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A waterproof tent allows you to camp in every season. A lot of tents advertise themselves as waterproof or water-resistant, but they may not stand up to heavy rain. That’s why we did thorough research on the best waterproof tents. We reviewed tents for camping and backpacking so that you can find a high-quality tent that is truly waterproof for all your outdoor adventures.
Quick Picks: The Top Waterproof Tents for Camping and Backpacking
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Waterproof Tent for Camping: Coleman Sundome Tent
The Coleman Sundome Tent is the best waterproof tent for casual and avid campers alike! Coleman’s WeatherTec technology will keep you dry during heavy rains. Its durable construction also stands up to strong winds. You can camp in any weather and be warm and comfy inside your tent. It’s also affordable and easy to set-up.
The Best Waterproof Tent for Backpacking: MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Backpacking Tent
MSR is a trusted brand of outdoor gear. Their 2-person Hubba Hubba NX Backpacking Tent using Xtreme Shield water repellent technology, so it’s 100% waterproof. It’s also lightweight enough to carry on long trips. The rainfly creates two vestibules for dry storage space and ventilation.
How to Choose the Best Waterproof Tent
Sleeping in a wet tent is uncomfortable and can even be dangerous if it’s cold outside. That’s why choosing the best waterproof tent is an important decision. This buyer’s guide gives you the criteria you should evaluate when shopping for your new tent.
Construction
When choosing the best waterproof tent, the construction of the tent is the most important factor to consider. Tents coated with high millimeter polyurethane (PU) will do the best at keeping out water. There should be overhangs on the windows or rainfly that lead water away from the tent. This will help to prevent water from pooling on the roof or the floor of the tent. A footprint or tarp under the tent also provides extra protection from water.
Ventilation
Good ventilation is an important part of keeping a tent dry inside. When it’s cold outside, the warmth from your body and breath inside the tent create condensation. This can make it damp inside your tent. And if it’s freezing outside, it can even get icy in your tent. That’s why ventilation is necessary to keep your tent waterproof, especially when camping in the winter or at high elevations. Look for tents with large windows and vents at the bottom and/or top.
Size
Tent size is based on how many people can sleep in the tent. However, this doesn’t include extra space for gear that you want to keep in your tent such as your backpack and extra clothes. If you want to keep stuff in your tent with you or you have dogs, you will want to add an extra person to the tent size. For example, if you are going camping with your significant other and large dog, you may want a 3 or 4-person tent.
Weight
The weight is a huge factor for backpacking tents because you will be carrying the tent for many miles and days. A good backpacking tent will be under three pounds per person. That means if two people are sharing a tent, it should be under six pounds total when packed up. Ultralight tents weigh less than two pounds, but they tend to be significantly more expensive on average.
Features
Here are some additional features of the best waterproof tents that can make your camping experience more enjoyable:
- Pockets to stash your small items like phone and water bottle when you are in your tent at night
- A hook on the ceiling to hang a headlamp or lantern
- An e-port to run an electrical cord into your tent from a generator or other power source
- Guy lines for extra stability in windy conditions
- A vestibule to store gear out of the rain and keep the tent dry during entry and exit
FAQs About Waterproof Tents for Camping and Backpacking
What Maintenance Does My Waterproof Tent Need?
Some regular maintenance will help keep your waterproof tent at its best. After each use, shake out the tent. Make sure it’s 100% dry before storing it. After a few uses, or if the tent gets excessively dirty, clean it by hand. Use a mild soap and a soft sponge or brush. Harsh soaps and detergents can damage the waterproof material of the tent. Avoid putting the tent in the washing machine. When in doubt check the manufacturer’s specific guidance.
How Can I Make My Tent More Waterproof?
There are a few things you can do to make your tent more waterproof.
- You can seal the seams. To do this, first, clean the seams with rubbing alcohol and a rag. Then, apply a seam sealer. Let the tent dry completely before storing or using it.
- You can spray the entire tent in a durable water repellent (DWR). Make sure the tent is clean before spraying. Wait a few minutes for the DWR to set in. Then, remove excess spray with a soft rag. Allow the tent to fully dry before storing it.
