DD Tarp 5x5

DD Tarp 5x5 Waterproof Camping Tarp for Base Camps and Family Camping

The DD Hammocks Tarp 5x5 is the largest tarp in the DD range, providing 25 square metres of coverage for base camps, family camping, and bushcraft meets. This 5 metre square tarp weighs 1.9kg with 25 reinforced attachment points including 9 central points for versatile large shelter configurations. Made from 190T polyester with 3000mm waterproof PU coating. Available in Olive Green or Multicam.

IMPORTANT: This tarp does NOT include a ridgeline. Purchase ridgelines separately from our tarp suspension accessories collection. Not recommended for solo use due to size and weight.

DD Tarp 5x5 Size 25 Square Metres for Group Camping

The 5x5 provides 25 square metres of coverage, 56% more than the 4x4 tarp (16 square metres) and 178% more than the 3x3 tarp (9 square metres). This large coverage makes the 5x5 suitable for situations where you need maximum sheltered space for groups, families, or extended base camp setups.

The 5 metre dimensions provide enough space for multiple people to gather comfortably under cover, making it suitable for group cooking areas, bushcraft teaching spaces, or family camping where everyone needs protection from weather. The large size also works well for covering gear and equipment at base camps during multi-day trips.

DD Tarp 5x5 for Base Camp Cooking and Communal Shelters

The 25 square metres of coverage makes the 5x5 the right choice for base camp cooking shelters where multiple people need to work together preparing meals. The large covered area provides space for cooking equipment, food preparation surfaces, and people to move around without feeling cramped or stepping outside into rain.

For bushcraft meets and outdoor teaching, the 5x5 creates a communal gathering space where instructors can demonstrate techniques while students watch under cover. The large size accommodates groups of 6-8 people comfortably for instruction, meals, or evening gatherings. Scout groups and outdoor education programs benefit from the 5x5 as a central shelter for group activities.

DD Tarp 5x5 for Family Camping with Children

Family camping with children requires more covered space than adult-only trips. The 5x5 provides room for parents and children to gather for meals, games, and activities under cover during rainy weather. The large size means children can play under the tarp without constantly being told to stay still or move carefully.

The 5x5 works well as a covered living area adjacent to family tents, creating an outdoor room where the family can spend time together regardless of weather. The covered space reduces the feeling of being trapped in tents during prolonged rain, making family camping trips more enjoyable when weather does not cooperate.

DD Tarp 5x5 25 Attachment Points Including 9 Central Points

The 25 reinforced attachment points include 16 around the sides and corners plus 9 along the centre of the tarp. The 9 central attachment points provide more options for internal support and complex shelter configurations needed for large tarps. These central points allow you to create peaked roofs, multiple ridgelines, and other configurations that prevent sagging in the middle of the large tarp.

The additional attachment points compared to smaller tarps (which have 19 points with 3 central) give you more flexibility for securing the tarp in high winds and creating stable structures with the large surface area. The central points are particularly important for the 5x5 size, as they prevent the middle of the tarp from collecting water or sagging without proper support.

DD Tarp 5x5 Weight 1.9kg Not Suitable for Solo Backpacking

The 5x5 weighs 1.9kg excluding pegs and guy lines, making it too heavy for solo backpacking or situations where one person carries all the gear. The weight makes sense when split among multiple people for group trips, with each person carrying a portion of the tarp and suspension equipment.

For base camps where you drive to the location or make short walks from vehicles, the 1.9kg weight is reasonable for the large coverage provided. The 5x5 is designed for situations where coverage matters more than pack weight, such as semi-permanent base camps, car camping, or group expeditions where gear is shared among participants.

DD Tarp 5x5 Available in Olive Green or Multicam

Olive Green provides natural colour that blends into UK woodland environments. Multicam uses DD Hammocks' own camouflage pattern designed to blend into UK woodlands, costing more due to specialized printing and pattern licensing.

DD Tarp 5x5 Specifications

• Size - 5 metres x 5 metres
• Coverage - 25 square metres
• Weight - 1.9kg excluding pegs and guy lines
• Material - 190T polyester with 3000mm PU waterproof coating
• Seams - Taped central seams
• Attachment Points - 25 reinforced points (16 sides and corners, 9 along centre)
• Colours - Olive Green, Multicam
• Included - 4 pegs and guy lines in separate bag, stuff sack with drawcord
• NOT Included - Ridgeline (sold separately)

When to Choose DD Tarp 5x5 Over Smaller Tarps

Choose the 5x5 for base camp cooking shelters where multiple people need covered space to prepare meals and gather. The 25 square metres provides room for cooking equipment and people to move around comfortably.

