Tents are an essential part of camping trips. They provide shelter, keep you warm, dry and cozy, in addition to storing your equipment and food. However, not all tents are created equal. Some tents are better suited than others for extreme weather or terrain than others.
This article will discuss the benefits of investing in a waterproof tent to make sure your camping trip goes smoothly, even if you run into rain, snow or heavy wind.
Why You Should Buy a Waterproof Tent
A fun camping trip can quickly turn into a nightmare if it begins to rain and your tent starts to leak. If you’re planning on camping outdoors in bad weather, it’s important to choose the best waterproof camping tent to keep you and your gear dry.
What is Important to Consider When Buying a Waterproof Tent?
Regardless of what type of camping or outdoor activities you do, there are some features that all tents should have. This includes a rain fly (the part of the tent that covers the top and protects against rain), doors with zippers so they can be closed and opened easily, and a bathtub shaped floor that can handle moisture.
The best waterproof tent will stay completely dry inside and create a sealed environment, impervious to leaks and moisture. This is the key difference between a waterproof and water resistant tent. There are additional features to consider when buying a waterproof tent. These include the type of fabric, the shape, and waterproof rating.
Type of fabric
Heavy duty waterproof tents are made with canvas, nylon or polyester and coated with a protective finish that prevents water absorption. Water will slide off without soaking or leaking into the tent’s interior.
Some gear companies like The North Face have created their own proprietary waterproof fabric technology, which we’ll also include in our list.
Shape
Waterproof tents usually have a dome tent, geodesic or slanted structural design so that water and moisture does not collect on top.
Waterproof Rating
A tent’s level of waterproof protection is indicated by its rating on a scale of 1,000mm to 10,000mm. The higher the rating, the more waterproof protection.
Non Toxic Tents
Our curated list of waterproof tents are made without flame retardant chemicals. Scientific research has linked exposure to flame retardants to liver and kidney cancers, respiratory failure and reproductive problems.
The Best Waterproof Tents Without Flame Retardants
- BEST HEAVY RAIN PROTECTION: Mountain Hardwear Trango 4
- BEST WIND RESISTANCE: Big Agnes Battle Mountain 3
- BEST VENTILATION: The North Face Assault 3 FUTURELIGHT™
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT WATERPROOF TENT: REI Co-op Arete ASL 2
Best for Heavy Rain Protection: Mountain Hardwear Trango 4
Originally released in the mid 1980s, the Trango 4 is the most up-to-date version of Mountain Hardwear’s iconic 3 season tent. It’s a spacious 4 person tent with one of the highest waterproof ratings on the market. The construction has been upgraded with new poles to withstand extreme weather and unexpected conditions.
With its durable construction and weatherproof design, the Trango 4 can stand up to harsh conditions. A bonus feature is that the Trango 4 is one of the easiest models to pitch. So whether you’re trekking the Himalayas or camping in your backyard, the Trango 4 has you covered.
Who is the Trango 4 best for?
The Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 is the perfect waterproof tent for families, basecamps, or mountaineering expeditions. It has a huge amount of interior space and the vestibule was recently made even bigger, making it perfect for storing large amounts of gear. Even in the worst weather, this tent is exceptionally sturdy and weather resistant.
Who is the Trango 4 NOT good for?
Backpackers or hikers covering long distances. At 11 pounds, this tent is too heavy to transport very far by foot. It also doesn’t have the best ventilation. With the rainfly on, you may encounter some condensation on the tent walls.
See this YouTube review of the Trango 4:
FEATURES
Design: Freestanding
Rated: Rainfly 2,500mm / Floor 10,000mm waterproof
Capacity: 4 Person
Seasons: 4
Doors: 2
Vestibules: 2
Poles: 5
Peak Height: 50 inches
Floor Dimensions: 96 x 94 inches
Vestibule Area: 16 square feet
Minimum Trail Weight: 11 pounds, 7.5 ounces
Packed Size: 9 x 28 inches
Material: Nylon taffeta
PROS
Watertight shelter is created with a fully taped fly, taped seams, welded corners and welded guy clip anchors
Direct connections at each guyout point creates extra stability between the tent body, frame and rainfly
DAC Featherlite® aluminum poles are coated using technology that reduces dangerous chemicals
Bathtub-style nylon floor keeps the foundation dry
Internal tension shelves
Mesh storage pockets
Removable vestibule storage area
Internal guylines for extra stability
CONS
Heavy weight makes this tent difficult for backpacking or hiking
Inadequate ventilation when the doors are closed
Best for Wind Resistance: Big Agnes Battle Mountain 3
The Big Agnes Battle Mountain is the ultimate tent for those who want to take their mountain climbing experience to the next level. With its durable design and high-quality materials, this tent is built to withstand harsh weather conditions and rugged terrain. Plus, it’s easy to set up and take down, so you can spend more time enjoying the view and less time fiddling with your shelter. Whether you’re camping in the mountains or the wilderness, the Battle Mountain is sure to keep you safe and protected from the elements.
Even though the tent is made to technically fit 4 people, we don’t recommend more than 2 people for this tent. Considering that you will likely be using it in snowy or rainy weather, you need to dedicate additional space for all the gear you’ll have.
Who is the Battle Mountain best for?
The tent is perfect for trekkers and mountain climbers camping along rocky, uneven surfaces at high elevations in snowy and windy weather. Designed based on input from mountaineering expert Chhiring Dorje Sherpa, who has climbed Mount Everest 16 times, the Battle Mountain was created by people who live and breathe mountaineering adventure. The tent boasts upper and lower internal guy lines that ensure that you can tether the tent down for maximum stability, without risk of wind blowing the shelter down. The tent is also equipped with a vestibule that provides extra storage space and a built-in rainfly to keep you dry and comfortable.
Who is the Battle Mount NOT good for?
Campers over 6 feet in height. The Battle Mountain provide a mere 44 inches of peak height, which is a little less than 4 feet tall. This is because the tent is optimized for extreme wind, so it’s designed to lay low to the ground. However, if you’re 6 foot or taller, this tent may feel cramped.
Check out the Big Agnes YouTube explainer of the Battle Mountain 3:
FEATURES
Design: Freestanding
Rated 1200mm waterproof
Capacity: 3 Person
Seasons: 4
Doors: 2
Vestibules: 2
Poles: 3
Peak Height: 44 inches
Floor Dimensions: 86 x 88 inches
Vestibule Area: 13 + 6 square feet
Minimum Trail Weight: 7 pounds, 15 ounces
Packed Size: 22 x 8 inches
Material: Dominico undyed ripstop polyester / nylon ripstop
PROS
All seams are waterproof and taped with PVC-, and VOC-free polyurethane tape
Dominico® ripstop polyester fabric provides exceptional rip resistance in heavy storms and UV resistance in hot weather
Windows with mesh ventilation provide superior airflow and minimal condensation
Fully close-able fly vents
DAC NSL aluminum tent poles
Color-coded hub pole design for easy setup
Vestibule zippers with storm flaps
High/low internal guylines
Gear loft included
CONS
Short peak height
Best Ventilation in a Waterproof Tent: The North Face Assault 3 FUTURELIGHT
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