Best Waterproof Tents
Ah, the weather. When it comes to camping, it can either be your best friend or your worst enemy.
Almost everything about your camping trip will depend on it, from the gear you will be bringing, your campsite, down to the activities you can do during your trip.
The worst thing is that you can never really be sure about what weather you’re getting until you’re finally there, regardless of what the forecast said.
Rain, in particular, is what most campers dread during trips.
Contrary to what many believe, however, a little drizzle here and there will not hurt your plans–well, as long as you have a waterproof tent by your side.
An essential in any outdoor activity, it’s surprising how not all people understand the importance of having one.
One of the primary reasons behind foregoing a waterproof tent is price.
The best ones do tend to be a little more pricey than the usual single-walled tents or tarps,
but believe us when we say you wouldn’t mind paying a little bit more when you’re already stuck out there in the wild with a damp, uncomfortable, possibly flooded camping tent.
It’s not just the discomfort of getting wet and having your shelter flooded that’s the problem though.
Not having a waterproof camping tent can ruin your whole trip because it can render your other gear useless.
In fact, even simple condensation, which commonly occurs in single-walled tents, can be a problem once your gear gets in contact with any surface of your tent.
A more serious problem is when you get your clothes wet and have to deal with a cold, damp tent.
In case you don’t know, we lose body heat quickly when exposed to cold weather, so the danger of hypothermia is also there.
How To Choose The Best Waterproof Tent
Choosing a waterproof tent can be pretty intimidating, especially if it’s going to be your first time to buy one.
Here, we listed all the basic things you should consider before deciding on your purchase.
Tent Fabric
How well your tent is going to hold up against rain and other elements will depend on its fabric, particularly on its rating.
While most tents are made of polyester, not all of them are waterproof.
Tents with a PU (Polyurethane) coating are those that can hold against weather,
while those with a hydrostatic head
(the measurement of how waterproof the material is, usually in mm) of 1500mm or higher is considered good to hold their own against usual rain conditions.
Meanwhile, nylon tents are usually made waterproof by adding silicon coating to it, also known as silnylon.
But while these coatings are effective, there might be a need for you to apply a sealant every now and then to maintain it.
As for waterproof tents made with canvas, they are required to be ‘seasoned’ first to prevent them from leaking.
This process involves repeatedly wetting and drying the fabric to tighten the weaved fabric of the canvas.
When done well,canvas tents provide better breathability compared to other types, making them a favorite among a lot of campers.
Stitching And Seams
Fabric may be important in a waterproof tent, but so are its seams and stitching.
Obviously, these can be weak points because they are the places where the tent material are stitched together, therefore leaving possible holes that can let water in.
A good waterproof tent should have a type of transparent tape heat-sealed on these sides to keep water from leaking in.
Zippers are also possible spots for water to come in and should be protected by rain flaps.
Flooring (Footprints and Groundsheets)
Even during normal conditions, having quality footprints or groundsheets are important when camping since these are the layers that protect your tent from wear and tear against the ground.
They become even more important during cold and rainy seasons, however, because they provide an extra layer between you and the wet ground.
While others may argue that having a footprint can possibly make water pool under you and your tent once it collects there, it can also help reduce moisture from climbing from below and prevent condensation from building up inside your tent.
Nylon and polyester groundsheets and flooring are usually thicker and can hold up against wear and tear, but another good choice are those made with heavy-duty PVC.
In terms of floor design, the best waterproof tents are those with bathtub floors, called as such because their sides are turned up by the edges.
This design puts your flooring at an elevated angle, therefore creating space between you and the wet floor.
Tent Design
The way that your tent is constructed also plays a big role in protecting you from rain.
The best waterproof tent should have skirts or storm flaps that extend from the side and away from the groundsheet in order to direct the flow of water away from the tent.
You should even pay attention to the doors and windows of your tent as well.
The best waterproof ones should be constructed in such a way that you can easily enter and exit without rain falling inside your tent when you open them.
Of course, your doors and windows should be protected by flaps as well.
The Top Three Waterproof Tent Models
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of choosing the best waterproof tent, we give you three options that you can consider for your camping trip.
NTK Cherokee GT Outdoor Dome Family Camping Tent, 100 percent waterproof
One of the best tents for rain, this waterproof tent from Cherokee is the perfect choice for quick family camping trips.
It is big enough to accommodate five to six people inside with its 9.8ft x 9.8ft floor space and definitely doesn’t cut corners when it comes to its waterproof features.
This tent is made with 100% waterproof 190T polyester that is laminated with polyurethane and has heat-seamed thermoplastic coating that not only provides extra sealing but UV protection as well.
