Tarps always feel like an afterthought until you're setting up camp in the rain. I tried GeerTop's Lightweight Multipurpose Camping Tarp on a weekend trip to see if it holds up.

GeerTop camping tarp setup

Real-world use

GeerTop has been building gear since 2016 and runs their own factory, so the seam quality on this tarp was noticeably tighter than budget alternatives I've tried. It packs down small and the guyline points are reinforced, which matters when you're staking it in wind.

Pros

  • Packs light, easy one-person setup
  • Reinforced stake points held in gusty wind
  • Ships worldwide with tracking

Cons

  • No poles included — you're either using trekking poles or trees
  • Ground stakes provided are basic, worth upgrading

There's a current GeerTop promo code — new15 takes 15% off your first order, and the tarp itself is separately marked down 60% right now.