Do Tents Stay Dry In The Rain?

Tents are generally designed to stay dry in light to moderate rain as long as they are made from waterproof materials and properly set up.

In this article, we will look further into tent waterproofing and what to look for in your next purchase.

How Can I Tell If My Tent Is Waterproof?

If you already own a tent or have borrowed one for your camping adventure, it may not be obvious if it is waterproof or not.

Although almost all modern tents are built with some form of waterproofing it´s is good to know before you go, especially if the weather is looking a bit shonky.

Here are a few things you can do to ensure your tent is waterproof.

Check the tent’s specifications

Review the tent’s product description or user manual to see if it claims to be waterproof or water-resistant. Manufacturers usually provide information about the tent’s waterproofing capabilities.

Look for waterproof materials

Most tents made for camping or outdoor use are constructed from waterproof or water-resistant materials. Common materials include coated nylon or polyester. If your tent is made from one of these materials, it likely has some level of water resistance.

Inspect the seams

The seams are areas where two pieces of fabric are stitched together. These can be vulnerable points for water entry. High-quality tents usually have sealed seams, either taped or glued, to prevent water from seeping through the needle holes. If your tent has sealed seams, it is more likely to be waterproof.

These seals can be on the inside, the outside, or even both sides of where the 2 fabrics meet.

Test the rainfly

If your tent comes with a rainfly (a separate waterproof cover that goes over the main tent body), check its quality and coverage.

A good rainfly should provide extra protection against rain. Make sure it extends beyond the tent walls to allow water to run off and away from the tent’s interior.

Perform a waterproof test

To test your tent’s waterproofing, you can simulate rain by spraying water on its surface and seams. Use a hose or a spray bottle to apply a steady stream of water. Observe how the water behaves:

- If the water beads up and rolls off the tent’s surface, it indicates good waterproofing. The tent should keep you dry in light to moderate rain.
- If the water starts to soak into the fabric or seeps through the seams, it suggests that the tent may need re-waterproofing or seam sealing for better protection.

Consider age and condition

Over time, tents may lose their waterproofing capabilities due to wear and tear.

If your tent is old or has been heavily used, its waterproofing may have degraded. In such cases, you might need to reapply a waterproof coating or consider purchasing a new tent.

Tent Waterproof Ratings Explained

The waterproof rating on tents is a measurement that indicates the tent’s ability to withstand persistent exposure to water.

It is typically expressed in millimeters (mm) and refers to the height of a column of water the tent fabric can withstand before leaking. The higher the waterproof rating, the more water-resistant the tent is.

Here’s a breakdown of each rating:

No rating or water-resistant: Tents without a specific waterproof rating are generally water-resistant to some extent. They can handle light rain or drizzle, but may not be suitable for heavy or prolonged rainfall.
< 1000 mm: Tents with a waterproof rating below 1000 mm are considered minimally water-resistant. They can handle light showers but may start to leak during moderate or heavy rain.
1000 mm – 3000 mm: Tents in this range offer moderate water resistance. They can withstand moderate rain for a short duration without leaking.
3000 mm – 5000 mm: Tents with a waterproof rating between 3000 mm and 5000 mm are highly water-resistant. They can handle prolonged rain and moderate to heavy downpours without leaking.
> 5000 mm: Tents with a waterproof rating above 5000 mm are considered extremely water-resistant or waterproof. They can withstand heavy rain, intense storms, and extended exposure to water without leaking.

How To Prevent My Tent From Leaking?

Even the best tents in the world can leak if not treated right and set up properly! Preventing your tent from leaking involves proper maintenance, preparation, and a few preventive measures.

Follow these steps to ensure a dry and comfortable night of sleep.

Choose a quality waterproof tent of the correct size

Invest in a high-quality tent with a good waterproof rating and sealed seams. Look for reputable brands known for producing reliable camping gear.

Ensure that the tent is the right size to fit the intended occupants and all their stuff, without having to stack things up or lean against the walls of the tent

Set up your tent correctly

Properly pitch your tent following the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the rainfly is securely attached and correctly positioned to provide full coverage and prevent rainwater from entering the tent.

Make sure that the tent is pegged out properly and that all fabrics are fairly tight with no wrinkles.

If you are expecting rain, try to pitch the tent under some tree cover to lessen the amount of rain falling directly onto the tent.

Inspect and maintain your tent

Regularly inspect your tent for any signs of wear, tears, or damage. It´s good practice to give your tent a once over before packing it away, giving you peice of mind that it will be in good shape for the next adventure.

Repair any small holes or tears with patch kits designed for tent fabrics. Seam sealer can be applied to strengthen the tent’s seams if necessary.

Use a ground tarp or footprint

Placing a ground tarp or footprint underneath your tent provides an extra layer of protection against moisture from the ground. Make sure the footprint does not extend beyond the edges of the tent to avoid water collecting between the footprint and the tent floor.

Elevate your tent site

When choosing a campsite, pick a location that is elevated and avoid setting up in low-lying areas where water can accumulate during heavy rainfall.

Dig trenches or build drainage

If you expect heavy rain, consider digging small trenches around the perimeter of your tent or building channels to direct water away from the tent.

Avoid touching the tent walls

When inside the tent during rain, try to avoid touching the walls with wet gear or clothing as this can increase the risk of water seeping through.

Don´t store any items against the walls of the tent!

Ventilate your tent

Proper ventilation can help reduce condensation inside the tent, preventing moisture buildup. Open vents and mesh panels, if available, to promote airflow. If the weather is dry and warm enough, you can use the doors of your tent as ventilation.

Pack away a dry tent

Before packing up your tent, ensure it is dry to prevent mold and mildew growth. If you must pack up a wet tent due to unexpected rain, make sure to dry it thoroughly as soon as possible when you have the opportunity.

What Is The Best Style Of Tent For Rainy Conditions?

For rainy conditions, dome tents, A-frame tents, and tunnel tents are recommended due to their effective rainwater runoff.

Using a separate rainfly, sealed seams, and a proper setup is essential for better protection, but no tent is entirely immune to water leakage in heavy or prolonged rain.

Quick Fixes For A Leaky Tent

If you find a hole in your tent when you are pitching, or your tent starts to leak during a rain storm fear not!

These quick fixes will ensure you and all of your stuff doesn’t get wet.

Growing up in rainy Scotland and as an impoverished student, I often had to make do with poorly waterproofed or badly maintained tents. Here are a few of my favorite quick fixes…

Duct Tape

As a temporary measure, you can use duct tape to cover small holes or tears in the tent fabric. While not a permanent solution, duct tape can provide a quick fix to prevent water from entering through minor openings. I always wrap a small section of my tent pole with a few layers of duct tape. This means that I always have quick access without having to carry along the whole roll.

Rainfly Adjustment

If you notice water getting through the rainfly, adjust its position or tension to ensure it fully covers the tent and creates a tight seal. Make sure it extends beyond the tent walls to allow water to run off.

Tarp or Plastic Sheet

If the leak is severe and you have a tarp or plastic sheet available, you can place it over the tent as an additional layer of protection. Ensure that the tarp does not touch the tent fabric to prevent water from transferring through capillary action.

Dry Bags or Trash Bags

If the leak is limited to a specific area, cover items inside the tent that are at risk of getting wet with a dry bag or plastic shopping bag. You can also tape or tie a bag to the outside of your tent, it´s not beautiful but neither is walking for miles in soggy pants!