DD Tarp 3x3 - UV50+

DD Tarp 3x3 UV50 Plus Waterproof Camping Tarp with UV Protection

The DD Hammocks Tarp 3x3 UV50 Plus provides waterproof shelter for hammock camping and bushcraft with UV50 Plus protection that blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays. This 3 metre square tarp weighs 790g and packs to 24x14x4cm, made from 190T polyester with 3000mm waterproof PU coating plus UV protective treatment. Available in Bancha Green colour designed for hot climate use.

IMPORTANT: This tarp does NOT include a ridgeline. Purchase ridgelines separately from our tarp suspension accessories collection.

DD Tarp 3x3 Model Comparison Table

The standard DD Tarp 3x3 is the most popular for general UK camping. Choose the UV50 Plus if you camp in hot climates, travel to tropical regions, or want UV protection during summer camping and beach trips.

DD Tarp 3x3 UV50 Plus Protection Blocks 98% of UVA and UVB Rays

The UV50 Plus fabric treatment blocks over 98% of UVA and UVB rays that cause sunburn, skin damage, and long-term health risks from prolonged sun exposure. This protection lets you relax underneath the tarp in hot, sunny climates without worrying about harmful UV radiation reaching you through the fabric.

Standard camping tarps without UV protection allow UV rays to pass through the fabric, particularly when the sun is directly overhead. The UV50 Plus treatment in this tarp provides the same level of sun protection as high-quality sunscreen, making it suitable for extended periods in direct sunlight. This matters most in tropical regions, high altitude locations where UV intensity increases, and summer camping where you spend hours under the tarp during the hottest parts of the day.

DD Tarp 3x3 UV50 Plus for Summer Camping and Hot Climate Travel

The UV50 Plus tarp suits summer camping in UK when you want shade from intense sun during heatwaves or extended sunny periods. The UV protection prevents the tarp from degrading as quickly under constant sun exposure compared to standard tarps, extending the tarp's lifespan when used regularly in sunny conditions.

For tropical hammock camping trips, the UV50 Plus provides essential sun protection during the day while maintaining waterproof performance for tropical rainstorms. The tarp works well as a beachside shelter between swims, protecting you from sun exposure while you rest. The UV protection also makes this tarp suitable as a garden awning or vehicle shelter in sunny climates where standard tarps degrade quickly from UV exposure.

DD Tarp 3x3 UV50 Plus Bancha Green Colour for Hot Climates

The Bancha Green colour is a light green shade that reflects more sunlight than darker colours like Olive Green or Forest Green. This lighter colour helps keep the area underneath the tarp cooler in hot weather by reflecting solar radiation rather than absorbing it. Dark colours absorb heat and make the sheltered area warmer, which works against you in hot climates.

The Bancha Green shade blends reasonably well with tropical vegetation and summer foliage while providing the heat-reflecting benefits of a lighter colour. This colour only comes on the UV50 Plus version, as it is specifically chosen for hot climate use rather than UK woodland camouflage.

DD Tarp 3x3 UV50 Plus Waterproof for Rain and Sun Protection

The UV50 Plus tarp maintains the same 3000mm waterproof PU coating and taped seams as other DD tarps, providing full waterproof protection alongside the UV blocking treatment. This dual protection makes the tarp suitable for tropical climates where you need shelter from both intense sun and heavy rainstorms.

The UV protective treatment does not compromise the waterproof performance. The tarp handles tropical downpours and prolonged rain as effectively as standard DD tarps while providing the additional benefit of UV protection during sunny periods. This makes the UV50 Plus particularly useful for tropical travel where weather alternates between intense sun and heavy rain throughout the day.

DD Tarp 3x3 UV50 Plus Specifications

• Size - 3 metres x 3 metres
• Weight - 790g excluding pegs and guy lines (same as standard 3x3)
• Packed Size - 24cm x 14cm x 4cm approximately
• Material - 190T polyester with 3000mm PU waterproof coating
• UV Protection - UV50 Plus rating blocks over 98% of UVA and UVB rays
• Seams - Fully taped throughout
• Attachment Points - 19 reinforced points (16 sides and corners, 3 along centre ridgeline)
• Colour - Bancha Green
• Included - 4 pegs and guy lines in separate bag, stuff sack with drawcord
• NOT Included - Ridgeline (sold separately)

When to Choose DD Tarp 3x3 UV50 Plus Over Standard 3x3

Choose the UV50 Plus if you regularly camp in hot climates, travel to tropical regions, or do summer camping where UV protection matters. The UV blocking treatment prevents skin damage during extended periods under the tarp in direct sunlight, making it safer for all-day use as a sun shelter.

The UV50 Plus also suits situations where the tarp will be set up for extended periods in sunny conditions, such as semi-permanent garden shelters or vehicle awnings in hot climates. The UV protection extends the tarp's lifespan by preventing fabric degradation from constant sun exposure, making it more durable than standard tarps in sunny environments.

