Waterproof tents are crucial for a successful camping trip, especially when you’re facing unpredictable weather. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the best waterproof tent for your outdoor adventures.
Key Features of Waterproof Tents
A high-quality waterproof tent should have:
- Durable, weather resistant fabric
- A well-designed rain fly
- Sturdy, waterproof zippers
- A bathtub-style floor
These elements work together to create a sealed environment that keeps water out, separating truly waterproof tents from just water-resistant ones.
Important Considerations
When selecting a waterproof tent, focus on:
- Fabric: The best waterproof tents use canvas, nylon, or polyester with protective coatings. Some brands, like The North Face, have developed proprietary waterproof fabrics.
- Shape: Dome, geodesic, or slanted designs are preferred as they prevent water accumulation on the tent’s surface.
- Waterproof Rating: Tents are rated from 1,000mm to 10,000mm, with higher numbers indicating better water 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 for Heavy Rain Protection: Mountain Hardwear Trango 4
Shop Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 on REI Co-Op
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 poles to withstand extreme weather and wind.
Who is the Trango 4 best for? The Mountain Hardwear Trango 4 is the perfect waterproof tent for families, basecamps, or mountaineering. It has a large interior space and exterior vestibule for storing gear.
Who is the Trango 4 NOT good for? Backpackers or hikers covering long distances. At 11 pounds, this tent is heavy to transport by foot. It also doesn’t have the best ventilation. With the rainfly on, you may get condensation on the tent walls.
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 Lightweight Waterproof Tent: REI Co-Op Arete ASL 2
The Arete ASL 2 is a budget-friendly, lightweight waterproof tents.
Even though it doesn’t perform as well as the other waterproof tents on our list, the Arete ASL 2 gives you decent weather protection in light to moderate rain and wind.
Who is the REI Arete ASL 2 best for?: The REI Arete ASL is the perfect tent for beginner campers because it’s lightweight, inexpensive and easy to set up. It’s also a double wall tent strong enough to handle light to moderate weather, making it a good choice for those who want to go fast and light. The ASL also has an interior fabric that handles condensation well, which keeps the interior of the tent well-ventilated and dry.
Who is REI Arete ASL 2 NOT good for? This tent isn’t the best choice for extreme weather. It doesn’t do well in strong winds or heavy rain.
FEATURES
- Design: Freestanding
- Capacity: 2 Person
- Seasons: 4
- Doors: 1
- Vestibules: 1
- Poles: 4
- Peak Height: 43 inches
- Floor Dimensions: 88 x 57 inches
- Vestibule Area: 8.7 square feet
- Minimum Trail Weight: 5 pounds, 10 ounces
- Packed Size: 6 x 6 x 20 inches
- Material: Nylon taffeta floor / Nylon ripstop rainfly
PROS
- Eco-friendly solution-dyed mesh that meets bluesign criteria to reduce harmful chemicals
- 4-pole design increases structural stability and interior space
- No-wick welded construction prevents moisture from leaking through vulnerable areas
- Larger than average interior space for the weight
- Adjustable vents creates cross-flow air circulation
- Color-coded, Dead End pole sleeves
- Fully close-able inner tent
- Corner and roof storage compartments
- Reflective guylines included
CONS
- Small vestibule
- 1 door
- Footprint not included
Best for Wind Resistance: Big Agnes Battle Mountain 3
Shop Big Agnes Battle Mountain on REI Co-Op
The Big Agnes Battle Mountain is the ultimate tent for those who want to take their mountain climbing experience to the next level. 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.
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. The tent has upper and lower internal guy lines that let you tether it down for maximum stability. The tent also has a vestibule for extra storage space and a built-in rainfly.
Who is the Battle Mount NOT good for? Campers that want lots of interior space and headroom. The Battle Mountain gives you 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, it will probably feel cramped.
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
Shop TNF Assualt 3 on REI Co-Op
The Assault 3 Futurelight waterproof camping tent is designed for high altitudes and severe weather. The tent is constructed to create an airtight space, with a breathable 3-layer fabric to keep airflow moving inside the structure.
