Best Waterproof Tents for Camping in Rain & Wind

Searching for the best waterproof tents for camping? I can relate! Whether you’re an avid camper or someone who camps once in a while, everyone completely understands how important it is to include one of the best waterproof tents as part of your gear.

Outdoor-loving travelers are always in search of the latest hiking essentials and the most efficient pieces of equipment. On top of this, if you’re planning outdoor travel in winter or during wet weather, a waterproof tent is beyond essential!

Regardless of the season, no one wants to be in a leaky tent during a rainstorm or wake up to a soggy sleeping bag!

In this detailed guide, I’ve rounded up a wide selection of the best waterproof tents for camping that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. With the right gear, camping is a lot of fun no matter what the weather brings.

Top Features of Waterproof Tents

Purchasing any tent is a big decision. After all, it can make or break your entire camping experience! After a single bad camping experience at Acadia National Park where rain soaked through my tent, I vowed to NEVER let them happen again.

If you’re a camping beginner, you might not want to spend a lot on a waterproof tent until you’re sure that taking a camping trip is something you’ll want to continue doing year after year.

If you’re a total outdoor enthusiast, you’re likely not buying something for short-term use and you’re not opposed to spending a bit more to get a waterproof tent that lasts for many camping trips to come.

Regardless of which one you are, it’s important to invest in tents that are waterproof and can be used throughout the year, no matter the elements.

Below are some of the top features that I recommend you look for in a waterproof camping tent.

Quality Waterproof Materials

Material is a huge factor in determining how waterproof your tent is. Also, keep in mind that often price determines quality. Generally, cheap tent fabric can break easier, and allow leaks. But mostly, the waterproof factor with less expensive tents may wear out over time.

The best waterproof tents should have:

• Laminated polyester fabric, water-resistant polyester fabric, coated polyester, duck canvas (which is breathable, waterproof, and moisture-wicking), or coated nylon
• Water-resistant zippers
• Waterproof tent floor material, also known as a bathtub floor
• Rain fly to go over your tent
• A strong frame with aluminum poles that can withstand heavy winds

ProTip: To ensure the product lasts longer, clean your tent regularly to prevent it from getting too dusty and dirty.

A Solid Waterproof Rating

Your tent will need to withstand rain, windy conditions, and possibly hail – if you find yourself in some unlucky conditions. Good quality, lightweight materials, like aluminum poles, will secure your tent against winds.

But understanding the waterproof rating of the tents you’re considering is paramount. Don’t worry, though, I’m going to simplify the technical gear specifications so that you know exactly what to look for without ending up in a rabbit hole!

All waterproof camping tents come with a waterproof rating. This rating helps you understand how much water pressure the tent material can withstand before allowing drops of water to seep inside. Sometimes, you’ll see this referred to as the tent’s “HH” rating, which stands for hydrostatic head rating.

This HH rating measures the degree of water resistance the tent showed when tested. However, keep in mind, real-world conditions (i.e. torrential rain and wind) can alter how much a tent withstand.

This rating is measured in millimeters and has a range from 1,000-10,000. The higher the rating, the more water the tent’s fabric has shown it can resist.

In general, a tent and rain fly with a 3,000mm rating and a strong waterproof bathtub floor will keep you dry in most rainy weather. For more extreme wet weather conditions, you’ll need a waterproof tent with a higher rating.

Most waterproof tents that are less expensive typically have a minimal waterproof rating, for example, 1,500mm. These tents can keep you dry in lighter rain but, keep in mind, that this is just over the mark of what is considered waterproof.

Tents with a spacious will provide you with more freedom to spend leisure time inside the tent if weather conditions are not favorable.

It may come as a surprise to you, but a lot of high-quality tents are even coated with UV protection, to increase the UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). Look out for this, too.

Ventilation

A section on ventilation may seem counterintuitive given that you want to keep the rain out. However, if you’ve ever spent a couple of nights in a tent, you’ll know that they tend to get wet from condensation and morning dew.

