Camping in Comfort: Our Picks for the 5 Best Waterproof Tents

One of the most crucial pieces of camping equipment to consider is a tent. It provides comfort, and a place to escape from the elements. And probably the most important thing to keep in mind when choosing a tent is its waterproofing capabilities, because the last thing you want is to wake up in the middle of a storm with a leaky tent and damp sleeping gear.

In this article, we'll look into the various types of waterproofing technologies available, and the factors to consider when you're looking for a waterproof tent. We'll also review some of the top waterproof tents on the market, and offer tips on how to take care of your tent.

How we choose

We get the struggle - sifting through countless options and trying to figure out which waterproof tent is right for you is the last thing you want to do when you’re busy. That's why we've done the research for you. Our team has put in the time and effort to read through thousands of user reviews and star ratings to come up with a list that makes it easier for you to decide, so you don't have to waste your time or money on a dud.

With our help, you can make an informed decision and have the best camping experience possible. Don't let the overwhelming number of options hold you back from finding the perfect waterproof tent for your needs, we got you.

Why is a waterproof tent important?

A waterproof tent is crucial for a successful and enjoyable camping trip. There are a few key reasons why it's so important to have a tent that can keep you dry in wet weather.

First, a waterproof tent provides protection from the elements. If it starts raining or snowing while you're camping, a waterproof tent will ensure that you and your gear stay dry. This not only keeps you comfortable, but it also prevents hypothermia and other health hazards that can result from being wet and cold.

Second, a waterproof tent can help prolong the life of your gear. When gear gets wet, it can become damaged and deteriorate more quickly. If you're camping in wet conditions, a waterproof tent will help keep your sleeping bag, clothes, and other gear dry, and help them last longer.

Third, a waterproof tent can give you peace of mind. When you know that you have a high-quality waterproof tent, you can relax and enjoy your camping trip without worrying about the weather. Knowing that you'll be safe and dry in case of inclement weather can make all the difference in your experience.

So a waterproof tent is not only important for safety, comfort, and gear preservation, but also for the peace of mind of the camper. It's kind of a big deal.

What are the 5 best waterproof tents?

1. Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup

Cabin Tent That's Super Easy To Set Up

Coleman Cabin Tent

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Why It’s A Top Pick

The Coleman Cabin Tent with Instant Setup could be your new BFF for all your camping adventures.  What’s unique to this tent is the Dark Room Technology, so you can say goodbye to being woken up by the sun's rays and hello to sleeping in like a champ. The tent comes with 1 door and 7 windows, plus a weatherproof design to keep you dry and comfy all night. It’s got welded corners, inverted seams and an included rainfly for an extra layer of protection, and reflective guy lines, so you’ll never have to worry about tripping over the tent lines in the middle of the night.

The tent also includes a room divider for added privacy, perfect for that weekend getaway with friends or family. And the best part? The tent sets up in as fast as 1 minute.

With a 14x10ft interior and a 6ft 7 inch center height, the tent comfortably fits 4 queen size airbeds. And you will have peace of mind with the 1-year limited warranty.  This is a solid choice at a reasonable price.

Things To Know

• The Coleman Cabin Tent features pre-attached poles for easy and quick setup in as fast as 1 minute
• The tent is designed with the WeatherTec system which includes patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry.
• The integrated vented rainfly provides added protection from the rain and improves air flow inside the tent
• The tent is made of durable Polyguard 2X double-thick fabric and the can comfortably accommodate 2 queen size air beds
• The tent comes with integrated storage pockets for small items
• The tent comes with 1-year limited warranty
  

2. MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent

Most Livable Accommodations In A Lightweight Freestanding Design

MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Backpacking Tent

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Why It’s A Top Pick

If you’re tired of being cramped in a tiny space on your trips, the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent is the palace of the backcountry! With its impressive 3-season, 2-person capacity and lightweight freestanding design, this tent is the epitome of livable accommodations while you're out in the wild. The Pole geometry is designed to maximize the space, 29 sq feet of floor area, 39 inches interior peak height and 17.5 sq feet of vestibule area will make you feel like you're in your own little apartment.

