For most modern tents, the answer is yes – most of them are designed to be waterproof or highly water-resistant. Their degree of waterproofness normally depends on the type of tent and also on the quality of the materials that it’s made of. However, in general, the camping tent industry has evolved to make waterproofness an essential feature for most available products.
The Basics of Tent Waterproofing
When shopping for a new tent, waterproofness is one of the most important factors you should consider. Trust us, we haven’t met a single camper that enjoys spending a rainy night in a leaky tent.
Let’s get started with the basics.
Understanding Waterproof Ratings
The waterproof rating of a tent refers to its ability to withstand water pressure before it starts leaking.
This rating is measured in millimeters (mm) using a hydrostatic head standard test. This test measures how tall of a water column a tent’s fabric can hold before it gives in and water penetrates through it.
When building a new tent, the manufacturers always test and rate their fabrics using this hydrostatic head measurement. The higher the rating of a tent, the more waterproof its material is. For example, a tent with a 1,500mm rating will likely resist light rainfall but may leak under more heavy rain. Meanwhile, a tent rated at 5,000mm or above is fully waterproof and can withstand snow, storms, and substantial rainfall.
Based on these waterproof ratings, tents are normally categorized as “water resistant” or “fully waterproof” if they have a hydrostatic head rating over 1,500mm. If the tent’s rating is under 1,500mm, it will not be considered totally waterproof.
Tents under 1,500mm are still fine for occasional light rain but are not impenetrable to moisture; you should not be taking them to a trip where you expect heavy rain. Once you get up to 1,500mm and beyond, tents are considered fully waterproof and are optimized to keep you completely dry in wet conditions.
When you’re choosing a tent, always look at the specific waterproof rating to gauge its performance. If you’re planning a trip in dry climates, a more affordable water-resistant model will probably be more than enough. If however you’re going for wet regions or monsoon seasons, you should definitely invest in a fully waterproof tent, for your comfort and safety.
If in doubt, go for the highest waterproof rating within your budget.
Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Coatings
In addition to their waterproof fabric, most high-quality tents also use a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating. But what’s that exactly?
In simple words, this chemical application increases a tent’s water resistance by causing moisture to bead up and roll off the tent’s exterior, instead of being absorbed. DWR coatings also help prevent condensation inside the tent, which can lead to sogginess.
The DWR coating adds an extra layer of water protection on top of the underlying tent fabric, and allows the zippers, seams, and surfaces to repel water, not just the tent floor and fly. Fresh DWR treatments are totally worth it as they greatly improve rain runoff and water beading compared to a tent without this extra coating.
However, you need to remember that DWR coatings wear off over time, especially with regular use and cleaning, and that tent fabric loses some of its water repellency as the DWR finish degrades. Without a fresh water-repellent layer, moisture can soak into the material rather than beading up and rolling off.
But not everything is bad: restoring DWR protection is a simple process. You can purchase and apply a waterproofing spray to your tent to renew its performance. If you take care of it and routinely check your DWR coatings, it will last for seasons.
Key Features of Waterproof Tents
While shopping for a new tent, what specific features and components determine how waterproof it will be? You should pay attention to these:
Tent Fabric and Materials
The type of fabric and materials used to build the tent body, floor, rain fly, and other components play a huge role in water resistance.
We’ve written a full article to tent materials, that you can read here. But summarizing it, some modern tents use synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, that are inherently water-repellent, while others are built with canvas, which is not so good for rain. Let’s take a look at the summary:
Polyester: normally very water resistant (and dries very fast). If you want the technical details, polyester contains a polyurethane coating, making it fully waterproof yet breathable
Nylon: extremely durable and lightweight. Nylon tents are tear-resistant and maintain waterproofness over time. This material is more expensive than polyester, but may be worth the extra investment if you’re a big fan of backpacking or mountaineering
Canvas: made of natural cotton, the canvas looks stylish but is heavy when wet (and it gets wet fairly easily). If you own a canvas tent, you should consider making it waterproof (again, we’ve written about this) if you’re planning a camping trip under the rain
Finally, the denier and thickness of the fabric also matter: a higher denier normally means greater durability and waterproofness.
Fun fact: the fabric type and denier combination determines the hydrostatic head rating and waterproof category that we talked about earlier in the article.
