DD Tarp XL

DD Tarp XL 4.5m x 3m Rectangular Waterproof Camping Tarp for Hammock Camping

The DD Hammocks Tarp XL is a rectangular tarp measuring 4.5m x 3m, designed for hammock camping, tent coverage, and ground shelters. The rectangular shape works well for A-frame and lean-to setups, the two most popular configurations for this tarp. Weighs 1020g with 19 reinforced attachment points. Made from 190T polyester with 3000mm waterproof PU coating. Available in Olive Green, Coyote Brown, or Multicam.

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

DD Tarp XL Rectangular Shape 4.5m x 3m for Hammock Camping

The rectangular 4.5m x 3m dimensions provide 13.5 square metres of coverage optimized for hammock camping. The 4.5 metre length runs along the hammock, providing coverage from head to foot with extra space at the ends for gear. The 3 metre width covers the hammock with adequate overhang on each side to keep rain off.

The rectangular shape differs from square tarps like the 3x3 or 4x4. Square tarps offer more setup flexibility, while the rectangular XL is optimized for specific configurations that work well with the longer dimension. This makes the XL particularly suited for A-frame and lean-to setups where the rectangular shape provides advantages.

DD Tarp XL for A-Frame Setup Over Hammocks

The A-frame setup is one of the two most popular configurations for the Tarp XL. Run a ridgeline along the 4.5 metre length and drape the tarp over it, creating an A-frame that covers the hammock from end to end. The 3 metre width provides adequate coverage on each side of the ridgeline to keep rain off the hammock and gear.

The rectangular shape works well for A-frame setups because the longer 4.5 metre dimension provides coverage along the hammock length without excess material at the ends. This makes the A-frame more efficient than using a square tarp, where you have more material than needed in some directions and potentially less in others depending on how you orient it.

DD Tarp XL for Lean-To Setup

The lean-to setup is the other most popular configuration for the Tarp XL. Secure the 4.5 metre edge to a high ridgeline or tree limb, then stake the opposite 4.5 metre edge to the ground at an angle. This creates a sloped shelter that sheds rain while providing an open front where you can build a fire.

The rectangular shape works well for lean-to configurations because the 4.5 metre length provides a long sheltered area where you can spread out gear or accommodate multiple people sitting along the length. The 3 metre width from front to back provides adequate depth for the shelter without excess material that would add weight.

DD Tarp XL Rectangular Shape Less Flexible Than Square Tarps

The rectangular shape is less flexible for setup options compared to square tarps. Square tarps like the 3x3 or 4x4 work equally well in any orientation because all sides are the same length. The rectangular XL works best when you orient the 4.5 metre length in the direction you need coverage, limiting some configuration options.

For diamond setups over hammocks, square tarps provide more flexibility in positioning. For complex shelter configurations that require equal dimensions in all directions, square tarps offer more options. Choose the rectangular XL when you specifically want A-frame or lean-to setups where the rectangular shape provides advantages, or when you need coverage along one dimension more than the other.

DD Tarp XL for Additional Tent Coverage

The rectangular XL works well as additional coverage over tents, creating a porch area or extending the covered space beyond the tent footprint. The 4.5 metre length can run along the tent length, providing coverage for the tent entrance and creating a covered area for cooking or gear storage.

Use the XL as a flysheet over smaller tents to add extra waterproofing and wind protection. The rectangular shape makes it easier to position over rectangular tents compared to square tarps, as the dimensions align better with typical tent shapes.

DD Tarp XL Weight 1020g for Solo or Two Person Use

The XL weighs 1020g excluding pegs and guy lines, positioning it between the 3.5 x 3.5 (1050g) and the standard 3x3 (790g) in weight. The 1020g weight is reasonable for solo camping where you want more coverage than the 3x3 provides, or for two person trips where you split the weight.

The 13.5 square metres of coverage provides more sheltered space than the 3x3 (9 square metres) while weighing 230g more. This makes the XL a good choice when you want extra coverage for gear or two person use without moving up to the heavier 4x4 (1290g, 16 square metres).

DD Tarp XL Available in Three Colour Options

Olive Green provides natural colour that blends into UK woodland environments. Coyote Brown works well in open moorland and varied terrain. Multicam uses DD Hammocks' own camouflage pattern designed to blend into UK woodlands, costing more due to specialized printing.

