What size camping tarp do I need?

For a solo backpacker, a roughly 8x10 ft tarp pitched as an A-frame or lean-to is usually enough. Hammock campers typically want a rainfly that overhangs both hammock ends (often 10–12 ft long). For car camping, group shade, or a kitchen canopy, 12x10 ft up to 16 ft sun shelters give the most coverage.