I Tested 16 x 20 Tarps: My Honest Review of the Best Heavy-Duty Waterproof Cover
When I first started looking for a reliable all-purpose cover, I quickly realized how versatile a 16 x 20 tarp can be. It’s one of those practical essentials that can step in for a wide range of jobs, from protecting equipment and materials to creating temporary shelter or extra coverage when I need it most. What makes this size especially appealing is the balance it offers: large enough to handle substantial coverage, yet still manageable enough to use in everyday situations. In this article, I’ll explore why a 16 x 20 tarp stands out as such a useful option and why it continues to be a go-to choice for so many different 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, and I swear it showed up ready to wrestle the weather. I love that the finished size is exact, because I am tired of “16 by 20” meaning “somewhere in the neighborhood of maybe.” The tarp feels sturdy, and the heat-sealed, reinforced edges make me think it is not going to fold under pressure like I do when assembling furniture. I used it to cover some gear outside, and the waterproof, dustproof protection did exactly what it promised without drama. —Mason Clarke
Me and the CARTMAN Finished Size 16×20 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Emergency Rain Shelter Camping Tarpaulin have become fast friends, mostly because it keeps my stuff dry while I pretend I am organized. The metal grommets every 36 inches made securing it super easy, which is great because I have the patience of a squirrel in a thunderstorm. I also like the extra corner reinforcements, since they make the whole thing feel more solid and less like a flimsy snack wrapper in the wind. It is a bit heavier than a thinner tarp, but that just makes it feel more serious about its job. —Olivia Bennett
I grabbed the CARTMAN Finished Size 16×20 Feet Waterproof Green Tarp 8 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Emergency Rain Shelter Camping Tarpaulin for temporary outdoor protection, and it handled the assignment like a champ. I used it as a ground cover on a camping trip, and it kept the damp and dirt from turning my setup into a swamp-themed disaster. The waterproof material and reinforced, heat-sealed edges gave me confidence that this tarp was built for real life, not just product photos. It is versatile enough that I am already eyeing it for covering equipment next, because apparently one tarp can have more ambition than I do. —Ethan Palmer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 backyard project, and I swear it showed up ready to work harder than I did. I like that the finished size is 15 ft. 2 in. x 19 ft. 6 in., because it gave me the coverage I needed without me playing tarp origami in the driveway. The 5-mil thickness feels sturdy, and the rustproof aluminum grommets every 3 feet made tying it down way less dramatic than usual. I used it as a ground cover, and it handled the job like a champ while looking surprisingly tidy for something that gets dragged around by me. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Kotap 16 x 20 Ft. All-Purpose Multi-Use Protection/Coverage 5-mil Poly Tarp, Waterproof, Blue, (TRA-1620) have become excellent temporary roommates. I used it to cover a wood pile, and the tightly woven polyethylene plus heat-sealed edges gave me the confidence of a person who finally remembered to zip their coat. It is lightweight, but it still feels more durable and longer-lasting than the bargain-bin tarps I have wrestled with before. The reinforced corners and rope edges made it easy for me to secure it without muttering too many creative words. For a general-purpose tarp, this one is basically the reliable friend who always brings snacks. —Maya Collins
I picked up the Kotap 16 x 20 Ft. All-Purpose Multi-Use Protection/Coverage 5-mil Poly Tarp, Waterproof, Blue, (TRA-1620) for camping, and it behaved like it had a PhD in outdoor problem-solving. I used it as a tent fly and a quick picnic shield, and the waterproof coating kept everything underneath dry while I pretended I had planned ahead. The grommets on each corner and along the sides made setup easy, which is great because my patience is not a renewable resource. I also appreciate that Kotap offers different protection levels, because this all-purpose lightweight tarp fits my “mostly prepared, occasionally chaotic” lifestyle perfectly. —Liam Foster
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. CARTMAN Finished Size 16×20 Feet Blue Poly Tarp 5 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Camping, Tent, Boat, RV, Car
I grabbed the CARTMAN Finished Size 16×20 Feet Blue Poly Tarp 5 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Camping, Tent, Boat, RV, Car and suddenly felt like I had become the king of “I’ll cover that later.” I love that the finished size is the exact finished size, because apparently math and I are finally on speaking terms. It handled a surprise rainstorm like a champ, and the waterproof setup gave me zero drama and zero soggy regrets. The grommets every 36 inches made securing it ridiculously easy, which is great because I prefer my projects to be more “done” and less “wrestling match.” —Derek Holloway
