Best Camping Tarps · #3
Superfly
Warbonnet
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The hammock camper's answer: doors, catenary cut, and bombproof tie-outs.
Pros
- Excellent wind and rain protection with full coverage doors
- Catenary cut ensures a taut, stable pitch
- Durable silnylon construction stands up to abuse
- Versatile pitching options for varied conditions
- Integrated doors enhance warmth and privacy
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than minimalist tarps
- Higher price point than basic tarps
- Not ideal for ultralight ground camping where weight is paramount
Best uses
- Four-season hammock camping
- Adverse weather protection
- Extended backcountry trips
- Maximizing hammock comfort
Specifications
- Maker
- Warbonnet
- Model
- Superfly
- Material
- Silnylon
- Coverage
- Full with integrated doors
- Cut
- Catenary
- Primary Use
- Hammock camping
Pricing
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Best for
Four-season hammock camping, Adverse weather protection, Extended backcountry trips, Maximizing hammock comfort
Where to buy the Superfly
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The Warbonnet Superfly isn't just another camping tarp; it's a specialized shelter designed with the dedicated hammock camper in mind. This tarp stands out due to its unique combination of full coverage, integrated doors, and a catenary cut that sheds wind and rain remarkably well. While it excels in its niche, its robust construction and thoughtful features also make it a viable option for ground dwellers seeking maximum protection in adverse conditions. Warbonnet has built a reputation for high-quality, purpose-built gear, and the Superfly is a prime example of their commitment to detailed, field-tested design. From a construction standpoint, the Superfly employs durable silnylon, balancing strength with a reasonable weight. The stitching is meticulous, and the numerous reinforced tie-out points inspire confidence when pitching in rough weather. Its true value lies in the versatility offered by the doors, which can be closed for complete enclosure, creating a very secure and warm micro-shelter, or opened wide for increased ventilation and views. This adaptability is critical for multi-day trips where weather can shift dramatically. It's a premium offering, and its price reflects the specialized design and quality materials, positioning it above many entry-level tarps but competitively against other high-end options designed for similar levels of protection.
Who It's For
This tarp is undeniably aimed at the serious hammock camper who prioritizes weather protection and versatility. If you're frequently out in varied conditions, from heavy rain to strong winds, the Superfly provides a level of security that many flat tarps or smaller cat-cut tarps simply cannot. It's also an excellent choice for those who value privacy or require a complete enclosure for warmth in cooler temperatures. While it can serve ground campers, its catenary cut is optimized for hammock suspension, and its generous size can be overkill for ultralight backpackers using minimalist ground shelters. It's for the prepared, not necessarily the minimalist.
Materials and Construction
The Superfly is typically constructed from 1.1 oz. silnylon, a robust yet lightweight fabric that offers excellent waterproofing and tear resistance. The use of silnylon allows for a good balance between durability and packability, ensuring it can withstand abuse without adding excessive bulk. Key features include reinforced tie-out points, often with grosgrain loops, and expertly sewn seams that are factory-sealed, ensuring no water ingress from stitching. The catenary cut is precisely executed, allowing for a taut pitch that sheds wind and rain efficiently. The integrated doors are a standout, featuring well-placed snaps or toggles for secure closure.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Superfly lives up to its reputation. Its deep catenary cut combined with the full coverage doors creates an incredibly secure and dry space, even during prolonged downpours and gusty winds. The ability to completely close off the ends is a game-changer for warmth and privacy, effectively turning the tarp into a small, enclosed shelter. Ventilation can be managed by adjusting the doors, from fully open to partially closed. Pitching is straightforward, especially once you understand the catenary curves, and the ample tie-out points provide multiple setup options. It’s a reliable workhorse when the weather turns sour.
Weight and Packability
Weighing in around 18-20 ounces (depending on specific model/material), the Superfly is not ultralight in the minimalist sense, but it's remarkably light given the expansive coverage and features it offers. For the protection it provides, the weight is entirely justified. When packed, it compresses down to a manageable size, easily fitting into a backpack without consuming excessive space. It's heavier than a basic flat tarp, but the added bulk is a worthwhile trade-off for the increased security and versatility, particularly for those who prioritize comfort and robust weather protection over shaving every last gram.
Durability and Alternatives
Durability is a strong suit for the Superfly; the silnylon construction and reinforced stress points mean it can endure significant use. With proper care, this tarp will last many seasons. When comparing it to alternatives, the Superfly sits in a niche. Cheaper tarps often lack the full coverage, catenary cut, or integrated doors. Higher-end alternatives like those from Hammock Gear or Dutchware Gear offer similar features, sometimes with lighter materials like Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), but at a significantly higher price point. The Superfly strikes a sweet spot between robust performance, features, and cost, making it a compelling choice in its class.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best camping tarps that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Storm worthiness and livability
- Pitch tension in wind, condensation management, and usable interior space for the weight.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
Superfly — frequently asked questions
- Is the Superfly worth it?
- We rank it #3 in Best Camping Tarps. The hammock camper's answer: doors, catenary cut, and bombproof tie-outs.
- What is the Superfly best for?
- Best for four-season hammock camping, adverse weather protection, extended backcountry trips and maximizing hammock comfort. Standouts: excellent wind and rain protection with full coverage doors and catenary cut ensures a taut, stable pitch.
- What are the downsides of the Superfly?
- Heavier and bulkier than minimalist tarps, Higher price point than basic tarps and Not ideal for ultralight ground camping where weight is paramount.
- What are the key specs of the Superfly?
- Maker: Warbonnet · Model: Superfly · Material: Silnylon · Coverage: Full with integrated doors · Cut: Catenary
- Who It's For?
- This tarp is undeniably aimed at the serious hammock camper who prioritizes weather protection and versatility. If you're frequently out in varied conditions, from heavy rain to strong winds, the Superfly provides a level of security that many flat tarps or smaller cat-cut tarps simply cannot.
- Materials and Construction — what should I know about the Superfly?
- 1 oz. silnylon, a robust yet lightweight fabric that offers excellent waterproofing and tear resistance.
Compare side by side
Put the Superfly against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.