Camping is the perfect way to get outside, explore the great outdoors, and spend time with friends and family. But no one wants a miserable camping experience that turns you off the outdoors forever. And the best way to make sure that everyone has a great time on your next camping trip is to make sure that everyone has the right gear. This includes having the proper layers, including fleece jackets and rain jackets, and a high-quality sleeping bag.
But waterproof tents are up there on the list of things you should invest in before heading out on your next camping trip. No one wants to wake up with a puddle of water under their sleeping bag. Trust me, I’ve been there.
But aren’t all tents waterproof? That’s not true; there are a lot of factors that go into whether or not a tent will keep you dry. Whether you need a tent for light summer rain or strong winds and heavy rain, we have covered all the different options and price points out of all the tents.
Best overall: Mountainsmith Morrison Evo Tent
The Mountainsmith Morrison Evo tent is an updated version of my go-to tent for every occasion. I bought this tent years ago, before my first solo international trip to Iceland. Then I used it for a month by myself while hitchhiking and camping around the island. It was a wet and cold trip, being September on the infamously rainy island, and it was the perfect test of the waterproof capabilities.
Since then, I have used it backpacking in the North Cascades, in the mountains of Colorado, and on climbing trips to the Utah desert. It was an affordable option at the time but has withstood six years of use (and abuse, I can’t deny). Despite being a bit heavy for backpacking, I’ve found this tent easy to transport, especially when multiple people share the load. In my experience, this tent is incredibly quick and easy to set up, even for just one person. The poles are lightweight and easy to assemble, the clip-pole attachments make setup a breeze, and the fly attaches with plastic buckles, which is the most straightforward fly attachment I have ever found on a tent.
This updated version of my beloved Morrison camping tent includes an additional short pole that provides extra headroom. It also comes with a footprint that helps increase water protection and protects the base from abuse. It comes in both a two-person and four-person option. Two doors and two vestibules provide opportunities for both people to stash gear and shoes and prevent the awkward shuffle if someone needs to get out in the middle of the night.
Key features
- Fast fly setup
- 3 Season tent
- Brow pole for increased interior headroom
- Bathtub floor construction
- Two or four person tent options
Pros
- Easily set up while solo
- Lots of headroom
- Buckle attachment for fly
- Included footprint
Cons
- Slightly heavy for backpacking
- Included stakes are less than ideal for rocky ground
Best value for money: Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 2 Tent
The Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 2 is a great tent option for an affordable backpacking tent for two people. Weighing in at about five pounds, it is a bit heavier than some higher-end products. But for the price, it’s a steal. Split the weight between two people, and it’s very manageable. We have used this tent in the San Juan mountains and the Utah deserts, and it’s been great. Two aluminum poles make setup a breeze, and the rainfly snaps into the main tent body. Two doors with great zippers provide access to the vestibules, which offer the perfect place to stash wet gear.
Under the rainfly, the whole tent is made of mesh which allows for fantastic stargazing on warm and dry nights and excellent ventilation. However, the mesh design of this waterproof tent does not allow for much warmth, so this is a three-season tent. The tent floor is a bathtub floor made out of 75 denier Poly Taffeta with a 3000mm waterproof rating. The tent fly also features 75 denier polyester with a 1500mm waterproof rating. The sealed seams and good waterproof ratings make this truly waterproof.
Key features
- Polyester with 1500mm coating for water and UV protection
- Aluminum two-pole design
- Two mesh doors plus entire mesh walls
- Bathtub floor
Pros
- Super-easy setup and takedown
- Great ventilation
Most affordable: Coleman Sundome Waterproof Tent
The Coleman Sundome tent is what you are looking for if you need a tent for festivals or occasional family camping trips. It’s affordable, and although it does not feature a full-coverage rainfly, reviewers say it is plenty waterproof to withstand the occasional rainstorm. Coleman’s WeatherTec system includes patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep the rain out. This tent comes in two, three, four, and six-person options.
It sets up quickly with continuous pole sleeves and a rainfly awning for sun and rain protection. Some of the bigger sizes even have enough room to stand up in. Plus, large windows and a ground vent provide lots of ventilation when you have lots of people inside. This large camping tent also features a flap opening to allow an electric cord to slip in without leaving a door open.
