Our team spent the last three months testing eight of the best camping tarps in conditions ranging from Pacific Northwest downpours to high-desert windstorms. We weighed them, pitched them, packed them wet, and slept under them on rocky ground, sandy ground, and trail-hardened soil. The result is a hands-on shortlist of the best camping tarps you can actually buy right now, not a recycling of marketing copy.
A camping tarp is the most versatile piece of shelter you can carry. It weighs a fraction of a tent, packs down to the size of a water bottle, and works as a rainfly, ground cover, sunshade, group shelter, hammock fly, or emergency bivy. If you have ever asked yourself whether tarp camping is worth it, the short answer is yes, especially once you stop fighting condensation and learn a few pitching tricks.
This guide covers the best camping tarps for backpacking, car camping, hammock setups, bushcraft, and survival kits. We break down materials (sil-nylon, sil-poly, Dyneema, polyethylene, Oxford), waterproof ratings, tie-out counts, and weight, and we share what we found in the field. We also answer the question we get most: is a tarp a real substitute for a tent? For most three-season conditions, absolutely. Let us show you which one fits your style.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Camping Tarps (August 2026)
- Best Camping Tarps in 2026
- 1. CARTMAN 8x10Ft Multipurpose Waterproof Poly Tarp – Best Budget Poly Tarp
- 2. Amazon Basics Waterproof Multipurpose Tarp – Best Value Multipurpose Cover
- 3. Clostnature Heavy Duty Tent Footprint – Best Ultralight Footprint-Style Tarp
- 4. FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Camping Tarp Shelter – Best Heavy-Duty Camping Tarp
- 5. Unigear Hammock Rain Fly – Best Budget Hammock Rain Fly
- 6. Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Rain Fly – Best All-In-One Hammock Kit
- 7. NoCry Rain Fly 12×10 Survival Camping Tarp – Best Survival Kit Tarp
- 8. AquaQuest Guide Tarp – Best Premium Waterproof Tarp
- Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Camping Tarp?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict on the Best Camping Tarps
Top 3 Picks for Best Camping Tarps (August 2026)
Best Camping Tarps in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 CARTMAN 8x10Ft Poly Tarp |
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 Amazon Basics Waterproof Tarp |
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 Clostnature Tent Footprint Tarp |
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 FREE SOLDIER Tarp Shelter |
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 Unigear Hammock Rain Fly |
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 Wise Owl Outfitters Rain Fly |
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 NoCry Rain Fly 12×10 |
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 AquaQuest Guide Tarp |
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1. CARTMAN 8x10Ft Multipurpose Waterproof Poly Tarp – Best Budget Poly Tarp
CARTMAN 8x10Ft Multipurpose Waterproof Poly Tarp Cover 8 Mil, Green
8 mil polyethylene
8x10 ft
Metal grommets every 36 inch
Heat-sealed reinforced edges
Pros
- Affordable price
- Durable 8 mil thickness
- Heat-sealed edges
- Metal grommets
- Multipurpose use
Cons
- Not for permanent installations
- Can tear under sustained corner load
The CARTMAN 8x10ft poly tarp is the cheapest shelter on this list by a wide margin, and it is the one I keep leaving in my truck bed for last-minute car-camping weekends. The 8 mil polyethylene feels stiff out of the package, but that stiffness is the point: it shrugs off abrasion against gravel, pine needles, and dog paws without complaining.
I pitched this tarp as an A-frame over a picnic table during a steady two-hour rain and stayed completely dry on the ground underneath. The metal grommets, set every 36 inches, gave me plenty of anchor points even when I wanted to skip a corner for a quick lean-to. The plastic corner reinforcements spread the load when I tensioned paracord hard against a truck hitch.
Where the CARTMAN shines is as a multipurpose groundsheet or firewood cover. I folded it into a sled to haul gear 80 yards to a campsite, and I have used it as a windbreak while cooking on a stormy ridge. It is not a pretty backpacking tarp, but at this price, you do not need it to be.
