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Contaminant Comparison Chart

For a complete list of contaminants that PUR filters reduce, please view our Performance Data Sheets here.

 

 

 

PUR & PUR PLUS FAUCET FILTERS
RF3375/RF9999

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PUR PLUS PITCHER FILTERS
PPF951K

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PUR BASIC PITCHER FILTERS
PPF900Z

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Vs. Brita*
Lead ✓ ✓
Microplastics ✓ ✓
Mercury ✓ ✓ ✓
Chlorine Taste & Odor ✓ ✓ ✓
DEET ✓
TTHM ✓

PUR’s Filtration Systems Are Certified By NSF And WQA For Their Contamination Reduction. WQA certifications as of 5/27/21 for Faucet filter models RF-3375 and RF-9999.

¹ Certified to reduce 10X more chemical and physical substances than Brita’s® leading pitcher filter.
² Certified to reduce 3X more chemical and physical substances than Brita’s® leading pitcher filter.
³ Certified to reduce 2X more chemical and physical substances than Brita’s® leading pitcher filter.
*Versus best-selling Brita® pitcher filter OB03. Brita® is a trademark of Brita LP.
**Like other leading brands, PUR does not filter microbes. As of 3/1/23 Brita® and ZeroWater® were not certified to filter microbes. Brita® is a trademark of Brita LP. ZeroWater® is a trademark of Zero Technologies, LLC..

 

PUR & PUR PLUS FAUCET FILTERS

 

 

 

PUR & PUR PLUS FAUCET FILTERS
RF3375/RF9999

View Filters
 

Vs. Brita*
Lead ✓
Microplastics ✓
Mercury ✓
Chlorine Taste & Odor ✓
DEET ✓
TTHM ✓

PUR’s Filtration Systems Are Certified By NSF And WQA For Their Contamination Reduction. WQA certifications as of 5/27/21 for Faucet filter models RF-3375 and RF-9999.

¹ Certified to reduce 10X more chemical and physical substances than Brita’s® leading pitcher filter.
² Certified to reduce 3X more chemical and physical substances than Brita’s® leading pitcher filter.
³ Certified to reduce 2X more chemical and physical substances than Brita’s® leading pitcher filter.
*Versus best-selling Brita® pitcher filter OB03. Brita® is a trademark of Brita LP.
**Like other leading brands, PUR does not filter microbes. As of 3/1/23 Brita® and ZeroWater® were not certified to filter microbes. Brita® is a trademark of Brita LP. ZeroWater® is a trademark of Zero Technologies, LLC..

 

PUR PLUS PITCHER FILTERS

 

 

PUR PLUS PITCHER FILTERS
PPF951K

View Filter

 

Vs. Brita*
Lead ✓
Microplastics ✓
Mercury ✓
Chlorine Taste & Odor ✓
DEET
TTHM

PUR’s Filtration Systems Are Certified By NSF And WQA For Their Contamination Reduction. WQA certifications as of 5/27/21 for Faucet filter models RF-3375 and RF-9999.

¹ Certified to reduce 10X more chemical and physical substances than Brita’s® leading pitcher filter.
² Certified to reduce 3X more chemical and physical substances than Brita’s® leading pitcher filter.
³ Certified to reduce 2X more chemical and physical substances than Brita’s® leading pitcher filter.
*Versus best-selling Brita® pitcher filter OB03. Brita® is a trademark of Brita LP.
**Like other leading brands, PUR does not filter microbes. As of 3/1/23 Brita® and ZeroWater® were not certified to filter microbes. Brita® is a trademark of Brita LP. ZeroWater® is a trademark of Zero Technologies, LLC..

 

PUR BASIC PITCHER FILTERS

 

 

 

PUR BASIC PITCHER FILTERS
PPF900Z

View Filter

 

Vs. Brita*
Lead
Microplastics
Mercury ✓
Chlorine Taste & Odor ✓
DEET
TTHM

PUR’s Filtration Systems Are Certified By NSF And WQA For Their Contamination Reduction. WQA certifications as of 5/27/21 for Faucet filter models RF-3375 and RF-9999.

¹ Certified to reduce 10X more chemical and physical substances than Brita’s® leading pitcher filter.
² Certified to reduce 3X more chemical and physical substances than Brita’s® leading pitcher filter.
³ Certified to reduce 2X more chemical and physical substances than Brita’s® leading pitcher filter.
*Versus best-selling Brita® pitcher filter OB03. Brita® is a trademark of Brita LP.
**Like other leading brands, PUR does not filter microbes. As of 3/1/23 Brita® and ZeroWater® were not certified to filter microbes. Brita® is a trademark of Brita LP. ZeroWater® is a trademark of Zero Technologies, LLC..

