AquaQuest Defender Tarp – Heavy-Duty Waterproof (20,000 mm) Seam-Taped Rain Fly for Camping, Bushcraft & Survival

True ... it's a bit heavier than a light-weight BASHA. That's not a bad thing. This is double layered, larger and made with some seriously 'weapon's grade' durability ! Easily, one of be best pieces of equipment I own. Again, it's a bit heavy (by a few ounces) so if you're a hiker and carrying it for miles, opt for a British SAS BASHA instead. If, however, you're a BushCrafter, Rough Camper or dealing with Rain, Snow (as we do in Minnesota), this is wonderful. It's sewn together very well, seam-sealed and there's a better chance of your para-cord breaking that the tie-on's, fabric and stitching on this tarp. It's a bit expensive too ... but you get way more bang-for-the-buck with this than you will with cheaper alternatives. That extra $15-20 is darn worth it. _______ I don't offer my thoughts on purchases very often or at all. I will simply be honest and let you know that this was not a disappointment. It's held-up through some fairly serious BushCrafting, Canoe Trips (Summer/Winter) and it's still rock-solid. Well worth a look-see. My name is 'Alan' and I approve this message. @Potential Buyers: There are no inside loops along the ridge-line like there are on a British BASHA. You can obviously add your own ... but the ridge-line provided by the maker is sturdy, seam-sealed ... so that might be tough one to do on your own (Seam-seal accordingly). @The Manufacturers: Well done. Maybe add some factory-provided loops on the inside along the ridge-line? Yes ... I would purchase this again ... but the darn thing's built to last a life-time so why ?

At 4 pounds it's a beast of a tarp measuring 10x13. It has more tie outs than I wanted to count. This is no hiking tarp but if you take it hiking make sure you have stout cords to hang it along with good pegs to hold it down. No worries about rain or snow or hail. Length rolled up is 14 inches and about 7 inches wide. Where I live it's very windy and also can snow whenever it wants. I bought this for extreme conditions. I carry a lighter tarp when it's nice outside but if it starts being bad weather, I put up the heavyweight tarp and use 16 inch stakes. No getting around the weight so 3 Stars for that. 5 stars for everything else

The AquaQuest Defender Tarp has become an invaluable companion on my outdoor adventures, and I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who enjoys camping, hiking, or even just spending time in the backyard. Recently, I took it with me on a multi-day camping trip in a forested area known for sudden rainstorms. When the skies opened up, I was thankful for the 20,000 mm waterproof rating! Setting it up was a breeze; I used it as a rain fly over my tent, and it held up beautifully against the downpour, keeping my sleeping area completely dry. The heavy-duty material felt robust and resistant to tearing, even when subjected to wind and rain. Plus, the grommets around the edges allowed for secure anchoring, ensuring it stayed in place throughout the storm. On another occasion, I found it just as useful during a sunny outdoor gathering. I set it up as a sunshade for my friends and family during a barbecue, and it provided ample coverage. The bright color added a vibrant touch to the setting while offering protection from harmful UV rays. What impressed me most was its versatility. Beyond camping trips, I've also used the Defender Tarp for backyard projects and quick setups when I needed a temporary shelter. Its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to pack and carry, allowing for effortless transportation in my hiking backpack.

Best camping tarps ever.

Did my reearch, although this is a bit expensive ...glad I got the tool to do the job and last a long time...great job AquaQuest team!

I’m in the Army Infantry and this has been my go-to protection through snow, hail, wind, rain and thunder storms for the past 2.5 years. The multitude of tie downs points, the elasticity of the tent, and quality build have lasted me this long. Sadly I now need to buy a replacement since mine is finally getting holes, but in all honesty I’m surprised it lasted this long. For reference, I broke through my issued tarp 2 rotations in. I also often use semi-sharp sticks to prop up the center…. Tough tarp for its size. I highly suggest buying one of these but it has one main drawback (which is common): it starts to sag after it’s been rained on a lot, regardless of how it was set up. I highly suggest getting quick release buckles in order to hasten your set up and take down… I had this tent and my sleep system completely broken down and packed away/completely set up in about 5 minutes with those buckles. The tie down points also let me easily connect other tarps in a way I can’t do with other tarps. I love that. They also allow me to pull this tarp to fit awkward sized spaces, which I often find myself setting up a hooch in. The woodland camo is ideal for semi-concealed locations. Placing just a couple branches around the tarp with it set up at a height of about 2-3ft makes it hard to detect if done right. Seeing as how weight is a factor when I go to the field, I have to rate this a 4 since it tends to hold the water weight. Again, not uncommon. I highly suggest this to anybody who’s looking for a quality tarp that’ll last through any element they encounter.

This thing is an absolute beast! It is way too heavy to carry backpacking, more for car camping. That said it is what I rely on one hundred percent of the time. The waterproof level of this is not even on the same level as other tarps and tents. Yes, they are expensive - but if you want quality, and don’t want to be soaked in a downpour. I own two defender models, and they are worth every penny.

Bought this tarp for backpacking in the Olympic National Forest here in Washington state. It’s a 10x10 and is very sturdy, light weight, and made very well. After 20 plus uses in this wet climate, I can tell you it lives up to its reputation of being the best waterproof tarp in the industry. I will continue to use this tarp for many years to come and will post more photos and videos soon. George A