Kelty Noah’s Tarp is a packable, multi-use sun shelter and awning-style rainfly I can rely on for shaded cooking zones, hammock coverage, river picnics, and sideline soccer-field relief without the bulk of a pop-up canopy.
Kelty builds it from 68D polyester and adds full seam taping, a PFAS-free DWR finish, and “True” UV protection, so I can keep it weather-ready across different pitches in 9×9, 12×12, and 16×16 sizes.
I purchased the Kelty Noah’s Tarp in July 2025 and first put it to use during a solo camping trip in the Great Smoky Mountains last October (see photos from my trip). I was set up on an exposed hilltop with steady wind, which made the initial setup slower than expected. Once pitched, though, the tarp handled the conditions without complaint and showed no signs of stress. The material feels durable and overbuilt in a good way. Please note that poles are not included, and I strongly recommend upgrading the stock guy lines and ground stakes if you plan to use this in adverse weather. The poles I purchased separately were from Green Elephant. And I replaced the original guy lines with these ratcheting ones.
Key takeaways
- Packable shade: I can pack it smaller and carry it easier than many pop-up canopies while still getting reliable shade and rain cover.
- Weather protection: Weather protection starts with 68D polyester, full seam taping, and a PFAS-free DWR finish that helps it shed rain better.
- Stability and setup: Reinforced guyout points, attached corner guylines, and a storage pocket help me lock in stability and cut setup fuss.
- Flexible sizing: Three sizes (9×9, 12×12, 16×16) let me dial in different pitches, and the largest gives me 256 sq ft of coverage.
- Poles not included: Poles don’t come with it, so I plan on trekking poles, found poles/branches, or dedicated tarp poles for pole-supported setups.
Why It’s a Go-To Tarp
Kelty Noah’s Tarp earns its keep because it works in a wide mix of situations without adding hassle. I like gear I can throw in the car and trust when the weather turns, and this one fits that role. It’s rated 4.6 out of 5 stars from 330 reviews, where owners often call it sturdy, functional, and genuinely weather-ready.
Compared with bulky pop-up canopies, it packs down smaller and rides easily with the rest of my camp kit. It also comes in lighter than many pop-up sun shades, so I don’t dread carrying it from the parking lot to a picnic table or riverbank.
Practical ways I use it
A few setups make this tarp feel like a “bring it every time” item:
- Between two trees over a dining area, so cooking and eating stay shaded.
- Above a picnic setup for river trips, where quick cover matters.
- Over a hammock as a simple rain-and-sun shield.
- As a “soccer field haven” for tournaments and long, hot afternoons.
If I want an alternative shade style for the same kinds of outings, I sometimes compare it with a car tailgate awning before packing.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Kelty Noah’s Tarp Sun Shelter and Multi-Use Awning Rainfly, Portable Canopy UV Protection, Waterproof + Durable, 3 Sizes for Customized Pitch
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Weather Protection That Holds Up
The Noah’s Tarp plays like real weather gear, not a fair-day accessory. I get confident coverage from 68D polyester plus full seam taping, so water doesn’t creep through the stitches. I also like the PFAS-free DWR finish since it keeps the fabric shedding rain without extra chemical baggage. In field use, customers report it stays waterproof in heavy rain and stays stable in wind once I tension it right. Kelty also lists “True” UV protection, so I can run it as a sun shelter, a rainfly, or a quick tailgate awning. For staking in ugly gusts, I pair it with heavy-duty ground anchors.
How I set it for storms
I focus on these steps:
- Pitch low and steep to shed water fast.
- Guy out all points and re-tension after fabric relaxes.
- Add extra poles when needed, like adjustable tarp poles.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Kelty Noah’s Tarp Sun Shelter and Multi-Use Awning Rainfly, Portable Canopy UV Protection, Waterproof + Durable, 3 Sizes for Customized Pitch
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Smart Design Details
The Kelty Noah’s Tarp Sun Shelter earns its keep with smart reinforcements and thoughtful organization. I get a wider setup range thanks to multiple reinforced guyout points. That flexibility lets me pitch it low and tight for wind, high for airflow, or angled for directional shade. Reinforced tie-outs also help spread load across the fabric, so tension stays even and the shelter holds shape when conditions change.
What I notice in real use
A few design choices make setup faster and campsites cleaner:
- Multiple reinforced guyout points give me lots of pitching options without stressing a single corner.
- Added guyout points improve stability because I can run extra lines when gusts pick up.
- Attached corner guylines save time since I don’t hunt for loose cord or re-tie knots every trip.
- A built-in storage pocket keeps lines contained, so they don’t tangle in the stuff sack or snag on other gear.
If I want even cleaner tension and better coverage, I pair it with adjustable tarp poles, then stake it with secure anchors like heavy-duty ground anchors.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Kelty Noah’s Tarp Sun Shelter and Multi-Use Awning Rainfly, Portable Canopy UV Protection, Waterproof + Durable, 3 Sizes for Customized Pitch
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Sizes, Coverage, and What’s Included
I like this tarp because the size options make it easy for me to match shade and rain coverage to my camp style. I can go compact for quick overnights or scale up for basecamp comfort. Options include 9 ft x 9 ft, 12 ft x 12 ft, and 16 ft x 16 ft, and the biggest sheet gives 256 sq ft of coverage. That larger footprint works well for group kitchens, a roomy gear garage, or a wide porch pitch off a tent.
My quick picking guide
I use these rules to choose fast, then fine-tune with pitch height and angles.
- 9 x 9: I pick this for solo trips, minimal weight, or tight sites where a smaller pitch stays clean and snag-free.
- 12 x 12: I treat this as the do-it-all size for couples or small groups, with enough edge length for stormy pitches.
- 16 x 16: I grab this for shared shade, car-camping hubs, or big rain shelters where 256 sq ft matters.
What’s included stays straightforward: the tarp, guylines, and a stuff sack, plus the Kelty Limited Lifetime Warranty. For add-ons, I sometimes pair it with adjustable 8 ft aluminum tarp poles for faster freestanding setups.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Kelty Noah’s Tarp Sun Shelter and Multi-Use Awning Rainfly, Portable Canopy UV Protection, Waterproof + Durable, 3 Sizes for Customized Pitch
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Important Note About Poles
Kelty Staff Poles are NOT included with the Kelty Noah’s Tarp Sun Shelter, and that surprises some buyers. I plan for that upfront so the first setup goes smoothly. A pole-supported pitch still works great, but I bring my own support and treat the tarp as a flexible shelter system, not a complete kit.
How I plan a pole-supported setup
I keep a simple backup plan so I’m not improvising at camp:
- I use trekking poles when I want fast setup and easy height adjustments.
- I grab found poles or sturdy branches for casual trips, then pad contact points to protect the fabric and grommets.
- I buy dedicated tarp poles when I want consistent height, better stability, and cleaner angles in wind.
- I pair poles with strong anchors in soft ground; I rely on heavy-duty ground anchors when conditions look sketchy.
- I pack spares like extra guyline and tensioners, since pole pitches depend on clean line angles.
I also keep an eye on ridge height so runoff sheds well, even if I’m pitching for shade.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Kelty Noah’s Tarp Sun Shelter and Multi-Use Awning Rainfly, Portable Canopy UV Protection, Waterproof + Durable, 3 Sizes for Customized Pitch
This image is property of Amazon.com.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
From Bozeman, Montana. Former outdoor guide who distrusts ultralight gear claims. Reviews based on real trips, bad weather, and exhaustion.
