Rain can come out of nowhere. One moment you are roasting marshmallows, the next you are scrambling to keep your sleeping bag from floating away. This is why every camper needs a fast, reliable rain plan. Tarps Now offers two great options: Poly Tarps and Waterproof Canvas Tarps. With the right tarp and setup know-how, you can be dry and back to making coffee in no time.

This guide breaks it down step by step. You will learn what gear you need, how to pick your site, and how to put up a tarp cover fast, even in bad weather.

Why You Need a Rain Plan

Rain does not wait for you to finish your tent setup. And once it hits, things go bad fast:

  • Wet clothes stay cold all night.
  • Gear becomes ineffective or ruined.
  • Campfires go out.
  • Mud rolls into everything.

A rain plan that is implemented keeps your shelter dry and your trip on track. Even a five-minute setup can save hours of soaked misery.

What You Will Need

Start with the basics. These are the things you should pack every time you head out.

  • Poly Tarps: Lightweight, waterproof, folds small. Great for short trips or emergency use. Poly Tarps
  • Waterproof Canvas Tarps: Heavier, more durable. Better for long stays or strong winds. Waterproof Canvas Tarps
  • Bungee Cords: Fast to hook and stretch. No knots needed. Bungees Cords
  • Tarp Poles or Strong Branches: Helps you lift the middle of the tarp.
  • Tent Stakes or Ground Anchors: Keep the tarp secure in wind.
  • Paracord or Rope: For tying down corners or building tension lines. Tarp Cords and Rope
  • Mallet or Hammer: For pounding in stakes fast.

Keep these items together in a dry bag so you can grab and go.

Pick the Right Spot

Where you set up your tarp matters as much as how. Pick wrong, and your gear ends up in a puddle.

  • Stay on High Ground: Avoid valleys, ditches, or flat ground where water collects.
  • Look for Natural Cover: Trees help block wind and light rain.
  • Watch the Wind: Check which way the wind is blowing and use that to your advantage.
  • Plan for Drainage: Ask yourself, where will the water go when it lands?

Take a few minutes to walk around. Look at the slope of the land. Do not rush. A better spot makes all the difference and leads to less stress later.

Set It Up Fast: Step-by-Step

Let’s say the clouds are rolling in fast. Here is how to get your tarp up before the downpour.

Step 1: Position Away, Have Your Back Against the Wind

  • Set the low edge of the tarp toward the wind.
  • Angle the tarp like a ramp or lean-to.
  • These strategies block wind and forces rain to run off behind you.

Step 2: Secure Corners First

  • Use bungees or cord to tie the corners to trees or stakes.
  • Get the tarp tight to stop flapping.
  • If it us loose, it will catch wind and tear.

Step 3: Raise the Center

  • Use poles or rope to lift the middle section.
  • A peak in the middle helps water run-off.
  • Without this, water pools and sags the tarp.

Step 4: Adjust for Slope and Drainage

  • Make sure one end is lower so rainwater can drain.
  • Use the land, set the low end downhill.
  • Check runoff paths so it does not flood your gear.

Step 5: Reinforce the Edges

  • Add extra guy lines if wind picks up.
  • Use rocks or logs to weigh down loose sides.
  • Double-check all ties before the storm hits.

This whole process can take under 10 minutes with practice. Try it at home before your trip.

Smart Tarp Tricks That Save Time

A few simple habits can make tarp setup much easier.

  • Pre-Tie Your Lines: Tie loops and tension knots before your trip.
  • Mark Corners: Use tape or paint on the grommets you will commonly use.
  • Use Carabiners: Secure with bungees or cords fast, no fumbling.
  • Keep Poles Together: Rubber-band them or stash in a tube.
  • Pack an Extra Tarp: One for gear, one for shelter. You will thank yourself.

Practice makes you fast and effective. Test out setups in your backyard on a windy day. You will find what works best.

Poly Tarps vs. Waterproof Canvas Tarps

Each tarp type has its strength. Know which one fits your trip.

Poly Tarps:

  • Lighter and less expensive
  • Packs small and light
  • Good for fair weather or backup use
  • Easier to handle alone

Waterproof Canvas Tarps:

  • Heavier but tougher
  • Handles wind and heavy rain better
  • Lasts longer when maintained
  • Good for gear covers, cooking shelters, or main camp spots

If you have space, bring both. Use the Poly Tarp for quick shade. Save the Waterproof Canvas Tarp for more durable cover.

Accessories That Make a Difference

The right extras turn a basic tarp into a solid shelter.

  • Bungee Cords: Fast, stretchable, and simple. Great for tight setups.
  • Tarp Poles: Adjustable height. Helps make high ceilings or A-frames.
  • Guy Line Tensioners: Slide and lock. Keeps ropes taut in changing weather.
  • Tent Stakes: Get strong metal ones. Plastic snaps in rocky soil.
  • Cord Locks or Clips: Speed up tie-downs with less hassle. Tarp Clips

Do not overpack, but do not cut corners. A few smart tools go a long way.

Tips for Bad Weather Setups

What if it is already raining or windy when you start? You will need to move quickly and think smart.

  • Work in Teams: One person holds, one ties. You will cut setup time in half.
  • Build Small First: Set up a low lean-to for gear before anything else.
  • Use the Car: Park your vehicle as a windbreak.
  • Layer Your Clothes: Stay warm and dry while you work.
  • Protect the Fire Pit: Cover it early so you can still cook.

If it is cold and wet, get dry clothes ready. Nothing slows you down like being soaked and shivering.

After the Rain

Once the storm passes, your job is not done. Wrap up properly to avoid mold, damage, or messes later.

  • Shake Out Tarps: Shake and wring out water, leaves, and other debris.
  • Dry Fully Before Packing: Hang it out or lay it in the sun.
  • Check for Tears: Fix grommets, patch holes, retie cords.
  • Pack in Layers: Keep wet items away from your dry gear.
  • Restock Your Kit: Refill bungees, repack stakes, roll cords neatly.

Tarp gear lasts longer if you take care of it. Make this a routine every trip.

Practice Makes Perfect

The time to learn is not when thunder’s cracking overhead. Practice at home, in your backyard, or even at a local park.

  • Try different tarp shapes: A-frame, lean-to, flat roof.
  • Time yourself: How fast can you go from packed to pitched?
  • Test wind resistance: Set up on a gusty day.

No panic necessary. The more you practice, the more prepared you will be. You will know what to do even when the weather turns bad.

Ready for the Rain

With a simple tarp, a few bungees, and a good eye for location, you can beat the weather. Whether you are on a weekend hike or deep in the woods on an extended outing, staying dry is the key to being safe and happy.

Keep your rain gear packed, your plan sharp, and your setup quick. Do not let a storm wreck your trip. Rain happens. Now, you are ready!

If you have questions or need help with anything, contact Tarps Now today at (888) 800-1383 or sales@tarpsnow.com. One of our helpful and pleasant team members located at the Michigan headquarters looks forward to working with you.

Weather can change fast. Keep a poly tarp or waterproof canvas tarp, bungee cords, and tarp poles ready. Pick high ground, face your tarp away from the wind, anchor corners first, and raise the center. Practice your setup at home. Stay dry and stay safe.

Written by Bill Paige