Roofs that can let in the air when you want and mesh windows provide you with good ventilation and air circulation to help dry any dampness in your tent.

Also, if the weather is bad and you’ve got no choice but to stay indoors, you’ll appreciate a tent with good ventilation, especially when it’s humid.

And, this applies to camping in the summertime, too. Even when it may be dry and sunny, tents store a lot of heat, which can lead to an uncomfortable night of sleep.

High-quality tents, like the ones listed below, can also be built with added air vents to provide extra ventilation.

Quick Set-Up

If you’ve planned an extended trip with the hopes of venturing from one place to another, you’re going to want a tent that’s easy to set up. Easy-to-assemble pins and frames can end up saving you time and effort.

Not to mention, how quickly you can set up your tent matters, even more, when it’s raining! In a downpour, there’s nothing more frustrating than getting soaked because of a tent that takes too long to set up.

So when selecting a tent for your camping trip, prioritize ease of assembly as a crucial factor. Investing in a tent with intuitive setup mechanisms can enhance your overall camping experience

Portable and Lightweight

This is particularly important for regular hikers who spend nights out in nature. While many portable tents exist, finding one that’s lightweight is key. A lightweight tent is much more comfortable for long treks and can be less strenuous on your back.

Having a compact tent also helps when you’re packing for a road trip. Large and bulky gear takes up more space in the car and can leave children and pets squished in the back.

5 Best Waterproof Camping Tents Reviewed

With all these factors in mind, it’s clear that water-resistant tents can transform, if not save, your entire camping experience.

Let’s take a look at the best water-resistant and weatherproof tents for various seasons, landscapes, and campers. Below, you’ll find 5 highly rated tents, each one providing unique features to suit the needs of different travelers.

Best Waterproof Tent: Coleman Skydome Tent

It comes as no surprise that the Coleman Skydome Tent is the best option if you’re looking for waterproof tents. Outdoor enthusiasts know and love the Coleman tent collection, given that it has built up a reputation for supplying affordable, durable, and customer-friendly products.

This tent has 4 variations in sizes, you can get any of the 2-person, 4-person, 6-person, or 8-person depending on your preferences. It’s seriously comfortable for couples, solo travelers, and families. It has 20% more headroom than traditional Coleman dome tents which is perfect if you don’t want to be crouching down so much inside the tent.

One thing I absolutely love about this tent is the mesh storage pockets and gear loft, which allows you to organize small items and clear up the interior for a more comfortable space.

This particular tent is made from nylon and it’s weatherproof. It’s equipped with Coleman’s WeatherTec™ system featuring inverted tent seams and welded corners that act as barriers to keep rain and water from getting in. As an added bonus, the tent includes a rainfly that offers extra weather protection.

It’s also made with a strong and tested frame that can withstand wind speeds up to 35 mph. With added vented ports, you’ll also be kept dry and cool when it’s most needed.

Setting up the tent for the first time was a breeze. However, I recommend giving it a trial run before heading to the campsite to familiarize yourself with the setup process. Once you’ve got the hang of it, assembly is a piece of cake, and you’ll appreciate the simplicity when it comes time to pitch your tent outdoors.

When it comes time to pack up camp, tearing down the tent is just as easy as setting it up. Within 5-10 minutes, the tent folds up neatly and fits back into the carrying bag with minimal effort. It has the rods already attached to the corners of the tent and it has a springy cord that connects each segment, making the final rods easier to assemble.

While you may encounter some difficulty re-rolling the tent to fit it back into the bag, it was a minor inconvenience that you’ll get the hang of doing along the way compared to the overall ease of use and functionality of the tent.

Coleman Skydome Tent Features:

• 5-minute quick setup
• 20% more headroom from the nearly vertical walls
• Compact size
• Weather protection featuring tub-like floor, welded corners, and inverted seams

Best Waterproof Family Tent: NTK Laredo GT 8 to 9 Person

The NTK Laredo Tent is a top choice for those who love camping trips with family and friends. Although this tent has a spacious interior, two people can easily get the job done when it comes to setting it up.

