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Tarps / Shelters

Tarps & Shelters · Nordisk · Snugpak · Grand Canyon

Tarps & Shelters
for outdoor & bushcraft

Q: Which tarp should I buy – PU, silicone or ultralight?

Rule of thumb: PU tarps are robust and value-priced – ideal for beginners and occasional camping. Silicone tarps (SI) are 25–35% lighter, more UV-resistant and more durable – the right choice for frequent users and longer trekking tours. Ultralight tarps (ULW, Dyneema class) are the premium choice for solo trekkers and bikepackers – around 200–300 g on 5 m² coverage. Specific recommendation: beginners Nordisk Voss PU 9 m², frequent users Voss SI 14 m², ultralight Voss 5 ULW.

Q: How big should my tarp be?

A rough orientation: 5 m² is enough for one person solo (Voss 5 ULW). 9 m² is the standard size for 1–2 people with equipment (Voss PU/SI 9 m², Zuni 3). 14 m² is the universal bushcraft and camping size for 2–3 people. From 20 m², the tarp becomes a group shelter for families, clubs or as shared cooking and dining area at camp. Hammock tarps in diamond cut usually need 9–12 m² so that both ends of the hammock are reliably covered.

Q: Do I need tarp poles or can I go without?

For most tarp setups, you need poles or suspension points. For A-frame and lean-to, 2 poles are classically required – the Nordisk DAC poles 138 cm are the standard solution, the telescopic 162–192 cm the flexible variant. Alternatively, your trekking poles or two trees as suspension points work too. For diamond tarps (hammock use), you don't need poles – the suspension uses the same trees as the hammock.

Q: Is a tarp waterproof?

Yes, all tarps in the range are waterproof – the exact water resistance is specified by the water column (mm). Nordisk tarps typically have a water column of 2000–3000 mm (PU) or 1500–2500 mm (SI), Snugpak models 5000 mm. Important to know: in heavy continuous rain, condensation can occur on the underside of the tarp – this is physically normal and not a defect. Silicone tarps often become tighter over time than PU tarps, because silicone doesn't hydrolyse.

Q: Can I have a fire under the tarp?

Directly under the tarp, fire sparks are a serious risk – PU and SI coated tarps generally have no flame retardant treatment. Experienced bushcraft practitioners therefore pitch the tarp so that it lies laterally next to the fire (lean-to configuration) rather than directly above. At least 2 metres distance between fire and tarp underside is the rule of thumb.

Q: Which tarp for the hammock?

For hammock camping, you need a diamond tarp – a tarp cut in diamond shape that's tensioned diagonally over the hammock. In the range: Nordisk Voss Diamond PU olive (robust, more affordable) and Voss Diamond SI forest green (lighter, more durable). Important: the tarp should be at least 30 cm longer than the hammock so that both ends stay dry. Setup tip: pitch the tarp about 30 cm above the hammock so that enough air can circulate and no condensation builds up.

Q: Tarp or tent – which is better?

Both have their place. A tent offers complete protection on all sides including the floor and excludes insects. A tarp is significantly lighter, more versatile and faster to set up, can be adapted to weather and terrain – ideal for bushcraft, summer trekking and hammock camping. For solo or 2-person tours in summer, the combination tarp + bivy bag (like the Nordisk Jorund Tech Bivy) is an ultralight solution that weighs significantly less than a tent.

Q: What is the water column and how much do I need?

The water column is a measure of the water resistance of a material, given in millimetres. Practically, a water column of 2000 mm means the material withstands a water pressure of 2 metres water column before water penetrates. For outdoor tarps: from 1500 mm, a material is considered waterproof (Swiss standard SN EN 343). 2000 mm is sufficient for normal summer rain, 3000 mm and more offers safety even in heavy rain. Nordisk Voss tarps range between 1500 and 3000 mm, Snugpak models up to 5000 mm.

Tarps and shelters for bushcraft, trekking, camping and hammocks. Nordisk Voss series, Snugpak and Grand Canyon – all from Swiss stock.

