Beyond a rainfly, waterproof tents can make your camping experience more comfortable, especially when it’s raining hard. However, not all waterproof tents are created equal. So, what features should you look for in a high-quality product?
The first thing you need to check when buying a waterproof tent is its materials and design. Most tents that are made of polyester and nylon are ideal because these fabrics are designed to withstand the harsh outdoor elements, including water or heavy rain. In addition, tents with welded seams are good choices because they prevent water from getting in. You should also choose a product with a rainfly, even when you’re using a waterproof tent, to further improve the water defense capabilities of your tent. Of course, you also need to pick a tent that has strong stakes, poles, and guy lines. These materials are essential so that your tent can resist strong winds.
Aside from the tent’s materials, there are other factors that you need to consider. One, in particular, is the ease of set-up. Choosing a tent that you can easily assemble is crucial, especially if you’re new to camping. Of course, you also need to pick a tent that can provide utmost comfort. The size will depend on how many people will stay in a tent. As much as possible, you need to choose a product that can accommodate you and your family or friends without feeling cramped. Aside from that, ventilation is another important factor to consider. Thus, picking a tent with large windows and doors is also a must. That way, you’ll have enough air inside the tent.
With all these factors in mind, here is the list of the best waterproof tents available on the market.
Coleman Evanston
If you’re in search of an excellent tent that has the capacity to accommodate six to eight people, the Coleman Evanston should be on your list. The primary material of this tent is a 75D taffeta polyester, a waterproof fabric. It also comes with a WeatherTec System with inverted seams and welded floors to help keep you dry. Moreover, this product has sturdy pole attachments that can prevent the rainfly and other parts of the tent from blowing when the wind is strong.
Aside from keeping you dry, this waterproof tent is also spacious. In fact, you can place two queen-sized air mattresses in the tent. It also has adequate ventilation, so you won’t feel cramped while inside it.
Another great feature of this tent is its screened porch that allows you to comfortably sit outside the tent without getting bitten by mosquitoes or bothered by flies. An added bonus is that you can set-up this tent within 15 minutes, thanks to its snag-free system and continuous pole sleeves.
One downside of the Coleman Evanston is that it can’t handle extreme heat or cold. Nonetheless, this tent will not only keep the water out when it’s raining, but it can also provide comfort and make your camping trip an enjoyable experience. The best part is that you can get this waterproof tent for an affordable price of less than $150.
NTK Cherokee GT
The NTK Cherokee GT has a measurement of 10 feet. x 12 feet, and a 6.1-foot center height. As such, this is a large tent that can house about eight to nine people.
For its materials, this tent is made of 190T PU laminated polyester fabric that has a 2500 mm waterproof rating. Aside from that, this tent also has a rainfly with stakes and guy lines to keep the tent dry and stable during stormy and windy days or nights. The flooring is made with anti-fungal polyethylene with a silver-coated inner layer that prevents leaks and keeps you dry.
Another notable feature of this product is its Ultra-thin NO-SEE-UM® polyester micro-mesh fabric that lets the fresh air in while keeping you safe from mosquitoes and other small insects. Lastly, this tent has a large D-shaped door for easy entry and exit.
Overall, the NTK Cherokee GT has a functional design with excellent waterproof and fireproof credentials. However, this tent is a bit heavy (18.7 pounds). Nonetheless, this weight is to be expected from a high-quality product made with heavy-duty materials.
For winter camping, be sure to invest in a reliable cold weather tent from our list.
Wenzel Klondike
Another large camping tent on this list is the Wenzel Klondike, which can accommodate five to eight people – five in its 98-square feet space, and three in the 60-square feet screen room. Aside from its wide space, this tent also has 6.5 feet of headroom, so you can comfortably stand inside the tent.
For its materials, this three-season tent is made with a water-resistant polyester fabric. It also has a rainfly that protects only the roof. Despite this, you can cover the large screened room to prevent the water from blowing in. Plus, this tent has double-stitched, lap-felled seams that can keep the water out. Aside from that, the tent has a bathtub-style flooring that prevents the moisture on the ground from entering the tent.
Another noteworthy feature of this product is its screened room, which you can also use as a living or storage area. By doing so, you can keep the dirt out of the sleeping area. Lastly, this tent also has a mesh roof and two large mesh windows that let the air in and keeps insects out.
Aside from the short rainfly, another drawback of this tent is its weight, which is 25 pounds. Nonetheless, this comes with a carrying bag, so you can easily carry it from your car to the camping site.
Eureka Copper Canyon
The Eureka Copper Canyon is a cabin-style tent that can accommodate a family of four. It has a height of seven feet, so you can comfortably stand and move inside the tent.
Aside from being spacious, this tent can also withstand a strong gust of winds thanks to its fiberglass and steel frame. The tent’s body is made with coated polyester, a waterproof and durable fabric. This tent also has a sturdy Stormshield polyester fly, but it only covers the roof. Nonetheless, the tent’s roof is arched, so you don’t have to worry about pooling or sagging. Another great feature of this product is its large windows and door, which provide superior ventilation.
Overall, the Eureka Copper Canyon doesn’t only have a great design, but it can also make you feel comfortable even when it’s raining. The best part is that you can assemble this tent easily. However, this product does have a few drawbacks. First, this tent is a bit heavy (23 pounds). Aside from that, the door only opens from one side. Nevertheless, these disadvantages are minor compared to the great features of this waterproof tent.
You may also be interested in these top beach tents from our list. Check them out.
Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow
If you’re in search of a tent that can accommodate four people, The Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow is an excellent choice. This tent is made with 100% duck canvas, which is breathable, waterproof, and moisture-wicking. For its flooring, this tent has a puncture-resistant vinyl that can keep the water out. Aside from that, this canvas tent can also endure fierce winds, thanks to its sturdy frame, which is made with spring steel rods and steel tube poles.
