Best Waterproof Tents

Best Waterproof Tents For Solo Campers to Families 

Get the Best Waterproof Tent for a Comfortable Night’s Sleep

A waterproof tent will protect you and your gear from rain and ground moisture, which can be crucial for your safety and the longevity of your camping equipment. It also allows for greater flexibility in choosing when and where to camp, as you won’t be as limited by weather forecasts. Investing in a waterproof tent can enhance your overall outdoor experience, making it more enjoyable and worry-free, regardless of unexpected changes in the weather.

What are the 3 best waterproof tents for solo campers?

For solo campers seeking waterproof tents, a balance between protection from the elements, weight, and ease of setup is key. Here are three highly-rated waterproof tents that are suitable for solo camping:

MSR Hubba NX 1-Person Tent: The MSR Hubba NX is a favorite among solo backpackers due to its lightweight design and reliable weather protection. It features a durable ripstop nylon rainfly with a waterproof coating and taped seams to keep you dry. The tent also has a bathtub floor to prevent groundwater from seeping in and a strong pole structure to withstand wind. Its freestanding design makes it easy to set up and move around to find the perfect camp spot.

MSR Hubba NX 1-Person Tent

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1 Tent: This tent is designed for backpackers who need a lightweight yet robust shelter. The Copper Spur HV UL1 is made with high-quality, ultralight materials, including a silicone-treated nylon rainfly with a waterproof polyurethane coating. It has taped seams, a bathtub-style floor, and a full-coverage rainfly for comprehensive weather protection. The tent’s high-volume design provides ample headroom and space to sit up and move around.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL1 Tent

Nemo Hornet Ultralight Backpacking Tent: The Nemo Hornet is another excellent option for solo campers looking for a tent that is both lightweight and waterproof. It has a silicone-treated nylon rainfly with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish and taped seams to protect against rain. The tent also includes a bathtub floor and a single-pole construction for an easy setup. The Hornet is known for its innovative design that maximizes interior space while minimizing packed weight.

Nemo Hornet Ultralight Backpacking Tent

When choosing a waterproof tent for solo camping, consider where and when you’ll be camping, as well as how much weight you’re willing to carry. Each of these tents is designed to be packable and light, making them suitable for backpacking trips where weather protection and weight are critical considerations. Always check the latest models and read user reviews to ensure you get a tent that meets your specific needs, and remember to properly care for and maintain your tent to preserve its waterproof properties over time.

Best Waterproof Tent 2-Person

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2: This tent is popular among backpackers for its combination of low weight and roominess. It features a high-volume design that increases the usable interior space without adding weight. It’s also freestanding, easy to set up with two doors and two vestibules, which is a great feature for two people.

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2: The MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 is another top choice for two-person tents. It’s known for its durability, lightweight, and spacious interior. This tent also has two doors and vestibules, providing convenient access and storage space. It’s versatile and performs well in three seasons.

MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2

 

REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus: This tent is a bit heavier than the other two but is known for its durability and spacious interior, making it a great option for car camping or shorter backpacking trips. The “Plus” model offers extra length and width for more comfort, and the tent has two doors and vestibules.

REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent with Footprint

Best Waterproof Tent 4-Person

REI Co-op Kingdom 4P: This tent is known for its spacious interior and high ceiling, making it comfortable for families and groups. The vertical walls maximize livable space, and the tent includes a room divider for privacy. It also features large doors and vestibules for storage. The Kingdom 4 is well-suited for car camping due to its larger packed size and heavier weight.

REI Co-op Kingdom 4P

Coleman Sundome 4P: The Coleman Sundome series is known for providing good value. It’s easy to set up this tent, and the inside is big enough for a roomy sleeping experience. The unique welded floors and inverted seams help keep water out as part of the WeatherTec system that made it. The Sundome 4 is a more budget-friendly option, making it a popular choice for casual campers.

Coleman Sundome 4P

Marmot Halo 4P: This tent is praised for its durability and roominess. The Halo 4P features a unique pole structure that provides ample headroom and living space, making it comfortable for four people. It has two doors and two vestibules, offering convenient access and extra storage. The tent is also well-ventilated and made with high-quality materials, suitable for three-season camping.