The North Face FUTURELIGHT fabric is touted as the most advanced breathable waterproof technology in the world. The company has an entire line of FUTURELIGHT waterproof gear, including the Assault 3 waterproof tent.
Who is the Assault 3 best for? This tent is perfect for campers who want good ventilation. FUTURELIGHT designed to prevent condensation and humidity that can occur in airtight spaces. Plus, there’s no rain fly to add to moisture buildup inside the tent.
Read this interesting review in Gear Junkie from a skier that tested it over a 3 day backcountry expedition in Aspen, Colorado.
Who is the Assault 3 NOT good for? This tent has the shortest peak height, 42 inches. Tall campers beware. It also may not be as reliably waterproof as a shelter with a rain fly, especially in periods of extended rain showers.
FEATURES
- Design: Freestanding
- 1500 mm shell / 3000 mm floor waterproof rating
- Capacity: 3 Person
- Seasons: 4
- Doors: 1
- Vestibules: 1
- Poles: 4
- Peak Height: 43 inches
- Floor Dimensions: 60 x 90 inches
- Vestibule Area: 14.5 square feet
- Minimum Trail Weight: 6 pounds, 5 ounces
- Packed Size: 8 x 23 inches
- Material: Nylon
PROS
- Waterproof, breathable laminate, 3-layer nylon constructed from recycled materials
- Designed to decrease condensation accumulation in humid environments
- X-tent structure for easy setup
- Backdoor escape hatch
- Detachable vestibule
- Two top vents
- DAC Featherlite NSL tent poles
CONS
- 1 door
- Does not have rainfly
- Very short peak height compared to other waterproof tents
Waterproof Tent FAQs
What are the best waterproof tent fabrics?
Waterproof tent fabric is usually made from either ripstop nylon or polyester because these fabrics are inherently durable and water-resistant. Ripstop fabrics are ready to use right out of the box and do not require applying waterproof coating the first time you use them.
- RIPSTOP NYLON OR POLYESTER fabric is constructed with thread woven together to form a series of squares that are too small for water droplets to pass through. As a result, ripstop fabrics are much more durable and long-lasting than normal fabrics.
- CANVAS tents also provide great waterproof protection and typically have better air quality than nylon and polyester. However, you will need to apply waterproofing spray to the canvas tent because exposing it to rain. Otherwise the fabric will start to mildew when it becomes wet.
- DENIER measures the thickness of a fabric’s threads. It is represented as a number such as 40D Nylon or 100D Polyester. The higher the number, the stronger the fabric thread.
What chemicals are used in a waterproof tent?
In nylon and polyester tents, the waterproof coating is usually made of silicon or polyurethane. If the tent is made of canvas or poly-cotton, the coating is usually made of wax.
What is silicone waterproof coating?
A silicone waterproof coating is applied to nylon or polyester fabric to make it stronger, silicon-reinforced, waterproof, and tear-resistant. Silicone permeates and blends into the fabric to create a new reinforced layer, so that it repels water, dries rapidly, and is simple to shake off excess.
Silicone coating provides very effective waterproof protection. However it can block the fabric’s breathability and result in a more slippery surface.
What is polyurethane (PU) waterproof coating?
A Polyurethane (PU) coating is applied to polyester and nylon fabric as a secondary protective layer that adheres to the surface of the tent fabric. Polyurethane does not permeate the fabric, but sits on top to create a waterproof barrier.
Polyurethane is not as strong and reinforced as silicone, but it is more affordable, and has greater breathability. Polyurethane is also more sensitive to UV exposure and degrades more rapidly than silicone.
What is the best shape for a waterproof tent?
Dome tent, tunnel tent and traditional A-frame shapes are the best waterproof tent shapes because they ensure that the water quickly falls from the tent to prevent moisture from collecting on top and eventually leaking inside the tent.
Cabin tents are the worst shape for rain. The flat surface of these tents allows rain to gather and build pressure on the tent ceiling, resulting in leakage.
What is the best waterproof tent floor?
The best waterproof tents will have a bathtub shaped tent floor. This means that the waterproof fabric of the tent floor will extend upward 2 inches – 10 inches, similar to the sides of a bathtub. However, instead of keeping water in, your bathtub shaped tent floor will keep water and wind out of your tent.
