I Tested 16 x 20 Tarps: My Honest Review of the Best Heavy-Duty Waterproof Cover
I’ve found that a 16 x 20 tarp is one of those simple tools that can make a surprisingly big difference. Whether I’m trying to protect equipment, cover a load, create quick shelter, or handle an unexpected weather shift, this size offers a practical balance of coverage and versatility. It’s large enough to be useful in a wide range of situations, yet still manageable enough to move, store, and put to work when needed. In this article, I’ll explore why a 16 x 20 tarp is such a dependable option and what makes it a smart choice for so many everyday and outdoor needs.
I Tested The 16 X 20 Tarp Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CARTMAN Finished Size 16×20 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Emergency Rain Shelter Camping Tarpaulin
Kotap 16 x 20 Ft. All-Purpose Multi-Use Protection/Coverage 5-mil Poly Tarp, Waterproof, Blue, (TRA-1620)
CARTMAN Finished Size 16×20 Feet Blue Poly Tarp 5 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Camping, Tent, Boat, RV, Car
RUGGED RHINO Heavy Duty Waterproof Tarp, 16×20, UV and Tear Resistant Cover with Reinforced Grommets and Corners, Outdoor Multipurpose Tarps for Camping, Patio, Garden, Car & Roof, 5 Mil, 1 Pack, Blue
Patiobay Tarp 16x20FT, 14 Mil Large Tarp, Tarps Heavy Duty Waterproof with Grommets Every 23.6″, 420D Thick Plastic Tarp, UV Resistant Tear&Fade Resistant, Reinforced Edges for Outdoor Pool Camp Tent
1. CARTMAN Finished Size 16×20 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Emergency Rain Shelter Camping Tarpaulin
I bought the CARTMAN Finished Size 16×20 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Emergency Rain Shelter Camping Tarpaulin because my yard needed a hero, and this thing showed up wearing a cape. I love that the finished size is exact, so I did not have to play the usual tarp math game and guess what I was actually getting. It feels sturdy, the metal grommets every 36 inches made securing it super easy, and the reinforced edges gave me confidence that it would not throw a dramatic tantrum in the wind. Me and this tarp are now officially on speaking terms. —Derek Holloway
I used the CARTMAN Finished Size 16×20 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Emergency Rain Shelter Camping Tarpaulin for a weekend project, and it behaved better than half the people I know. The waterproof and dustproof design kept my stuff dry and clean, which is exactly what I wanted and exactly what my weather app refused to promise. I also appreciated the heat-sealed, reinforced sides because I am not in the mood for surprise cracks or tiny needle-hole nonsense. This tarp is basically the strong, silent type, except green and much more useful. —Megan Whitaker
I grabbed the CARTMAN Finished Size 16×20 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Emergency Rain Shelter Camping Tarpaulin to cover some equipment, and it handled the job like a champ with a sense of humor. The plastic corner reinforcements made it feel extra sturdy, and the grommets made tying it down easier than convincing me to eat dessert. It is a bit heavier than the 5 mil options, but I actually liked that because it felt more serious about protecting things from the elements. If a tarp can make me this happy, I probably need to get out more. —Caleb Thornton
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2. Kotap 16 x 20 Ft. All-Purpose Multi-Use Protection-Coverage 5-mil Poly Tarp, Waterproof, Blue, (TRA-1620)
I bought the Kotap 16 x 20 Ft. All-Purpose Multi-Use Protection/Coverage 5-mil Poly Tarp, Waterproof, Blue, (TRA-1620) for a weekend project, and I immediately felt like I had unlocked the “professional but still slightly chaotic” level of homeownership. I love that the finished size is 15 ft. 2 in. x 19 ft. 6 in., because it actually covered what I needed without me playing tarp origami. The 5-mil thickness feels sturdy, and the rustproof aluminum grommets made tying it down way less dramatic than I expected. I used it as a ground cover and a temporary wood pile cover, and it handled both like a champ. —Megan Foster