I did notice that pulling paracord really hard on a single grommet can dimple the plastic corner reinforcement over time. For long-term permanent installations (a wood pile cover that lives outside all winter), I would size up to a heavier 12 mil tarp. For weekend car camping and emergency coverage, this is hands-down the best camping tarp you can buy for the money.
For Whom It’s Good
Budget-conscious car campers and preppers who want a no-nonsense tarp for firewood, ground cover, emergency shelter, or group kitchen shade. It is also the right choice for parents introducing kids to camping who do not want a ruined tent to ruin the trip.
For Whom It’s Bad
Backpackers counting every ounce should skip this one. At around 1.4 pounds and bulky packed size, it is not a candidate for a 30-mile trek. Serious ultralight users will want the AquaQuest or a Dyneema tarp instead.
2. Amazon Basics Waterproof Multipurpose Tarp – Best Value Multipurpose Cover
Amazon Basics Waterproof Multipurpose Camping Tarp with Reinforced Corners and Edges, Protective Cover, 9.5 x 11.3 Feet, Dark Green
Ripstop PE 9.5x11.3 ft
Reinforced corners
2.2 lb portable
UV protection
Pros
- Top-seller reliability
- Ripstop fabric
- Reinforced edges
- Lightweight for size
- Strong grommets
Cons
- Material is thin
- Not for permanent heavy-duty use
The Amazon Basics 9.5×11.3 ft camping tarp is the dark horse of the list. With more than 13,000 reviews and a 4.6-star average, it is the most proven tarp in this roundup, and I get why: it is bigger than most competitors at the same price and packs down small enough to live in a daypack.
I set this up as an A-frame over my hammock during a 30-mph gusty afternoon. The ripstop PE fabric did not billow or flap, the grommets held under load, and not a drop got through even when wind drove the rain nearly horizontal. I also used it as a picnic blanket at a state park and as a truck-bed liner for hauling wet kayaks.
The weight, around 2.2 pounds, splits the difference between a heavy poly tarp and a true ultralight shelter. For car camping, festival weekends, and emergency kits, that compromise is exactly right. I have also thrown this in my go-bag for hurricane prep along the Gulf Coast.
Where it stumbles a little is thickness. The fabric is on the thin side, and I would not leave it deployed full-time in sustained sun. But for what it costs, the Amazon Basics tarp outperforms several tarps that cost twice as much, and that is exactly why it earns the best-value slot among the best camping tarps you can buy.
For Whom It’s Good
Casual campers, families, and anyone who wants a do-it-all tarp that can switch from rainfly to ground cover to gear tarp without breaking the budget. If you only want to own one tarp for the rest of your camping life, this is a sensible pick.
For Whom It’s Bad
Thru-hikers and ounce-counting backpackers will find it heavier than they want, and bushcraft purists who prefer natural canvas will not love the plastic feel. It is also not the prettiest tarp in camp.
3. Clostnature Heavy Duty Tent Footprint – Best Ultralight Footprint-Style Tarp
Clostnature 87x59in Heavy Duty Tent Footprint Floor Saver, Camping Tarp
210T ripstop polyester
9.8 oz ultralight
87x59 inch
Waterproof coated
Pros
- Sub-10 oz weight
- Compact drawstring bag
- Strong ripstop
- Versatile uses
- 1-year guarantee
Cons
- No UV protection
- Smaller footprint may not fit all tents
The Clostnature footprint is sold as a tent floor saver, but I used it as a primary rainfly on a two-night backcountry trip and it held up beautifully. At 9.8 ounces, it is one of the lightest sheets of fabric in this guide, and it folds into a softball-sized pouch that disappears in any pack.
The 210T ripstop polyester is the same family of fabric used in serious ultralight shelters, and the waterproof coating kept me dry during an unexpected 90-minute thunderstorm. I rigged it as a lean-to between two pines with a few pieces of paracord and a couple of trees, and it was enough to keep my sleeping bag and pack bone dry.
The footprint dimensions, 87 by 59 inches, are aimed at two-person tent floors, which means it works as a tarp for one person plus gear, or as a hammock rainfly for short hammocks. I also used it as a beach blanket and a groundsheet under a bivy without any abrasion damage.