It weighs only 3.9lbs, and it packs down to a compact 18x6 inches, so it’s easy to take with you. Additionally, this tent includes DuraShield Coating, DAC Featherlike NFL poles, a unified hub-and-pole system, rainfly, stakes, and guy lines. A minimalist setup option is available, which only requires a footprint, poles, and rainfly and weighs 3.5 lbs. This tent is built to last with a manufacturer's 3-year limited warranty.

Things To Know

• The MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person backpackin tent features a freestanding design with a non-tapered floor that maximizes space with 29 sq. feet of floor area and 39 inches of peak height
• The tent has two generous vestibules that provide an additional 8.75 square feet on each side of the 2-door tent
• The adjustable, cross-ventilating rainfly with a kickstand vent and rollup vestibule provides increased airflow and protection from rain
• The tent comes with the tent, poles, rainfly, stakes, guy lines, and a compression stuff sack
• Packs down to 18x6 inches making it easy to carry
• DuraShield Coating and DAC Featherlite NFL poles for added durability
• The complete setup of the tent weighs 3.5 pounds, and comes with a Manufacturer's 3-year limited warranty

3. Marmot Crane Creek Backpacking Tent

Dual D Shaped Doors For Easy Access

Marmot Crane Creek Backpacking Tent

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Why It’s A Top Pick

The Marmot Crane Creek, could be the ultimate 2-person backpacking or camping tent. This lightweight tent is packed with features to make your outdoor adventures comfortable and worry-free. With 32 sq feet of floor space and 43 inches interior height, it's perfect for 2 people. The tent comes equipped with a full coverage seam taped weatherproof rain fly, ensuring you stay dry even in the heaviest of rains. The 7000 series aluminum poles add to the tent's durability and stability.

The tent features dual D-shaped doors for easy access, and dual overhead vestibules for extra storage space. The Crane Creek is a breeze to set up, and you'll be able to enjoy the great outdoors in no time. The tent has a trail weight of 4 pounds 13 ounces, which makes it easy to carry and packs down to a compact 5 pounds 5 ounces. Marmot's Crane Creek is perfect for your next backpacking or camping trip, whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the game. It's also backed by Marmot's limited warranty.

Things To Know

• The Marmot Crane Creek backpacking tent is designed to comfortably accommodate 2 sleepers with 32 sq ft of floor space
• The tent features an ultralight design, minimizing pack weight for easy portability
• The tent's flysheet is constructed with seam-taped, full-coverage weatherproof polyester, providing complete protection from the elements
• The tent features dual D-shaped doors for easy entry and exit for two occupants
• The tent also has dual overhead vestibules for additional storage space
• The tent's poles and flysheet are made of durable and long-lasting materials, and the tent comes with a limited warranty from Marmot.

4. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent

No Assembly Frustration Here - A Breeze To Set Up

Alps Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent

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Why It’s A Top Pick

The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person Tent is a great solution to all your camping setup woes! With its free-standing, aluminum two-pole design, you'll be able to set it up in a breeze and spend more time enjoying the great outdoors and less time fiddling with tent poles. The polyester tent fly resists water and UV damage while adding two vestibules for extra storage space. It's fully loaded with all the features you need, including #8 zippers, storage pockets, gear loft, aluminum stakes, guy ropes, and two doorways.

The Lynx Tent is a best seller and for good reason, it's the perfect companion for your next adventure. The base size is 5'x7'6, center height is 46 inches and it weighs only 5lbs 12 oz. The tent comes in a unique color combination of Clay/Rust and easy to clean with a hand wash.

