Best Waterproof Tents For Rainy Camping 2022

One of the worst things that could happen while camping is waking up in a wet sleeping bag, don’t you agree?

How do you feel when rain destroys your camping enthusiasm and your outdoor plans? Luckily, you can avoid it by using the best waterproof tents.

Waterproof tents are manufactured for secure and dry camping. They are essential camping equipment in fall and spring.

These tents are waterproof due to the hydrostatic head (HH) which must be at least 1000mm but here you have the top waterproof tents with higher waterproof coatings to make sure you will have a successful camping trip.

• MSR Hubba Hubba Tent – [Best Backpacking Tent]
• Coleman WeatherMaster Tent – [Best Family Tent]
• Featherstone Tent – [Best Budget Tent]
• NTK Arizona Tent – [Best Full-Coverage Tent]
• Geertop Tent – [Best Small 4-Season Tent]
• Whiteduck Prota Canvas Tent – [Best Canvas Tent]
• Ayamaya Tunnel Tent – [Best Tunnel Tent]

Should you buy a waterproof tent?

A waterproof tent for camping is a good line of defense against mother nature’s wrath, but you should consider these two factors when buying one.

1. How often will you camp?

Camping more than twice a year can justify the purchase of the best waterproof tent, while camping less may not be worth the extra money.

2. Where will you camp?

Waterproof tents are made specifically for wet weather. So, choose the waterproof tent according to your location.

What to look for in a waterproof camping tent

Consider tent fabric, construction, interior, and airflow no matter if you want to purchase one of the small or a larger tent models.

Material

The tent material should be made of thick fabric with a tent waterproof coating that will keep you dry and safe.

Choose a model that is made of nylon, polypropylene, or silnylon. A canvas unit is also a good choice but you will have to season it before usage.

Construction

Look for the one that comes with steep sides instead of a flat model as they’re better at disposing of rainwater.

Furthermore, the tent poles should be durable but lightweight. Pick the tent that has more poles that offer better stability.

Interior space

If you want to have luxury and space then choose a bigger model. Smaller units don’t have the comfort of bigger camping tents but are lightweight and portable.

Use a rainfly

A full-coverage waterproof rainfly is better than a partial one but you will lose some breathability. Make sure you get a tent with enough vents to avoid condensation.

Best waterproof tents for camping

Check the best waterproof tents in more detail and find your winner.

MSR Hubba Hubba Tent

This is the best waterproof tent for backpackers because it provides protection and is ultralightweight.

So, if you will go backpacking with someone and want full rain protection this might be the tent for you.

MSR Hubba Hubba 2 person tent is a quality dome tent that has one pole made of aerospace composite materials to withstand rain and strong winds.

Most users say that they didn’t face any leakage but some report that they needed to seal the seams to stop the rain from sipping in.

I was surprised about the Xtreme shield waterproof coating that lasts 3x longer than other tent coatings. So, you won’t need to waterproof it at home soon.

The full-coverage rainfly will protect you inside and still offer some air close to the ground as there is a small gap. Two vestibules provide enough space to store your backpack.

This is the lightest waterproof tent so it is perfect for long-distance hiking. It goes easily in the backpack. The setup is simple and quick.

It is pricey but you get what you pay for. Customers report that they have used the Hubba NX for years without any tear or wear.

It comes without a footprint but you can buy it additionally to protect the tent floor.

Featherstone Tent

If your goal is to go backpacking and look for a lightweight tent that you will pack in your backpack you found one.

This tent has seam taped construction and a bathtub floor design to protect you from the wet interior. With 2 vestibules, gear storage won’t be an issue.

The setup is straightforward and quick due to a single pole aluminum frame.

Some customers say that this 2 person tent is a replica of the MSR Hubba Hubba but comes with a lower price tag which is nice if you want quality but have a limited budget.

The issue that a user exposed are the vestibules that don’t come all the way down to the ground so the wind can find a way in.

Coleman WeatherMaster Tent

Coleman WeatherMaster is the best waterproof tent for family vacations or camping with friends in bad weather. It is totally different from the Featherstone tent as it provides a high ceiling and plenty of room.

However, this 10 person tent is heavier than other dome tents so it isn’t appropriate for backpacking but you can use it for car camping.

It has reverse-angled windows which provide a dry interior no matter that they are open for ventilation in the rain.

This is a well-made tent that has a durable bathtub floor to leave the groundwater out.

Most customers are pleased with the waterproofness but some additionally sprayed it so there won’t be any waterdrops inside.

With the room divider, you will have separate rooms available for privacy. You won’t have this tent feature when camping with somebody in a dome unit.

It has two doors. A hinged door with velcro in the front is an invention of the Coleman that enables easy in and out access without the need to zip the doors through the day which is a great solution for kids.

The other doors are at the back but they are not hinged.

There is a mesh screened porch where you can enjoy without bugs but there is no tent floor so if you will face rain this area could be wet and inappropriate to sit in.