To give you an idea as to how big the tent is, a 6’2″ person would be able to stand up comfortably in here. When it comes to sleeping arrangements, you can easily fit 8 to 9 people. The tent can fit up to three double mattresses and two twin beds, so there’s plenty of space for friends and family.

For rainy days, this spacious tent is equipped with a polyurethane-coated polyester, with a 2500 mm water column. The floor has been designed with a bathtub-style construction, which stops bodies of water from flowing into your tent.

On sunnier days, the UV protection material will protect the tent from sun damage. The rainfly can be removed to enjoy the warmth outside, with the mesh vents allowing adequate ventilation.

When it comes to the frame, there are 6 nano-flex fiberglass rods. These will ensure that the whole family stays safe against strong winds. And your tent won’t get blown away if you’re away from the campsite.

A few drawbacks worth mentioning. Firstly, while the tent is excellent for rain protection, it lacks breathability when the rainfly is on, limiting airflow. The underside rainfly is essential to make the tent more durable, as it ties to the tent poles and secures the tent in place. This means that the entire mesh top portion of the ceiling, which would allow airflow and provide a view of the stars at night, is covered.

However, if you’re confident the weather will stay dry overnight, you could roll up the sides of the rainfly to allow for more airflow and a view of the night sky.

NTK Ladero Tent Features:

• Color-coded poles for easy assemble
• Many pockets to store gear and provide extra storage
• Heavy-duty anti-fungus coating
• Mosquito mesh
• Large doors for easy access and outdoor views
• Lifetime replacement of poles

Best Waterproof Tent for Heavy Rain: NTK Cherokee GT

Built for family vacations and can withstand heavy downfall, the NTK Cherokee GT is a tent that’s not only easy to set up but also extremely spacious.

Equipped with two doors for convenient access, this tent accommodates up to 9 people comfortably, making it ideal for large families or group outings. Plus, the included room divider offers added privacy when needed.

The tent is made out of 100% waterproof polyester, which has been laminated with polyurethane. The fancy words simply mean that it’s 100% waterproof, and actually has a 2500mm water protection rating!

Aside from the waterproof fabric, the tent has a rainfly that is grounded with guy lines and stakes. This will keep the tent stable, secure, and dry during bad weather and strong winds.

Breathability is key to comfort during camping trips, and the NTK Cherokee GT delivers with its ultra-thin mesh layer that promotes airflow while keeping pesky insects at bay. Also, the seamless, anti-fungal polyethylene floor provides an additional layer of defense against leaks.

Overall, this sturdy, durable tent is the best fit if you do a lot of your camping in places with varying and unpredictable weather patterns. It’s one of the best tents for heavy rain.

NTK Cherokee GT Tent Features:

• Nano-flex technology frame
• Breathable micro-mosquito mesh
• Heavy-duty anti-fungus flooring
• Double-layer full-coverage rainfly
• Sturdy frame to withstand strong rains

Best Tent for Rain – Budget-Friendly: Coleman Camping Sundome Tent

Finding a reliable, durable rainproof tent that is also affordable is hard to come by. Often, cheap tents make a whole lot of promises that they can’t live up to. But luckily for you, this is one of the best tents for rain and wind, which also happens to be budget-friendly.

The Coleman Sundome Tent protects you from the elements while backpacking or camping. The ventilation system within the tent keeps you cool and comfortable, while also enhancing airflow.

The strong frame of the tent has been tried and tested and proved to withstand winds of up to 35mph. The durable frame is an added bonus for protection against rain. With welded corners, inverted seams, and an extra rainfly, the tent is well-equipped to prevent water from entering your living space.

As well as being budget-friendly, the Coleman tent has a roomy interior and is easily able to fit one queen-size air mattress. With 9×7 feet of space, the tent has enough space to store and organize all of your essential hiking clothing.

While you’re enjoying relaxing on the mattress, you’ll be happy to know that the E-Port allows for easy access to electrical power inside the tent.

