

The included pegs are made of steel, which is a nice bonus.

While typical aluminum pegs can bend easily, sturdy steel pegs eliminate the need for replacements.

Despite being steel pegs, the tarp weighs a light 1.8kg, making it perfect for winter camping when luggage tends to be heavy.

Reviews from users are highly positive, with comments like "The pegs are sturdy, the color is black as expected, and the fabric's stitching is solid for the price."

The fact that it's from a Japanese manufacturer provides a sense of security regarding quality, which can also be a deciding factor in choosing it.

With enough space for use as a hammock fly or for solo camping, it's a perfect choice for those who don't need an unnecessarily large tarp.

Soomloom Hexa Tarp 4.2m x 4.1m Poly-cotton TC

Source: Amazon

Soomloom's hexagonal tarp is made from poly-cotton, containing 35% cotton.

Poly-cotton combines the strengths of polyester—resistance to wind and snow, wrinkle resistance, and quick drying—with the appealing texture, breathability, and moisture absorption of cotton.

While it doesn't completely block embers, it can be used safely near a bonfire compared to other materials.

Cotton has high light-blocking properties, effectively cutting out sunlight.

While shade might make you think of cold in winter, winter UV rays are surprisingly strong.

You can get sunburned unknowingly from snow glare, so it's reassuring to have strong sun protection.

The water pressure resistance is 350mm, which is a bit low, but since a typical umbrella has a water pressure resistance of about 450mm, it should repel normal rain without issues.

The price seems to have increased slightly since previous reviews, but even so, its quality makes it a highly satisfying product.

Featuring a trendy tan color, it pairs well with both cool and cute tents.

Poly-cotton tarps are attractive for their beautiful taut form when pitched, and this tarp is an excellent product that combines both aesthetics and high practicality.

BUNDOK Mini Hexagon Tarp

Source: Amazon

This Mini Hexagon Tarp from Bundok is a product offered by Bundok, known for its many affordable items perfect for beginners.

It's an easy-to-use tarp made of polyester material with a classic color scheme that won't go out of style.

However, according to the manufacturer, its water repellency is not permanent, so it's crucial to avoid camping on rainy days or to maintain it by spraying water repellent after use.

If the water repellency declines, you can always use it as a sunshade for summer camping or leisure activities.

The depth is a bit short, making it perfect for 2 adults and 2 small children, but it can just about accommodate 4 adults if used without a table.

According to a beginner camper's review, "I don't go camping every week, so this price and quality are sufficient."

There are tips for tying ropes, so it's important to do thorough research using resources like YouTube.

It takes time when you're not used to it, but you'll improve with practice.

Soomloom Tarp Adranus 4.2m x 5.4m Poly-cotton TC

Source: Amazon

The Adranus 4.2m x 5.4m model is an enlarged version of the Soomloom hexagonal tarp previously introduced.

Its generous space, perfect for 4 adults to relax comfortably, makes it an ideal size for three-generation camping with parents, grandparents, and one child.

When used by a family of four, we recommend a setup that takes advantage of the hexagonal tarp's flexibility and its wide 520cm span.

By pitching one side directly into the ground, you can block wind and create a private space.

However, in this case, you'll need to purchase two additional poles separately.

Generally, TC material (poly-cotton) tarps tend to be expensive, but Soomloom tarps maintain high quality in terms of material, stitching, design, and price.

While some might feel apprehensive about a Chinese manufacturer, actual use reveals no issues with quality, and in fact, it's such a satisfying product that you might even want another size.

This tarp is recommended for those who want to enjoy camping in a spacious area and for families planning three-generation camping trips.

DOD (DoD) Hexa Tarp Poly-cotton TC TT5-582-TN

Source: Amazon

This is the larger version of the DOD tarp introduced earlier.

It provides ample space for a family of four to comfortably relax.

While poly-cotton material tends to be heavy, which can be a minor drawback, its flame-resistant properties offer peace of mind when using a campfire.

Indeed, those who have used it comment that they "purchased it specifically for a tarp suitable for bonfires."

Poles are not included and must be purchased separately, but ropes and guy line adjusters are provided.

