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Camping is a beloved activity for families, friends, and solo outdoor enthusiasts alike. If you’re an avid camper or someone who likes to explore mother nature every once in a while, it’s important for you to have the best waterproof tent. A good waterproof tent can make your trip a whole lot more comfortable, especially in inclement weather, and we know you want to have the best time possible.
Many tents will claim to be water-resistant, but that won’t be enough to unexpected rain showers. You’ll risk leakage, uncomfortable sleeping conditions, and possibly ruining your belongings, not to mention, wasting your money. New technology has offered long-lasting, effective options for making your temporary outdoor living quarters as durable as possible in the rain.
There are many choices when it comes to waterproof tents and camping accessories. But don’t be overwhelmed. We worked to put together a list of our top picks, so you can find the best tent for you and your company without the struggle. Here are some of our favorite waterproof tents on the market.
Our Top Pick
Coleman Sundome Tent
The Coleman Sundome Tent is a simple but powerful and important tent to know about. There are a few reasons why it’s our top pick, especially coming from a reputable outdoor brand like Coleman. The Coleman Sundome Tent uses WeatherTec System patented welded floors and inverted seams to make sure water stays out while their dome-shaped design makes set up a breeze.
Other Great Picks
Featherstone Lightweight Backpacking Tent
Featherstone’s Lightweight Backpacking Tent is durable, breathable, and you guessed it– lightweight. Its fabrics are waterproof and its light weight single aluminum pole structure makes it a perfect option for anyone backpacking or bikepacking, with a super easy setup.
MSR Mutha Hubba NX 3-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent
The MSR Mutha Hubba NX 3-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent is a fan favorite, especially after the tent’s re-design. This freestanding tent is lightweight and spacious and offers 39 square feet of floor space with a 14 square foot area. Utilizing new Xtreme Shielf Waterproof coating, this waterproof tent is ready for any challenge.
Teton Sports Mountain Ultra Waterproof Tent
With hundreds of rave reviews, the Teton Sports Mountain Ultra Backpacking Tent is a terrific, affordable option for your next camping trip. The tent offers Stay Dry waterproof rainfly with a 360-degree ventilation system for an ultra-comfortable night’s sleep. Love checking out the stars? The full-dome mesh top allows for the perfect stargazing night.
Eureka! Copper Canyone Camping Tent
Camping with a group? The Eureka! Copper Canyon Camping Tent offers ample room, with 7 feet of standing space, and measures 8-feet by 8-feet. Easy set-up with steel and fiberglass frames, this spacious tent is ideal for camping with the family. It even offers an extended fly cover for extra weather protection and a dry entrance.
Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent
Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent is an affordable large tent with 60-second setup. It features Core H2O Block Technology as well as a ventilated floor. This is a great option if traveling with a group of friends, with its optional wall-dividers and space for up to 9 people. With over 1,000 five-star ratings, you can’t go wrong.
Coleman Elite WeatherMaster Screened Tent
There it is again– the Coleman name, and justifiably so. The Coleman Elite WeatherMaster Screened Tent uses a custom WeatherTec system to keep your tent’s interior dry, has an E-Port for easy access for electrical power, and comes with built-in illumination and LED system for overhead interior lighting. It’s a unique, affordable, and highly rated option for a waterproof tent.
NTK Laredo GT Sport Camping Tent
Roomy, comfortable, and with 3 windows, the NTK Laredo GT Sport Camping Tent offers maximum comfort with a waterproof exterior and full coverage rainfly. A little pricier than some of our options but still affordable, this tent is easy to assemble, has large doors, mosquito mesh, and even comes with utility pockets so you can stay organized throughout your trip. A handful of five-star reviews, this is another wonderful option for the family.
Marmot Crane Creek Waterproof Tent
Camping as a couple? This two-person Marmot Crane Creek Waterproof Tent is lightweight and perfect for backpacking. Its simple, classic structure allows for easy setup, two D-shaped doors gives you great access, and its waterproof exterior will assure you you’ll stay dry through the night.
Wenzel Klondike Tent
Wenzel’s Klondike tent is certainly a favorite amongst outdoor enthusiasts. Like a portable apartment, the spacious tent offers a caravan-style experience. Capitalizing on its 90 square feet of room, this tent has its own screen room that can be used as a picnic or gear room, sunroom, or your very own camping living room. The choice is yours with the Wendel Klondike Tent.
What Is A Waterproof Tent?
A camping tent is a fabric shelter attached to frame poles, using rope and other material as construction. Some are free-standing, while others are attached to the ground. A waterproof tent refers to a waterproof coating or specialty fabric that prevents any water or rain from getting into the tent.
Waterproof tents are perfect for camping as they are protected from rain (unexpected or known). The waterproof rating is measured in millimeters (mmH20) and the rating refers to the pressure that water is able to press through the tent fabric. The best waterproof tents are easy to assemble and keep you comfortable and dry.
Is There A Difference Between A Dome Tent And Camping Tent?