Marmot Halo 4P

Best Waterproof Tent 6-Person

Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent with Screen Room: This tent is popular for its spacious design, including a separate screen room that can be used for additional sleeping space or as a bug-free lounging area. It features Coleman’s WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to help keep water out. The WeatherMaster is designed with a strong frame to withstand winds and has an easy setup process, making it a solid choice for family camping trips.

 

Coleman WeatherMaster 6-Person Tent with Screen RoomREI Co-op Base Camp 6 Tent: Known for its durability and robust construction, the REI Base Camp 6 is well-suited for extended camping trips in various weather conditions. It has a geodesic dome design that helps resist high winds, and its spacious interior includes multiple storage pockets and a large vestibule for gear. This tent also features excellent ventilation and is relatively easy to set up for its size.

REI Co-op Base Camp 6 Tent

The North Face Wawona 6: This tent has garnered attention for its spacious design and ease of use. It features a large vestibule that provides additional space for gear storage or a sheltered sitting area. The Wawona 6 is designed with a full mesh top, which allows for excellent ventilation and stargazing opportunities on clear nights. It also includes a durable, waterproof fly and a sturdy frame to withstand various weather conditions. The tent’s interior is roomy with plenty of headroom, and it has several pockets for organizing small items. This tent is a good fit for families and groups looking for a reliable and comfortable camping experience.

The North Face Wawona 6

Best Waterproof Tent 8-Person

Coleman Montana 8-Person Tent: The Coleman Montana tent is shaped like a cabin and has an extended door awning that provides a dry area to get inside and store gear. There is plenty of space inside the tent for three queen-size air beds. Coleman’s unique corner welds and inverted seams help keep water out, and the frame is made to be stronger and more responsive to heavy wind conditions.

Coleman Montana 8-Person Tent

REI Co-op Kingdom 8 Tent: This tent is known for its roomy interior and high ceiling, making it comfortable for standing and moving around. The Kingdom 8 has a large door, multiple storage options, and a room divider to create separate living and sleeping spaces. It also includes a bug-proof mesh and a weatherproof rainfly with vestibules for extra storage. The tent’s vertical walls maximize livable space, making it a great option for larger groups.

REI Co-op Kingdom 8 Tent

Eureka! Copper Canyon LX 8-Person Tent: The Eureka! Copper Canyon LX is a cabin-style tent with near-vertical walls that maximize interior space, allowing most people to stand up inside. It features a durable steel and fiberglass frame, a large D-style door for easy access, and windows on all sides for ventilation and views. The tent also includes an extended fly for additional weather protection and a zippered E! Power Port to bring an electrical power cord inside the tent.

Eureka! Copper Canyon LX 8-Person Tent

Best Cabin Tents for Families 

Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent: The Ozark Trail Dark Rest tents are known for their innovative design that blocks out sunlight, allowing for a darker interior that can help family members sleep longer in the morning. This 10-person instant cabin tent features pre-attached poles for a swift and straightforward setup process, often taking only a couple of minutes to erect.

Ozark Trail 10-Person Dark Rest Instant Cabin Tent

Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent: This tent is known for its quick setup, with pre-attached telescoping poles that allow for the tent to be fully assembled in just a few minutes. It’s advertised for nine people, but for a family, this means extra space for comfort and storage. The tent features room dividers, large windows, and an advanced venting system to keep the air circulating.

Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent

Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent: The Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe is a robust cabin-style tent made from high-quality, Hydra-Shield, 100% cotton duck canvas, which makes it durable and watertight yet breathable. This tent is well-regarded for its ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds.

Kodiak Canvas Flex-Bow Deluxe 8-Person Tent

9 Key Features of a Good Waterproof Tent

When looking for a good waterproof tent, there are several key features you should consider to ensure you stay dry and comfortable in wet weather conditions. Here are some of the most important aspects to look for:

