Top-Rated Buyer’s Guide: Best Waterproof Tents

Rilor Staff
Update: September 7, 2020
Table of Contents

Whether you like it or not, the best waterproof tent is exceptionally essential. There are myriads of applications that would require the service of this particular tent. 

Nobody wants to find themselves drenched overnight, or see their camping gears damp and soggy. That alone ruins the overall camping experience. Below are some of the most exceptional waterproof tents that you can see in the market. 

Best Waterproof Tent Reviews

1. Coleman Evanston Dome Tent with Screen Room - Editor's Pick

I always consider that Coleman Evanston as one of the reliable choices for a waterproof tent. It is made from polyester fabric with a waterproof coating to ensure that water won't be able to pass through it. Coleman tents have a reputation for quality in stitching.

It also features inverted seams and welded corners to further protect it from water breaches. Even if it is pouring hard outside, the tent will be impervious to water leaks. 

Aside from these components, the Evanston also features a broad rainfly, which provided added weather protection. You can also appreciate the fact that the windows of this tent have awnings, which prevent the water from pouring directly to the tent. The awnings also optimize air circulation. 

The weather protection of Evanston is also seen on its spacious screen room. The extra ventilation that it provides doesn't mean that the bugs can come in freely. 

Meanwhile, the frame of this tent is extra sturdy and durable. The poles have been engineered so that it can be tough and responsive to unruly external conditions, such as strong winds.

It is also interesting that the zipper of this tent is covered by a cuff, which is made from weather-resistant fabric. Rainwater and heat will not be able to damage the zipper's quality. 

Pros:

  • Made from waterproof fabric
  • Comes with a full-coverage rainfly
  • Doors and windows have awnings
  • Fully welded floors eliminated stitch holes
  • Properly ventilated construction

Cons:

  • It is difficult to clean

2. Coleman Sundome Tent - Runner-Up

It is quite amazing that Coleman does really live up to its name as one of the premier manufacturers of outdoor gears and equipment. A proof of this is their plethora of high-quality weatherproof tents such as the Sundome. 

The Sundome, in particular, is a definitive choice for hiking and trekking expeditions. Aside from its durability, the tent can provide utmost protection against various external elements, including rain and moisture.

The WeatherTec System of this tent keeps it from being flimsy against the weather. It has fully covered seams and welded corners so that rain won't be able to perforate it. You will remain dry as long as you remain inside this tent.

Moreover, the fabric used in this tent is also rugged and fully dense. It has been treated with waterproof protection so that water droplets and moisture won't seep inside. 

An additional rainfly further ensures that the Sundome is a weatherproof tent. It does not only protect you from the rain, but also against the heat of the sun. 

The capability of this tent to withstand strong winds is quite impressive, too. The frame is rated to withstand winds of up to 35 miles per hour. 

Pros:

  • Features ground vents and large windows for enhanced airflow
  • Includes a full-coverage rainfly
  • Seams are fully covered while the corners are fully welded
  • Tested to withstand strong winds
  • Quick installation and pitching

Cons:

  • Not suitable for winter and extremely cold conditions

3. Bessport Waterproof Camping Tent - Budget-Friendly Pick

The Bessport Camping Tent is a great waterproof tent for solo or dual campers. This one has a streamlined and compact design that makes it easy to pack and pitch 

The tent is tailored for hiking and trekking purposes. It is great for tough expeditions due to its tear-resistant, waterproof fabric. It will keep you protected and dry at the same time. 

Despite being a two-person tent, it still has enough space to accommodate your outdoor gears. It has two D-shaped doors for better accessibility. 

Interestingly, it also has two vestibules that provide extra external space where you can lounge.

The seams of this tent are taped to prevent water droplets and moisture from coming in. The corners are fully covered, too, ensuring that you have an impregnable barrier against rainwater. 

It is quite notable that the welded floor has an elevated design, which prevents you from getting in contact with the wet surface. Meanwhile, its rainfly extends away from the tent, ensuring that area in your tent will not be flooded by water. 