Should you have a partial or full coverage rain fly for your waterproof tent?
You should have a full-coverage rain fly for heavy rain and wind over an extended period of time. This will create a sealed environment and prevent leaks. Partial rain flys are only good for light rain and don’t serve to completely prevent leaks.
How long does a tent stay waterproof?
Depending on your use, tents can start to lose their waterproof coating within the first year. The more you use a tent, the less waterproofing it will have over time. This happens from exposure to dirt, rain, sun uv rays and strong wind. These natural elements can break down the water-repellent coating on the tent walls and fabric with repeated use. As the water repellency decreases, water will soak into the tent fabric instead of running off.
How often should you “reproof” a tent?
It is recommended to periodically “reproof” the waterproof coating of the tent fabric using waterproofing spray to help extend the water repellency of your tent. As a general guideline, you should waterproof your tent once a year. If you camp more than 4 weeks per year, you should reproof 2 – 3 times per year. You may alternatively wait until the tent begins to leak before reproofing it, but this is not recommended.
What are the best waterproofing sprays without hydrocarbons, fluorocarbons or VOCs?
Waterproofing sprays are an important tool in maintaining your tent. However, these sprays can be toxic. It’s important to make sure you use a water-based, non aerosol, odorless spray that does not contain toxic fluorocarbons or VOCs.
Nikwax TX.Direct – Waterproofing spray solution that provides long-lasting water repellency without compromising the tent fabric’s inherent wicking capabilities. Nikwax protects against moisture while still allowing the fabric to breathe.
Grangers Performance Repel Plus – Waterproofing spray formula made with Bluesign® approved non toxic ingredients to provide superior water repellency and maximum breathability.
How are tents rated waterproof?
Waterproof tent ratings are calculated by measuring the amount of water that can stand on fabric before it permeates the surface. Waterproof tents are usually constructed from water-resistant materials like polyester or nylon, and also include a rainfly for maximum protection.
In addition, waterproof tents have fully sealed seams, protected vents and bathtub shaped floors to ensure that the elements cannot sneak inside your watertight environment.
These waterproof tents are also made without flame retardant chemicals. Flame retardants can cause major health problems, including liver and kidney cancers, respiratory failure and reproductive problems.
What is the highest waterproof rating for tents?
Waterproof ratings for tents are typically measured in millimeters and range from 1,000mm (the lowest level designated waterproof) to 10,000mm. The higher the grade, the stronger the tent waterproof protection. Ratings are calculated using a hydrostatic head test. However, waterproof ratings do not include the impact of wind-driven rain.
What is the Hydrostatic Head (HH) waterproof rating?
Hydrostatic Head (HH) is a method for assessing the waterproofness of a material. The final measurement in millimeters corresponds to the height of a column of water that would need to stand on the material before the water could permeate the fabric. Other factors such as wind resistance and the shape of the tent also impacts the fabric’s waterproofness.
How waterproof is a >1,000mm hydrostatic head?
HH ratings of 1000mm and less means that the fabric is water resistant, but not waterproof. Tents with this rating can withstand light rain for a short period of time, but will start to leak with prolonged exposure.
How waterproof is a 1,000mm to 1500mm hydrostatic head?
HH ratings of 1000mm to 1500mm certifies that the fabric is waterproof and can handle light to moderate rain without moisture penetration.
How waterproof is a 1,500mm to 10,000mm hydrostatic head?
HH ratings of 1,500mm to 10,000mm means that the waterproof tent material is tested to withstand moderate to heavy rain without leaking.
How do you keep your waterproof tent dry in the rain?
In addition to selecting a high quality waterproof tent, there are also additional steps you can take to keep your tent as dry as possible.
- Your tent body should be constructed with waterproof rated materials such as polyester, nylon or canvas
- A wide, waterproof ground tarp or footprint should be placed below as a barrier to prevent moisture from the ground from seeping inside.
- You should have a full coverage waterproof rain fly covering the tent. This helps to create a completely watertight environment.
- Pitch the tent at the highest point of a slope or hill, so that water can drain away.
- If there are heavy winds, place your tent in the same direction that the wind is blowing.
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