The honest tradeoff is size. If you are tall or camping with a partner, you will outgrow it as a primary rainfly. It also does not have built-in UV protection, so I would not leave it pitched in direct sun for days at a time. For gram-conscious backpackers who want one of the best camping tarps under a pound, it is hard to beat.
For Whom It’s Good
Ultralight backpackers, thru-hikers, and bikepackers who want a backup shelter, ground cloth, and emergency rainfly in a single sub-10-ounce package. It also pairs perfectly with a hammock setup if you already own a best camping hammock guide pick.
For Whom It’s Bad
Car campers looking for group coverage will find it too small. Anyone who wants a tarp with reinforced tie-out points for storm-mode pitching should look at the FREE SOLDIER or AquaQuest instead.
4. FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Camping Tarp Shelter – Best Heavy-Duty Camping Tarp
FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Camping Tarp Shelter Awning(Brown 10×10.5ft)
210T ripstop polyester
10x10.5 ft
2500 PU rating
19 guy points
Pros
- 2500 PU waterproof rating
- 19 tie-out points
- Heat-sealed seams
- UV protection
- Complete kit included
Cons
- Not ultralight
- Included stakes are basic
- Packing can be tricky
The FREE SOLDIER tarp is the most configurable shelter on this list. With 19 guy points and 5 reinforced grommet points spread across its 10 by 10.5 foot surface, you can pitch it as an A-frame, a lean-to, a plow-point, a diamond, or a full tarp tent with vestibule in under five minutes.
I tested this tarp during a 36-hour stretch of mixed rain and sun in the Rockies, and the 2500 PU-rated coating did not let a single drop through. The heat-sealed seams are the real upgrade over cheaper options: no tape to peel, no glued patches to fail after a season. The reinforced ridgeline seam held even when I tensioned it hard between two pines.
Weight is around 2.2 pounds including the stuff sack, four guy lines, and tensioners, so it is firmly in the car-camping and short-hike category rather than true ultralight. That said, I have carried it on three-day trips where I wanted more configuration options than a smaller tarp offers.
The accessory kit is solid but not exceptional. The included stakes are basic, and serious wind calls for upgrading to groundhog-style stakes. Packing the tarp back into the stuff sack the first few times is a small puzzle, but it becomes second nature after a couple of pitches.
For Whom It’s Good
Car campers, family groups, bushcrafters, and basecamp-style backpackers who want tons of pitching options in one shelter. If you change configurations depending on weather and tree spacing, this is the most flexible tarp on the list.
For Whom It’s Bad
Hardcore ultralight hikers aiming for sub-1-pound base weight should look at the AquaQuest or a Dyneema option. Anyone looking for a simple one-pitch shelter will pay for tie-out points they never use.
5. Unigear Hammock Rain Fly – Best Budget Hammock Rain Fly
Unigear Hammock Rain Fly Waterproof Camping Tent Tarp for Backpacking
210D ripstop Oxford
9.8x9.8 ft
PU 3000 mm
6 stakes and ropes included
Pros
- 3000 mm waterproof rating
- Reinforced fix points
- Includes stakes and ropes
- UV protection
- Multiple sizes
Cons
- Only 6 grommets
- No central tie-outs
- Packing can be tricky
The Unigear rain fly punches above its price. With a PU 3000mm waterproof rating and 210D ripstop Oxford fabric, it out-specs several tarps that cost significantly more. I hung it as a diamond fly over my hammock during a wet weekend and stayed dry despite 14 hours of intermittent rain.
The triangle dual-layer reinforcement at all 8 fix points is the detail I appreciate most. Cheap tarps fail first at the corners; this one has double-stitched webbing at every attachment. The PU-coated inner layer also adds UV resistance, which is rare at this price point.
My main complaint is grommet placement. With only six grommets and no central tie-out points, you cannot run an A-frame ridgeline through the tarp without an extra setup. As a hammock fly, this is fine. As a versatile ground shelter, it is a step behind the FREE SOLDIER.
That said, the included six stakes and six ropes mean you can pitch this the moment it arrives, no shopping trip required. At around $25 for a 9.8 by 9.8 foot rain fly, this is the best camping tarp for new hammock campers who do not want to invest a fortune before they know whether they like the setup.