Choose the 5x5 for family camping with children where you need covered living space for the whole family during rainy weather. The large size accommodates family activities and reduces the feeling of being confined to tents.

Choose the 5x5 for bushcraft meets, outdoor teaching, and Scout groups where you need communal shelter for instruction and group activities. The coverage accommodates 6-8 people comfortably for learning and gathering.

Choose smaller tarps for solo camping, two person trips, or situations where pack weight matters. The 4x4 at 1.29kg provides adequate coverage for two people, while the 3x3 at 790g suits solo camping.

DD Tarp 5x5 Setup Requires Multiple Support Points

The 5x5 size requires more support points than smaller tarps to prevent sagging and water pooling. Use the 9 central attachment points to create internal support with poles or additional ridgelines. The large surface area catches more wind, so secure all attachment points properly and use adequate stakes and guy lines.

Setting up the 5x5 works better with multiple people helping to manage the large fabric area. One person can set up the tarp alone, but having 2-3 people makes the process faster and easier, particularly in windy conditions where the large surface area catches wind.

DD Tarp 5x5 Complementary Equipment for Large Shelters

Pair this tarp with multiple tarp poles to support the central attachment points and prevent sagging. You will need more guy lines and stakes than provided to secure all 25 attachment points properly. Consider purchasing additional DD Cord or Amsteel Rope for ridgelines and guy lines.

DD Tarp 5x5 Limitations to Consider

The 1.9kg weight is too heavy for solo backpacking or situations where one person carries all gear. The 5x5 is designed for group trips where weight is shared, base camps where you drive to the location, or situations where coverage matters more than pack weight.

The large 5x5 size requires more setup time and effort compared to smaller tarps. You need adequate space to lay out the tarp during setup, and finding suitable anchor points for all attachment points can be challenging in some locations. The large surface area catches more wind, requiring more secure staking than smaller tarps.

The 5x5 packs significantly larger than smaller tarps, taking up considerable space in vehicles or storage. The packed size makes it impractical for backpacking but reasonable for car camping and base camp situations.

DD Tarp 5x5 Care and Maintenance

Shake off dirt and debris after use before packing. Allow the tarp to dry completely before long-term storage to prevent mildew. The large size means drying takes longer than smaller tarps, so plan accordingly when breaking camp.

Inspect all 25 attachment points and seams regularly for wear. The large size puts more stress on attachment points compared to smaller tarps, particularly the central points that support the middle of the tarp. Store the tarp loosely rolled or hung rather than compressed tightly for extended periods.

DD Tarp 5x5 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 the 5x5 size makes sense for group camping versus when smaller tarps suffice.

Questions about setting up the 5x5 for base camps or family camping? Need advice on support configurations for large tarps? Contact us for guidance based on years of hands-on experience with DD Hammocks equipment.

DD Tarp 5x5 Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can fit under the 5x5?

The 25 square metres comfortably accommodates 6-8 people for group activities, instruction, or meals. For sleeping, the 5x5 can fit 4-5 people with gear in ground dwelling configurations, though most groups use the 5x5 as a communal shelter alongside individual sleeping tents.

Is the 5x5 too heavy for backpacking?

Yes, at 1.9kg the 5x5 is too heavy for solo backpacking. The weight makes sense when split among multiple people for group trips, or for base camps where you drive to the location. Choose smaller tarps for backpacking where pack weight matters.

How many attachment points does the 5x5 have?

The 5x5 has 25 reinforced attachment points - 16 around the sides and corners, plus 9 along the centre. The 9 central points are important for supporting the large tarp and preventing sagging in the middle.

Can one person set up the 5x5 alone?

One person can set up the 5x5, but having 2-3 people makes the process faster and easier. The large fabric area is harder to manage alone, particularly in windy conditions where the surface area catches wind.

What is the 5x5 best used for?

The 5x5 excels as a base camp cooking shelter, family camping living area, bushcraft teaching space, or Scout group communal shelter. It provides maximum covered space for situations where multiple people need to gather under protection from weather.

Which colour should I choose?

Olive Green blends into UK woodland environments. Multicam provides visual concealment using DD Hammocks' specialized camouflage pattern, costing more due to specialized printing.

Does the 5x5 come with enough pegs and guy lines?

The 5x5 includes 4 pegs and guy lines, but you will need additional stakes and guy lines to secure all 25 attachment points properly. Purchase extra DD Cord or Amsteel Rope and additional stakes for complete setup.

How does the 5x5 compare to the 4x4 for two person camping?

The 4x4 at 1.29kg provides adequate coverage for two people and is more practical for two person backpacking. The 5x5 at 1.9kg is larger than needed for two people unless you want maximum covered space for extended base camp stays.