Although it has an excellent value for the price, you might want to consider purchasing stronger tent stakes especially if you’re planning to camp in a place with unpredictable weather. Another drawback of this tent is that it lacks additional attachment points to keep it stable from strong winds.

Overall, the Coleman Sundome Tent is an excellent choice if you’re a budget-conscious camper who is looking for a spacious, weatherproof camping tent.

Coleman Sundome Tent Features:

• Easy to set up and great for beginners – set-up time of 10 minutes
• Affordable, with a 1-year warranty
• WeatherTec™ system’s welded corners
• E-Port for use of electricals
• Rainfly adds extra waterproof protection
• Ventilation to enhance airflow

Best Tent for Rain and Backpacking: MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent

More often than not, a smaller-sized tent will work perfectly, but especially when you’re backpacking and every ounce matters. The MSR Hubba Hubba NX is hard to beat when it comes to selecting a reliable waterproof camping tent.

The impressive Xtreme Shield waterproof coating is what really seals the deal for this tent. The coating will last up to 3 times longer than your average waterproof tent. With the super-strength stakes and pole, you’ll be comfortable during storms and high winds.

The Hubba Hubba is complete with a Durasheild coated rainfly, with rip-stop nylon, so it’s well prepared to handle heavy rainfall. The “StayDry” doors are another great feature, stopping water from entering whenever you go in and out of your tent.

One of the downsides to this product is that it has no windows. But that’s just part of the tent being small in size. To make up for the lack of windows, the tent has a mesh roof that helps ventilate inside and offers star-gazing opportunities right from your sleeping bag. This will also come in handy when the weather is good and you’re looking to let in some sunshine.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that this may have a slightly heavier weight compared to other small-sized tent models.

If you’re traveling with a companion, it might be wise to split the weight between yourselves to make transportation more manageable. However, this heavier weight is a testament to the tent’s durability and sturdiness, ensuring that it won’t let you down even in strong winds and adverse weather conditions.

MSR Hubba Hubba NX Features:

• Lightweight and portable
• Built-in rain gutters and large stay-dry door
• Easy set-up and pack-up features
• Ultra-compact compression sack
• Pockets in the interior for extra storage
• Enough space to sleep 3 people comfortably

Best Tent for Family Camping in All Seasons: TETON Sports Canvas Tent

When it comes to camping in all kinds of weather, from sunny, rainy, windy, or even snowy conditions, having a reliable shelter is beyond important. The TETON Sports Canvas Tent truly shines among other family camping tents. I’ve tried a few of their sleeping bags and always appreciated the high quality of the products, which is no different from this family camping tent.

The tent features a waterproof canvas which is ideal for all-season camping. It’s not just about staying dry during a downpour; it also retains heat when paired with a heater during cold weather. Additionally, the tent features mesh windows that allow fresh air to flow in while providing views of the surrounding landscape.

One of the standout features of this tent is its oversized front and back doors.

Not only do the double doors make the tent more accessible, but they also create a sense of openness and spaciousness. If you’re 6 feet tall or around that range, there’s no more crouching or stooping to move around the tent. Plus, it has 2 lofts and 2 pocket organizers that come in handy to make organizing a breeze.

The tent is estimated to fit up to 8 people but if you have a lot of gear and supplies around, there might be limited space for 6 people.

The obvious downside of this tent is that it’s really heavy, weighing more than 34 kilograms so it might require a team lift to move it around. But it also proves that this tent is heavy duty with the canvas being the heaviest component, in addition to the steel poles and stakes. Given this, this is absolutely not the tent for backpackers!

Setting up the tent by one person is easily manageable, but having 2 people would speed up the setup.

One feature you’ll appreciate is the thick, rubberized floor, which is highly durable even without using a footprint underneath.