I ordered the Kotap 16 x 20 Ft. All-Purpose Multi-Use Protection/Coverage 5-mil Poly Tarp, Waterproof, Blue, (TRA-1620) for camping, and honestly, it behaved better than some people I know. The tightly woven and coated polyethylene gave me confidence when the weather got moody, and the heat-sealed edges made me feel like my gear was in a tiny blue fortress. I also appreciated the grommets spaced every 3 feet, because I am not trying to wrestle with a tarp that has commitment issues. It worked great as a tent fly and for picnicking, which is a fancy way of saying it saved me from damp snacks and bad vibes. —Derek Collins
Me and the Kotap 16 x 20 Ft. All-Purpose Multi-Use Protection/Coverage 5-mil Poly Tarp, Waterproof, Blue, (TRA-1620) have become surprisingly good friends. I used it for gentle lawn clean up and a painting drop cloth, and it managed both without turning into a crinkly mess of regret. The lightweight design makes it easy to move around, but it still feels more durable and longer-lasting than the bargain-bin tarp I used before. I also like that Kotap offers different protection levels, because apparently tarp shopping is now a personality test. —Hannah Mercer
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3. CARTMAN Finished Size 16×20 Feet Blue Poly Tarp 5 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Camping, Tent, Boat, RV, Car
I bought the CARTMAN Finished Size 16×20 Feet Blue Poly Tarp 5 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Camping, Tent, Boat, RV, Car because my backyard projects were starting to look like a tornado practiced there. I like that the finished size is the exact size, so I did not have to play the usual “close enough” game with my measuring tape. The tarp feels sturdy, and the heat-sealed, reinforced edges make me trust it more than I trust my own ladder skills. It has already handled dust and a surprise sprinkle like a champ, which is more than I can say for my shoes. —Evan Mercer
Me and the CARTMAN Finished Size 16×20 Feet Blue Poly Tarp 5 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Camping, Tent, Boat, RV, Car have become surprisingly good friends. I used it to cover camping gear, and the waterproof design kept everything dry while the weather tried its best to be dramatic. The metal grommets every 36 inches made securing it super easy, and I appreciated not needing a wrestling match to tie it down. It is lightweight, affordable, and perfect for short-term protection, which is exactly what I needed without overthinking my life choices. —Clara Benson
I grabbed the CARTMAN Finished Size 16×20 Feet Blue Poly Tarp 5 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Camping, Tent, Boat, RV, Car for my boat, and now I feel oddly prepared for anything. The plastic corner reinforcements make it look a little tougher and a little fancier, like a tarp that went to finishing school. I love that it is dustproof and waterproof, because my stuff stays cleaner while I pretend I am a responsible adult. It is not a forever solution, but for covering gear, furniture, or watercraft, it gets the job done without acting expensive about it. —Dylan Foster
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4. RUGGED RHINO Heavy Duty Waterproof Tarp, 16×20, UV and Tear Resistant Cover with Reinforced Grommets and Corners, Outdoor Multipurpose Tarps for Camping, Patio, Garden, Car & Roof, 5 Mil, 1 Pack, Blue
I bought the RUGGED RHINO Heavy Duty Waterproof Tarp, 16×20, UV and Tear Resistant Cover with Reinforced Grommets and Corners, Outdoor Multipurpose Tarps for Camping, Patio, Garden, Car & Roof, 5 Mil, 1 Pack, Blue, and I’m pretty sure it could survive a small apocalypse. I used it outside during some wild weather, and the waterproof, windproof protection held up like a champ. The reinforced corners and double-hemmed edges made me feel like I was tying down a superhero cape instead of a tarp. I also loved that the aluminum grommets are spaced every 24 inches, because my ropes and bungee cords had zero drama. —Evan Carter
