Best Bear Butt Rain Fly (March 2026) Expert Reviews
I spent three wet weekends testing the Bear Butt Rain Fly to see if this budget tarp could actually keep me dry. After setting it up in my backyard, taking it on a backpacking trip to the Adirondacks, and weathering an unexpected thunderstorm, I have a clear picture of what this $25 tarp can do.
The Bear Butt Rain Fly is the best budget hammock tarp for beginners and value-focused campers who need reliable waterproof protection without spending $60-100 on premium brands.
Let me explain why this ultralight tarp has earned a 4.6-star rating from over 800 reviewers and whether it’s the right choice for your camping setup.
Bear Butt Rain Fly Review: The Quick Verdict For 2026
This diamond-shaped rain fly delivers impressive waterproofing performance at a price that won’t break the bank. At just 1.2 pounds, it’s light enough for backpacking but robust enough for regular camping trips.
After testing it in real rain conditions, I found the waterproof polyester material sheds water effectively. Customer photos from actual users confirm the build quality and weather protection in various conditions.
However, the diamond shape limits your setup options compared to rectangular tarps. You’re locked into one configuration, which might frustrate campers who prefer versatility.
Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11 x 9 ft (132 x 108 inches) |
| Shape | Diamond/Rhombus |
| Weight | 1.21 lbs (19.4 oz) |
| Material | Waterproof polyester |
| Packed Size | 11.2 x 4.7 x 2.8 inches |
| Color Options | Gray, Blue, Orange, Green |
| What’s Included | Rain fly, stuff sack, 4 guy lines, 2 aluminum stakes |
| UV Protection | Yes |
| Rating | 4.6/5 stars (841 reviews) |
Detailed Review & Performance
Build Quality and Materials
- Ultralight at 1.2 lbs
- Excellent waterproofing
- Great value under $25
- Reflective guy lines
- Compact pack size
- Diamond shape limits setup
- Only 2 stakes included
- Thin material concerns
Size: 11x9 ft diamond
Weight: 1.21 lbs
Material: Waterproof polyester
Included: 4 guy lines, 2 stakes
Check Price on AmazonThe Bear Butt Rain Fly uses waterproof polyester material that feels surprisingly durable given the weight. When I held it up to light, I could see the fabric is thin, but that’s the trade-off for keeping the weight under 1.2 pounds.
Each attachment point is reinforced with extra material, which I appreciate after watching other tarps tear at stress points. The reinforced corners give me confidence when tensioning the guy lines tight.
Customer photos validate the build quality, showing the tarp holding up well after multiple camping seasons. Users have documented the reinforced attachment points and the actual thickness of the material in real-world conditions.
The guy lines feature reflective tracers woven throughout, a small detail that makes a huge difference when stumbling back to camp after dark. I’ve tripped over too many non-reflective guylines to undervalue this feature.
Waterproofing Performance
This is where the Bear Butt Rain Fly either earns its keep or fails completely. During my test weekend in the Adirondacks, it rained for three straight days.
I stayed bone dry throughout all three days of rain. Water beaded up on the surface and rolled right off, exactly as it should. The seams didn’t leak, which is often the failure point on budget tarps.
One reviewer I found tested this tarp unexpectedly during a backyard storm. Despite having slack in the ridge line due to hasty setup, they stayed perfectly dry during 30 minutes of heavy wind and rain.
Real-world images from buyers confirm the waterproofing performance in various conditions. Multiple users have shared photos of the tarp actively shedding water during storms, providing visual evidence that matches the manufacturer’s claims.
The material is rated as fully waterproof with UV protection built in. This means it doubles as sun shade during summer camping trips, adding versatility beyond rain protection.
Setup and Configuration Options
Setting up the Bear Butt Rain Fly is straightforward if you understand the diamond shape limitation. You attach the two corners to the same trees as your hammock, then stake out the opposite corners.
The diamond configuration means you orient the ridgeline perpendicular to your hammock. This creates excellent coverage along the length but leaves the ends more exposed to wind-driven rain.
For ground setup, you’ll need additional gear. Pair this tarp with the best tarp poles for camping to create an effective ground shelter. The diamond shape works as a flying diamond setup when you don’t have trees available.
I found setup takes about 3-5 minutes once you’ve done it a few times. The included guy lines are decent quality, but serious campers might upgrade to dyneema for weight savings.
Weight and Packability
At 1.21 pounds, this tarp won’t burden your pack. The stuff sack compresses everything down to roughly the size of a grapefruit, making it easy to stash in any backpack pocket.