18 models

From Nordisk (13), Snugpak (3) and Grand Canyon (2) – from solo tarp to 4-person shelter

3 materials

Polyurethane-coated (PU), silicone-coated (SI) and ultralight (ULW Dyneema class)

Tarp poles

Nordisk DAC aluminium fixed and telescopic – suitable for all tarp configurations

5 to 20 m²

From solo trekking tarp 5 m² to large camping shelter 20 m²

At a glance

18 tarps and shelters from Nordisk, Snugpak and Grand Canyon
Nordisk Voss series: PU, SI, ultralight and Diamond – the largest tarp programme
Nordisk Voss PU 9 m² and 14 m² – robust standard tarps with polyurethane coating
Nordisk Voss SI 9 m², 14 m² and 20 m² – lightweight silicone tarps for trekking
Nordisk Voss 5 ULW – ultralight solo tarp for ultralight trekkers
Nordisk Voss Diamond – hammock tarp in diamond cut
Nordisk Voss Tech Multifunctional – tarp with doors usable as half-tent
Nordisk DAC tarp poles 138 cm and telescopic aluminium poles 162–232 cm
Snugpak Stasha, all-weather tarpaulin and Tarp All-Weather Shelter G2 Terrain
Grand Canyon Zuni 3 and Zuni 4 in olive – classic camping tarps
For bushcraft, trekking, camping, hammock camping and emergency shelter
Swiss stock – free shipping from CHF 100, dispatch within 1–2 working days

Buy a tarp – the range at a glance

A tarp (short for tarpaulin) is a freestanding sheet that is pitched with poles, lines and pegs – often over a hammock, between trees or as a half-shelter on the ground. Unlike a classic tent, tarps are more open, lighter and more versatile – perfect for bushcraft, summer trekking and hammock camping. The Swiss-Sale.ch range includes 18 tarps and shelters from three specialised brands: Nordisk tarps as the market-dominant premium line with 13 models (Voss series in PU, SI, ULW and Diamond plus tarp poles), Snugpak tarps as the established British outdoor brand with three models and Grand Canyon Zuni as value-priced standard tarps. All tarps and shelters are available from Swiss stock – no waiting time, no customs fees.

Which tarp for which use?

The choice of the right tarp depends decisively on the use case. Four main applications shape the tarp market:

Tarp for bushcraft

The bushcraft tarp is essential kit for any outdoor practitioner who wants more than just campsite weekends. Classic use: multi-day forest camps, protection from rain and sun, combined with a campfire at safe distance. Bushcraft typically uses PU or silicone tarps in 9 to 14 m² – large enough for 1–2 people plus equipment. Recommendation from the range: Nordisk Voss SI 14 m² or Voss PU 14 m² in forest green or olive (camouflage against surroundings), Snugpak Tarp All-Weather Shelter G2 in terrain camo. Important for bushcraft: enough eyelets for all setup configurations (A-frame, lean-to, plough point) and material that withstands fire sparks.

Tarp for trekking and ultralight tours

For trekking, long-distance hiking and bikepacking, weight is the most important criterion. A good trekking tarp weighs under 500 g and packs down to fist size. This is where the ultralight class comes in: the Nordisk Voss 5 ULW (Ultra Light Weight) weighs only around 200 g for 5 m² coverage – ideal for solo trekkers who count every gram. For pairs, the Nordisk Voss SI 9 m² is the silicone-coated lightweight choice. The Snugpak Stasha (Stash-Away) is the established British solution in the same segment.

Tarp for camping and groups

For camping with family, groups or clubs, small tarps don't cut it – this calls for large shelters from 14 m² upwards. Classic use: shared cooking area, dining area with table and benches, protection from sun or rain during the day. Recommendation: Nordisk Voss SI 20 m² as a large-area sun and rain shelter, Grand Canyon Zuni 3 or Zuni 4 as value-priced camping options in olive. For particularly area-intensive applications or half-tent use, the Nordisk Voss Tech Multifunctional with door function is available.

Tarp for the hammock

Hammock camping is growing in Switzerland – and requires a special tarp shape. The hammock tarp is usually cut in diamond shape, with two points for tying to the hammock suspension points and two lateral tensioning points. From the range: Nordisk Voss Diamond PU olive and Voss Diamond SI forest green – specially cut for hammock overnights, with large coverage of the lying area. If you don't have a hammock yet, find matching models in our hammocks category.