- Apply a tent sealant to the tent floor and rainfly. You can also use it on a tarp that you will put over or under your tent. Tent sealant is great for older tents as it replaces the original PU coating to increase the lifespan of your tent. First, remove the old coating with rubbing alcohol and a soft brush. After it dries, apply the tent sealant.
Do I Need a Footprint?
A footprint is not necessary, but it does provide several benefits. A footprint helps ensure no water seeps into your tent from the floor by providing an additional waterproof layer. The footprint can also increase the lifespan of the tent because it keeps the tent floor from getting tears in it from rocks on the ground. Most tents do not come with a footprint. The footprint has to be purchased separately. Footprints are made to fit the specific dimensions of a tent’s floor, so make sure to get one that matches your tent. If you don’t want to purchase a separate footprint, a tarp placed under the tent can provide similar benefits.
The 4 Best Waterproof Tents for Camping
Coleman Sundome Tent –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Coleman Sundome is the number one best waterproof tent for camping. It uses Coleman’s trademarked WeatherTec system for maximum protection from the elements. The tent is made with welded corners and inverted seams to keep water out. The zippers are covered to keep them from getting damaged by water and dust. The whole tent is made with water-resistant material. The floor is reinforced making it completely waterproof. To make the whole tent waterproof, simply add the included rainfly.
Large windows on both sides provide ventilation. There is also an optional ground vent. These features prevent condensation inside the tent on cold nights. In addition to being waterproof, the Coleman Sundome can stand up to strong winds. The fiberglass poles are shock-resistant and made to withstand storms. The extra guy lines for the rain fly help this tent stay sturdy in winds up to 35 miles per hour.
This tent isn’t just weatherproof. It’s got a lot of other great features as well. The tent comes in sizes for 2, 3, 4, and 6 people. The 3, 4 and 6-people tents are large enough to comfortably fit a queen size air mattress. These tents are easy to set up in ten minutes or less. There is an e-port that allows you to run an electrical cord into your tent while keeping it waterproof. There are also two mesh pockets inside to store your small items.
Notes:
- Waterproof zippers and seams
- Withstands winds up to 35 mph
- Trusted brand
- Includes e-port
- 2 mesh pockets
- Too heavy for backpacking
- No footprint
MOON LENCE Camping Tent 2/4/6 Person Family Tent –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Moon Lence Camping Tent is made with 1,000mm PU material making it waterproof. It even protects you from harmful UV rays! The rainfly has an awning over the door. This helps keep you and the tent dry when you are going in and out. The tent has a large, D-shaped door and windows on all four sides for ventilation. The ground vent at the back of the tent is also large. This helps reduce condensation and regulate the temperature inside the tent when it’s full of people. This is one of the best waterproof tents for families.
This tent is designed to bring comfort and ease to your camping trip. The large front door makes it easy to go in and out. There are large mesh pockets and a hook on the ceiling to hang a light. This tent comes in sizes for 2, 4, and 6 people. It comes in two colors: green and orange. The 2-person tent can be easily set-up by one person in less than 15 minutes. And it’s lightweight enough to use when backpacking if split between two people.
Notes:
- 1000mm waterproof material
- Rainfly with awning
- UV protection
- Mesh pockets and ceiling hook
- Lightweight
- No e-port
- No footprint
Diamond Candy Pop Up Tent 2-3 Person –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Diamond Candy Pop Up Tent is extremely waterproof as it is made with 5,000mm waterproof material. This is the best waterproof tent that uses a pop-up style. The pop-up style allows you to set up and take down the tent in minutes. It also has a reinforced bottom which provides maximum protection from leaking without needing a footprint or tarp underneath.
The design of this tent creates excellent air ventilation. The front and back doors have large windows on them. The rainfly has two layers which create a space on top for air circulation. Leave the top layer off on clear nights for views of the stars. The rainfly can also be used without the tent as a sun cover for a day at the beach or park.
Notes:
- 5000mm waterproof material
- Pop-up style for fast set up
- Front and back doors
- Hook for hanging a light
- No e-port
- No footprint
Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is another great Coleman tent. If you are looking for a glamping experience, this is the best waterproof tent for you! It’s big enough to fit two queen-sized air mattresses inside. The center of the tent is 5 feet 8 inches tall, so many people can stand up straight in it. Attached to the front of the tent is a screened-in porch with a floor. At 10 by 5 feet, the porch is large enough to comfortably fit two camping chairs. You can lounge in a bug-free environment.
The Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room using Coleman’s WeatherTec technology. It includes waterproof seams, zippers, and floors. The rainfly has awnings over the windows to route water away from the tent. The only downside is that the rainfly does not fully cover the screen room. If there is a chance of rain, don’t store items in this area at night.
Notes:
- Waterproof zippers and seams
- Includes screened in porch
- Trusted brand
- Big enough for large families
- No e-port
- No footprint
The 4 Best Waterproof Tents for Backpacking
MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The MSR Hubba Hubba NX for two people only weighs 3.5 pounds. This makes it the best waterproof tent for backpacking. It’s light enough for one person to carry on a solo trip. Split between two people, this tent becomes ultralight at only 1.75 pounds per person. It’s ideal for backpacking in any weather conditions. The 3,000 mm PU and durable water repellent ensure the inside of the tent stays dry during heavy rains.
The tent also stands up to strong winds. It has Easton Syclone poles that are lightweight but won’t break easily. It also comes with two guylines for extra stability. The rainfly creates a vestibule on each side with vents for maximum air circulation. It has built-in rain gutters to make sure all water is directed off your tent. The footprint is sold separately, but we highly recommend purchasing it as lightweight tents like the Hubba Hubba have a thin floor that is prone to tears.
Notes:
- Trusted brand
- 3000mm PU waterproof material
- Includes water repellent
- Lightweight
- Has mesh stash pockets
- Footprint not included
Bessport Lightweight Backpacking Tent –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bessport Lightweight Backpacking Tent is another solid choice for backpackers. The seams and the floor are made to be 100% waterproof. The rainfly provides extra protection from rain and snow. It has two ceiling vents for air ventilation.
Without the rainfly, this Bessport backpacking tent is made of mesh on the top half of each wall. This is great if you want to have sweeping views of the stars before you go to sleep. The tent comes in sizes for two and four people. The two-person version weighs 5.2 pounds which makes it lightweight when split between two people. This is truly an impressive waterproof tent with good value!
Notes:
- Front and back doors
- Welded floor
- Lightweight
- 2 sizes and 6 color options
- Footprint not included
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx is the best waterproof tent for one person. The total weight is 4 pounds, but you can reduce your trail weight by using just the rainfly with the footprint. The footprint is sold separately. The tent has sealed seams and a 2,000mm coating for excellent protection from the elements. The rainfly also protects against UV rays.
This tent is compact and perfect for a solo backpacking trip. It’s free-standing, and you can pitch it almost anywhere. There are two mesh storage pockets and an optional gear loft, so you can keep all your smaller items organized. We also love the large vestibule that the rainfly creates. It provides additional dry storage space.
Notes:
- 2000mm waterproof material
- Sealed seams
- Includes gear loft
- Protects against UV rays
- Weighs 4 pounds for one person
- Footprint not included
Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Featherstone 2-person Backpacking Tent is an all-around great tent made with quality material. It’s tear-resistant and made almost entirely of mesh for ultimate air ventilation. The mesh is designed so that you can see out at the beautiful nature around you but other people can’t see in.
The tent’s rainfly and floor are made with 3,000mm PU coating and sealed seams. This makes it completely waterproof. Many backpacking tents have matching footprints that are sold separately, but this one comes with a footprint included. The footprint is also waterproof for additional protection.
Notes:
- 3000mm waterproof material
- Tear-resistant mesh
- Hook for hanging a light
- Footprint included with purchase
Final Thoughts on the Best Waterproof Tents
Understanding what to look for in a waterproof tent will help ensure you get the best one for you. The best waterproof tents are made of polyurethane material of 1,000mm or more. They should also be well ventilated even with the rainfly on. That’s why we like the Coleman Sundome as the best waterproof tent for camping.
If you are in the market for a lighter weight tent for backpacking, check out the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent. It’s incredibly lightweight, made of 3,000mm PU material, and comes with water repellent. You can also make your tent more waterproof by sealing the seams, adding a footprint or tarp underneath, or spraying the tent with a water repellent.
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