Seam Construction and Sealing
After you’re done checking the tent’s fabric, you need to turn to the seams.
Seams are prone to leaking if not properly sealed during manufacturing. That’s why fully waterproof tents have seams that are heat-taped or welded to seal the stitch holes when built. Taped seams are very effective waterproof barriers that keep moisture out.
As you use your tent more and more, it’s normal for some seals to become loose or degrade, which in turn can lead to dripping seams under rain. But worry not, as it’s fairly easy to spot taped areas that you should be resealing. To do so, use a seam sealer product to patch these compromised seams.
Remember: proper seam maintenance is key for lasting waterproofness in your tent.
Additional Protective Features
Other tent components that boost wet weather protection are:
Rainfly: the rainfly is a separate outer layer that shields the tent from rain. Quality rainflies extend several inches beyond the tent walls and cover all sides for the best water runoff. You will need a rainfly if it pours.
Waterproof floor: separate polyethylene plastic floor panels keep ground moisture from seeping into the tent’s interior. Some tents even have “bathtub” style floors extending up the lower walls for increased protection
Our recommendation? Prioritize tents with welded or taped seams, covered rain flies, and waterproof bathtub-style floors. Even though this will be more expensive, if you’re serious about camping and are planning a trip in a spot where it may rain, it will be absolutely worth it.
Ensuring Your Tent Stays Waterproof
Investing in a quality waterproof tent is step one, but you’ll also need to take active measures to maintain its water resistance over time.
Here are some key maintenance tips that you should follow to keep your tent ready to go:
Regular Maintenance and Checks
You should be periodically inspecting your tent for any wear and tear that could allow moisture to seep in.
Some things to look for include:
Small holes: scan the floor, rain fly, and interior fabric for small punctures or defects. Seal any pinholes immediately with waterproof tape before they grow get bigger
Broken zippers: fix any stuck or broken zippers that can leave gaps in the door seals. Replace damaged zippers right away
Seam integrity: check that all taped and sealed seams remain intact and have not become loose. Re-seal any gaps in sealing if needed
Mildew: treat any mildew buildup right away to prevent tent fabric deterioration (mildew compromises water resistance)
Finally, never forget that you need to thoroughly dry your tent before packing it away after each trip. Storing a damp tent leads to mold and mildew growth, damaging waterproof coatings and fabrics (and making it dangerous to sleep in it). Make sure you take time to completely air dry your tent before folding it.
Reapplying Waterproof Coatings
There’s no way around it: over years of use, factory-applied waterproof coatings will eventually degrade. As coatings wear off, moisture starts to soak into the tent material rather than beading up and running off and your tent will not be ready for heavy rain. That’s why you need to re-treat your tent periodically with fresh waterproof sprays – these will restore its performance.
Look for formulations designed specifically for outdoor fabrics and tents. Options like polyurethane sprays, silicone sprays, and wax-based coatings are great, but always follow label directions for best results.
You should plan on reapplying waterproof coatings once or twice every year, especially if using your tent constantly.
Seam Sealers and Tapes
While spraying the tent body helps waterproof the fabric, you’ll also need to focus on vulnerable seams around zippers, corners, poles, and floor edges. Seam sealant formulated for tents helps keep stitches and bonds watertight.
Apply sealant along any seams prone to drips during rain. Waterproof repair tape also works to patch leaky spots for quick seam reinforcement. Renew seam sealing once or twice per year.
With diligent tent maintenance – checking for defects, re-coating fabrics, and sealing seams – your shelter will fend off downpours season after season. Keep your tent waterproof, and it will keep you dry when camping!
Common Misconceptions About Tent Waterproofing
When it comes to tent waterproofness, there are a few common misconceptions among campers. Let’s debunk some myths and reveal the facts about keeping your tent dry.
“Are Tents Waterproof? Of Course, All of Them!”
It’s easy to assume that all tents must be waterproof – after all, keeping you dry is their job and no one is crazy enough to want to sleep in a wet tent! But the truth is that not all tents live up to the name. As we’ve seen above, many affordable tents are only water-resistant, not fully waterproof. What this means in practice is that their seams and fabric will handle light rain but will leak under heavy rain.