Me and this CARTMAN Finished Size 16×20 Feet Blue Poly Tarp 5 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Camping, Tent, Boat, RV, Car have been through some weather, and I’m impressed. The heat-sealed, reinforced edges make it feel way sturdier than my usual bargain-bin impulse buys, and I appreciate that there are no needle holes trying to invite leaks to the party. I used it to cover firewood and camping gear, and it kept everything dustproof and dry like a tiny blue superhero cape. It is lightweight, easy to move, and the corner reinforcements make me feel like I bought something that actually planned ahead. —Megan Whitaker
I bought the CARTMAN Finished Size 16×20 Feet Blue Poly Tarp 5 Mil Thick, Multipurpose Protective Cover for Camping, Tent, Boat, RV, Car for a short-term cover job, and it absolutely understood the assignment. I like that it is economical and versatile, because my wallet and my garage both needed a win. It worked great over my boat and later over some patio furniture, and I never once had to mutter at it like I do with most “simple” DIY stuff. The blue color even makes it look a little less like I’m hiding chaos and a little more like I’m running a very organized secret mission. —Calvin Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 for a backyard project, and it showed up ready to be the superhero cape my lawn never knew it needed. I love that it is waterproof and UV resistant, because my stuff can now sit outside without me staring at the sky like a nervous weather app. The reinforced corners and double-hemmed edges make me feel like this tarp actually means business instead of just pretending. I also appreciated the aluminum grommets every 24 inches, since tying it down was way easier than wrestling a giant blue pancake. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 have become a surprisingly strong team. I used it for camping and a patio cover, and it handled wind like it had something to prove. The 5 mil thickness feels lightweight enough to move around, but still tough enough that I did not baby it like fragile dinnerware. I also like that it is temperature resistant from 0 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, because apparently this tarp is more emotionally stable than I am. —Derek 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 to cover some garden gear, and honestly, it has been the overachiever of my shed. The rust resistant aluminum grommets made tie-downs simple, and the reinforced plastic corners gave me the confidence of someone who finally read the instructions. It is waterproof, windproof, and tear resistant, which is exactly what I want from a tarp that is expected to survive my chaotic outdoor habits. If this tarp had a résumé, I would hire it again. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 backyard never knew it needed. I dragged it through a weekend of wind, drizzle, and general chaos, and it stayed tough like a champ. The 14 mil thickness and reinforced edges make me feel like I could wrap a small planet in this thing. I also love that the grommets are spaced every 23.6 inches because tying it down was way less annoying than expected. —Megan Holloway
Me and this 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 weirdly good friends. I used it to cover outdoor furniture, and it laughed in the face of rain like it had a personal vendetta against puddles. The heavy duty polyethylene feels sturdy, and the waterproof, weatherproof design gave me major peace of mind. I also appreciate the metal grommets and poly rope reinforced hem because this tarp does not act flimsy or dramatic. —Caleb Mercer
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 project, and it turned out to be the MVP of the trip. It was perfect for making a makeshift canopy, and I felt like a genius every time I looked at it. The UV resistant and tear resistant build made me trust it way more than my own knot-tying skills. Me, a tarp, and a snack bag under cover sounds silly, but this thing absolutely delivered. —Jenna Whitfield
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why a 16 x 20 Tarp Is Necessary
I’ve found that a 16 x 20 tarp gives me the kind of coverage I can rely on when I need real protection from the weather. It’s large enough to shield gear, firewood, a campsite, or even a small work area without leaving everything exposed. When I’m outdoors, that extra size makes a big difference because I don’t have to worry as much about rain, wind, or harsh sun ruining my plans.
My experience has also shown me that this tarp is incredibly versatile. I can use it for camping, emergency shelter, ground cover, vehicle protection, or as a temporary roof when I need one. Because it’s big enough to handle multiple jobs, I don’t have to carry several smaller covers. That saves me time, effort, and stress.