  1. Quality Materials: The tent fabric should be made of durable materials that have been treated with waterproof coatings. Common materials include polyester or nylon with coatings such as polyurethane (PU), silicone, or a combination of both (sil/poly). Higher-denier fabrics tend to be more durable and water-resistant.
  2. Waterproof Rating: Check the waterproof rating of the tent material, usually measured in millimeters (mm). This rating indicates how much water the fabric can withstand before leaking. A higher number means better water resistance. For example, a 1500mm rating is generally good for most conditions, while a 3000mm rating or higher is excellent for more extreme weather.
  3. Taped or Sealed Seams: Where tent fabric panels are stitched together, there are potential entry points for water. Good waterproof tents have seams that are taped or heat-sealed to prevent water from seeping through these stitch holes.
  4. Bathtub Floor: A bathtub floor means that the waterproof material of the tent floor extends several inches up the sides of the tent before it meets the tent walls. This design prevents water from entering at the ground level, especially in standing water.
  5. Rainfly: A full-coverage rainfly is essential for heavy rain protection. It should cover the entire tent, including the doors and windows, and extend close to the ground. Some tents come with a partial rainfly, which offers less protection but better ventilation.
  6. Ventilation: Proper ventilation reduces condensation inside the tent, which can be just as problematic as rain penetration. Look for tents with venting options like roof vents, door vents, or vestibule vents that can be opened even during rain to allow moisture to escape.
  7. Durable Zippers: Zippers should have storm flaps or be covered with fabric to prevent water from seeping through. They should also be made of high-quality materials to withstand repeated use without failing.
  8. Strong Frame: A robust pole structure will help the tent withstand wind and prevent water from pooling on the rainfly, which can lead to leaks.
  9. Quick and Easy Setup: In inclement weather, you’ll want to set up your tent quickly to avoid exposure. Look for tents with a simple and intuitive design that can be pitched without.

Tent Maintenance and Storage Tips

Maintaining and storing your tent correctly is important to make sure it lasts as long as possible and stays reliably waterproof for your camping trips. Here are some ways to take care of your tent:

Cleaning:

  • To keep your tent clean, give it a light wash after each trip. To clean up any spots, wet a sponge with cold water and soap that doesn’t have any detergent in it. Don’t use harsh cleaners on the waterproof coverings because they can damage them.
  • If you want to protect your tent, you should never wash it in a machine that can wear off the waterproof coating.

Drying:

  • Make sure your tent is completely dry before putting it away. Place it somewhere with good air flow or hang it up until all the water has drained. Mold and mildew can grow on a tent that is wet or damp and then stored. This can damage the cloth and make it smell bad.

Storage:

  • Store your tent in a cool and dry place. Avoid compressing it into its stuff sack for long-term storage, as this can crease the fabric and put stress on the seams and folds. Use a larger storage bag or a dedicated shelf or drawer.
  • UV rays can damage the fabric over time, so keep the tent out of direct sunshine for long periods of time.
  • Make sure mice and other rodents can’t burrow or chew through your stored tent.

Repairs:

  • Regularly check your tent for any damage or signs of wear. If your tent has small holes or tears, you can fix them with a tent repair patch or glue open seams. Addressing issues promptly can prevent them from worsening.
  • Check the tent poles and replace any that are bent or broken. Also, ensure that the shock cord running through the poles is in good condition.

Seam Sealing:

  • Over time, the seam tape or sealant may deteriorate. You may need to reapply seam sealer to maintain waterproofness. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying new seam sealer.

Re-waterproofing:

  • If your tent starts to absorb water rather than repel it (a phenomenon known as “wetting out”), you may need to reapply a water-repellent treatment. Use products specifically designed for tent fabrics, and follow the application instructions carefully.

Zippers:

  • Keep the zippers clean and lubricated. Dirt and debris can cause the zipper to stick or malfunction. Use a silicone-based lubricant designed for use on tent zippers.

Pole Care:

  • When assembling and disassembling your tent, do so gently to avoid snapping poles. Start from the middle when folding poles to evenly distribute the tension.

Summary

Buying a waterproof tent is beneficial because it offers reliable protection from rain and wet conditions, enhancing comfort and safety during outdoor activities. These tents are versatile, allowing for camping in diverse weather, and are typically more durable than non-waterproof options. They provide peace of mind, protect your gear, and can improve sleep quality by keeping the interior dry. Additionally, a waterproof tent can preserve its value over time, making it a sound investment for adventurous RVers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Charley Waters

I've traveled to 49 states and 3 provinces in Canada living in my RV full-time over many years. I've stayed just about everywhere possible. National parks, state parks, parking lots, BLM land, Independent RV parks and friends and family's driveways. I lived through a crazy Derecho windstorm in Iowa. I got stuck in a winter freeze in Texas.

Living on the road in your RV can be challenging at times. But the good times make up for the bad. I'm here to share my experience and help fellow RVers good decisions while enjoying the great outdoors and vast camping opportunities this country has to offer.

View stories

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll Up