Pros:

  • Frame construction is designed to tackle strong winds
  • Fully welded corners and flooring
  • Fabric is rugged and waterproof
  • Ventilation is pretty comprehensive
  • Comes with durable stakes and guylines

Cons:

  • Surprisingly heavy for its size

4. Marmot Thor 2P Tent - Premium Choice

Marmot Thor 2P Tent
  • Internal guyline system boosts structural integrity in high winds and under heavy snow conditions
  • Seam-taped, full-coverage rainfly has a spacious vestibule and 2 vents; poled vestibule adds extra volume for stashing gear, cooking or lacing boots
  • 2 D-shaped doors with jingle-free nylon zipper pulls offer easy access for multiple occupants
  • Marmot Knees pole system creates near-vertical walls for additional usable space
  • Seam-taped catenary cut floor provides a tight pitch and a generous interior

The Marmot Thor 2P Tent is a tough guy that can easily fend off water and other harsh external elements. After all, it is a 4-season tent that features ultra-rugged, weather-resistant construction. 

The fabric of this tent is a combination of highly durable materials. Specifically, it features the integration of a nylon no-see-um mesh to 40-denier ripstop nylon. Such a construction enables the tent to become one of the preferred choices of mountaineers and serious hiking enthusiasts. 

Of course, this unit is far from being a run-of-the-mill option. It features an ergonomic internal guyline system that adds to the structural stability of the tent when facing heavy precipitation and strong winds. 

It is also equipped with a seam-taped rainfly that provides full protection against rain. A roomy vestibule guarantees that you have a covered external space where you can stash your gear and do some cooking. 

Upon checking this tent, I noticed that its pole system had been stretched vertically. Because of this design, the tent is able to erect in an almost vertical position, which, in turn, maximizes the internal space. 

Meanwhile, the catenary cut floor is seam-taped to prevent groundwater and moisture from entering. It also contributes to providing usable space inside the tent. 

Pros:

  • Highly stable construction regardless of the season
  • Integrated with accessible large D-shaped doors with nylon zippers
  • Includes a large and spacious vestibule
  • Comes with a rugged and full coverage rainfly
  • Floor and corners are welded

Cons:

  • Slightly pricey

5. CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent

Another great waterproof tent that you can opt is the CORE Instant Cabin Tent. This one is the perfect choice if you are going to camp with a large group.

The tent offers the proprietary H20 Block Technology of CORE. Specifically, this technology features heat-sealed seams to the integrated rainfly of the tent, ensuring that no water droplets will pass through it. 

The 68-denier polyester fabric used in this tent is indeed reliable. It is not only rugged and wear-resistant but also ensures that moisture and rainwater are fully deflected. 

You can also rely on the structural integrity of its flooring. It is free from any seams, and the corners were welded to ensure that groundwater and other elements won't come in.

Ventilation is pretty great with this cabin tent from CORE. A large T-door on its side enables quick access to the tent while ensuring that air will quickly come and circulate inside. Meanwhile, its windows are equipped with mesh to prevent the entry of insects and other large debris. 

Pros:

  • Stable and weather-resistant frame
  • Spacious and organized interior space
  • Tailored with large meshed windows and door
  • Interior height allows the standing position
  • Quick and hassle-free installation process

Cons:

  • It is heavy

How To Choose The Best Waterproof Tent

Don't ever think that all tents have the same level of waterproofing. That's not actually the case here. Otherwise, you can just pick any tent that you want!

Of course, there's a particular need for you to prepare for the weather inclement and inundations. When the precipitation suddenly pours at you while you are camping, it's important that your tent for rain is capable of keeping you and your items dry. 

At this point, some of you might still be wondering what makes a tent waterproof. To answer that, the following factors should be considered first. 

Fabric Rating 

Keep in mind that polyester fabric is not waterproof. Most of the commercial tents today are made from this material; hence, you should never expect that it can shield you from the rain. 

For a polyester fabric to become waterproof, it should have a polyurethane coating. Meanwhile, the "hydrostatic head" is the gauge of the waterproofing of a particular material.

Usually, this one is measured in millimetres and has a range of 800 mm and higher. 

There's a variability when it comes to the meaning of waterproof. However, many outdoor experts would suggest that the fabric with a 1,500mm hydrostatic head already possesses the waterproof base standards. It should be able to protect you from various watery conditions. 

