Oilskin Field Tarp Shelter
A traditional oilskin canvas tarp for shelter, camp and life in the field
or 4 interest-free payments of $94.25 with Afterpay ⓘ
Our traditional 3×3m (10×10ft) oilskin canvas field tarp is handcrafted in Australia from the last remaining Australian-made oilskin cotton canvas.
Designed as a versatile shelter and field tarp, it can be used as a primary shelter, ground cover, windbreak or general camp tarp. The 3×3 format provides a highly adaptable shelter platform suitable for a wide range of simple tarp configurations.
The tarp pairs naturally with our Western Tiers Bedroll & Southern Field Futon, forming a compact and durable canvas sleeping system.
Shelter Configurations
The 3×3 tarp can be configured in multiple ways depending on terrain and conditions:
- A-frame shelter
- Lean-to shelter
- Plough point shelter
- Ground tarp
- Windbreak
Construction
The tarp is reinforced with a combination of vegetable-tanned kangaroo leather and triple-folded canvas gussets.
The perimeter features Australian-made brass eyelets approximately every 1 metre, allowing for flexible shelter configurations.
A twin-needle lap seam runs down the centre ridge, creating a strong, neat and highly weather-resistant ridgeline using a dedicated lap-seaming machine unique to Kohutt's tarp design and manufacture.
Square leather gussets with cotton webbing loops are positioned along the ridgeline approximately every metre, allowing the tarp to be suspended easily from a ridgeline or centre supports.
Each tarp is finished with an Australian-made ex-military cotton webbing strap, a Kohutt-branded aluminium mariners hook, and a matching oilskin drawstring carry sack.
Australian Oilskin Canvas
Oilskin fabric was historically used by sailors to create waterproof clothing and tarpaulins from old cotton canvas sails, treated with a secret mixture of oils.
In late 2024, after several decades of Australian oilskin manufacturing in New South Wales, production abruptly ceased due to difficult economic conditions.
Kohutt was able to secure the final remaining rolls of genuine Australian-made 100% cotton oilskin canvas as the doors closed for the last time. As a result, each tarp represents a rare and likely irreplaceable piece of Australian manufacturing history.
Australian Made Hardware
Even the brass eyelets used in our tarps have their own story.
Manufactured in outer Melbourne, they are still produced using original machinery built over 100 years ago, later converted from steam power to electricity. These eyelets continue to be stamped using the same equipment that has served Australian canvas makers for generations.
Technical specifications
- Free shipping anywhere in the world
- Included oilskin drawstring carry sack
- 100% Australian made in our Tasmanian workshop
- 3x3m (10ft x 10ft)
- 3.8kg (8.3lbs)
- Australian made oilskin canvas 8.5oz
- Australian made brass eyelets
- Vegetable tanned leather gussets on 4 corners & the remaining gussets are triple-folded canvas, approx every 1m
- Kohutt branded aluminium mariners hook with green Australian ex-military cotton webbing strap
All materials are selected for durability, longevity, and honest performance in the field. Visit our materials page for full details on what we use and why.
Every Kohutt product ships with a lifetime guarantee and free repairs — forever. If something fails due to a manufacturing defect, we fix it at no charge. Full warranty details →
