Best Tents For Rain And Wind Protection

Have you ever been camping and your tent started to leak? This is the worst thing that you can experience and it can easily ruin your outdoor adventure.

I remember how mine started to leak after a rainstorm in late fall. I was not prepared enough, nor had a waterproof tent.

If you’re like most campers, chances are you want to make the most of your outdoor adventures.

This means choosing the right gear for every possible situation, including when it rains or gusts of wind threaten to knock you over.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the best tents for rain and wind.

So whether you’re gearing up for an upcoming trip or just want to be prepared, don’t compromise with the quality and choose your favorite tent that won’t let you down.

• NTK Colorado GT Tent – [Best Dome Tent]
• Browning Camping Glacier Tent – [The Tallest Tent]
• Naturehike Cloud-up Backpacking Tent – [Best 2-Person Backpacking Tent]
• Coleman Coastline 3 Plus Tent – [Best Tunnel Tent With Porch]
• Vango Apollo 500 Tent – [All-Weather 3-Season Tent]
• Winterial Bivy Tent – [The Lightest Backpacking Tent]
• Snugpak Cave Tent – [Best 4-Season Tent]

What type of tent is best in wind?

Dome tents and geodesic tents perform best in the wind because they are low to the ground.

They are stabilized by their shape, making gusts of wind less likely to blow them over compared to A-frame or wedge tents that are taller and more exposed.

Dome tents are the best tents when it comes to windy conditions as they are shaped like an upside-down bowl. This shape is great for withstanding high winds.

The dome’s strength comes from its flexibility which helps it to sway back and forth in the wind rather than being ripped out of the ground due to strong gusts.

If you are faced with a choice between dome-shaped tents, look for ones that have extra guy lines or pockets to attach your own.

NTK Colorado GT Tent

Here you have a 6-person dome tent from NTK that is the best tent to have when going on a family campout in rainy weather.

The Colorado GT model is freestanding which means it can handle its own weight.

It can’t accommodate 5 or 6 adults no matter the advertised occupancy, but you can take it camping with your partner and kids.

It fits a queen air mattress. With 5.7ft of center height, you won’t be able to walk inside but it provides enough space for sleeping and changing clothes.

The inner fabric is made of ultra-slim polyester micro-mesh for ventilation and bug protection. The structure has 2 D-shape doors for easy access and to increase ventilation on hot camping days.

The fly doesn’t have any vents, which surprises me but there is a small gap between thy fly and the ground that will let fresh air in.

The pole that sets up above the front doors provides a small awning when the fly is on, so you will be able to have some additional air circulation in the rain if you let the upper part of the door open.

The unit has a full-coverage design making sure that you stay protected from the elements. It has a 2500mm waterproof coating which means it will endure a 2500mm column of water-bearing down on it before it starts to leak.

The flooring has a unique bathtub-style construction barrier that protects from waking up in a puddle.

This dome camping tent weighs 16.5 lb so it’s not appropriate to take hiking or backpacking but it is great for car camping.

You can store wet shoes and backpacks in the two small vestibules.

Browning Camping Glacier Tent

If you want to be element protected on your next outdoor getaway here is a model that could be your best friend in the bad weather.

The Browning Glacier freestanding unit is a 3-season camping tent that endures 50 mph high winds, rainstorms, and even 18” of snow (no matter that it is meant for the first three seasons!).

As it weighs 19lbs, 4 oz. it is meant for car camping trips.

This 4-person tent has a full rain fly with a 1500mm waterproof coating, which is enough for most circumstances.

The model features a heavy-duty nylon oxford bathtub floor with a 2000mm coating that will provide dry camping and endure years of use.

The inner tent material is made of mesh to provide ventilation. I like the side venting as you can roll up the fly a bit to have additional airflow on warm nights.

However, the tent doesn’t have fly vents which can decrease the airflow inside during rain.

You will have two vestibules (35 sq. ft.) on disposal for you to store the gear, and protect your tent’s interior from the elements.

It has straight walls and comes with a 6′ center height so you will be able to put camping cots inside and walk normally (if you are not very tall).

Tent poles are aluminum which is the best for inclement weather with wind gusts as they flex but do not break as fast as fiberglass poles.

It is easy to get in and out of the tent since it has 2 D-shaped doors with zippered mesh windows. It includes #10 zippers that are large and run smoothly.

If you want your tent to serve you for a long time, purchase an original footprint for the model.

Naturehike Cloud-Up Backpacking Tent

Naturehike Cloud up tent is one of the lightest tents on the list since it weighs only 4.6 lbs. It is the best tent for a minimalist backpacker who doesn’t want to weigh his backpack too much.

