Field Test: DD Tarp (4x4m)

We have no affiliation with DD, nor are we paid for any referrals, so what we say is a straight talking, honest review. We'll cut to the chase. DD make some of the best quality products you can buy for WildCamping and in fact, they're our favourite brand. If you can shell out the £50-65, depending on colour, then you won't find a better and more versatile tarp than the DD one.

The 3x3m is the common choice, which is great for light travel, but for a little more weight and space, the 4x4m will serve you well in any weather or condition, with the ability to even ditch the hammock and build a full tent.

The Good Stuff

• It's big. Very big if you get the 4x4 metre one. Chances are that if you're buying this size then you've something specific in mind (the usual being 3x3m). Great to cover that extra space if you plan on poor weather WildCamping and need some extra space to cook and relax outside of your hammock.

• It's high quality. 190T means it's a lot harder wearing, but of course it's a tarp so not bulletproof to a tear (we had a small one) but noticeably better quality than other alternatives.

• It's highly waterproof. 3000mm means it takes more of a bashing. Is it essential, not really, but if you plan on leaving it out for days on end with relentless rain then it'll stand up to the elements. We know, as we tested it in a storm.

• It's light. 1.35kg is great for a tarp of this size. The material is thinner than others we tested, but still hard wearing, so it packs to a reasonable size.

• It's versatile. With the separate guy line toggle hoops in the middle and at 19 total hinch points it really can be made into any shape you want e.g. tent, teepee, standard V, as well as being able to move points during the day so you can stay dry but still see out into the wilderness.

The Bad Stuff

• It's expensive. A tad over what we think it's worth, as a good alternative can be found for £20-30, so while it may be worth around the £40 mark we didn't feel it completely warranted the £60+ asking price for the camo print.

• The accessories are basic. We swapped out the guy ropes as they were a little cheap and dropped the pegs as they were weighty and easily replaced with a few wooden stakes, which are much more fun to make yourself and stay in the ground much longer.

If you're looking for high quality kit then you won't go wrong with DD equipment, they're one of our favourite brands and this is a Disce Pati BushCraft WildCamp recommended product, following our full field test. If you're looking to curb your spending though we'd recommend going for the £40 3x3 DD tarp, which is perfect for fair weather WildCamping, or picking up a non-branded tarp for around the £20-30 mark, with at least 1500mm water proofing.