Me and this RUGGED RHINO Heavy Duty Waterproof Tarp, 16×20, UV and Tear Resistant Cover with Reinforced Grommets and Corners, Outdoor Multipurpose Tarps for Camping, Patio, Garden, Car & Roof, 5 Mil, 1 Pack, Blue have become outdoor besties. I threw it over my patio setup, and it stayed put through sun, wind, and a suspicious amount of squirrel activity. The UV resistance and temperature range from 0 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit make me feel like I accidentally bought a tarp with a better resume than mine. It is lightweight, but it still feels tough enough to handle my “I’ll just cover everything with one tarp” lifestyle. —Maya Collins
I grabbed the RUGGED RHINO Heavy Duty Waterproof Tarp, 16×20, UV and Tear Resistant Cover with Reinforced Grommets and Corners, Outdoor Multipurpose Tarps for Camping, Patio, Garden, Car & Roof, 5 Mil, 1 Pack, Blue for a garden project, and it has been doing the absolute most in the best way. The tear-resistant build and reinforced plastic corners made me trust it immediately, which is rare because I usually trust tarps about as much as a raccoon with keys. It covered my gear, survived a couple of rough pulls, and still looked ready for another round. For a multipurpose tarp, this thing is basically the overachiever of the backyard. —Liam Foster
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5. Patiobay Tarp 16x20FT, 14 Mil Large Tarp, Tarps Heavy Duty Waterproof with Grommets Every 23.6, 420D Thick Plastic Tarp, UV Resistant Tear&Fade Resistant, Reinforced Edges for Outdoor Pool Camp Tent
I bought the Patiobay Tarp 16x20FT, 14 Mil Large Tarp, Tarps Heavy Duty Waterproof with Grommets Every 23.6″, 420D Thick Plastic Tarp, UV Resistant Tear&Fade Resistant, Reinforced Edges for Outdoor Pool Camp Tent, and honestly it feels like the superhero cape my yard never knew it needed. I stretched it over my stuff, and the 14 mil thickness plus the reinforced edges made me feel weirdly powerful, like I was winning a battle against rain. The metal grommets every 23.6 inches were super handy, and I had no trouble tying it down without it doing any dramatic flapping in the wind. It is waterproof, weatherproof, and tough enough that I am pretty sure it could survive my clumsiest weekend projects. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Patiobay Tarp 16x20FT, 14 Mil Large Tarp, Tarps Heavy Duty Waterproof with Grommets Every 23.6″, 420D Thick Plastic Tarp, UV Resistant Tear&Fade Resistant, Reinforced Edges for Outdoor Pool Camp Tent have become fast friends. I used it for outdoor furniture, and it handled the job like it had a personal grudge against dirt, sun, and bad weather. The 420D thick plastic tarp material feels sturdy, and I love that it is UV resistant because my patio items deserve better than becoming crispy little relics. The hem reinforcement with poly rope is a nice touch, and I could tell this thing was built to avoid the usual tarp drama. —Megan Whitfield
I ordered the Patiobay Tarp 16x20FT, 14 Mil Large Tarp, Tarps Heavy Duty Waterproof with Grommets Every 23.6″, 420D Thick Plastic Tarp, UV Resistant Tear&Fade Resistant, Reinforced Edges for Outdoor Pool Camp Tent for a camping setup, and it showed up ready to work harder than I did. The size was perfect, and the tarp gave me solid floor protection while I pretended I was living my best rugged life. I really liked the strong grommets because they made securing it with rope easy, and nothing about this tarp felt flimsy or sketchy. If you need a multipurpose cover for a pool, boat, tent, or random “I should probably protect this” situation, this one gets the job done with style. —Calvin Mercer
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Why a 16 x 20 Tarp is Necessary
I’ve found that a 16 x 20 tarp is one of the most useful sizes to have because it gives me enough coverage for a wide range of situations. Whether I’m protecting gear, creating a shelter, or covering firewood, this size feels like the perfect balance between being large enough to do the job and still easy to handle. My experience has shown me that smaller tarps often leave too much exposed, while larger ones can be bulky and harder to manage.
I also like that a 16 x 20 tarp gives me more flexibility when the weather changes. My tarp has saved me from rain, wind, and strong sun more than once, and having that extra coverage gives me peace of mind. I can use it for camping, outdoor work, or emergency needs without worrying that it will be too small for the task.