The Cloud-up tent is a double-layer tent as it has an inner structure and a rain fly that covers the whole structure.

The inner structure is manufactured with quality anti-scratch 150D Oxford cloth at the bottom and mesh on the upper part, giving you privacy while you are resting with the fly-off.

The rain fly and floor are made of 210T tent polyester that features a 3000mm waterproof coating to keep you dry inside when the weather changes. It should withstand the strong rain and wind.

You also get a tent vestibule where you can store your gear, cook, and hang wet clothes.

It can handle weather challenges as it has 7001 space aluminum tent poles that are lightweight but durable to withstand wind, rain, and some snow.

Still, don’t buy it for winter camping since it is a three-season tent no matter that it has a full design rainfly.

If you will go camping in the wintertime it is better if you choose a Naturhike Cloud-up tent with a snow skirt to be more secure.

Regarding ventilation, you have a mesh inner fabric that provides air circulation and an additional vent on the back of the fly to get fresh air in when it starts to rain.

There is a gap between the fly and the ground that you can adjust as you want while installing guylines to increase/decrease the air inside. Its height is 41.3 inches which is enough for you to sit inside.

I like that the company provided a tent footprint to prolong the tent’s lifespan which is rare, so you won’t need to buy it additionally as it is already included in the tent’s price.

Coleman Coastline 3 Plus Tent

If you want to stay element protected in the first three seasons check out the Coleman Coastline for 3 people.

The tunnel tent is a wind-resistant tent that is great in the wind due to its low structure and design. It is the best tent on the list if you are a motorcyclist.

It’s a double-layer tent where you will pitch the outer fabric first and then proceed with the inner tent installation.

It is a dry-setup tent that enables you to have an inner fabric dry in the rain since it is pitched inside the fly.

It has three entrances through the vestibule. From the big vestibule (40.7 ft²), you will enter the sleeping room through the big O-shape door.

The vestibule has a removable floor which is nice to have on rainy camping if you don’t want to have the mess inside. If you open the main vestibule door and roll it up you can enjoy a sunny day on the porch.

The fly of this compact tent has a 3000mm waterproof rating that should protect you from strong rain.

This affordable tent is well-ventilated. The mesh inner structure and three roof vents take care of the air circulation no matter the weather situation.

It has a peak height of 55.1 inches which makes this camping tent quite livable. As it weighs 15.45 lbs it’s not considered as a backpacking tent so consider vehicle transportation for the product.

Vango Apollo 500 Five Man Tent

This is poled 5 person tent from Vango that comes with all the weatherproof features that you need while camping in the rain and wind.

It can get warm on a sunny day since it is made of dark fabric so it will be pleasant to camp in on cold sunny days.

This extended dome tent has an inner fabric made of breathable polyester while the shell features durable Protex (70D polyester) which features 2x the rip strength and 1.6x the stitch retention of traditional PVC used in other brands products.

The fly is treated with 2 inner and 4 outer coatings of PU with a 3000mm waterproof level which is enough to protect you from normal to moderate rain.

The fiberglass tent poles are not so strong as aluminum poles in some other best tents on the list but the tent should be fine for occasional and weekend camping.

The structure features two large doors; one in the front and another from the side to enter the porch/vestibule (50 ft²).

The porch has a (rollable) floor so you won’t face mud and dirt inside. If you roll it away you can use the grassy ground for cooking.

The porch area of this 3-season tent has PVC solid windows for brightness and to see the surroundings. They have inner shatters so privacy is guaranteed.

The inner mesh tent, three vents on the fly, and opened porch doors will take care of optimum ventilation.

It’s a heavy tent with 19.64 lbs so you should consider transportation for it. Storage pockets and lantern hanging points are there to make your trip friendly and organized.

Winterial Bivy Tent

If you will go camping, hiking, or backpacking on your own take a look at the Winterial bivy tent which is the best tent in the category that will protect you in the first three seasons.

It’s a lightweight tent on the list as it has only 3lbs 3oz. so you will be able to carry it in your backpack for long distances.

The double-wall tent features a mesh inner tent and a 190T polyester outer shell.

The manufacturer didn’t state the waterproof level of the fly nor I didn’t find the information anywhere on the internet so I conclude that this ultralight tent has to have a waterproof rating of 3-season tents (around 2000-3000mm).

The mesh body makes this tent well-ventilated but the rain fly has no vents so the ventilation in bad weather is questionable.

If you will camp in dry and warm weather this is a great lightweight tent to have but you will have to improvise in the rainy conditions.

However, you have an option to roll up the sidewall while having the roof over you to prevent condensation even in the rain (if the rain won’t fall in your direction).