 

What Is a Camping Tarp and Which Type Is Best?

Camping Tarp sounds simple: a sheet of fabric, several tie-out points, and a place to escape rain. In practice, choosing one requires more judgment. A tarp can serve as a rain roof, windbreak, cooking shelter, or lightweight sleeping cover. Its performance depends on fabric, dimensions, shape, suspension points, and campsite exposure. A large rectangular tarp offers flexible coverage, while a shaped tarp usually pitches faster and saves weight.

The market matters because more people are camping in varied conditions. The 2024 KOA North American Camping Report recorded 57.8 million American and Canadian households camping in 2023. The Outdoor Industry Association’s 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report also reported 175.8 million U.S. outdoor participants in 2023. These figures suggest stronger demand for adaptable shelter equipment, but popularity does not make every tarp suitable. A budget polyester tarp may work for a weekend park trip. It may struggle under prolonged rain, sharp wind, or repeated packing.

Material matters greatly. Silicone-coated nylon is light and compact, yet it can stretch when wet. Polyester often stays more stable, but it may weigh slightly more. Dyneema Composite Fabric is exceptionally light and water-resistant, although its price and puncture sensitivity deserve attention. Small details matter. Look for reinforced corners, reliable seams, practical ridgelines, and enough coverage for your sleeping system.

There is no universal winner. I have found that “best” depends on weather, skill, pack weight, and campsite size. Even an excellent Camping Tarp can fail when pitched poorly. This guide compares tarp types, materials, shapes, and real-world use cases, while acknowledging one uncomfortable truth: lighter equipment often demands more careful decisions.

What Is a Camping Tarp and Which Type Is Best?
Table of Contents [Hide]
1 What Is a Camping Tarp and How Does It Work?
2 What Are the Main Types of Camping Tarps?
3 Which Materials and Features Matter Most?
4 How Do You Choose a Tarp for Your Camping Style?
5 How Should You Set Up and Care for a Camping Tarp?

What Is a Camping Tarp and How Does It Work?

What Is a Camping Tarp and How Does It Work?

A camping tarp is a lightweight sheet of coated fabric that creates overhead shelter outdoors. It usually has reinforced corners, edge loops, and several attachment points. You stretch it between trees or poles, then secure the edges with guylines and stakes. The fabric sheds rain, blocks sunlight, and reduces wind exposure. It does not form a sealed room, so airflow remains important.

A tarp works through tension and angle. A sloped pitch lets rain run away instead of collecting in heavy pockets. A higher ridge improves ventilation, while a lower pitch offers better wind protection. Flat tarps provide more setup choices, but shaped tarps often pitch faster and hold their form better.

From experience, small mistakes matter. I once left one corner loose, and overnight rain found the gap immediately. The ground beneath stayed mostly dry, but my sleeping bag did not.

Tips:

Choose a waterproof, seam-sealed tarp for frequent rain. Check the forecast before selecting a pitch. Avoid low dips where water can gather. Tighten guylines after the fabric becomes damp. Leave openings for airflow, especially in humid weather. For strong winds, use a lower shelter shape and sturdy stakes. A tarp is not automatically safer because it is larger. More fabric can catch more wind. Inspect stress points before each trip, and replace damaged cords early.

What Are the Main Types of Camping Tarps?

A camping tarp is a lightweight shelter made from waterproof fabric, usually supported by trekking poles, trees, or guylines. Unlike a fully enclosed tent, it leaves some sides open for ventilation and views. On wet ground, I prefer a low pitch with tight ridgelines and carefully positioned drip lines. Small setup choices matter.

A flat tarp is the most versatile type. Its rectangular or square shape allows many pitches, including an A-frame, lean-to, and wind-facing wedge. It works well for changing weather, but beginners may need practice with tension and stake placement.

A catenary-cut tarp has curved edges that reduce fabric sag. It pitches neatly and handles wind better, though it offers fewer layout options.

A pyramid tarp uses a central pole and sloping panels, creating strong protection with few attachment points. It suits exposed campsites and snowy conditions, provided the pole height is adjusted correctly. A tarp tent combines tarp panels with a sewn-in floor or partial netting. It gives better insect protection while remaining lighter than many tents. However, condensation can build up inside. I once focused too much on waterproof fabric and ignored airflow, which made the shelter damp by morning. Seasonal weather, campsite exposure, sleeping space, and setup skill should guide the choice.

