Description
The Helikon-Tex Supertarp Small (Polyester) is a compact, ultra-lightweight outdoor and bushcraft camping tarp designed to provide rapid weather protection from torrential rain, wind, and harsh sun. Engineered with 19 reinforced attachment points and glued waterproof seams, it allows users to pitch versatile shelter configurations—ranging from standard A-frame bivvies to hammock rainflies and observation hides.
The large 200 x 250 cm size will protect one person with gear or create shared cover for several people. The tarp is made from a lightweight coated fabric with a weight of 72 g/m². Which ensures an effective barrier against rainfall. At the same time, it protects against intense sunlight, creates shade, and reduces heat buildup under the tarp. This solution works well both during a rainy night and on a hot day in open terrain.
Despite its size, Supertarp Small weighs only 490 g. When packed, it takes up little space (22 cm x 6.5 cm x 16 cm) and fits into the included carry bag. You can pack it into your backpack even after a rainy night and carry it without risking soaking the rest of your gear.
Specifications
| Specification Metric | Engineering Detail |
| Manufacturer | Helikon-Tex |
| Model SKU / MPN | PO-STS-PO |
| Product Line | Bushcraft Line / Outback / Patrol |
| Primary Material | 100% Coated Polyester Ripstop |
| Fabric Weight / Grammage | 72 g/m² |
| Seam Construction | Taped / Glued Waterproof Seams |
| Attachment Loops | 19 Reinforced Mounting Points |
| Dimensions (Unfolded) | 200 cm x 250 cm (78.7″ x 98.4″) |
| Dimensions (Packed) | 22 cm x 6.5 cm x 16 cm (8.7″ x 2.6″ x 6.3″) |
| Total Weight | Ultra-light 490 g (17.3 oz) |
| Patent Protection | EU Patent No. 007955356-0003 |
Why It Works in the South African Context
In South Africa’s demanding bushveld tracking, farm perimeter patrols, and outdoor survival scenarios, a versatile compact tarp is a critical emergency asset:
- Highveld Thunderstorm & Flash Flood Shield: Sudden summer afternoon downpours across Gauteng and Mpumalanga can strand operators or hikers in open terrain. The 2×2.5 m footprint and taped seams create an instant, impermeable dry bivvy shelter in minutes.
- Intense Karoo & Bushveld Sun Shade: Operating in open veld with no natural canopy exposes personnel to severe heat exhaustion. The UV-reflective coated polyester drops temperatures underneath by blocking direct radiant heat.
- Bakkie & Field Awning Integration: Can be rigged off a bakkie roof rack or canopy using guy-lines to provide a quick roadside shaded workstation or dry shelter during vehicle breakdowns and farm fence repairs.
- Minimalist Anti-Poaching / LP-OP Hide: Its compact packed volume fits into the side pocket of a patrol pack, while the low-reflectivity finish allows trackers and other teams to build low-silhouette observation posts without bulky canvas.




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