There is also a small gap when you install the fly so some air will come in at the bottom of the structure.

This single-person tent has one door with a zipper and Velcro to secure the tent from the storm and wind gusts.

It is a quite spacious one-man tent as you will be able to roll inside and sleep comfortably. Still, this is not a model where you sit as the center height above the head is only 28 inches.

If you are over 6 feet tall skip this bivy as you would have to bend the knees to not touch the fabric with your legs.

If you worry about the gear storage, you will be able to put your backpack in the head area to keep it dry and safe or store it in the small (floorless) vestibule.

It is a budget tent where you get a lot of useful features regarding the price.

Snugpak Cave 4 Person Tent

Snugpak Cave is a 4-season camping tent that provides good rain, wind, and snow protection. It is made in a tunnel shape that handles the wind pretty well.

It’s a two-layer tent where the inner tent pitches first (the opposite of Scorpion series and Bunker tent). It has two access doors to easily enter or exit the shelter from the front or the back.

This wind-resistant tent features two vestibules. One is a single zip centered while the other has two zips to provide wind blocked entrance where you can store the gear.

The weight of this unit is 10.5lbs which means it is categorized as a car camping tent.

The flysheet is manufactured with lightweight 210T polyester Ripstop PU with a 5000mm waterproof coating that withstands even the strongest rain and snow.

It comes almost all the way down to the ground, leaving a small gap to provide fresh air.

The floor comes in a bathtub style with the same waterproof level as the fly to protect you from groundwater.

The company included DAC® Featherlite poles made from TH72M aluminum that are flexible enough to withstand high winds.

The inner tent is made of 190T nylon with polyester mesh to provide air circulation. The fly includes five vents; two on each side and one in the front of the vestibule which should be enough to prevent condensation.

The setup has more poles (5) than ordinary dome tents that criss-cross to provide full protection and stability in the bad weather (geodesic type of tent).

Waterproof tent features

I am sure that camping in harsh weather conditions without a proper tent is something you don’t want. I know how it feels when it starts to leak and things get wet.

If you don’t want to experience the same as I, consider the next features that your model should have when camping in remote areas or climates with lots of precipitation and wind.

Stability and Durability

You have to make sure that your model will keep you dry during the storm. It should be stable and have sturdy poles.

Choose aluminum poles if you can as they will withstand the wind better than easy-breakable fiberglass poles, and make sure you stake a tent well to prevent your tent from blowing away.

Fabric

Camping tents are made from nylon or polyester however they could also be made using PVC coated canvas or even polycotton. To maximize the use of polyester quality, it has to be layered with polyurethane.

Hydrostatic head

The unit’s ability to prevent water from leaking inside a tent is measured using a tool called a hydrostatic head. Generally, the higher the level, the better it will protect you from leakage.

A hydrostatic head of 5000mm means that it will take 5,000 mm of water pressure to get through the fabric. You should always check the hydrostatic head in order to make sure your tent is really waterproof.

You should be fine if you choose a tent with a 2000-3000mm waterproof coating if you will be camping in the normal rain and wind.

Ventilation

Condensation can be a problem on a rainy day, but you can avoid it with a model that has enough vents and mesh. A tent should have cross-ventilation (vents + mesh inner fabric) in these circumstances.

Most tents are designed with the ability to roll back some of the rain fly or open up vents which can help if it’s not too stormy.

What is the best tent for rain?

When it comes to rain that is accompanied by wind, you need a tent that is weatherproof and has features that will protect you when being outdoors.

Units for high wind and rain should have waterproof material, a decent hydrostatic head, factory sealed seams, a full rainfly design, a bathtub floor, and enough vents to make sure condensation won’t be a problem.

When you are looking for this kind of shelter, consider these features and also technologies that a unit has to protect you in the case of wet weather.

What is the best tent for high winds?

The best tent for high winds should have an aerodynamic shape so that it withstands the wind.

A windproof tent also has a strong and resilient (aluminum) pole system, guy lines, and tent stakes for stabilization in extreme weather conditions.

What makes a tent windproof?

A tent is considered windproof when it is designed and constructed in a way that prevents it from being damaged, or at least minimizes the damage, during high winds.

Windproof tents are preferable for camping in areas with extreme wind conditions.

Tents can be made more windproof by using fabrics and materials of higher denier (durability) and having fewer seams to increase their strength against winds.

Other design aspects to improve wind resistance are a sturdy frame and poles, and guy lines with tensioners.

It is also recommended that tents have at least four poles to increase their stability in the wind.

Which way do you pitch a tent in wind?