Which Materials and Features Matter Most?

A camping tarp is a lightweight shelter, rain cover, or cooking-area roof. Its material matters more than its appearance. The Outdoor Industry Association’s 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report recorded 175.8 million American participants in outdoor recreation. More campers are choosing compact equipment, but lighter does not always mean better.

Silnylon offers low weight and strong water resistance, although it can stretch when wet. Polyester stays more stable under rain and temperature changes, but often weighs slightly more. Dyneema composite fabric is extremely light and water resistant. Its high price and lower abrasion tolerance may not suit rough ground. A practical tarp should also have reinforced corners, strong tie-out points, sealed seams, and enough ridgeline length for your sleeping system. The KOA 2024 North American Camping Report found that 57.8 million households camped in 2023. That growing audience includes beginners who may underestimate wind exposure.

Tips: Check the hydrostatic-head rating, but do not trust it alone. Inspect stitching and corner patches. Carry six to eight adjustable guylines. In wet weather, pitch the tarp higher for airflow, then lower one edge when wind rises. I still prefer a slightly heavier tarp for rocky campsites; saving a few grams feels less important after one torn corner. Practice the pitch at home. Clouds rarely wait.

How Do You Choose a Tarp for Your Camping Style?

What Is a Camping Tarp and Which Type Is Best?

Choosing a tarp starts with your camping style, not the product label. The Outdoor Foundation’s 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report recorded 175.8 million U.S. outdoor participants in 2023. That variety matters. A backpacker usually needs low weight, while a family campsite benefits from wider coverage.

For solo hiking, choose a lightweight flat tarp with reinforced corners. It packs small and supports several pitches, including an airy lean-to. Practice matters. I still pitch mine unevenly when wind changes direction. For canoe trips or car camping, a rectangular tarp offers better living space. Look for sealed seams, strong tie-out points, and fabric with a hydrostatic-head rating above 2,000 millimeters. Higher ratings usually improve rain protection, but fabric quality and seam construction still matter.

Windy locations demand a different approach. A shaped tarp sheds gusts more efficiently, while a flat tarp gives greater flexibility. Check the forecast, tree cover, and campsite regulations before pitching. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that heavy precipitation events have increased across much of the United States, so drainage deserves attention. Place the tarp above a slight slope, never in a natural depression. In warm weather, prioritize ventilation and generous overhangs. In cold rain, reduce the gap between tarp and ground. My imperfect rule is simple: carry the smallest shelter that still leaves room for a dry cooking area and safe movement.

What Is a Camping Tarp and Which Type Is Best?

Choose a tarp size according to your camping style: smaller footprints are lighter for backpacking, while larger footprints provide more room for groups, cooking, and gear.

How to read the chart: The coverage area is calculated from each tarp's listed length and width. Actual shelter space may be smaller because the tarp is pitched at an angle. A 3 × 3 m square tarp is a versatile choice for solo or two-person camping, while larger rectangular tarps suit family camping and group shelters.

How Should You Set Up and Care for a Camping Tarp?

A camping tarp is a lightweight shelter that blocks rain, sun, and wind. The best type depends on your campsite, season, and sleeping system. A rectangular tarp offers flexible coverage, while a shaped tarp pitches faster but gives fewer options. The Outdoor Industry Association’s 2024 Outdoor Participation Trends Report recorded 175.8 million outdoor participants in the United States during 2023. That growth means more campers are learning shelter skills, sometimes in crowded conditions. Practice before leaving home.

Choose a site above visible drainage channels, not beneath dead branches. Face the narrowest tarp edge toward prevailing wind. Create a ridgeline with secure knots, then pull the fabric tight without overstretching it. Keep one side lower during heavy rain, but leave ventilation space near the ground. Condensation can soak a sleeping bag surprisingly quickly. Use separate guylines for windy weather. I once pitched too close to a shallow dip; overnight rain turned it into a small stream. That mistake still matters.

After use, shake off leaves and dry the tarp completely before packing it. Damp fabric can develop mildew within days. Inspect seams, tie-outs, and coating for small tears. Clean dirt with cool water and mild soap, never harsh solvents. Store it loosely in a dry, dark place rather than compressed for months. The Leave No Trace principles also recommend minimizing campsite disturbance, so avoid cutting branches for emergency supports. My own setups are still not perfect; a beautiful pitch can fail if the ground choice is careless.

What Is a Camping Tarp and Which Type Is Best? - How Should You Set Up and Care for a Camping Tarp?

