Shelter Helikon-Tex Supertarp Polyester Ripstop — US Woodland

The Helikon-Tex Supertarp is a multi-purpose coated polyester ripstop bivouac tarp, designed by Survivaltech.pl for those who spend nights out with a pack on their back. When deployed, it covers a generous area thanks to 19 reinforced attachment points distributed around the perimeter and at the centre, allowing it to be configured as a canopy, lean-to, hammock cover, envelope shelter or dozens of other geometries depending on the terrain and available vegetation.

The coated polyester ripstop fabric combines abrasion resistance and waterproofing while keeping weight in check: the ripstop weave stops tears from spreading, while the plastic coating prevents water ingress even in heavy rain. The seams are taped rather than sewn only, eliminating the seam leakage typical of low-cost tarps. The trade-off to be aware of: a tarp without fixed side walls weighs and packs smaller than a tent, but thermal protection depends entirely on the configuration chosen and on using a suitable sleeping bag — the Supertarp is a shelter from rain and wind, not an insulator.

The carry system is dual: a drawstring stuff sack for quick packing even when wet, and a zipped sleeve with a mesh base that attaches directly to the pack via nine fabric straps, leaving the pack's internal volume free. The zip on the sleeve lets you open and close the tarp without fully removing it, useful when the material is damp and you do not want to wet the rest of your kit.

Key points

• The 19 reinforced attachment points allow widely different configurations — from a flat canopy to a diamond shelter — adapting to woodland, rock or open ground without dedicated accessories.
• Taped seams eliminate needle perforations, improving water resistance compared to thread-only stitching.
• The zipped mesh sleeve attaches externally to the pack at nine points, preserving internal volume and allowing partial drying on the move.
• The drawstring stuff sack allows quick packing even with a wet tarp, without having to fold it precisely.
• The US Woodland pattern reduces visual signature in wooded and mixed environments, suited to hunting use and activities where a low profile is required.

In the box

• Supertarp in US Woodland polyester ripstop
• Drawstring stuff sack
• Zipped sleeve with mesh base and nine pack attachment straps