Key features
- Two, three, four, and six person options
- WeatherTec System
- E-Port for allowing an electric cord to slip in
- Large windows and ground vent
Pros
- Zippered electrical port panel
- Internal storage pockets
- Sturdy welded floors
- Lots of space
Cons
- Rainfly is not fully covered
- Doors are only half mesh
See Coleman Sundome Waterproof Tent on Amazon
See Coleman Sundome Waterproof Tent on Coleman
See Coleman Sundome Waterproof Tent on Walmart
Most spacious: Eureka Copper Canyon Tent
If you’re looking for a waterproof tent for camping that fits the whole gang, with enough room for up to 12 people, you’ve found the one for you. The Eureka Copper Canyon tent uses nearly vertical walls to provide up to seven feet of headroom. It also includes a divider that turns the entire tent into two separate spaces if necessary. Two large doors and windows provide ventilation or close it all up with waterproof window coverings. A hanging gear loft offers storage space for small things like headlamps that you want close at hand. A waterproof rain fly and front door awning protect from the elements, although I don’t know if this is the tent I would bring if the forecast called for heavy rain all night.
A zippered power port lets you run an extension cord or other cables into the tent to charge electronics. This Eureka tent works well with cots or air mattresses because of the square corners and vertical tent walls.
Key features
- Vertical walls offer maximum internal space
- Durable construction with easy setup
- Zippered E! Power Port for internal electrical supply
- 13-foot by 10-foot floor space with seven feet of interior height space
- Six generously sized windows provide a full 360-degree view and cross-tent ventilation
Pros
- Steep walls provide standing room
- Strong frame
- Divider creates two rooms
Cons
- Too heavy for backpacking
- Cumbersome to carry around
See Eureka Copper Canyon Tent on Amazon
See Eureka Copper Canyon Tent on Backcountry
See Eureka Copper Canyon Tent on REI
Best view: Teton Sports Mounts Ultra Waterproof Tent
This tent from Teton sports comes in various sizes, from a one-person tent to a four-person tent. It’s a reasonably lightweight option but still weighs more than most backpacking tents. It’s the perfect tent to keep in your car for emergencies, or impromptu nights in the woods. Use it for backpacking, but plan to split the weight or carry a heavy pack. The Mountain Ultra is a single wall tent that features a mesh ceiling and doors, which provides lots of ventilation and airflow on summer nights and provides impeccable stargazing. The bathtub floor protects you from water soaking in from the bottom or sides while you sleep.
The rainfly is waterproof; add it on top of the mesh when weather threatens. The solo tent only has one door and vestibule, but the two, three, and four-person options have two entry points with vestibules. The rainfly buckles into the inner tent, a quick and convenient way to set up the tent.
Key features
- Lightweight construction
- Fully mesh top plus waterproof rainfly with built-in cut away vents
- 150D Oxford footprint keeps the tent in prime condition
Pros
- It comes in a choice of four sizes
- 360-degree ventilation
- Affordable
Cons
- A bit heavy for backpacking
See Teton Sports Mounts Ultra Waterproof Tent on Amazon
See Teton Sports Mounts Ultra Waterproof Tent on Walmart
Best design: Marmot Tungsten 3P Tent
Another one of our best waterproof tents for camping, the Marmot Tungsten three-person tent is a good option for backpacking for three people, or two people and lots of space for gear. Especially if you plan on spending lots of time camping in strong winds and rain, having excess space is a game changer. Two doors with vestibules provide even more space to stash camping gear, and a hanging mesh loft allows for a perfect place to put a headlamp or other lights once the sun goes down.
This tent is easy to set up, even in a rainstorm, due to the color-coded poles which snap into their respective spots on the tent body. The tent poles feature pre-bent construction, which allows the tent walls to be a bit more vertical, which provides extra space for sleeping and hanging out. The rain fly has a waterproof rating of 1500mm and the floor has a rating of 2000mm, making this one of the best tents for rain.