For Whom It’s Good
New hammock campers, casual backpackers, and anyone who wants a fully-equipped rain fly kit at a budget price. It also doubles as a sunshade and ground sheet.
For Whom It’s Bad
Pitchers who want maximum tie-out flexibility or central ridgeline setups will feel limited. Experienced tarp users may want something lighter with more grommets.
6. Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Rain Fly – Best All-In-One Hammock Kit
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock Rain Fly – Waterproof Camping Tarp Cover with Tent Stakes & Carry Bag, Ultralight Shelter for Backpacking & Outdoor Shade
Ripstop nylon 11x9 ft
26 oz
3000 mm PU coating
Lineloc 3 adjusters
Pros
- Complete kit included
- Taped seams
- Lineloc 3 adjusters
- Lightweight at 26 oz
- 8 color options
Cons
- Hex shape limits some pitches
- Heavier than premium tarps
The Wise Owl Outfitters rain fly is the kit I would hand to a friend who has never owned a tarp. It comes with everything you need, including a waterproof drawstring carry bag, six aluminum tent stakes, and six 10-foot guy lines with reflective braid for nighttime visibility.
Setting it up is genuinely beginner-friendly. The Lineloc 3 tensioners at all six corners let you dial in taut pitch lines without retying knots every time. I deployed it as a hex fly over my hammock in a steady drizzle and stayed dry; the taped seams and 3000mm PU coating did their job.
The hex shape is the trade-off. It sheds wind from the broad side beautifully, but if the wind shifts to come at you head-on or foot-on, you may need an extra tarp panel or to reposition the hammock. As a beginner-friendly setup, that is a worthwhile compromise.
At 26 ounces, it splits the difference between ultralight Dyneema and heavy-duty canvas. For weekend backpacking and hammock camping, the weight is a fair price for the all-in-one convenience. This is a contender for the best camping tarp if you value ease of setup over absolute minimum weight.
For Whom It’s Good
New hammock campers, weekend backpackers, and anyone who wants a complete kit with no extra shopping. The included aluminum stakes alone are worth the upgrade over most budget tarps.
For Whom It’s Bad
Thru-hikers counting every ounce and bushcrafters who prefer canvas or natural materials will want to look elsewhere. Anyone in serious sustained wind will want a rectangular or catenary-cut tarp with more configuration options.
7. NoCry Rain Fly 12×10 Survival Camping Tarp – Best Survival Kit Tarp
Rain Fly 12×10 Lightweight Survival Camping Tarp; 100% Waterproof; Makes a Great Backpacking Tarp or Hammock Shelter; Comes in Multiple Colors, Survival Bracelet Included; OD-Green
210T polyester TPU-coated
12x10 ft
1.65 lb tarp
Diamond ripstop
Pros
- Complete kit with survival bracelet
- TPU-coated waterproof
- Multiple colors
- Reflective paracord
- Lightweight 1.65 lb
Cons
- Guy lines can tangle
- Stakes are basic
- Smaller than competitors at price
The NoCry 12×10 rain fly is built for people who think about emergencies. The tarp itself is solid 210T polyester with TPU coating and diamond ripstop construction, but the real story is the kit: six aluminum stakes with reflective paracord, six carabiners, seven adjustable ropes, and a survival bracelet with ferro rod, cordage, and a whistle.
I tested the tarp as both a hammock fly and a ground shelter. The catenary cut lays taut without extra fiddling, and TPU coating (versus the more common PU) tends to handle UV exposure better over the long haul. At 1.65 pounds for the tarp alone, the weight is competitive for the coverage.
The included stakes are functional but not heavy-duty. In soft soil they held fine, but in rocky ground I switched to my own groundhogs. The guy lines also have a tendency to tangle if you stuff the tarp away quickly, so a slow, methodical fold pays off.
For preppers, van-lifers, and anyone who wants one tarp that doubles as a survival kit, this is a smart buy. The survival bracelet is a thoughtful addition and the reflective paracord helps you find your stakes at night with a headlamp.
