[Comparison Survey] Recommended Hexa Tarps for Camping

There are many types of tarps, but this time we will focus on hexagonal tarps and introduce recommended models.

Hexagonal tarps are also great because they offer a variety of pitching options, such as the "Ogawa-bari" and "Musasabi-bari" styles.

We will introduce hexagonal tarps that are convenient for camping, easy to use for both small groups and families.

They say you can enjoy various ways of pitching them.

I want to try the Musasabi-bari style!

Reading this article will help you understand:
・Recommended hexagonal tarp models
・How to pitch a hexagonal tarp
・Whether or not you can have a bonfire under a hexagonal tarp

Features of Hexagonal Tarps

The main feature of a hexagonal tarp is its shape.

"Hexa" means hexagon in English.

While recent models have curved sides, they used to be straight, truly reflecting the hexagonal shape.

The basic setup involves using two poles at the peak and securing it with eight ropes.

Another feature is the variety of arrangements possible, such as the Ogawa-bari and Musasabi-bari styles, which will be described later.

Advantages of choosing a Hexagonal Tarp

The main features of hexagonal tarps are:

• Openness
• Versatile pitching styles
• Compact storage size

Let's take a closer look.

Excellent sense of openness

The biggest advantage of a hexagonal tarp is its sense of openness.

While screen tarps offer privacy, it's truly refreshing to feel the invigorating breeze passing through a tarp.

Versatile pitching styles

Another feature is that it can be arranged to suit the situation (arrangement methods will be described later).

The Ogawa-bari style is famous, but it's also fun to find the best pitching method according to the sunlight and the number of people using it.

Lightweight and compact storage size

Another feature is its small storage size relative to the number of users.

Since a hexagonal tarp consists only of the fabric, poles, pegs, and ropes, its storage size is lighter and more compact compared to screen tarps.

This is a significant advantage when trunk space is limited.

How to pitch a Hexagonal Tarp

When I started camping, pitching a tarp was the most challenging part for me.

There wasn't much detailed information available, so I gathered various tips and experimented until I found my current pitching method.

Now I can set it up by myself.

It's easy once you know the steps, so please give it a try.

Steps for pitching a tarp (for two people)

1. Fold the tarp in half with the underside facing inwards and place it at the desired setup location.
2. Insert one end of the pole and lift it. The order of insertion is rope, tarp, pole from top. Do not place the tarp on top.
3. One person holds the pole while the other secures the rope to the ground (peg down).
4. While one person continues to hold the pole, the other person supports the next pole.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4, switching roles.

The trick is to pull the ropes little by little, not one by one.

Stretch it out gradually while observing the situation.

Once temporarily secured, push the bottom of the pole slightly inwards or outwards, and it will stand on its own even if the ropes aren't perfectly taut.

The tarp can be stretched beautifully by pulling the ropes diagonally.

When I see a beautifully pitched tarp at a campsite, I always think, "This person is an expert."

Let's aim to be a skilled camper by pitching it beautifully!

Hexagonal Tarp Applications (Arrangement Edition)

Ogawa-bari style

Many people might associate tarp arrangements with the Ogawa-bari style, right?

The characteristic of the Ogawa-bari style is that it maximizes the use of the tarp while maintaining a sense of unity with the tent.

While it requires using a system tape sold by Campal Japan for setup and is susceptible to wind, it certainly gives off an advanced camper vibe.

Musasabi-bari style

The Musasabi-bari style uses only one pole, with one side directly secured to the ground.

It is often used with tarps for 1-2 people.

It's not often used for family camping, but if you can create shade well, it's perfect for napping.

It has a very wild camp look.

Kangaroo style

In the Kangaroo style, you pitch a tent inside the tarp.

This protects the tent from rain and makes cleanup easier even if it rains.

It also prevents the tent interior from becoming stifling hot by blocking sunlight, while also having a warming effect.

The only concern is that the space inside the tarp becomes narrower.

How to pitch the Ogawa-bari style

Now let's go step-by-step through how to pitch the Ogawa-bari style.

Choose your setup location

When pitching the Ogawa-bari style, secure a larger space than usual.

This is because you pitch the tent outside the tarp, so you need twice the space.

Also, be mindful of the wind direction as it is susceptible to wind.

Face the back of the tent towards the wind, and set up the tarp in the opposite direction.

Set up the tent first

Set up the tent first.

Do not peg down the tent so that it can be moved later.

If it's windy, lightly peg it down to manage.