Nordisk tarps – the Voss series as market leader

The Nordisk Voss series is by far the largest tarp line in the range with 13 models. Nordisk (founded 1901 in Denmark) is one of the most traditional Scandinavian outdoor manufacturers and stands for uncompromising quality. The Voss series covers all material classes and sizes:

Nordisk Voss PU and Voss SI – the standard programme

The polyurethane-coated Voss PU tarps are robust, value-priced standard models: Voss PU 9 m² for 1–2 people and Voss PU 14 m² for 2–3 people. The silicone-coated Voss SI tarps are the lighter and more durable variant: Voss SI 9 m², Voss SI 14 m² and Voss SI 20 m² for groups. SI tarps are about 30 % lighter than PU tarps of the same size, more UV-resistant and significantly more durable under the same stress.

Nordisk Voss 5 ULW – ultralight for solo trekkers

The Voss 5 ULW (Ultra Light Weight) is the ultralight class at Nordisk – around 200 g on 5 m² coverage, colour forest green. For ultralight trekkers, bikepackers and anyone going solo who counts every gram in the rucksack. Material is a Dyneema-like construction with silicone coating.

Nordisk Voss Diamond – the hammock tarp

The Voss Diamond line is the range specialist for hammock camping: diamond cut with two long points for the hammock suspension points and two lateral tensioning points. Models: Voss Diamond PU olive (robust PU variant) and Voss Diamond SI forest green (light silicone variant).

Nordisk Voss Tech Multifunctional

The Voss Tech Multifunctional is the special form in the range – a tarp with sewn-in doors that can be pitched as a classic tarp or as a half-tent. Ideal for anyone seeking flexibility between open tarp configuration and closed protection in bad weather.

Nordisk tarp poles – the matching accessories

Three different tarp poles in the range: Nordisk DAC Tarp Poles 138 cm (2 pcs) in DAC aluminium for A-frame pitch, Nordisk Tarp Pole telescopic 162–192 cm and Nordisk Tarp Pole telescopic 202–232 cm for flexible pitch heights. DAC aluminium is the premium choice for outdoor poles: light, corrosion-resistant and elastic enough to withstand strong wind loads.

All Nordisk tarps in the range.

Snugpak tarps – established British outdoor tradition

Snugpak (founded 1978 in Yorkshire, England) has been serving the British army and the civilian outdoor market for decades. Three tarp models shape the Snugpak segment in the range: Snugpak Stasha (compact stash-away tarp for the day pack, a British classic), Snugpak All-Weather Tarpaulin as a robust all-round tarp and the Snugpak Tarp All-Weather Shelter G2 Terrain with terrain camo and well-thought-out pitch configurations. Snugpak is the right choice for anyone seeking a British-robust, military-proven approach.

Snugpak tarps in the range.

Grand Canyon Zuni – value-priced camping tarps

The Grand Canyon Zuni series are the value-priced standard tarps in the range – ideal for campers looking for a simple solid camping tarp without the premium surcharge. Two models: Grand Canyon Zuni 3 Tarp olive and Zuni 4 Tarp olive. The Zuni tarps are the right choice for family camping, occasional bushcraft weekends and anyone trying their first tarp. Grand Canyon tarps in the range.

Understanding tarp materials – PU, silicone or ultralight?

Three material classes shape the modern tarp market – each with its own profile:

Material	Properties	Ideal use	Example models
Polyurethane (PU)	robust, affordable, slightly heavier	Camping, bushcraft, entry-level	Nordisk Voss PU 9/14 m²
Silicone (SI)	light, UV-resistant, durable	Trekking, long tours, frequent use	Nordisk Voss SI 9/14/20 m²
Ultralight (ULW)	extremely light, premium price	Solo trekking, bikepacking, ultralight	Nordisk Voss 5 ULW

Rule of thumb: PU for entry, SI for frequent users, ULW for weight fanatics. The price difference between PU and SI of the same size is typically 30–50 %, with another jump up to ULW.

Tarp pitch configurations – A-frame, lean-to, diamond or plough point?