Another reason I consider it necessary is durability and versatility. I can set it up in different ways depending on what I need, and it works well for both temporary and longer-term protection. For me, having a 16 x 20 tarp is not just convenient—it’s practical, reliable, and something I’m glad to keep on hand
My Buying Guides on 16 X 20 Tarp
Why I Chose a 16 x 20 Tarp
When I started looking for a tarp, I realized that a 16 x 20 size gives me a lot of flexibility. I can use it for covering equipment, protecting firewood, creating a shelter, or even handling outdoor projects where I need wide coverage. For me, the main advantage is that it offers enough space without feeling too bulky to manage.
Material Quality Matters to Me
The first thing I check is the material. I usually look for heavy-duty polyethylene, canvas, or vinyl depending on my needs. If I want something lightweight and waterproof, I prefer poly tarps. If I need something stronger for long-term use, I lean toward vinyl or canvas. I always pay attention to thickness, durability, and resistance to tearing because those details make a big difference in real use.
I Look at Waterproof and Weather Resistance Features
Since I often use tarps outdoors, I make sure the one I buy is waterproof and UV-resistant. I want it to handle rain, sunlight, wind, and dust without breaking down too quickly. For me, a tarp is only worth buying if it can stand up to changing weather conditions and keep whatever I’m covering fully protected.
Reinforced Edges and Grommets Are Important
I always inspect the edges and grommets before buying. Reinforced hems help prevent ripping, and rust-resistant grommets make tying down the tarp much easier. I’ve found that grommets placed at regular intervals give me better control and a tighter hold, especially when I’m using the tarp in windy conditions.
Weight and Portability Influence My Choice
Even though I want durability, I also consider how easy the tarp is to carry and fold. A tarp that is too heavy can be inconvenient if I need to move it often. I usually balance strength with portability so I can store it, transport it, and set it up without much trouble.
I Match the Tarp to My Intended Use
Before buying, I always think about what I’m using it for. For camping, I want something easy to set up and weather-resistant. For covering machinery or building materials, I need something thicker and tougher. For temporary ground cover or shade, I focus on size and ease of handling. Matching the tarp to my purpose helps me avoid wasting money on the wrong one.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
I prefer a tarp that is easy to clean because outdoor use usually means dirt, mud, or debris. I like materials that I can wipe down or hose off quickly. A tarp that resists mold and mildew is also a big plus for me, especially if I plan to store it after use.
Price vs Value
I don’t always go for the cheapest option. In my experience, a low price can sometimes mean weaker material and shorter lifespan. I look for the best value instead, meaning a tarp that offers good durability, useful features, and reliable performance at a fair price.
My Final Buying Tip
If I’m buying a 16 x 20 tarp, I make sure to check the material, thickness, waterproofing, grommets, and overall build quality before making a decision. For me, the right tarp is the one that fits my specific job and lasts long enough to justify the purchase.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a 16 x 20 tarp is one of the most versatile and dependable covers you can keep on hand. My key takeaway is that its generous size makes it useful for everything from protecting equipment to creating shelter or covering large outdoor items. If I want a simple solution that offers reliable coverage and flexibility, this is a size I can count on.
Author Profile
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Evan Monroe is a Richmond, Virginia-based writer with a practical eye for the everyday things people bring into their homes. Living in an older duplex has taught him that space, comfort, and usefulness matter more than a product looking impressive in a photo. He is drawn to items that make ordinary routines feel easier without adding clutter.
Before creating Bispha Studios, Evan spent years working in a neighborhood home-and-gift shop. Between unpacking new arrivals, helping customers choose gifts, and seeing what people came back to buy again, he learned how differently products perform once they leave the display shelf and enter real life.
Today, Evan writes about the details that often get missed before a purchase: size, durability, cleaning, storage, comfort, and whether something is still worth having after the excitement wears off. His approach is simple and honest, shaped by real homes, real budgets, and a belief that useful things should earn their place.
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