Key features
- Color-coded pre-bent tent poles
- Two doors/vestibules
- Seam-taped, full-coverage fly
- Freestanding design
Pros
- Color-coded poles
- Spacious, durable design
- Lightweight for backpacking
Cons
- No bathtub floor
See Marmot Tungsten 3P Tent on Backcountry
Best family camping tent: Wenzel Klondike Tent
The Klondike tent from Wenzel is one of our larger options in the most waterproof tents category for large groups of family or friends. The mesh screened porch is almost the same size as the physical sleeping area, so there is plenty of room to store all your gear safely. Or, put a couple of extra beds for that outdoors indoors sleeping experience that kids love so much. Overall this tent features 90ft2 of space, plus 6.5ft of headroom thanks to the cabin design of the Klondike tent. This is also one of the heavier tents on our list, at 25lbs, and not one that you could fit into a backpack, but it does come with its own carry bag for transportation.
This water-resistant tent features a removable polyurethane-coated rainfly that covers the roof. It does not come all the way down to the ground, which makes this tent water-resistant, but probably not the one you would want for an all-day rain event. However, the inverted seams are sealed against moisture, and the windows have a zipper closure which also provides some weather protection.
Key features
- An excellent option for camping with family and kids due to its spacious size
- A sizeable front awning provides a porch, storage shelter, or additional sleeping space
- Plenty of ventilation with mesh roof vent and zippered windows
- Three-season tent with up to eight-person capacity
Pros
- Good value for money
- Spacious interior
- Good ventilation
- Withstands heavy wind and rain
Cons
- Heavy to carry
The author has spent months living out of a tent in Alaska, admittedly a cheap, non-waterproof tent covered with a multitude of tarps to keep water out. She has traveled around the country camping, from the desert Southwest to the wet, beautiful mountains of the Pacific Northwest. She has spent weeks on the trail in the rain and thus gathered the knowledge and experience to stay dry and comfortable while camping in wet climates. She is an expert on outdoor gear and knows what makes a high-quality waterproof tent.
Who this is for
This guide is for anyone who wants to go camping or who is considering camping in weather that might not be perfect. You probably don’t need a waterproof tent if you only camp on ideal summer days. You might be perfectly fine with the cheap, non-waterproof tent you picked up at the big-box store. But, if you are even considering heading out on a day that it might rain or might be colder than a balmy 60 degrees at night, you should get a waterproof tent.
How we picked
We chose these tents by researching, testing, and asking friends about their favorite tents. We chose options from some of the best brands on the market and studied what made them great. We hit the trail, bringing our tents along with us, and tested the waterproof capabilities in storms.
How we tested
We tested tents by taking them camping in all sorts of weather. Whether it’s raining, snowing, or beautiful blue skies, camping is nearly a weekend tradition. We have tested tents while traveling in Iceland, backpacking in the North Cascades, and camping in Utah.
Features To Look For In Waterproof Tents
Yes, your tent should be waterproof, but what else are you looking for? Read on for tent features to consider while shopping for your next tent.
Design, size & space
There are plenty of different designs, shapes, and sizes of tents, from one-person tents, four-person dome tents, to eight-person cabin-style tents. Knowing where and how many people will be using your tent is essential while considering options. If you plan to use your tent backpacking, you probably won’t want an eight-person tent that weighs ten pounds. On the flip side, if you’re going to camp with lots of friends and family, you may want a bigger tent. Also, considering other tent features like vestibules for gear storage or how many doors it has could influence your decision.
Ventilation
One factor in keeping water away from your sleeping area is the condensation that collects inside your tent. Lots of ventilation solves the condensation buildup problem. Make sure to consider how much venting or airflow the tent has; however, this does come at the cost of insulation from cold temperatures. Any tent designed to camp in the winter will probably include more tent fabric and less mesh.
Protection
Depending on when you go camping, you will need to choose whether you need a two, three, or four-season tent. Two-season tents are suitable for camping in warm and dry weather and frequently will not be waterproof or include a full-coverage rainfly. Three-season tents are most common and are waterproof and strike a balance between warmth and ventilation. These should always have a full-coverage rainfly. Four (or five) season tents are suitable for cold weather and snow camping.
Vestibules
Having a vestibule can expand the livable space in your tent by providing space outside for cooking or stashing gear. Especially if you are camping in rainy or cold weather, being able to use your vestibule for putting wet or dirty shoes and outer layers is a gamechanger.