Its 2500 mm water column rainfly (which, by the way, is also fireproof) promises to keep you dry and warm even during heavy rains.
The NTK Cherokee tent also comes with an anti-fungus and heavy-duty polyethylene seamless flooring that has a silver-coated inner layer for extra leaking protection.
Cherry on top is its bathtub construction flooring that will keep you safe from possible puddles.
You also don’t have to worry about getting suffocated even while taking shelter from the rain.
This model from NTK has a ventilated mesh roof and large 2-way zipper D-style doors with mosquito mesh protection that come very handy when the weather is friendly.
Designed for use for the Amazon, this waterproof tent is designed with durability and ease of set-up in mind.
It has a nano-flex technology frame, 100% virgin material that renders its frame strong and flexible, and a pin-and-ring system that lets you easily set it up and pack up.
You can get this model by Clicking Here.
Pros
- This model is designed for heavy-duty use with its nano-flex technology.
- It is very easy to set up thanks to its pin-and-ring system.
- This waterproof tent is equipped with a good set of features, from its bathtub-style elevated flooring to silver-coated inner layers.
- It is 100 percent waterproof with a 190T polyester laminated polyurethane material and 2500 mm rainfly that is also fireproof.
Cons
- Though it can comfortably fit five to six people with its ample floor space and wiggle room, this tent doesn’t come with dividers common in other models for family use.
TETON Sports Mountain Ultra Tent, Waterproof with Footprint
In terms of value for money, nothing can quite beat this waterproof tent from TETON.
This model has everything covered when it comes to its ability to hold up against elements, with its extra high and waterproof bathtub flooring,
heat-taped anchor points and seams, and heavy-duty rainfly that also comes with a special ventilation technology that improves breathability inside and easily chases away condensation build-up.
The vestibule for the rainfly is also designed in such a way that water will not pour inside the sleeping area when you exit or enter the tent.
This model, moreover, is very easy to pack and is considerably more lightweight than other waterproof camping tents in the market with only 8 lbs maximum trail weight.
It is very easy to set up and also comes with a 150D Oxford footprint that gives your tent extra protection regardless of the surface of your camping site.
With a micro-mesh tent, you’ll be protected from bugs and enjoy good airflow, not to mention be provided with amazing views by its full mesh top.
This tent can comfortably fit in two to four people.
Pros
- This model is one of the most affordable and value-for-money waterproof camping tents in the market.
- It offers outstanding weather protection, not only against rain but extreme heat (and bugs) as well with its breathable mesh fabric.
- It comes with a heavy-duty footprint that protects the floor from rugged surfaces.
- Its bathtub-style flooring gives ample space between you and possible rain puddles.
Cons
- Some reviews state that this model is quite challenging to rollback.
- It doesn’t come with dividers.
Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent, with Screen Room
Your home away from home.
This is literally what you will think the first time you see this waterproof tent from Coleman.
With ample floor space that can fit two queen-size airbeds and a separate floorless screen-room that can also serve as an extra sleeping area during hotter climates,
this model is the perfect tent to use if you’re after comfort and don’t mind packing a little extra weight in your camping luggage.
This model is designed for those who are wanting to treat themselves a little bit on their camping (or glamping, if we must call it) trip.
It has ample headroom (6ft x 8 inch center height), well-placed storage pockets where you can safely stow away some of your gear, hinged door for easy in and out access, and even e-ports where you can safely and conveniently tuck your extension cords in case you want to bring electrical power.
Weatherproof-wise, this is definitely one of the best waterproof camping tents in the market for bigger groups of people.
In addition to its rainfly, it also has protected inverted seams where the needle holes are hidden inside the tent to prevent leaks.
Its waterproof floors also use welding inspired technology that strengthens the floor.
This model’s zippers are protected with weather-resistant fabric while its frame is made to endure harsh winds.
You can read more reviews about the product by following this link.
Pros
- This model has spacious headroom and floor area that is perfect for families.
- It comes with a separate screen room which can serve as an extra sleeping area.
- It has a WeatherTec system that includes patented welded floors and inverted seams that promises to keep you dry.
- Its screen room provides a separate area where you can lounge if you want extra privacy.
Cons
- Its screen room is floorless, which can prove to be a little problematic during heavy rains.
- Since this tent is bigger, it is a little bit heavier than other waterproof tents in the market.
For experienced campers, a little rain should not be enough reason to dampen their sense of outdoor adventure.
Waterproof tents are your saving grace when the skies are not being too friendly, so make sure to follow the guide above and read reviews of a model before deciding on your final purchase.
Want to know how to make your tent extra waterproof? Read our list of the best waterproof spray for tents Here