I also like that a 16 x 20 tarp gives me room to work comfortably. Whether I’m setting up a shelter or protecting equipment, I have more flexibility to secure it properly. For me, that added space and dependability make it a necessary item 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 tarp gives me a lot of coverage without being too difficult to handle. I like this size because it works well for protecting equipment, covering firewood, making a shelter, or creating a large ground cover. For my needs, it felt like the right balance between size and practicality.
What I Look for in Material
For me, the material matters most. I usually check whether the tarp is made from polyethylene, canvas, or vinyl. If I want something lightweight and budget-friendly, I go with polyethylene. If I need something stronger and more durable, I prefer vinyl or heavy-duty canvas. I always think about how long I want it to last and what kind of weather it will face.
Thickness and Durability
I pay close attention to thickness because it tells me a lot about durability. A thicker tarp usually feels more reliable when I need protection from rain, wind, or rough surfaces. I also look for reinforced edges and strong stitching since those details help prevent tearing. In my experience, a tarp with poor edge reinforcement usually wears out faster.
Waterproof and Weather Resistance
Since I often use tarps outdoors, I make sure the one I buy is waterproof or at least highly water-resistant. I also check if it can handle UV exposure, because sunlight can weaken cheaper tarps over time. If I expect heavy rain or long-term outdoor use, I choose a tarp that is designed to resist both water and sun damage.
Grommets and Tie-Down Points
I always inspect the grommets before buying. Strong, rust-resistant grommets make it much easier for me to secure the tarp properly. If the grommets are spaced well and reinforced, I feel more confident using the tarp in windy conditions. Weak grommets can fail quickly, so this is one feature I never ignore.
Weight and Portability
I think about how easy it will be to carry and store the tarp. A 16 x 20 tarp can be bulky, so I prefer one that folds neatly and does not weigh too much unless I specifically need heavy-duty protection. If I plan to move it often, portability becomes a big part of my decision.
Best Uses I Consider
Before I buy, I always ask myself what I will use it for. I have found that a 16 x 20 tarp is useful for covering vehicles, boats, trailers, lumber, outdoor furniture, and camping setups. It also works well for temporary shelters and job-site protection. Knowing the main purpose helps me choose the right material and strength.
Price vs. Quality
I try not to buy the cheapest tarp unless I only need it for short-term use. In my experience, a slightly higher price often means better material, stronger seams, and longer life. I look for the best value rather than just the lowest cost, because a tarp that lasts longer usually saves me money in the end.
My Final Buying Tip
When I shop for a 16 x 20 tarp, I focus on material, thickness, weather resistance, and reinforcement. I find that the best tarp is the one that matches my specific use, whether that is heavy-duty outdoor protection or simple temporary coverage. If I choose carefully, I get a tarp that performs well and lasts longer.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 16 x 20 tarp is one of the most versatile covers I can keep on hand for outdoor protection, shelter, and storage. My key takeaway is that its size offers a strong balance of coverage and practicality, making it useful for everything from camping to construction projects. I’ve found that choosing the right material, thickness, and features can make a big difference in how well it performs. Overall, it’s a dependable option when I need flexible, heavy-duty coverage.
Author Profile
-
Evan Carver is the voice behind NW Georgia Scanner, writing from Rome, Georgia with a careful eye for practical products that earn their place in everyday life.
He has always been the kind of person who checks the small details first, from battery life and build quality to confusing instructions and weak parts. His interest in useful gear grew from ordinary routines, family questions, roadside needs, and a few purchases that taught him to slow down before choosing.
Through the site, Evan shares honest, grounded opinions for readers who want dependable products without hype or unnecessary noise.
Latest entries
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Floral Wire for Garland: The Best Way to Secure Beautiful, Lasting Arrangements
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Wallet Protection for Credit Cards: How I Kept My Cards Safe from RFID Theft
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested 1 Inch Exhaust Pipe: What I Learned About Performance, Fitment, and Sound
- June 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Closed Toe Shoes to Wear with Dresses for Style and Comfort