Pitch the tarp using setting tape

In the Ogawa-bari style, one pole is positioned behind the tent, so a rope is needed to connect from the tarp over the tent to the pole.

That's where setting tape comes in.

Lowering the rear pole creates a cool-looking slope.

Finally, adjust the tent's position and you're done.

Can you have a bonfire under a hexagonal tarp?

Having a bonfire under a tarp is possible if the material is polycotton.

However, it's not possible to have a large fire that directly touches the tarp.

This is because when sparks land on polycotton, they only create small holes.

Never have a bonfire under a synthetic tarp like nylon.

It can easily spread and lead to serious injury.

Things to keep in mind when choosing a hexagonal tarp

Secure the space

When pitching a hexagonal tarp, make sure to secure a wide area.

This is because the setup area, including the guy lines, takes up surprisingly a lot of space.

For a tarp with a surface area of approximately 0.2 square meters, the setup area with guy lines stretched out will be 8 square meters.

For partitioned campsites, arrange it according to the situation, such as the tent's position.

Use high-visibility ropes

Use high-visibility ropes for guy lines.

Not only for children running around, but also when going to the restroom at night or after drinking alcohol, caution is necessary.

Using high-visibility ropes is effective not only to prevent yourself from falling but also to avoid injuries and problems caused by others tripping.

There are ropes available in bright colors like red and yellow, as well as reflective ropes that are easy to see even at night.

Comparison of Recommended Hexagonal Tarps

Soomloom Hexagonal Tarp

Large enough for a family of 4-6 people for family camping.

You can comfortably place your belongings.

While it doesn't have any special features, it's a product with stable colors and design that can be used for a long time.

Coleman Hexa Tarp MDX+

Its unique Dark Room Technology cuts out over 90% of light, keeping you cool during hot summers.

It weighs 8.2 kg, so please let Dad show off his strength when carrying it.

It uses two poles crossed on one side, which makes it stable during setup and strong against wind.

Snow Peak Hexa Tarp

While the price of Snow Peak may be a concern, the cost-performance is not bad if you plan to enjoy camping for a long time.

It comes with connection tape, allowing you to easily connect it to a tent and enter/exit the tent without getting wet in the rain.

The shape is not just a simple hexagon, which is also stylish.

Fieldoor Hexa Tarp

This size is perfect for 4 adults and a small table, or 2 adults and 1 small child with a table.

If you use separately sold poles, you can arrange it to your liking, so set it up according to the situation.

It's also a nice touch that the included pegs are long at 25cm and made of steel.

Logos Solar Block Hexa Tarp

While the usage size might seem small, it's just right for a family of four, including parents and children.

Since the usage size is smaller, both the storage size and weight are lightweight and compact.

For family camping, where you tend to have a lot of clothes, a small storage size is a big plus.

Fireplace TC Hexa Tarp

TC (polycotton) is a fabric composed of 35% cotton and 65% polyester.

While direct flames are a no-go, a stray spark will only leave a small hole.

Having a campfire under the tarp sounds lovely.

CAPTAIN STAG Hexa Tarp

This is an orthodox hexa tarp.

Because it's so classic, you won't get tired of it easily, and you can use it for a long time.

Captain Stag's reasonable price is also a welcome point for beginners.

Coleman WeatherMaster Hexa Tarp

While Coleman is known for its cream and green two-tone color, this one is brown.

If you want something a bit different but still love Coleman, this is a must-check.

Unlike other Coleman tarps, this one doesn't have cross poles, but you can watch a setup video on the official website to prepare.

Video link: https://ec.coleman.co.jp/item/170T15750J.html

VISIONPEAKS Hexa Tarp

Since it's beige, it's a product that can be used for a long time regardless of preference.

The shape is stylish and streamlined.

The fire-resistant polycotton allows for campfires near the tarp.

However, it is not flame-retardant, so having a campfire directly under the tarp is dangerous.

You might wonder if it's okay for rain even without a waterproof coating, but polycotton fibers swell when they absorb water, closing any gaps.

Additionally, since an umbrella typically has a water pressure resistance of about 400mm, 350mm is more than sufficient.

Summary

While a tarp may not seem essential when you first start camping, once you use it, its comfort makes it an indispensable item.

You'll especially feel this on sunny or rainy days.

Hexa tarps, in particular, offer variations in setup, allowing you to adjust them to suit the number of people or your style.

All the tarps introduced here will make your camping experience more comfortable.

How about one for your next camping trip?