The setup is straightforward with color-coded poles. Most of the users were able to set this waterproof tent up in 30 minutes for the first time but it took only 15 minutes for the second time to get it ready.

NTK Arizona GT

NTK Arizona is the best waterproof tent for families who want to have 2 rooms. It has a rain fly that covers the entire tent so you will be protected from the rain and wind as it goes all the way to the ground.

The customers are very pleased with its waterproofness and comfort so I included this unit as one of the best waterproof tents.

The tent has a bathtub floor and was dry even in the downpour and thunderstorms. With the mesh ceiling, you will be able to stargaze.

As it is a big car tent, it’s not appropriate for backpacking excursions because you won’t be able to carry it for a long distance.

The setup requires assembling the poles and some time to get it ready. It will be easier if someone helps you set it up.

Geertop Tent

Here is the best waterproof tent for all passionate outdoorsmen who want to explore nature all year round. It is good equipment for backpacking trips since it is lightweight (5.6 lbs).

The two-layer tent comes with a mesh inner shelter that provides ventilation and a rain fly that covers the entire tent to the ground.

Snow flaps make sure that rain, snow, and wind won’t get in the interior which is a highly appreciated feature for cold camping days.

The floor of this snow camping tent has a good waterproof rating (5000mm) and is durable to withstand any terrain. Aluminum poles are used to make the tent lightweight and strong against the wind.

There are two D-shaped doors; one in the front and back that provide easy access without jumping through your camping buddy.

When it comes to sleeping, you might bend your knees if you don’t want to touch the tent walls.

With two vestibules, the camping gear will be properly stored and safe from the elements if you choose this 3 person tent.

WHITEDUCK Prota Canvas Tent 

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The Prota cabin tent is the best waterproof tent for a group who wants to use the tent for many years ahead.

It is a weather-resistant tent that has almost vertical walls and is made of heavy-duty canvas that is appropriate to use all year.

The major benefit of this model is the material that provides breathability and waterproofness. Natural fibers shrink in contact with water so the fabric becomes waterproof.

You will have to season the tent first (leave it in the rain or use a water hose) to use it on rainy camping days.

If you want to take your small family or friends camping through the year then this 4 season tent is for you. It can handle heavy rain, wind, and snow and it won’t leak.

This single-wall tent is pricey but if you can afford it you will be its owner for a long time which I can’t promise if you will own a synthetic tent that isn’t so durable and can tear faster.

The doors can be used as an awning which is great for a shaded entrance where you can sit and enjoy nature.

However, it is a heavy tent in comparison to others so use it for car camping. It is easy to set up but you will need about 20 minutes for the first time to get it ready.

A user needed extra hands to pitch the last pole but the majority didn’t have any problems with setting it up alone.

Ayamaya Tunnel Tent

Ayamaya is the best waterproof tent that comes in a tunnel shape. It is easy to pitch and provides element protection when camping in the first three seasons.

It is a budget waterproof tent so it belongs to cheap tents regarding the features and extra space that you get.

The model is made of two tents; the inner mesh tent and the outer tent that is a rainfly at the same time.

The mesh inner tent takes care of enough ventilation for sleeping in comfort. The outer layer (rainfly) comes almost all the way down, providing good weather protection.

Optimum ventilation is enabled with a mesh sleeping area, vents on the rainfly (rear and side vent), and a gap between the rainfly and the ground.

It has a sleeping room and a living room with a vestibule which gives plenty of storage options.

I like the removable footprint that you can use in bad weather conditions to avoid mud or store away when relaxing in the living room on warm days.

That being said, it is a versatile tent as it can be used for different occasions. The living room is great for (bike) storage or for lounging in the afternoon. It is great for kids to enjoy their activities.

The product has two doors. It has a vestibule with one big door that can be rolled up or installed as an awning to have air and views.

There is another entrance for the living and sleeping room which you will be using as your main doors. The sleeping area can accommodate two adults and two small kids comfortably.

How waterproof should a tent be?

As there are different levels of tent’s waterproofness it is important that you own the right tent.

If you are going camping in the spring or fall and expect normal rain you will be fine in a tent that has around 2000mm hydrostatic head.

It is a different story if you want to be protected in thunderstorms and downpours as your tent should have at least 3000mm waterproof coating.

How can you make your tent more waterproof?

You can additionally waterproof your tent by spraying it to avoid a leaky tent. It will make a layer on the tent’s surface that will make the raindrops slide down off it. You can seal the tent seams with a seam sealer.

How often should you waterproof it?

I recommend doing it 2-3 times a year but it depends on the tent’s condition. It is best if you do it at the start of a camping season and when it needs waterproofing again.

Do canvas tents need waterproofing?

If you seasoned your canvas model then you don’t need additional weather protection. However, if your model is older, you may use a waterproof spray.

For acrylic canvas tents, use the fluoropolymer-based product and a petroleum sealant.

