If a blop tent were a person, it would be your free-spirited friend with the bold style and wild ambition who not only tells incredible stories around the campfire but brings everyone around that fire with them on their next adventure.

Playful expressiveness and a sense of daring are part of the DNA of the company, which is based just 50 miles from downtown St. Louis in Washington, Missouri.

“We wanted to introduce a tent that wasn’t already represented,” said Jake Parr, blop’s brand manager. “Our bright colors and design are aesthetically different. The dome tent’s design resembles a drop of dew, and its curved walls increase its interior space.”

Blop was launched in 2017 by a group of industry experts who were tired of seeing camping gear in bland colors year after year, said Parr. Its tents and tarps are available in five vivid colors — blue, green, yellow, pink, and orange — but it’s not just the products themselves that are turning heads.

The company is reaching out to a growing audience of millennials, weekend wanderers, and festivalgoers by supporting local and regional events like the So iLL Showdown. For the past two years, blop has sponsored Climb So iLL’s annual indoor rock-climbing competition in St. Louis and has donated tents and tarps as prizes.

“It’s been a pleasure to partner with blop,” said David Chancellor, co-owner of Climb So iLL. “Their tents and tarps look great and don’t empty your wallet. They’re perfect for weekend camping trips or setting up as a basecamp during a day of climbing.”

blop tent climb so ill

Climb So iLL’s David Chancellor in a blop tent.

In addition, blop is solidifying an ambassador program to market its distinct tents and tarps worldwide. Currently, the program includes outdoor enthusiasts from Baton Rouge, Denver, Phoenix, Portland — even Australia.

“The ambassador program started as a grassroots effort with friends,” said Parr. “This year, we’re extending an invitation to anyone through our website.”

Fun and Functional
Blop’s current lineup of fun, functional outdoor products includes a three-season tent that sleeps a trio of adults and is designed to keep campers cool and dry. The rainfly features fully taped seams and a silver coating to reflect heat. If you’re still warm, open all four windows to let the breeze blow through. Zip them up to retain heat in cooler climates. Front and rear vestibules and built-in storage pockets help organize and protect your gear.

If your outdoor adventures lean more toward backyard hangouts, or multi-day trekking, the blop tarp has you covered. It provides an easy, lightweight shelter with fully taped seams and the same waterproof coating as the tents. Made of 750-denier polyurethane nylon that’s water resistant and fire retardant, with 10 reinforced guy-out points, versatility and durability are key.

Both tents and tarps come with carrying bags for transport and include stakes and guide poles.

Stand out from the crowd with a blop tent or tarp on your next camping trip. You’ll be making a statement about living adventurously while supporting the Midwest outdoors.

Author: Nick Brennan is a regular contributor to Terrain Magazine