HH rating
The HH rating (Hydrostatic Head) determines how waterproof your tent’s fabric is. Hydrostatic Head is measured in millimeters and determines how much water the material can hold before it starts soaking through. For example, a tent with a HH rating of 2,000mm would hypothetically hold a 2000mm tall column of water or about 78in before letting water through. The HH rating on your tent should be between 2000-5000mm for a high-quality waterproof tent. However, your tent’s fabric could have a HH rating of 5000mm, and your tent wouldn’t withstand rain if it weren’t constructed with sealed seams and other waterproofing features. This brings us to our next section.
Construction
Other than waterproof tent material, you need to make sure the construction of the tent provides extra protection from the weather. Your tent will leak water even with the most waterproof fabric without waterproof seams. Welded corners are something to look for as they are more durable than taped seams. Also, make sure the material that touches the ground is strong enough to withstand even pooling water. Waking up to a puddle in your tent is something you don’t want to happen.
Quick setup
The last thing you want to do when getting to camp late at night after the sun has set is deal with a complicated tent setup. Choosing an easy-to-set-up tent might not be the first thing on your list, but in practice, it’s pretty essential. Especially if you know that you might be solo camping, making sure you can set up your tent on your own is critical. Tents with lots of poles in strange configurations might look cool, but setting up will be a pain in the ass.
Portability
If you use your tent solely for car camping, this might not be the most critical feature, but portability is a huge factor if you ever want to go backpacking. The weight and size of your packed tent could make the difference between a terrific hiking trip and a painful, miserable one. If you plan to hike with your tent, look for something designed for backpacking or a tent the weighs around or under five pounds (carrying can be split between people to reduce the weight even more).
Waterproof tent FAQ
Q: Are waterproof tents really waterproof?
This depends on the waterproof rating, called hydrostatic head or HH. Any tent with a HH over 1,000mm is considered waterproof. Under that would be regarded as water-resistant. But, even a high-quality waterproof fabric can let water through with enough time and water pressure.
Q: Do tents lose their waterproofing?
Just like a waterproof jacket, tents can lose their waterproofing over time if not taken care of properly. The waterproof coating on a tent can wear away over time. Make sure to use a footprint on the ground to protect the bottom of your tent, and make sure it is fully dry before storing to maintain the waterproofing on your tent as long as possible.
Q: What makes a tent waterproof?
You can tell how waterproof a tent is by the materials it is made out of and the waterproof rating.
For example, take the MSR Hubba Hubba two-person tent: Floor Fabric – 30D ripstop nylon 3000mm Xtreme Shield polyurethane & DWR. The 30D nylon stands for 30 denier, which is the thickness of the fabric. Then, it has a polyurethane coating (that MSR calls Xtreme Shield) that can withstand 3000mm of water on it.
It’s essential to have a high waterproof rating on the floor fabric, especially if you plan to camp in wet areas, as water can pool on the ground and soak through the floor.
Q: What is a good waterproof rating for a tent?
Waterproof ratings for tents range between 1,000mm and 5,000mm. Waterproof jackets often go up to 10,000mm-30,000mm, but tents need to be packable, and those higher levels of water resistance are heavy and stiff. An excellent waterproof rating for waterproof camping tents is anywhere above 2,000mm.
Q: How long do tents stay waterproof?
This depends on how well you take care of them! A waterproof camping tent could last for up to ten or twenty years with proper care.
To make sure your tent lasts as long as possible:
- Always dry it out after use, especially if it gets damp from rain or condensation.
- Ensure it is 100% dry before storing — this prevents that weird mildewy smell you may have experienced in older tents.
- Reseal any leaky seams with a seam sealer or patch kits.
- Reapply Durable Water Repellant (DWR) coating if it starts to get less waterproof
- Never machine wash or dry your tent, use soap and a sponge to clean any spots.
Sources:
- 3 Facts To Know About The Hydrostatic Head Rating System – The ACK Blog
- 45 Tips For Foolproof Fall Camping – The Wilderness Society
- Tips For Camping In Wet And Windy Weather – Met Office