Topic Key Information Practical Guidance
Definition A camping tarp is a sheet of waterproof or water-resistant fabric used to provide overhead shelter, block wind, create shade, or protect camping equipment from rain and ground moisture. A tarp can be used alone, above a tent, as a cooking shelter, or as part of a lightweight tarp shelter system.
Common Tarp Shapes Rectangular, square, hexagonal, and catenary-cut tarps are common. Rectangular tarps usually offer flexible pitching options, while shaped tarps can reduce fabric and weight. Choose a rectangular model for general camping and a shaped model when low weight and quick setup are more important.
Polyester Tarp Polyester has low water absorption, good resistance to sunlight, and relatively stable dimensions in wet conditions. It is often heavier than ultralight alternatives at the same strength. A strong all-purpose choice for car camping, family camping, and frequent use in varied weather.
Nylon Tarp Nylon is lightweight, compact, and strong for its weight. It can absorb moisture and may stretch when wet, so it often needs adjustment during rain. Best suited to backpacking when low packed weight is a priority. A silicone-coated version generally offers good waterproof performance.
Canvas or Cotton Tarp Canvas is breathable, durable, and comfortable for extended camp use, but it is substantially heavier and must be dried thoroughly to prevent mildew. A practical option for base camps, overlanding, and stationary camping rather than long-distance backpacking.
Polyethylene Tarp Polyethylene tarps are inexpensive, highly water-resistant, and easy to clean. They are usually bulkier and less packable than coated nylon or polyester. Suitable for basic rain cover, ground protection, utility use, and casual camping where minimum weight is not essential.
Typical Size: One Person Approximately 2.5 m × 3 m to 3 m × 3 m. Provides useful coverage for one sleeper, personal equipment, and a small cooking or sitting area when pitched carefully.
Typical Size: Two People Approximately 3 m × 3 m to 3 m × 4 m. A versatile range for two people, especially when the tarp is pitched with a ridgeline and angled sides.
Typical Size: Group or Cooking Shelter Approximately 3 m × 4 m to 4 m × 6 m or larger. Offers more usable space but requires stronger anchor points, longer guylines, and careful attention to wind loading.
Waterproofing Waterproof performance depends on fabric coating, seam construction, hydrostatic resistance, and how well the tarp is tensioned. Keep the fabric taut, avoid low pockets where water can collect, and seal seams if the construction requires it.
Wind Performance A low, aerodynamic pitch generally handles wind better than a tall, open-sided pitch. Wind resistance also depends on fabric strength and anchor quality. Place the lowest edge toward the prevailing wind, use all available attachment points, and avoid exposed ridgelines when severe weather is expected.
Essential Setup Equipment Tarp, guylines, stakes, a ridgeline or support poles, and optional tensioners or prusik loops. Carry enough stakes and cord for every corner and major side attachment point. Use suitable stakes for the soil type.
Basic Ridgeline Setup A ridgeline is secured between two strong trees or supports, and the tarp is draped over it before the corners are staked out. Select healthy trees, protect the bark with wide straps where permitted, center the tarp, and tension the corners evenly.
Ground Clearance The lower edges should be high enough for ventilation but low enough to limit wind-driven rain. The ideal height changes with weather and pitch style. Lower the windward side in bad weather and leave ventilation gaps to reduce condensation.
Site Selection Choose level, well-drained ground away from dead branches, unstable trees, flood channels, and exposed high points. Inspect overhead hazards before pitching and avoid areas where runoff may collect during rain.
Cleaning Most tarps can be cleaned with lukewarm water, a soft sponge, and mild soap. Abrasive cleaners may damage coatings. Remove dirt promptly, rinse thoroughly, and follow the care instructions supplied with the fabric.
Drying and Storage A tarp should be completely dry before long-term storage. Damp storage can cause mildew, odor, coating damage, or fabric deterioration. Air-dry it in shade or indirect sunlight, fold loosely, and store it in a cool, dry, ventilated place.
Inspection and Repairs Check seams, tie-out points, coatings, and fabric for abrasion, tears, stretched areas, or weakened stitching. Repair small damage with a compatible patch or seam-sealing product before the next trip. Replace badly weakened attachment points.
Fire Safety Many lightweight synthetic tarps can melt or burn when exposed to sparks, flames, or excessive heat. Keep stoves, lanterns, and campfires well away from the fabric and maintain clear ventilation when cooking under shelter.
Best Overall Choice A medium-sized polyester or coated nylon rectangular tarp offers a useful balance of weather protection, flexibility, durability, and packability. Select polyester for general durability and stable wet-weather performance; select coated nylon when minimum weight and compact packing are the main priorities.

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