Quick answer

Choose the Noah's Tarp 12 for solo or duo trips where pack weight matters, and the Noah's Tarp 16 when you need shade or rain cover for a larger group or a full camp kitchen. The 12 is lighter and easier to pitch in tight spots; the 16 gives you noticeably more covered area at the cost of extra bulk.

Coverage and group size

The Noah's Tarp 12 covers a compact footprint that works well for one or two people plus gear. It's ideal for a hammock setup, a small dining area, or a picnic spread. The Noah's Tarp 16 stretches that coverage significantly, making it a better fit for groups of three or four, or for covering a camp kitchen and seating area together.

If you regularly camp with friends or family, the extra square footage of the 16 reduces the chance of someone getting wet or sunburned. For solo or couple outings, the 12's smaller profile is easier to manage and requires fewer anchor points.

Portability and pack size

Both tarps store in a roll-top carry bag, but the Noah's Tarp 16 naturally takes up more space and weighs more. If you're backpacking or carrying your shelter any distance, the 12 is the more practical choice. The 16 is better suited for car camping or basecamp setups where you drive to the site and don't have to carry gear far.

Neither tarp is ultralight, but the 12's smaller packed size leaves room in your pack for other essentials. The 16's larger bag is still manageable for a short hike from the car to the campsite.

Setup and versatility

Both tarps share the same simple design: a square or rectangular sheet with reinforced corners and tie-outs. The 12 is quicker to pitch because it has less fabric to handle and fewer stakes to tension. The 16 requires a bit more time and attention to get a taught pitch, especially in windy conditions.

That said, the 16 offers more configuration options for different weather and sun angles. You can pitch it higher for airflow or lower for storm protection, and the larger surface area gives you more flexibility to create a covered corridor or a multi-use shelter.

Tradeoffs at a glance

  • Coverage vs. portability: The 16 gives you more shade and rain protection but weighs and packs larger. The 12 is lighter and easier to carry, especially for backpacking. Choose the 12 for mobility; choose the 16 for space.
  • Setup ease vs. flexibility: The 12 pitches faster with less fabric to manage. The 16 takes more effort but offers more pitch configurations for different weather and group sizes. If you value quick setup, go with the 12. If you want versatility, the 16 wins.
  • Group size fit: The 12 comfortably covers 1–2 people. The 16 handles 3–4 people or a camp kitchen setup. Neither is ideal for large groups beyond four. Match the tarp to your typical group size, not the maximum listed range.

Product facts at a glance

  • Noah's Tarp 12: Noah's Tarp 12 stores in a convenient roll-top carry bag and comes in sizes to throw shade for groups of 1–20 (the 12 is on the smaller end of that range). You get a proven, packable shelter that's easy to carry and quick to deploy for small groups.
  • Noah's Tarp 16: Noah's Tarp 16 also stores in a roll-top carry bag and is sized to throw shade for groups of 1–20 (the 16 is on the larger end). The larger size gives you more covered area for group cooking, lounging, or protecting gear from rain and sun.

Which one should you pick?

Best for

  • Solo campers or couples who prioritize pack weight and quick setup
  • Backpackers or hikers who carry their shelter to the site
  • Anyone who needs a compact tarp for a hammock or small picnic area

Not for

  • Groups of three or more who need full coverage for seating and cooking
  • Car campers who want maximum shade and rain protection without worrying about pack size
  • Those who want a single shelter that can cover both a dining area and a sleeping area