CAPTAIN STAG Hexa Tarp Set M-3155

Source: Amazon

The CAPTAIN STAG Hexa Tarp Set M-3155 is a recommended product for beginner campers.

It offers a good balance of price and quality, providing a high-quality product at an affordable price.

With ample space for 4 adults and 2 children, it's perfect for family camping.

Adding separately sold poles expands the versatility of the tarp's use.

It allows for creating a larger living space, enabling diverse applications depending on your arrangement.

The seams are waterproofed, so minor rain is not an issue.

The storage bag is made slightly larger, allowing you to store the tarp easily even if it's not folded perfectly.

While water droplets may accumulate on the inside, considering the cost-performance, it performs sufficiently well.

Since only two poles are standardly equipped, purchasing additional ones will further broaden its uses.

The CAPTAIN STAG Hexa Tarp Set M-3155 can be said to be a product that satisfies a wide range of users, from beginners to veterans.

TIANBOLANG Tarp TC TARP

Source: Amazon

The TIANBOLANG Tarp TC TARP is an excellent poly-cotton tarp that allows you to safely enjoy bonfires.

It's perfectly sized for a family of three or a couple, being slightly smaller than the other products introduced so far.

While there's no mention of its waterproof rating, based on the material composition, it's presumed to have similar water resistance to an umbrella.

For those looking for a gray poly-cotton tarp, this one offers high satisfaction.

Some users chose this gray tarp because they disliked how black and beige tarps tend to be common and blend in with others.

It would also be a great alternative for those who missed out on Quick Camp's rectangular tarp.

This hexagonal tarp is a convenient size for solo tarp camping and offers a rich variety of setup arrangements.

The TIANBOLANG Tarp TC TARP is an excellent product that will be useful in various camping scenarios.

FIELDOOR Hexa Tarp M Size

Source: Amazon

The FIELDOOR Hexa Tarp M size is an excellent product that can comfortably accommodate 4 adults, with enough space even for 2 children.

This size can be used for a long time, even when children reach higher grades.

While the bordeaux color might seem flashy at first glance, there are benefits to standing out at a campsite.

It's not uncommon to lose sight of your own site among various tents and tarps.

In such cases, a uniquely colored tarp helps both adults and children easily find their way back to their site without getting lost.

Many hexagonal tarps recently have been designed to be long and narrow, and while they look good, their functionality as a roof is often questionable.

However, this FIELDOOR Hexa Tarp M size is highly popular for its ideal size and shape.

While the fabric thickness is slightly thinner compared to products like OGAWA, it offers sufficient quality.

During the day, it provides adequate shade, and at night, the silver coating on the underside reflects the lantern light, making it very bright and comfortable to use.

The FIELDOOR Hexa Tarp M size is an excellent product that allows you to fully enjoy camping with family and friends.

Spitze Forge Waterproof Tarp Tent Tarp

Source: Amazon

The Spitze Forge Waterproof Tarp is available in S, M, and L sizes at an affordable price, allowing you to choose according to the number of users or family size.

The M size introduced here features a long design, and by placing your tent inside during setup, it can protect against snow and rain and mitigate radiative cooling.

However, in this case, it's easier to set up the tarp first.

The tarp fabric uses Oxford, which may be an unfamiliar term.

Oxford is a plain weave (or basketweave) where two warp threads and two weft threads are interwoven alternately, making it excellent in tear strength and durability.

Therefore, it is often used for areas that are expected to rub, such as the floor of a tent.

Due to the nature of Oxford, the fabric tends to wrinkle, but as you use it, these wrinkles develop a unique texture, and it becomes a pleasure to see memories woven into it along with your camping experiences.

It will be sufficiently useful even for those who only go camping or outdoor activities occasionally.

The colors and single-point mark are also attractive, making it a product that brings joy of ownership.

For general information on tarps, please refer to the following article:

https://overdrive-movie.jp/blogs/blog/family-tarp/

Summary

If you want to fully enjoy winter camping, why not consider a hexagonal tarp?

Being able to enjoy a bonfire while feeling at one with nature is an appealing prospect.

Please use this article as a reference to find the perfect hexagonal tarp for you!