A tarp is only as good as how it's pitched. The most important configurations for different weather and applications:

Configuration	Shape	Ideal use	Pole count
A-frame	symmetrical ridge roof	All-round, rain-tight, medium protection	2 poles
Lean-to	half-roof, sloped	Camp by the fire, wind from one direction	2 poles
Diamond	diamond, diagonally tensioned	Hammock camping (Voss Diamond)	none
Plough point	point shape, 1-point suspension	Solo emergency shelter, windbreak	1 pole

Rule of thumb for pitch height: A-frame between 120 and 180 cm ridge height, lean-to between 100 and 140 cm. The Nordisk DAC poles 138 cm are the standard choice for A-frame, the telescopic 162–192 cm poles the flexible choice for all configurations.

Setting up a tarp – what you really need

For the classic ground tarp setup, you need beyond the tarp itself: 2 aluminium poles (or trekking poles), 4–8 storm pegs, 4–6 guy lines with tensioners. For hammock tarps in diamond configuration, you only need the guy lines – the suspension uses the same trees as the hammock. Practical for multi-day tours: a tarp doesn't replace the tent, but combined with a bivy bag like the Nordisk Jorund Tech Bivy, you get an ultralight two-piece solution that fully replaces the tent in summer.

Buying tarps at Swiss-Sale.ch

We carry the largest Nordisk tarp range in Switzerland – all Voss generations (PU, SI, ULW, Diamond, Tech) are available from Menzingen stock. Supplemented by Snugpak for military-leaning users and Grand Canyon for value-priced campers. Personal advice in our showroom or by phone at 041 755 34 33.

🇨🇭 Swiss original goods – no customs fees, no waiting time
⛺ 18 tarps and shelters from Nordisk, Snugpak and Grand Canyon
🌲 Nordisk Voss series complete: PU, SI, ULW, Diamond and Tech
📐 Tarp sizes from 5 to 20 m² for solo to group
🪶 Ultralight class with Nordisk Voss 5 ULW
🛏️ Diamond tarps specifically for hammock camping
🎪 Camping tarps up to 20 m² for families and groups
⚙️ Matching tarp poles in DAC aluminium fixed and telescopic
📞 Real advice by phone, email or in our Menzingen showroom
📦 Shipping from Swiss stock – free from CHF 100

FAQ – frequently asked questions about tarps

What's the difference between a tarp and a tarpaulin?

In outdoor use, the terms are mostly used synonymously, but there are subtle differences. A tarp is mostly tailored to bushcraft, trekking or hammock use: subtly coloured (forest green, olive, terrain), with many reinforcement points and eyelets for different setup configurations. A pure tarpaulin on the other hand can also refer to simpler, unspecific material – like all-purpose covers for garden or construction. In the outdoor range, we mostly speak of tarps with tarpaulin function. Anyone looking for a tarpaulin in an outdoor context usually means a proper outdoor tarp.

Which tarp should I buy – PU, silicone or ultralight?

Rule of thumb: PU tarps (polyurethane-coated) are robust and value-priced – ideal for beginners, occasional camping and bushcraft. Silicone tarps (SI) are 25–35 % lighter, more UV-resistant and more durable – the right choice for frequent users, longer trekking tours and anyone wanting to use a tarp for years. Ultralight tarps (ULW, Dyneema class) are the premium choice for solo trekkers, bikepackers and ultralight hikers – around 200–300 g on 5 m² coverage. Specific recommendation: beginners Nordisk Voss PU 9 m², frequent users Voss SI 14 m², ultralight Voss 5 ULW.

How big should my tarp be?

A rough orientation: 5 m² is enough for one person solo (Voss 5 ULW). 9 m² is the standard size for 1–2 people with equipment (Voss PU/SI 9 m², Zuni 3). 14 m² is the universal bushcraft and camping size for 2–3 people (Voss PU/SI 14 m²). From 20 m², the tarp becomes a group shelter for families, clubs or as shared cooking and dining area at camp (Voss SI 20 m²). Hammock tarps in diamond cut usually need 9–12 m² so that both ends of the hammock are reliably covered.

Do I need tarp poles or can I go without?

For most tarp setups, you need poles or suspension points. For A-frame and lean-to, 2 poles are classically required – the Nordisk DAC poles 138 cm are the standard solution, the telescopic 162–192 cm the flexible variant. Alternatively, your trekking poles or two trees as suspension points work too. For diamond tarps (hammock use), you don't need poles – the suspension uses the same trees as the hammock. For solo plough point configuration, one pole is enough.