Things To Know

• The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2-Person tent features a free-standing 2-pole design with clips that quickly snap over the aluminum poles for easy set-up
• The tent has two doors and two vestibules for easy entry and exit, providing plenty of gear storage and wet-weather protection
• The tent includes an overhead gear loft and side mesh storage pocket for additional storage space
• The tent features half mesh walls which increases overall ventilation and also provides a balance between privacy and fresh air
• The 75D 185T polyester fly resists UV damage and stays taut, and the factory seals on the fly and floor seams provide the best weather protection
• The tent's floor is made of 75D 185T poly taffeta with a 2000mm coating for extra durability
• The tent has extra-large #8 zippers on doors and vestibule for added durability
• Additionally, the tent comes with a limited warranty from ALPS Mountaineering

5. Klymit Maxfield Backpacking Tent

Lightweight With A Spacious Living Area

Klymit Maxfield Backpacking Tent

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Why It’s A Top Pick

The Klymit Maxfield Backpacking Tent is perfect for those who are looking for a lightweight and spacious camping tent, with a tapered design which creates a roomy living area, but still lightweight enough to easily pack and carry with you. The tent is compact and easy to pack thanks to the innovative roll-style stuff sack that creates a clean work surface for outdoor tent set-up and ensures easy repacking.

The Klymit Maxfield is designed with 3 ventilation ports that optimize airflow and decrease condensation to keep the interior cool and dry. The tent also features a storage-focused design with a multi-anchor point front vestibule which creates a spacious exterior storage area protected from wind and rain, and 2 interior mesh pockets that offer unrivaled interior storage

Things To Know

• The Klymit Maxfield Backpacking Tent features a tapered design that maximizes the living area space
• An innovative roll-style stuff sack is included for easy set-up, pack-up and storage of the tent
• The tent features large vestibules for storing all your camping gear, which include front and rear vestibules for quickly accessed items
• Four interior mesh pockets are provided for additional storage inside the tent
• Three ventilation ports are included to optimize airflow and reduce condensation inside the tent
• The tent is also capable of using the Fast Fly Setup which enables a quick pitch using only the rainfly, footprint, and poles
• Come with fast fly pitch setup which allows for a quick setup using just the rainfly, footprint, and poles.

What are the different types of waterproofing available for tents?

There are several different types of waterproofing technologies used in outdoor gear and camping tents. These technologies are designed to keep water from penetrating the fabric of the gear and to make sure that you stay dry in wet conditions.

1. Coatings: One common type of waterproofing technology is the use of coatings, such as polyurethane (PU) or silicone, on the surface of the fabric. These coatings create a barrier that prevents water from penetrating the fabric, but they can wear off over time and require re-treatment.
2. Membranes: Another type of waterproofing technology is the use of membranes, such as Gore-Tex or eVent, which are laminated to the fabric. These membranes are made of microporous materials that allow water vapor to escape while keeping water droplets from getting through.
3. Lamination: Some tents or gear use laminated fabrics which is a way of adhering a membrane or a coating to the fabric through a bonding process. These fabrics offer waterproof, breathable performance and are highly durable.
4. DWR finish : Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish is a coating that helps fabric resist getting saturated with water, it is mostly used as an additional layer to tents, outerwear, and sleeping bags.
5. Taped Seams: Taped seams are a feature found in some tents and outdoor gear, where the fabric's seams are sealed with a waterproof tape to prevent leaks from the stitch holes, the joining of the fabric parts.

Different technologies have different levels of performance and durability. Some are more breathable and comfortable to wear, while others are more durable and long-lasting. The technology that goes into today's outdoor gear is super advanced from years ago, these are not your father's tents.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Waterproof Tent

Here's what you need to consider to get the best tent for your needs.

1. Type of camping: Consider the type of camping you'll be doing. Backpacking? Car camping? Extreme weather conditions? A tent that is lightweight and easy to pack is essential for backpacking, while a larger and more robust tent is better for car camping.
2. Weather conditions: Think about the weather conditions you'll be facing. If you're camping in a region that receives a lot of rain or snow, you'll need a tent with a high level of waterproofing. On the other hand, if you're camping in an area that is mostly dry, you might not need a high degree of weatherproofing.
3. Size and weight: Consider the size of the tent and how much it weighs. If you're backpacking, you'll want a lightweight tent that’s easy to carry. If you're car camping, a larger tent may be more comfortable.
4. Durability: Look for a tent that is made with high-quality materials and is built to last. That also goes for the tent's poles, zippers, and other components and ensure that they are durable.
5. Price: Consider your budget. While you'll want to invest in a quality tent, you'll also want to find the best value for your money.
6. Additional features: Consider if you want additional features like extra vents for better ventilation, a built-in rainfly, and windows or even a vestibule for storage.
7. Brand reputation: Consider the brand reputation, and look for reviews and feedback from other customers who have used the tent before.