Camping Tent Features:

• Weatherproof canvas material
• Extra-high ceiling with large awning
• Extra wide doors
• Quick and easy setup

Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL

When it comes to backpacking outdoor adventures, having a tent that offers complete freedom is essential. That’s why the Big Agnes Copper Spur Tent stands out. This fully freestanding tent is a game-changer in terms of convenience and portability.

One of the standout features of the Copper Spur Tent is its two large “awning” vestibules, expanding the living space and easy access. Another impressive feature of this tent is that the taut and flat sides are held to the ground, which eliminates any flapping, sagging, or wrinkles commonly seen in other tents. Plus, its miniature car camping dome tent design is a game-changer for backpackers looking for convenience without sacrificing quality.

The Copper Spur Tent’s fully freestanding design eliminates the need for corner stakes, making setup a breeze even in challenging terrain. The extra weight is well worth it for the added headroom and peace of mind knowing that the tent will stay secure in any environment. It also has an excellent ventilation system, so even on humid nights, you’ll wake up refreshed without any condensation on the tent walls.

The inner overhead pockets of the tent are a thoughtful addition, providing a convenient storage space for your items, keeping them out of the weather and away from the elements. This allows for maximizing space and comfort inside the tent without feeling cramped or disorganized.

And when it comes to its strength as a waterproof tent? The Big Agnes Copper Spur sheds rain with the help of its rainfly, durable fabric, and bent span pole.

But the tent’s packed size may be a bit large for some. By carrying the poles and stakes on the outside of your pack and stowing the tent itself inside, you can effectively make the most of your valuable space.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Features:

• Freestanding structure
• Awning-style large vestibule for weather-resistance
• Ultralight backpacking tent
• Oversized ceiling pocket

Best Lightweight Backpacking Tent: Marmot Crane Creek Camping Tent

Another backpacking companion on this list of best waterproof tents is the Marmot Crane Creek Camping Tent, perfect for 1-2 campers. For solo backpackers, it offers ample space and comfort. While it may feel snug for 2 people, it’s still acceptable with minimal baggage.

The tent is fully waterproof with a seam-taped floor to prevent leaks and a full-coverage polyester fly. Installing the rainfly is simple and doesn’t hinder the ventilation too much. This waterproof tent offers excellent protection during common rainstorms.

The rainfly’s snap-on design allows for quick and effortless attachment, perfect for unpredictable weather conditions. The mesh roof covers half of the tent making it 100% well-ventilated without the rainfly allowing you to gaze at the stars on clear nights.

Inside the tent, you’ll find five pouches, including one on the ceiling, providing convenient storage solutions for small items. Additionally, the inclusion of felt hooks and a plastic hook allows for easy hanging of gear and accessories. The storage allows you to maximize the space inside the tent.

To extend the lifespan of your Marmot Crane Creek tent and enhance its durability, you have the option to purchase the footprint separately. Although it’s not included in the initial price of the tent, investing in a footprint offers protection for the tent tub, to prevent wear and tear from rough terrain, moisture, and debris.

The only downside of this tent is that it isn’t exactly that light and it can get bulky if you’re backpacking. Without the rainfly, it’s a bit lighter but eliminates an essential component to protect against rain.

Marmot Crane Creek Camping Tent Features:

• Waterproof polyester material for great ventilation
• 7000 series aluminum poles
• D-shaped doors and spacious storage
• Freestanding

Summary of the Best Waterproof Tent

Beyond just a simple rainfly protecting your camping tent, the materials that make up your tent need to be waterproof. Not all tents are created equally. Different fibers, materials, and frameworks can transform a tent’s weather effectiveness dramatically.

If you’re still deciding which waterproof camping tent is right for you, start by looking at the quality of the materials. Ask yourself if it:

• Can it withstand strong rain and winds?
• Will it last a good few years?

I can attest that nothing is worse than soaking clothes and gear from a leaky tent! It’s happened to me and I’m hoping this guide will ensure it never happens to you!

At the end of the day, you’ll be thankful that you took the time to analyze your choices and select a waterproof tent that works well for you and your outdoor adventures.

Which of these best waterproof tents for camping are you considering?

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