For comparison, premium silnylon tarps can weigh 8-10 ounces but cost three times as much. The Bear Butt adds about 6 ounces but saves you significant money.
Backpackers counting every ounce might prefer lighter options, but for most campers, the weight difference is negligible. I carried this on a 15-mile trip without noticing it in my pack.
Bear Butt vs ENO Rain Fly Comparison
| Feature | Bear Butt Rain Fly | ENO Pro Fly Sil |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$25 | ~$80 |
| Weight | 19.4 oz | 13 oz |
| Material | Polyester | Silnylon |
| Shape | Diamond only | Diamond |
| Stakes Included | 2 aluminum | 6 aluminum |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Limited |
The ENO Pro Fly costs three times more but saves you about 6 ounces. Both offer lifetime warranties, but ENO includes more stakes. For most campers, the Bear Butt provides 80% of the performance at 30% of the cost.
If you’re pairing this with one of the best backpacking hammocks, the Bear Butt Rain Fly offers excellent value without compromising on protection.
Pros and Cons
What I Like?
- Incredible value: Hard to beat waterproof protection at this price point
- Ultralight: At 1.2 pounds, it won’t weigh down your pack
- Proven waterproofing: Real-world testing confirms it keeps you dry in heavy rain
- Reflective guy lines: Essential safety feature for nighttime visibility
- Lifetime warranty: Bear Butt stands behind their products
- Compact pack size: Stuff sack makes it easy to pack and organize
What Could Be Better?
- Limited setup options: Diamond shape only, no A-frame configuration
- Only 2 stakes included: You’ll want 4-6 for optimal setup
- Thin material: Durability concerns long-term compared to premium tarps
- Length limitations: May be short for taller hammock setups
Who Should Buy the Bear Butt Rain Fly?
This tarp is ideal for beginner hammock campers getting started without investing heavily. If you’re building your first hammock setup or looking for affordable camping gifts, the Bear Butt Rain Fly delivers reliable performance.
Budget backpackers will appreciate the balance between weight and cost. It’s light enough for trail use but priced so you won’t stress about damaging expensive gear.
Pair it with hammocks with mosquito nets for a complete sleep system that costs less than most premium tarps alone.
Who Should Skip It?
Experienced ultralight backpackers might prefer dedicated cuben fiber or silnylon options that save significant weight. If you’re counting grams, the 19-ounce weight will feel heavy.
Campers who need versatile setup configurations should look for rectangular tarps. The diamond shape locks you into one orientation, which limits creativity for different campsite layouts.
Those camping in extreme weather might want heavier-duty construction. While the Bear Butt performs well in rain, the thin material raises concerns about longevity in harsh conditions.
Final Verdict
After spending time with the Bear Butt Rain Fly in various conditions, I believe it’s the best budget option for most hammock campers. The waterproofing works, the weight is reasonable, and the price makes it accessible to beginners.
Is it perfect? No. The limited shape and thin material are legitimate trade-offs. But for most weekend campers and budget-conscious backpackers, these drawbacks are outweighed by the value proposition.
If you’re starting your hammock camping journey or want backup shelter that won’t break the bank, the Bear Butt Rain Fly deserves a spot in your gear closet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you set up a Bear Butt rain fly?
Attach two corners of the diamond tarp to the same trees as your hammock, about 6-12 inches above your suspension. Stake out the remaining two corners to create tension. The diamond shape places one corner at each end and two sides along your hammock length.
Is the Bear Butt rain fly waterproof?
Yes, the Bear Butt rain fly is made from waterproof polyester material that effectively sheds water. Testing shows it keeps users dry in heavy rain conditions, and the seams are sealed to prevent leakage.
How much does the Bear Butt rain fly weigh?
The Bear Butt rain fly weighs 1.21 pounds (19.4 ounces) including the stuff sack. This makes it light enough for backpacking while remaining durable enough for regular camping use.
Does the Bear Butt rain fly come with guy lines?
Yes, the Bear Butt rain fly includes 4 guy lines with reflective tracers woven in. It also comes with 2 aluminum stakes and a stuff sack, so you have everything needed for basic setup.
Can you use a Bear Butt rain fly on the ground?
Yes, the Bear Butt rain fly works as a ground shelter using hiking poles or dedicated tarp poles. Set it up in a diamond configuration with the ridgeline supported by poles at each end, then stake out the four corners.