DD Tarp XL Specifications

• Size - 4.5 metres x 3 metres (rectangular)
• Coverage - 13.5 square metres
• Weight - 1020g excluding pegs and guy lines
• Material - 190T polyester with 3000mm PU waterproof coating
• Seams - Taped central seam
• Attachment Points - 19 reinforced points (16 sides and corners, 3 along centre)
• Colours - Olive Green, Coyote Brown, Multicam
• Included - 4 pegs and guy lines in separate bag, stuff sack with drawcord
• NOT Included - Ridgeline (sold separately)

When to Choose DD Tarp XL Over Square Tarps

Choose the rectangular XL when you specifically want A-frame or lean-to setups for hammock camping. The 4.5m x 3m dimensions work well for these configurations, providing coverage along the hammock length without excess material.

Choose the XL when you need additional coverage over rectangular tents or want to create a porch area. The rectangular shape aligns better with tent shapes than square tarps.

Choose the XL when you want more coverage than the 3x3 (9 square metres) but do not need the full coverage of the 4x4 (16 square metres). The 13.5 square metres provides a middle ground at 1020g weight.

Choose square tarps like the 3x3, 3.5 x 3.5, or 4x4 when you want maximum setup flexibility and the ability to orient the tarp in any direction. Square tarps work better for diamond setups and complex configurations that require equal dimensions.

DD Tarp XL Complementary Equipment

Pair this tarp with hammock suspension accessories and hammocks for complete setups. For cold weather, add hammock underblankets or quilts to insulate your sleep system.

DD Tarp XL Limitations to Consider

The rectangular shape is less flexible for setup options compared to square tarps. You get the best performance from the XL when using A-frame or lean-to configurations where the rectangular dimensions provide advantages. For diamond setups and complex configurations, square tarps offer more flexibility.

The 1020g weight is heavier than the 3x3 (790g) for situations where you want minimal weight. The XL provides more coverage but at a weight penalty that may not be justified if you mainly do solo camping with minimal gear.

The XL provides less coverage than the 4x4 (13.5 square metres vs 16 square metres) while weighing only 270g less. For two person camping where you want maximum coverage, the 4x4 may be worth the extra weight.

DD Tarp XL 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. Rinse with clean water if muddy and hang to dry before packing.

Inspect attachment points and seams regularly for wear. Store the tarp loosely rolled or hung rather than compressed tightly for extended periods. Avoid campfires directly under the tarp or too close to edges, as the polyester fabric melts and burns when exposed to sparks or flame.

DD Tarp XL 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 rectangular XL makes sense versus when square tarps provide better flexibility.

Questions about choosing between rectangular XL and square tarps for your camping style? Need advice on A-frame or lean-to setups? Contact us for guidance based on years of hands-on experience with DD Hammocks equipment.

DD Tarp XL Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the XL different from square tarps?

The XL is rectangular (4.5m x 3m) rather than square. This shape works well for A-frame and lean-to setups where the longer dimension provides coverage along one direction. Square tarps offer more setup flexibility because all sides are equal length.

What are the two most popular setups for the XL?

A-frame and lean-to are the two most popular configurations. The rectangular shape works well for these setups where the 4.5 metre length provides coverage along the hammock or shelter length.

Can I use the XL for diamond setups over hammocks?

Yes, but square tarps work better for diamond setups because they provide more flexibility in positioning. The rectangular XL can be used for diamond setups but the shape is optimized for A-frame and lean-to configurations.

How does the XL compare to the 3.5 x 3.5 for coverage?

The XL provides 13.5 square metres compared to 12.25 square metres for the 3.5 x 3.5. The XL weighs 1020g compared to 1050g for the 3.5 x 3.5, making it slightly lighter with slightly more coverage. Choose based on whether you want rectangular (XL) or square (3.5 x 3.5) shape.

Is the XL suitable for tent coverage?

Yes, the rectangular shape works well as additional coverage over tents, creating porch areas or extending covered space. The 4.5 metre length aligns well with rectangular tent shapes.

Which colour should I choose?

Olive Green and Coyote Brown blend into natural environments. Multicam provides visual concealment using DD Hammocks' specialized camouflage pattern, costing more due to specialized printing.

Can two people camp under the XL?

Yes, the 13.5 square metres provides adequate coverage for two people in ground dwelling setups or two hammocks. The 4.5 metre length works well for two hammocks set up along the length.

Why choose the XL over the 4x4?

The XL weighs 1020g compared to 1290g for the 4x4, a 270g weight saving. Choose the XL when you want a rectangular shape for A-frame or lean-to setups and do not need the full 16 square metres of the 4x4.