True waterproofness involves a special construction involving taped seams, polyurethane coatings, and welded bonds that enable a tent to block all water. Because water-resistant tents tend to be cheaper, they need to cut costs somewhere – and this is one feature where they do it. The downside? You won’t be as protected as in a fully waterproof tent.
Always check the specifications before assuming that the tent you’re looking at is waterproof – words like “weatherproof” or “showerproof” signal water resistance at best. Seek out verified waterproof ratings to find a tent built to be completely impenetrable. Don’t settle for basic water resistance when you need guaranteed dryness.
“Expensive Tents Are Always Waterproof”
It’s also risky to assume that pricier tents are automatically waterproof tents.
Plenty of premium tents emphasize ultralight materials, maximum ventilation, rapid setup, and ample interior space, but that doesn’t mean that they are waterproof. Remember: brand name doesn’t guarantee waterproofing performance.
Even reputable brands offer certain high-end tents best for mountaineering or warm, arid climates where absolute water resistance isn’t the priority. So look beyond the price tag – always verify the specifications and waterproof rating before purchasing a tent. An expensive tent will leak if not built for wet conditions.
“A Wet Tent Means It’s Not Waterproof”
Seeing moisture inside your tent walls and ceiling is not pleasant, we get it. But just because you see moisture, it doesn’t automatically mean that your tent is not waterproof. Let us explain.
Condensation, inadequate airflow, and incorrect site selection are normally the usual suspects responsible for moisture in your tent.
Condensation from your breath can build up overnight, leaving the tent interior dewy in the morning. To avoid this, try opening vents or using a fan to improve airflow. It’s also a good idea to pitch your tent on higher, drier ground and avoid setting it up under trees (this minimizes ambient moisture).
The bottom line is that real waterproofing takes advanced design and construction. Marketing terms can be misleading, so always analyze specs and ratings closely.
Tips for a Dry Camping Experience
No matter how waterproof your tent is, you will need to master certain techniques to stay dry when camping in the rain.
Choosing the Right Spot
Set your tent up on high, flat ground & away from lakes, streams, etc
Consider investing in a good waterproof tent floor that can act as a buffer from moisture; don’t pitch too close to shorelines
Face the door away from prevailing winds to limit water pressure on zippers
Finally, in heavy rain focus on drainage to prevent flooding under the tent
Preparing for Heavy Rain
Use a waterproof rain fly for further protection in heavy rain; extend it low to the ground on all sides
Consider an extra tarp or barrier to stop blowing rain from hitting the tent entrance
Seal any tent seams showing signs of wear with seam tape & prevent drips before they start
Store sleeping bags and clothing inside waterproof stuff sacks to keep them dry
Additional Gear
A waterproof jacket, pants, hat, and boots make a big difference
Quick-dry camping towels and extra layers help handle condensation inside the tent
Waterproofing sprays applied before the trip will boost the tent’s water repellency
Use sturdy stakes and guy lines to keep the tent securely in place during strong wind and heavy rain
Conclusion
The next time you head out camping, remember that not all tents are the same regarding water. Look for tents with verified waterproof ratings, properly apply sprays when needed, and remember the good techniques. If you do all of this, we can guarantee that your camping trip in the rain will be even more epic!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Find the Best Waterproof Tents?
The best waterproof tents have a hydrostatic head (HH) rating of at least 1,500mm or more, which means that they can withstand heavy rain and remain impenetrable to moisture. Look at the HH rating and specifications that the manufacturer lists rather than relying on marketing terms. Quality materials and construction techniques like taped seams are also good signs of solid waterproofing.
Why is it Important to Let My Tent Dry Completely Between Uses?
Letting your tent dry fully before packing it up prevents mold and mildew growth, which can degrade waterproof coatings and fabrics over time. Hang wet tents out in the sunlight, which can also help revitalize UV rays-damaged waterproof treatments. Storing a damp tent shortens its longer lifespan and waterproofness.
Why Might My Sleeping Bag Get Wet Inside a Waterproof Tent?
Condensation can lead to a wet sleeping bag, even in dry tents. Try keeping the bag in a waterproof stuff sack rather than directly on the tent floor. For additional moisture protection, you can also place a tarp or groundsheet under your sleeping area.