For UK camping in typical mixed weather conditions, the standard 3x3 provides adequate performance at lower cost with more colour options. The UV50 Plus justifies its higher price mainly for hot climate use, tropical travel, or situations where UV protection provides significant health or durability benefits.

DD Tarp 3x3 UV50 Plus Complementary Equipment

Pair this tarp with hammock suspension accessories and hammocks for tropical hammock camping setups. For hot weather camping, lightweight hammock quilts provide comfort without excessive insulation.

DD Tarp 3x3 UV50 Plus Limitations to Consider

The UV50 Plus only comes in Bancha Green colour, limiting your choice if you prefer darker woodland colours or camouflage patterns. The UV protection adds cost compared to the standard 3x3, making it more expensive for a feature you may not need if you mainly camp in typical UK weather with limited sun exposure.

The lighter Bancha Green colour shows dirt more easily than darker colours like Olive Green or Forest Green, requiring more frequent cleaning to maintain appearance. The UV protection is most beneficial in hot climates and tropical regions - for UK camping in typical mixed weather, the standard 3x3 provides adequate performance without the UV treatment premium.

DD Tarp 3x3 UV50 Plus Care and Maintenance

Clean the tarp regularly when used in sunny conditions, as the lighter Bancha Green colour shows dirt more readily than darker colours. Rinse with clean water and allow to dry completely before storing. The UV protective treatment maintains effectiveness over the tarp's lifetime with proper care.

Store the tarp out of direct sunlight when not in use, even though it has UV protection. While the UV50 Plus treatment protects the fabric during use, storing the tarp in a cool, dry place away from sunlight extends its overall lifespan. Inspect the fabric periodically for any signs of UV degradation, though the protective treatment significantly slows this process compared to untreated tarps.

DD Tarp 3x3 UV50 Plus Advice from Wylies Outdoor World Fife Scotland

Wylies Outdoor World's owner Drew has personally tested every DD Hammocks product over almost a decade, using them 4 nights a week in the best and worst weather the UK has to offer. This extensive field testing provides real-world knowledge of when UV protection justifies the extra cost versus the standard 3x3.

Questions about whether UV protection suits your camping style or travel plans? Need advice on using the UV50 Plus for tropical travel or summer camping? Contact us for guidance based on years of hands-on experience with DD Hammocks equipment.

DD Tarp 3x3 UV50 Plus Frequently Asked Questions

What does UV50 Plus protection mean?

UV50 Plus means the fabric blocks over 98% of UVA and UVB rays that cause sunburn and skin damage. This provides the same level of sun protection as high-quality sunscreen, making it safe to spend extended periods under the tarp in direct sunlight.

Do I need UV protection for UK camping?

For typical UK camping in mixed weather, the standard 3x3 provides adequate performance. UV protection becomes valuable during UK summer heatwaves, extended sunny periods, or if you camp at high altitudes where UV intensity increases. The UV50 Plus is most beneficial for tropical travel and hot climate camping.

Does the UV protection affect waterproof performance?

No, the UV50 Plus tarp maintains the same 3000mm waterproof rating and taped seams as other DD tarps. The UV protective treatment does not compromise waterproof performance, making it suitable for tropical climates where you need protection from both sun and rain.

Why is the UV50 Plus only available in Bancha Green?

The Bancha Green colour is specifically chosen for hot climate use because lighter colours reflect more sunlight and keep the sheltered area cooler. Darker colours absorb heat, which works against you in hot weather. DD Hammocks offers this tarp in one colour optimized for its intended use in sunny conditions.

Will the UV protection wear off over time?

The UV50 Plus treatment is integrated into the fabric during manufacturing and maintains effectiveness over the tarp's lifetime with proper care. Store the tarp out of direct sunlight when not in use to extend its overall lifespan, though the UV treatment significantly slows degradation compared to untreated tarps.

Can I use the UV50 Plus for winter camping?

Yes, the UV50 Plus works for winter camping and provides the same waterproof performance as other DD tarps. However, the lighter Bancha Green colour and UV protection features are optimized for hot climate use, so the standard 3x3 in darker colours may be more practical for UK winter camping.

Is the UV50 Plus suitable as a permanent garden shelter?

The UV protection makes this tarp more suitable for semi-permanent setups in sunny locations compared to standard tarps. The UV treatment prevents fabric degradation from constant sun exposure, extending the tarp's lifespan when used as a garden awning or vehicle shelter in hot climates.

Does the UV50 Plus weigh the same as the standard 3x3?

Yes, both weigh 790g excluding pegs and guy lines. The UV protective treatment does not add significant weight to the tarp, making it equally suitable for backpacking and lightweight camping as the standard version.

Can I use the UV50 Plus for beach camping?

Yes, the UV50 Plus works well for beach camping and beachside shelters. The UV protection prevents skin damage during extended periods in direct sun, and the waterproof coating handles unexpected rain. The lighter Bancha Green colour reflects heat better than darker colours in beach environments.