It’s not just a black and white decision.  There are a lot of factors you’ll need to consider to ensure that you'll stay dry and comfortable on your next camping trip.

How to Maintain and Care for Your Waterproof Tent

• Regularly check for any damage or wear, and make repairs as needed
• Store the tent in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
• Use a tent footprint to protect the floor of the tent
• Use a rainfly to provide additional protection from the elements

How to Clean and Dry a Waterproof Tent

• Set up the tent to ensure that it's completely open and exposed to air
• Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any dirt or debris
• Use a tent-specific cleaning solution and gently scrub the tent, taking care to avoid any zippers or seams
• Allow the tent to dry completely before storing or using it again.
• Avoid using heat sources to dry the tent as it can damage the waterproof coating.

Tips on Keeping Your Tent in Good Condition

• Avoid using sharp objects near the tent
• Use a tent-specific cleaning solution to remove dirt and stains
• Use a tent-specific waterproofing treatment to maintain the tent's water resistance
• Make sure to properly stake and tension the tent to prevent sagging or damage

Best Waterproof Tents FAQ:

We understand the confusion and questions that come with searching for the perfect waterproof tent.  From determining the tent's waterproof rating to tips on maintaining the tent's waterproofness, we've got you covered. Say goodbye to wet and uncomfortable camping trips and hello to dry and enjoyable outdoor experiences with the help of our FAQ list.

1. How do I know if my tent is truly waterproof?

• The best way to determine the waterproofness of a tent is to look at the product's waterproof rating, typically measured in millimeters (mm). A rating of 1,500 mm or higher is considered to be waterproof. Additionally, you can check customer reviews, and research the brand reputation to get an idea about the tent's performance in adverse weather conditions.

2. How do I clean a waterproof tent?

• To clean a waterproof tent, use a mild detergent or a tent-specific cleaning solution and a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any dirt or debris. Be careful to avoid any zippers or seams and make sure that your tent is completely dry before storing it away. Avoid using heat sources to dry the tent as it may damage the waterproof coating.

3. How often should I re-waterproof my tent?

• The frequency at which you need to re-waterproof your tent will depend on the level of usage, the weather conditions it is exposed to, and the quality of the tent's initial waterproofing. In general, it's a good idea to reapply a waterproofing treatment at least once a year, or after any significant exposure to heavy rain or other wet conditions.

4. Are there different types of waterproofing treatments available for tents?

• Yes, there are different types of waterproofing treatments available for tents, including silicone-based and polyurethane-based treatments. These can be applied to the tent's fabric using a spray, a wash-in treatment, or a seam sealer. It is important to choose the one that is specific for the fabric of the tent to avoid damaging it.

5. Are there any tips for maintaining my tent's waterproofness in the long-term?

• Regularly check for any damage or wear, and make repairs as needed. Store the tent in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, Use a tent footprint and a rainfly to provide additional protection from the elements. Avoid using sharp objects near the tent, properly stake and tension the tent, and clean and waterproof your tent as needed. You should also avoid storing the tent wet or damp, and instead, allow it to dry completely before storing it away.

The best waterproof tents - final thoughts

You'll need to consider factors such as the size, weight, and ease of set-up, as well as the materials used and the level of water resistance when you're looking for a waterproof tent. Additionally, factors such as ventilation, floor space, and the presence of additional features, such as multiple rooms or vestibules, can also play a role in determining the tent's overall suitability.

Ultimately, the best waterproof tent for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, and should be chosen after careful research and consideration. Look at the brand reputation, customer reviews, and read technical details of the tent before purchasing. With the right tent, you can enjoy the great outdoors with confidence, no matter the weather.

Cheers to the great outdoors,
Bert

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