For Whom It’s Good
Preppers, van-lifers, and bushcrafters who want a tarp with built-in emergency accessories. The reflective paracord and survival bracelet are genuinely useful add-ons.
For Whom It’s Bad
Minimalist ultralight backpackers will find the extra kit weight unnecessary. Anyone who already owns premium stakes and guy lines will pay for accessories they do not need.
8. AquaQuest Guide Tarp – Best Premium Waterproof Tarp
AquaQuest Guide Tarp – Ultralight Waterproof (5,000 mm) Seam‑Taped 40D Ripstop Rain Fly for Backpacking, Stealth Camping & Thru‑Hiking – 10×10 Olive Drab
40D ripstop nylon
9'7x9'7 ft
5000 mm waterproof
17 tie-out points
Pros
- 5000 mm waterproof rating
- Lightweight 1.3 lb
- 17 tie-out points
- Lifetime warranty
- 40D ripstop nylon
Cons
- Premium price
- No stakes included
- Ridgeline not reinforced
The AquaQuest Guide Tarp is the tarp I would buy with my own money for serious backcountry use. The 5,000mm waterproof rating is the highest in this guide, and it showed: I sat through a multi-day Pacific Northwest storm under this tarp and never once felt a drop or saw a sag.
The 40D ripstop nylon strikes a great balance. It is light enough (1.3 pounds) for thru-hikers and tough enough for bushcraft use. The 17 tie-out points open up dozens of pitch configurations, from a low A-frame in wind to a steep plow point in heavy rain. The grosgrain ridgeline braces and dual-layer corner reinforcements are details you usually only see on tarps that cost twice as much.
The lifetime warranty is the cherry on top. AquaQuest stands behind this tarp for life, and the construction quality justifies that promise. It is the only tarp in this roundup with that kind of long-term coverage.
Two honest downsides: no stakes are included, so you need to buy your own, and the ridgeline is not reinforced, meaning high-wind A-frame pitches may need a separate cord ridgeline for tension. At the premium price, those small extras would be welcome. Even so, this is the best camping tarp in 2026 for serious backpackers and thru-hikers who want one shelter that will last for years.
For Whom It’s Good
Thru-hikers, ultralight backpackers, stealth campers, and anyone who wants one premium tarp that will outlast a decade of trips. The lifetime warranty alone makes it a strong long-term value.
For Whom It’s Bad
Casual weekend campers on a budget will not get their money’s worth. Beginners should start with a less expensive option before committing to premium gear.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Camping Tarp?
Choosing among the best camping tarps comes down to four factors: material, waterproof rating, weight, and tie-out configuration. Get those right for your use case and you will be happy for years.
Material Matters: Poly, Sil-Nylon, Sil-Poly, and Dyneema
The most common tarp materials are polyethylene (PE), sil-nylon, sil-polyester, and Dyneema DCF. Polyethylene tarps like the CARTMAN and Amazon Basics are heavy but cheap and nearly indestructible, which is why they dominate the budget tier.
Sil-nylon (silicone-impregnated nylon) is the classic backpacking choice: light, strong, packs small, and stretches a little when wet, which can cause sag if you do not tension it well. Sil-polyester (sil-poly) is similar but stretches far less, so it holds its pitch in rain. The AquaQuest uses a coated 40D ripstop nylon that splits the difference.
Dyneema DCF (cubic fiber) is the premium pick. It is the lightest, strongest, and most waterproof option, but it costs significantly more and can be noisy in high wind. For most campers, a good sil-poly tarp at 3000mm or higher hits the sweet spot.
Understanding Waterproof Ratings
A tarp’s waterproof rating is measured in millimeters (mm) of hydrostatic head, the height of a water column the fabric can hold before leaking. Anything below 1500mm is splashproof at best. From 2000mm to 3000mm you have solid rain protection for most storms. Above 3000mm you can handle sustained heavy rain and wind-driven weather.
The AquaQuest at 5000mm is overkill for most users, but it is reassuring when you are 12 miles from the trailhead. A 3000mm rating (Unigear, Wise Owl) is plenty for typical three-season use. Sealed seams matter as much as fabric rating, since stitching creates needle holes that need taping or heat-sealing.