Meanwhile, a fly with a 1,500mm rating means that the former can hold up to 1,500mm high water column per one minute before water can breach through it. 

Of course, the higher the hydrostatic head, the better the water defence of a tet. However, this doesn't mean that you should aim for those high ratings all time. You still have to mind your applications.

Keep in mind that a fabric with more coating is heavier than those that have not. The chemicals that are used in the application are also capable of damaging the fabric. 

Nylon

When it comes to nylon tents, the silicone coating is the waterproof application of choice. The amalgamation of these two materials is called "silnylon."

One of the notable properties of silicone coating is its smoothness. Even if applied on taped seams, the coating will not get sticky. It is an issue that can be solved by applying silicone coating on the exterior of the nylon and a PU coating on the interior.

By doing this, the taped seams can be used to seal off the stitching, effectively preventing the entry of water. 

Canvas Fabric

Waterproofing is quite different when it comes to canvas. Compared to nylon and other synthetic fabric, it is not expensive to keep a canvas dry. 

One should know that canvas is highly breathable. It is typically dependent on its cotton swelling to seal the gaps on the threads, ensuring that there are no leakings. 

Both canvas and polycotton (a combination of polyester and canvas) are seasoned first before they can be fully waterproof. The process is a simple repetition of drying and wetting. After this, these materials become excessively waterproof and are very useful for extreme expeditions.

Flooring

The best waterproof tent requires a hard and structurally durable floor. For me, this one is unnegotiable. 

Of course, the flooring is the one that supports our every movement. Every time we stand or lie there, its rigidity can be affected. 

If the tent has a flimsy floor, it might not be able to protect you from the damp surface below. Because of this, you need to ensure that the floor in your tent is either made from nylon and polyester, as they are thicker than most of their counterparts.

Furthermore, it is essential that they have a waterproof coating, with a rating that doesn't go down from 1,500 mm. The thicker they are, the more they can protect you from various adversities in the outside world.

Should You Use Footprints?

In the context of waterproof applications, the use of footprints is actually a subject of countless debates. You see, the presence of footprints can actually help the prevalence of moisture. It also helps you feel comfortable, especially if you have set your tent in rough surfaces. 

On the flip side, some people argued that these footprints are no longer necessary. Aside from the added weight they give, these footprints are said to collect rainwater under the tent. 

Stitching And Seams

Water can pass through the different parts of the tent. Tiny drops can take place in areas where you don't expect it!

At this point, you need to have extra regard to the seams in the stitching of the tent. Specifically, you have to inspect whether the materials used on the tent are properly stitched or not. 

To cover these seams, taping is often required. These "tapes" are usually applied through the use of heat so that they can patch up all the seams. They can also be applied in the attachments and toggles that have been affixed to the tent via sewing. 

Other Essentials For A Waterproof Tent

Here are some other aspects that you should consider to ensure that you can weather off intense downpours:

  • Rainfly - The rainfly can actually help in adding an extra layer of protection against the rain. It is raised above the roof and acts as a shield so that the water will not pool in your tent. You can start with using a rain tarp, then dangle it over your tent for cover.
  • Windows and Doors - There are some innovative designs for the windows and doors that enable you to leave and enter the tent without the rain falling to you. Specifically, it is beneficial if the windows and doors of your tent have appropriate coverage to stop water from leaking.
  • Skirts and Storm Flaps - Ideally, a waterproof tent should come with skirts or flaps. They are those components that extend from the sidewall of the tent, and far away from the groundsheet. It is another means to deflect the rainwater from the tent. 
  • Waterproof Sprays - Great for boots and jackets (right materials), too, the best waterproof sprays have hydrophobic properties to prevent materials from getting soaked.

To learn more, visit our waterproofing tent guide.

Conclusion

The weather is always a factor that can determine the overall outdoor experience. As campers and outdoor enthusiasts, the sense of preparedness and responsibility should be embedded on us. If we want to have a memorable and fine time while enjoying the delight that Mother Nature gives, having the right equipment is necessary. 

The best waterproof tent is an essential equipment for camping. It should come as mandatory, especially if you are expecting that the weather will have a flipping turn. 

I hope you learned something. For other questions and suggestions, feel free to drop them in the comment section below. 

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