A dome tent refers to the dome-shape of certain tents while camping tent is the general term for all tents used for camping or outdoor activities. Dome tents are typically simple in shape and are easy to assemble.
Camping tents include dome tents, backpacking tents, tunnel tents, cabin tents, instant tents, multi room tents, and more. All waterproof tents are camping tents while not all camping tents are waterproof.
Are All Tents Waterproof?
Not all tents are waterproof. A waterproof tent must have a hydrostatic head (also referred to as HH) rating is higher than 1,000 mm and many times, has a special waterproof coating or technology used on the tent. The type of seam and the way the seams are sealed are also important in making a tent waterproof in order to assure that water does not leak through the connections of the fabric.
If your camping tent is not technically waterproof, even if it states to be “water-resistant”, there is a large risk of rain or water getting into your tent. Water-resistant has a lower level of water protection in comparison to waterproof.
What Should I Consider When Buying A Tent For Rain?
Size and shape are two things to consider when buying a waterproof tent. How many people will be staying in your tent? Do you want standing room? Considering the size of your shape and the number of people in your party is important, as you want to be comfortable while you stay in your tent.
Waterproof tents have sealed seams in order to keep water out, so on some models, tents can collect condensation. Look for waterproof tents that feature dedicated adequate ventilation, which many on this list have. Since you will be outside, you should also look for additional protective features so you can tackle any weather mother nature brings on.
How Do I Set Up A Waterproof Tent?
All waterproof tents are different and require different assembly, which will, of course, be explained in the tent’s instructions. Pop-up tents are instant, 60-second assembly with usually one connected pole, while other tents use multiple poles and ropes in order to set-up properly.
A few things to consider when setting up your tent is placing your tent 200 feet from lakes and streams for safety. Avoid camping near damaged trees that can fall, and seek higher, drier ground. If it is windy, stake down your tent corners and make sure your rainfly is taut after you set up your waterproof tent. Make sure to always check the instructions before assembling.
How Do I Clean A Waterproof Tent?
After your wonderful camping trip, you’ll want to clean your tent in order to avoid trapping any moisture once it’s packed up. While you’re camping, keep your boots and any dirty gear outside of the tent so you can minimize cleaning post-trip. Before you leave your campsite, shake out the tent and footprint, and dry your tent with a cloth before putting it in its carrying case.
When you get home, fill a bucket with warm water and fragrance-free soap, then use a non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub the tent. You can then hang the tent in a warm, dry area to dry. Do not overclean the waterproof area of a tent and never put your tent inside a washing machine or dryer.
Can I Go Backpacking With A Waterproof Tent?
Many waterproof tents are great for backpacking. While you choose your waterproof tent, consider if the tent is “lightweight”. Lightweight tents are made for carrying tents comfortably while you backpack or bikepack.
Simply stated, a tent should weigh 2.5 pounds per person. You’ll want to minimize the weight you carry, so if you’re going backpacking with a group, you can also divide the tent up. The lighter, the better.
How Many Campers Can A Waterproof Tent Hold?
Different waterproof tents range in size. The tent you choose should clearly state how many campers it will comfortably fit. The square footage of a waterproof tent will determine how many people can fit.
A 4-person tent will have 60-70 square feet of floor space, a 6-person tent will have 90-100 square feet of floor space, and an 8-person tent will have 120 to 130 square feet of floor space. There are also even larger tents designed to hold 10-12 people. For larger groups, it’s a good idea to get a tent that has optional wall dividers as well as an entrance space or sunroom.
Are Waterproof Tents Expensive?
Especially considering how important and convenient waterproof tents are, they are quite affordable. Many high-quality, durable, long-lasting waterproof tents will range for $200-$500. The price of a tent is often adjusted based on the number of people it can hold or how large the tent is. For instance, a 10 person tent will likely cost more than a 2-person tent.
If you are someone that camps often, a waterproof tent is a terrific investment to make. You can also check out additional features like mesh ceilings for stargazing, utility pockets, electrical ports, and more. The price may be steeper with more features.
How Do I Choose The Best Waterproof Tent For Me?
Our list of the best waterproof tents is a terrific place to start when choosing the best waterproof tent to buy. Knowing how many people you will need to fit in your tent will determine the size and design of the tent you choose. Camping with 4 people? It’s best to buy a tent that is larger than a 2-person tent.
Will you be backpacking to your campsite? Make sure your chosen tent is lightweight. Will there be additional inclement weather? Make sure your tent has ample protection. Most importantly, make sure the tent you choose says waterproof and not water-resistant so you can rest assured that you will be protected from rain and water.
The Best Waterproof Tents
There you have it – our picks for the best waterproof tent. Whether you camp every summer or want to start exploring the magic of sleeping outdoors, a waterproof tent is a great way to ensure your own personal comfort and the safety of your belongings.
We’ve researched the best waterproof tents on the market so you camp without stress. If you’re looking for other top camping accessories, be sure to visit our home and kitchen section for other useful lists.