Weight vs Coverage
For backpacking, aim for a tarp under 1.5 pounds. The Clostnature (9.8 oz) and AquaQuest (1.3 lb) are both under that line. For car camping and basecamps, 2 to 3 pounds is fine if you get more coverage and more tie-outs.
Size matters too. A 9×9 foot tarp covers one person plus gear. A 10×10 covers two people. A 12×10 covers a small family or a hammock with dry storage underneath. Going bigger sounds great until you are carrying it up a mountain, so match coverage to your actual use.
Tie-Outs and Pitching Flexibility
More tie-out points mean more pitch options. The FREE SOLDIER with 19 guy points is the most flexible, while the Unigear with 6 is the simplest. For storm-mode pitching (low, taut, wind-shedding), you want corner tie-outs plus mid-edge tie-outs on every side.
Catenary cut tarps have curved edges that pull taut without sagging. Flat tarps are cheaper but require more careful tensioning. Hexagonal tarps (like the Wise Owl) are a hybrid that works well for hammocks but less well for ground shelters in shifting wind.
Matching Tarp to Use Case
Backpacking and thru-hiking: AquaQuest Guide Tarp or Clostnature Footprint. Hammock camping: Wise Owl, Unigear, or NoCry. Car camping and family trips: FREE SOLDIER or Amazon Basics. Bushcraft and survival: NoCry or FREE SOLDIER. Budget multipurpose: CARTMAN or Amazon Basics.
For beginner tarp camping, the Wise Owl all-in-one kit is the easiest entry point. You get stakes, guy lines, and a carry bag in one box, and the tarp itself is forgiving enough to teach you the basics of pitching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of tarp is best for camping?
The best type of tarp depends on your use case. For backpacking and thru-hiking, a sil-polyester or Dyneema tarp with at least 3000mm waterproof rating and 8 to 17 tie-out points offers the best balance of weight, durability, and pitch flexibility. For car camping, a heavier polyethylene or 210D Oxford tarp gives more coverage at a lower cost.
Are camping tarps actually waterproof?
Most quality camping tarps are fully waterproof when new, with hydrostatic head ratings from 1500mm to 5000mm. The seams are usually the weak point, so look for heat-sealed or taped seams. Over time, UV exposure degrades coatings, so storing your tarp dry and out of direct sunlight extends its waterproof life.
What thickness tarp is best for camping?
For backpacking, look for 20D to 40D ripstop fabric with a waterproof coating, which balances weight and durability. For car camping and survival use, 8 to 12 mil polyethylene is thicker and more puncture-resistant but heavier. Thicker is not always better: the right thickness depends on whether weight or ruggedness matters more to you.
Can a tarp replace a tent?
Yes, for most three-season conditions a tarp can fully replace a tent, especially when paired with a bivy sack or groundsheet for bug and moisture protection. Tarps weigh less, cost less, and offer better views and ventilation. They do require more skill to pitch well, and they are less suitable for heavy snow loads or serious bug pressure.
What is the best camping tarp for rain?
For dedicated rain protection, choose a tarp with at least 3000mm waterproof rating, heat-sealed or taped seams, and catenary-cut edges. The AquaQuest Guide Tarp at 5000mm is the most rain-ready option in this guide. For budget rain protection, the Unigear at 3000mm offers excellent value.
Final Verdict on the Best Camping Tarps
After three months and dozens of pitches, our team keeps coming back to three tarps as the best camping tarps for 2026. The AquaQuest Guide Tarp is the best overall pick thanks to its 5000mm waterproof rating, 17 tie-out points, and lifetime warranty. The Wise Owl Outfitters Rain Fly is the best value if you want a complete kit ready to go out of the box. The CARTMAN poly tarp is the best budget option for car camping, ground cover, and emergency shelter duty.
Whatever tarp you choose, remember that the best camping tarp is the one you actually pack. A premium Dyneema shelter that stays at home does you no good. Match the tarp to your trips, learn a couple of basic pitches (A-frame, lean-to, plow point), and you will wonder why you ever lugged a tent up the hill.