Is a tarp waterproof?

Yes, all tarps in the range are waterproof – the exact water resistance is specified by the water column (mm). Nordisk tarps typically have a water column of 2'000–3'000 mm (PU) or 1'500–2'500 mm (SI), Snugpak models 5'000 mm. Important to know: in heavy continuous rain, condensation can occur on the underside of the tarp – this is physically normal and not a defect. Practical tip: for maximum rain protection, pitch the tarp in A-frame configuration with enough slope so that water runs off well. Silicone tarps often become tighter over time than PU tarps, because silicone doesn't hydrolyse.

Can I have a fire under the tarp?

Directly under the tarp, fire sparks are a serious risk – PU and SI coated tarps generally have no flame retardant treatment. Experienced bushcraft practitioners therefore pitch the tarp so that it lies laterally next to the fire (lean-to configuration) rather than directly above. At least 2 metres distance between fire and tarp underside is the rule of thumb. For tarps that should be pitched closer to fire, there are special cotton-coated tarps with flame retardant treatment – these are not currently in the range, since most users prefer synthetic tarps with sufficient distance.

Which tarp for the hammock?

For hammock camping, you need a diamond tarp – a tarp cut in diamond shape that's tensioned diagonally over the hammock. In the range: Nordisk Voss Diamond PU olive (robust, more affordable) and Voss Diamond SI forest green (lighter, more durable). Important: the tarp should be at least 30 cm longer than the hammock so that both ends stay dry. Setup tip: pitch the tarp about 30 cm above the hammock so that enough air can circulate and no condensation builds up. Matching hammocks are in our hammocks category.

How do I care for my tarp?

Tarps are low-maintenance, but a few basic rules significantly extend the lifespan. Dry completely after every use before rolling up and storing the tarp – otherwise mould and mildew develop. For visible dirt, clean with water and mild soap (no machine washing, no fabric softener). Maintain zips and lines occasionally with silicone spray. For storage, roll the tarp loosely, don't constantly fold it in the same shape – otherwise tears develop on the crease edges over time. Silicone tarps need re-sealing of the seams with silicone seam sealant every few years.

Tarp or tent – which is better?

Both have their place. A tent offers complete protection on all sides including the floor, excludes insects and is the right choice for winter camping and families with children. A tarp is significantly lighter, more versatile and faster to set up, can be adapted to weather and terrain and is usable in many configurations – ideal for bushcraft, summer trekking and hammock camping. For solo or 2-person tours in summer, the combination tarp + bivy bag (like the Nordisk Jorund Tech Bivy) is an ultralight solution that weighs significantly less than a tent and offers more fresh air.

What is the water column and how much do I need?

The water column is a measure of the water resistance of a material, given in millimetres. Practically, a water column of 2'000 mm means the material withstands a water pressure of 2 metres water column before water penetrates. For outdoor tarps: from 1'500 mm, a material is considered waterproof (Swiss standard SN EN 343). 2'000 mm is sufficient for normal summer rain, 3'000 mm and more offers safety even in heavy rain or longer continuous use. Nordisk Voss tarps range between 1'500 and 3'000 mm depending on the model, Snugpak models up to 5'000 mm.

How long does a tarp last?

With careful use, quality tarps last 10 to 20 years. The main wear occurs through UV radiation – a tarp that serves for years permanently as a garden pavilion ages significantly faster than a trekking tarp used only sporadically. Silicone tarps are more UV-resistant than PU tarps, because polyurethane hydrolyses over time (coating becomes brittle). A trekking PU tarp used 30 days per year typically lasts 10 years, an equivalent SI tarp 15 to 20 years. The seam seal should be refreshed every 3–5 years with silicone seam sealant.

Does Swiss-Sale.ch ship tarps from a Swiss warehouse?

Yes. All tarps and shelters from Nordisk, Snugpak and Grand Canyon are available from our warehouse in Menzingen (ZG) – no waiting time, no customs fees. Shipping within Switzerland and Liechtenstein is free from CHF 100. Personal advice in our showroom or by phone at 041 755 34 33. In case of dissatisfaction, our 30-day voluntary right of return applies.