Do you need to seal tent seams?

It is advisable to seal the tent seams to prevent the rain from seeping through. If your model has factory-sealed seams that’s great but if you don’t have these or your model is old, you should seal them.

How to protect a tent in the rain?

There are several things you can do to protect it.

A pitching place is very important to prevent the rain from getting inside. Avoid lower areas, hills, and a place under trees. Pick an elevated, flat location where there is no danger of falling branches or rocks.

If the strong wind accompanies the rain, you can set up your unit close to a rock wall or cave to stay protected.

Place a tarp above the tent so it will intercept the rain.

How do you keep a tent dry inside?

Condensation is the biggest problem that occurs inside the tent, especially when it rains. To prevent it, open all the vents and keep the doors or windows open if you can.

Don’t forget that Coleman WeatherMaster has angled windows that will provide proper ventilation in such conditions.

Also, don’t dry your clothes inside to prevent condensation, you can do it in the vestibule or outside under a tarp.

What happens if you put a tent away wet?

This is something that you should prevent in all-cause. If you put it in a storage bag and in a garage mold and mildew will occur because the fabric won’t breathe.

Make sure to dry it every time you get home from outdoors. It is best to dry it in the sun for 24 hours.

What does HH waterproof mean?

A hydrostatic head of a camping tent is the measurement that tells us how waterproof the unit is.

A unit with a higher HH could be more waterproof than one with a lower HH, but the easiest way to tell without actually using it is by checking out what material it’s made out of and if it specifies its hydrostatic head.

Is 3000mm waterproof enough for a tent?

In a rainstorm, this is a commonly asked question. A 3000mm HH means that the amount of water pressure on the fabric has been measured at 3000mm of height before water can seep through.

In most cases your tent should withstand bad weather, however, this does not guarantee that during an actual storm you won’t face any leakage.

Is it worth waterproofing a tent?

Sometimes, it is best if you additionally waterproof it, because it can leak during strong rain, especially if you have a cheaper tent. But normally, it is enough if the tent’s seams are treated with seam sealer.

If you worry about the leakage you can opt for the MSR Hubba Hubba backpacking tent as it has 3x more long-lasting water protection than other tents in general.

Are 3 season tents waterproof?

Most of them are waterproof enough to protect you from moderate precipitation. You should be fine using them for a few days as long as the rain isn’t coming down in buckets.

However, some 3 season tents are so thin and flimsy that they won’t withstand downpours.

Are instant tents waterproof?

The waterproofness doesn’t depend on the tent’s setup but on the material it is made of.

Instant tents are mostly waterproof because they’re usually made from coated polyester or nylon, which keeps the water out.

Which tents are most waterproof?

Canvas is one of the best waterproof materials because it is made from natural fibers which swell in contact with moisture, filling the holes in the material so the water can’t penetrate inside.

Check canvas camping tents when camping in the rain to stay dry.

What is the best family waterproof tent?

Coleman WeatherMaster is a large waterproof tent that you should consider buying when going car camping with your family.

It is a great tent that provides enough head height (80 inches) and two rooms where you will fit 3 queen size air beds for comfort.

You will be able to put furniture inside and still have space for outdoor gear and storing essentials.

The hinged door is great for easy opening and closing which comes in handy for kids who will just push the doors for access.

With the mesh roof, windows, and vented cool airport you will have optimized airflow to keep the interior fresh and breathable.

Coleman WeatherTec Technology

The Coleman WeatherTec System is designed to keep you dry and comfortable, no matter what the weather throws your way.

The leak-free inverted seams, waterproof fabric, and floors will keep you cozy while the inverted floor seams and zipper protection will keep the elements out.

With easy-to-use Velcro frame attachments and a coated polyester fabric construction, this tent is perfect for almost any outdoor activity.

Which is the best lightweight waterproof tent?

If you want a quality light tent for your camping trip with significant other then choose the MRS Hubba Hubba tent. With the complete setup, it weighs only 3.5 lbs which is a great weight for backpackers.

As it is meant for backpackers in mind, it is made of nylon and plenty of mesh, plus it has DAC Featherlite NFL poles that make the tent one of the lightest backpacking tents on the market.

What is the best canvas waterproof tent?

If you want to be protected from the rain and windy conditions get a Whiteduck Prota tent. It is manufactured by heavy-duty army duck cotton canvas that provides dry camping year after year.

Double-stitched seams with reinforced corners make this tent stable in the wind. If you worry about condensation this might be the tent for you as natural fibers allow air to circulate.

Get the best waterproof tent for your needs

Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and make memories with friends and family.

But it’s not always easy or convenient when you’re trying to plan for unpredictable weather conditions like rain, which can be hard on your gear as well as making camping uncomfortable.

That’s why waterproof tents are so essential. You need protection from the elements if you want to have an enjoyable outdoor experience in any kind of climate.

Check the best waterproof tents to have a pleasant getaway without getting wet.