For ventilation, the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow has two funnel-flow vents that circulate air and aid in temperature management. The best part is that you won’t feel claustrophobic inside the tent, thanks to its 6-foot 1-inch ceiling height, four large windows, and two large D-shaped doors.
With its premium materials, the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow can definitely provide protection and comfort during a cold and rainy day. However, this product does have a few disadvantages. For one, this tent is heavy. Another drawback is the tent’s price, which is more than $450. Nevertheless, you’ll definitely get all your money’s worth because the Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow is one of the best four-season, waterproof tents available on the market.
Coleman Sundome Tent
The Coleman Sundome is a four-person tent that has a simple yet functional design. This two-season tent can resist rain due to its rainfly that covers the upper part of the tent. This tent also has a WaterTech System that provides complete protection against any weather. Moreover, its bottom is made with patented welded floors and inverted seams that can keep water out. This tent can also resist the wind due to its Insta Clip pole attachments.
Aside from its water-resistant properties, the Coleman Sundome also has superior ventilation, thanks to its Variflo ventilation system and Cool-Air vented ports. Another notable feature is the tent’s D-shaped door that allows you to enter and exit the tent with ease.
Although considered as a four-person tent, the Coleman Sundome tent can only comfortably fit two to three adults. This is especially true if you have a lot of gear and equipment. Aside from that, this tent is not designed to endure heavy rains and strong winds. Even so, this tent is an affordable, lightweight, and well-made product specifically designed to make your camping experience comfortable and enjoyable.
You will find more excellent options like this by checking out our guide to the top-rated multi-room tents from our list.
TETON Sports Mountain Ultra Tent
The TETON Sports Mountain Ultra is a freestanding, dome tent that can accommodate one to four people, depending on the size you pick. This tent can certainly resist groundwater and rain due to its seamless design. As you can imagine, the seams are the weakest points in most tents, so having a seamless design is a great quality for a waterproof tent. Aside from that, this tent has a rainfly with a 3000 mm waterproof rating. Plus, this product has an Oxford polyester footprint that prevents moisture from soaking through the floor during heavy rains.
And besides being an excellent waterproof tent, the TETON Sports Mountain Ultra also has micro-mesh walls that offer great ventilation while keeping the bugs out. It also has vestibules that provide additional space for your gear and other equipment. Finally, this tent is easy to assemble, which is good for new campers.
The TETON Sports Mountain Ultra is definitely a great product. However, this tent has a few disadvantages. One issue, in particular, is that it doesn’t have windows, which may affect the tent’s ventilation when the rainfly is placed over it. Aside from that, the bathtub floor could be a little higher to prevent water from entering the tent. Nonetheless, this product is still noteworthy, especially if you’re looking for a lightweight and budget-friendly tent.
For hassle-free set-up, be sure to purchase your favorite inflatable tent from our list.
MSR Hubba Hubba NX
The MSR Hubba Hubba is one of the most popular tents for backpacking. This is not surprising because this lightweight tent will not only provide optimum shelter on a rainy day, but it also offers a comfortable space for one to two persons.
The MSR Hubba Hubba has a Durashield™ coated rainfly and bathtub style floor. Its rainfly is also made of 20D Rip-stop nylon, a fabric that can handle heavy rains. This tent’s “StayDry” doors also have gutters that direct the water away while you go in and out of the tent.
The Hubba Hubba will also keep you feeling comfortable and secure during windy days, thanks to its tent’s super-strong stakes, poles, and guy lines. The best part is that this tent has a freestanding design that allows you to assemble it with ease.
The MSR Hubba Hubba is definitely an excellent product, but it has no windows. Even so, it has a 15D nylon mesh roof that is not only good for stargazing but for ventilation as well. Another downside for this product is its price, which is more than $300. You’ll also need to buy an additional footprint for optimum water-proofing.
You may also be interested in some of the most popular four season tents from our list. Don’t miss them.
Marmot Tungsten 3P
With its sleek and functional design, the Marmot Tungsten 3P is guaranteed to make your backpacking trip more comfortable. This tent is made of 68D polyester taffeta with a PU coated rainfly that ensures you stay dry during a rainy day. It also has a footprint. Both the floor and rainfly are seam-sealed to keep the water from entering the tent.
The Marmot Tungsten 3P has adequate ventilation due to its mesh canopy and two large doors. The mesh canopy can also keep you protected against small insects. Aside from that, this tent has vestibules where you can store your dry gear. Other notable features are color-coded clips and poles for easy set-up and a lampshade pocket that allows you to use a headlamp as a light source.
Although designed as a three-person tent, the Marmot Tungsten is not spacious enough for three adults. It can, however, comfortably house two people and possibly a child. Furthermore, it has no bathtub floor. Even so, this is still a noteworthy product, considering its sleek design and ability to withstand heavy rains and strong winds.
ALPS Mountaineering Lynx
The ALPS Mountaineering Lynx should be on your list if you’re in search of a budget-friendly, waterproof tent that can comfortably accommodate one person.
This tent has a floor and rainfly that are made of 75D taffeta polyester. The seams are sealed, so you are guaranteed that water won’t be able to enter your tent. Aside from that, this product also has aluminum poles, making it strong and durable against strong winds.
Another great feature of the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx is its vestibule and extra pockets that provide additional storage for your gear and other belongings. Lastly, this tent has a freestanding design that allows you to assemble it quickly and easily.
Overall, the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx is an excellent waterproof tent. However, this tent won’t be able to provide as much ventilation as some of the others on our list because it only has a half-mesh door and mesh panels at the front in. Nonetheless, this is still a remarkable product, considering its great features and affordable price (less than $100.)
Here are som of the best-selling backpacking tents, as well. Check them out.