Setting up your tent in the right direction with respect to the wind can save you a lot of grief.

Most outdoors enthusiasts are unanimous that pitching your tent with the door facing into the wind is definitely not recommended. The basic rule is to put the lowest part of the tent toward the wind.

If possible, orienting your tent along an east-west axis instead will provide better protection. This way, the long side of the tent acts as a buffer against the wind.

If you set up your tent facing north or south instead, make sure to pack extra tent stakes and guy lines-the wind is likely to pound against the door and sides of your tent.

How much wind can a tent withstand?

A camping tent can withstand a certain amount of wind. Light windy conditions aren’t a problem and any camping tent can withstand them.

In general, you can consider that a three-season tent for one person needs to be able to withstand winds up to 30 mph without collapsing or being damaged.

More heavy-duty four-season tents may need to withstand winds as high as 35 mph or even more.

An average family tent can withstand up to 30 mph winds. A good mountaineering tent can withstand 40 mph winds and up.

Can a tent withstand 50 mph winds?

Camping at 50 mph winds can be dangerous as the wind is strong enough to rip your tent off the ground.

Because of this, you should ensure that your tent can withstand such strong winds in order to enjoy a good camping experience in extreme conditions.

Consider buying a dome tent as it is far more wind and rain resistant than other (taller) types of tents.

Geodesic tents are made for extreme conditions so you can be confident that your tent will stay put even in strong winds (if you set it up properly).

Some types of camping tents are not suitable for windy conditions, so be sure to read the description of the tent carefully before buying.

If you do see any mention or warning about wind speed, then it’s likely that the tent is not well suited for this type of weather.

How do you secure it in high winds?

To secure your tent in high winds, make sure that your tent is staked to the ground with tent stakes.

Most of them are cheap when you buy a tent so if you want to stay safe on your camping trip rather buy high-quality stakes.

The best tent stakes are the steel stakes designed for hard ground, not the ones designed for soft soil.

Be sure to use extra guy lines for increased stability. You can clip these guy lines to nearby trees or other sturdy objects if available, or stake them out along the sides of your tent.

If no trees or other objects are available to tie off to, you can use ice axes, skis, or shovels. These items are not designed for this purpose since they are quite sharp and can break easily under stress, but they are better than nothing.

How do you stop wind when camping?

Literally, you can’t stop it but you can reduce the amount of wind that comes into your tent.

Find a proper pitching place. Look for the rock hill or other natural barrier and place it there where the wind won’t blow directly in it. A tarp also helps in this situation since it keeps it off.

How do you set up a tent in the rain?

It is not hard to pitch it in the rain, however, you should protect your gear to stay dry. The main task is to keep the inner tent dry so you won’t have condensation problems later on.

Throw a flysheet over the top of the tent. The flysheet will provide a water shield that should be able to keep things dry while you finish the pitch.

Can tents withstand heavy rain?

In general, most camping tents can’t handle heavy rain as they are made for normal weather conditions.

However, there are camping tents on the market that can withstand heavy rain as they are built with durable fabric and have a high waterproof rating that can resist water and wind.

One of such tents is the MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-person tent that has 30D ripstop nylon floor fabric with a 3000mm coating and Xtreme Shield waterproof coating of the fly that lasts up to 3 times longer than standard waterproof coatings.

How do you protect the tent in the rain?

There are a few things that you can do to protect it from the rain and condensation:

1. Check it before the trip. Rainy camping requires more of your attention than camping in dry weather. Make sure you check it for possible holes and damages and fix them before going outdoors as it is hard to fix the tent at the camp when the rain will get in your way.
2. Waterproof it with a waterproof spray before going camping. Remember, it should be clean and dry when you will do it and should dry after applying the spray.
3. Place a tarp over it. A tarp is a must when camping in the rain. It will prevent the water from getting inside. Place it so it will secure the entire tent, also the entrance. I recommend you get a bigger tarp so you will have more dry space around the unit.

Should you put a tarp over it?

Yes, you should put a tarp over it to prevent rainwater from getting inside, especially if you face a storm. A tarp will keep the water away so the possibilities for leakage will be minimum.

Meanwhile, is also a good choice to put a tarp under it so your tent floor will stay dry from the inside and stay protected from tears and damage.

Have a comfortable camping trip in the wind and rain

Rainy camping is an experience that can be either uncomfortable or memorable, depending on the tent you bring.

I’ve reviewed some of the best tents for rain and wind to help make sure your next rainy campout is a great one.

In this article, you will also find all sorts of great tips on how to prepare for rainy weather so don’t hesitate to check the most popular questions regarding tent camping in the rain.