Travelling has become an integral part of our lives now. Scrolling through Facebook and Instagram, we see people having a wholesome time by camping out in the woods, telling stories and roasting marshmallows in the wilderness. Waterproof tent plays a big role during such activities.

Best waterproof tents are probably the most critical requirement for trekking, hiking or doing some random forest adventure. People are more into exploring now, so the demand for quality tents has increased.

 But why do you need a tent? 

Because, you can’t just camp under the open sky, right?

There are many reasons the tent should be robust. The weather is very unpredictable. You might think there’ll be no rain, but things turn out as the opposite. Again, there might be so much wind that your tent might rip apart and become a mess.

The tent is also necessary for protection from harsh sunlight and in some cases, snow. So, a robust tent can challenge adverse weather situations. At dark, you can have a good night’s sleep without worrying about your tent.

 

 Our 10 Best Waterproof Tent Reviews 

Down below we will list all the contenders including somewhat you may call the best tent for heavy rain. These are the picks you should know of, before heading for your next adventure.

 1. Coleman Dome Waterproof Tent 

Coleman delivers some of the best dome-shaped tents that have a lot of features to look out for. This tent package offers a neatly packed carry bag, where you will not only find the tent, but also a rain fly, poles, stakes for the ground and a doormat.

It has adequate space and can be easily set up in just 5-10 minutes. This quick set up is possible because of its pole sleeves that are both safe and efficient. Its WeatherTec system provides floors that are welded and seams that are inverted to keep you dry.

This tent provides maximum airflow and ventilation through its large windows and the vent underground. If you’re not using the rain fly, you’ll be able to enjoy a great view through the large screen panel on the ceiling of this tent.

One downside to the dome tent is that it does not have a footprint, but a tarp can be used alternatively. A significant drawback is that this tent is not a backpacking tent. That is it can’t be used often and in cold weather.

 Pros 

• Convenient to Carry
• Sufficient Space
• Easy to set up
• Waterproof
• Well-ventilated

 Cons 

• No Footprint
• Not suitable against harsh weather
• Not suitable for frequent camping

 2. Coleman 2-Person SunDome Waterproof Tent 

The Sundome tent for 2 people is another great one from Coleman’s. It can be set up in a jiffy. It includes everything to guard it against water, wind, pests, et cetera. This being the reason many consider it to be the best waterproof tent for rain.

There is so much space that 2 average sized people can easily fit in along with a light in the ceiling. Its bag is expandable in case the owner needs more room to carry stuff. This tent is a backpacking tent; it takes just 5 minutes to disassemble and put in a carrying pouch.

Most prominent con of this tent is that it cannot be used in wintry days. The zipper might get caught in the fabric while trying to close the tent.  There is only enough room to fit 2 people in it. Even so, you could have trouble moving around or getting out of the tent with another person in there with you.

 Pros 

• Easy to set up
• Strong guard against adversities
• Easy to disassemble

 Cons 

• Not suitable for winter
• Lack of space

 3. CORE 9-Person Waterproof Tent  

This tent is so big that a queen air mattress, twin mattress, cooler, and tote can fit in with ease and still have space for more. It can fit anyone as tall as 5 feet 10 inches even when they’re standing.

It is super resistant to water and wind. So, during thunderstorms, the residents can be completely dry with less chance of water seeping inside the tent. The wings can make for perfect nooks for keeping extra gear.

If cots are used, the feet of the cot won’t do any damage to the base of the tent. The tent easily tears down and can be put away just in minutes. But ventilation is a major problem in this tent. There are only two windows, the door, and the back wall, with the rain fly up.

For this reason, staying in this won’t be very comfortable on hot summer days. But it is perfect for winter camping outs. The rain fly is time-consuming to set up but works sufficiently. The bag of a very typical tent material leaves a possibility of rips from standard wear and tear.

 Pros 

• Very spacious
• Water and windproof
• Space for extra gear
• Suitable for cots
• Easy to disassemble and pack

 Cons 

• Not well-ventilated
• Takes time to set up
• Poor quality material

 4. Coleman Sundome Waterproof Tent 2 

It is suitable for you if you’re traveling alone or with one other person. The price of this waterproof tent is quite reasonable. The weight is also pretty light. It is so easy to assemble that you can probably do it in a matter of 3 to 5 minutes, especially if you have experience.

If you don’t forget to zip the small electrical cord opening shut, then you can stay as dry as a bone even during a thunderstorm. The inside of this tent contains two pockets and two zipped windows. You will not face any issues with water if the vent windows are kept open.

The size of the tent is perhaps its biggest flaw. This tent is best for a solo outing. Even 2 people will find it difficult to cram themselves in.

Again the sole person cannot fit in a queen sized mattress in this tent. Keeping extra gear is tough. The door is D shaped so getting in and out of the tent is not so smooth.

 Pros 

• Lightweight
• Inexpensive
• Easy to set up
• Suitable for harsh weather
• Waterproof

 Cons 

• Not spacious
• No space for extra gear
• Entering and exiting takes effort

 5. TETON Sports 4-Person Waterproof Tent 

This tent from TETON sports is known to be one of the most durable tents out there. It is very spacious, big enough to fit 4 people inside. It takes just 5 minutes to be properly set up. It can tolerate strong winds and residents can be very comfortable in any weather conditions.

Due to the 5 pound weight and ease of setup/takedown, we highly recommend it for local camping, travel camping, and airplane travel. But this tent will start wearing out and be damaged after using it for 3-4 weeks straight.

The floor might show start crumbling despite always having that footprint underneath and never wearing shoes inside. The zippers start to stick after some time. And so, they will surely lose a star due to this problem with longevity.

 Pros 

• Very spacious
• Easy to set up
• Water and windproof
• Lightweight
• Easy to take down

 Cons 

• Not durable
• Faulty zipper

 6. ALPS Lynx 4-Person Waterproof Tent 

A convenient tent designed by ALPS is this one. Staying dry is not a matter of concern in this high-quality tent. Even morning dew can’t make it damp. The build of this tent is very high quality.

Other elements like the pole, fly, and floor are all highly recommended due to its waterproof properties. The size of this tent is its biggest flaw. Unlike the name of the product, space is not enough for even 2 people, let alone 4.

The zipper of this tent is a letdown due to its poor quality. You cannot roll the flyback very far. The fly is oddly designed because of which it can sometimes catch the zipper. Such tugging and tearing can ruin the tent entirely.

 Pros 

• Waterproof
• High quality
• Good build

 Cons 

• Too small
• Low-quality zipper

 7. Coleman 6-Person Dome Waterproof Tent 

The company Coleman seems to own this list with its variety of choices and features, of which, this one is for bigger groups of people. It is easy to set it up and can be disassembled very fast. The carrying bag contains everything you need for a tent.

As long as the rainfly is off, you can enjoy a decent amount of ventilation. The tent is very spacious, and people can easily move within the tent. It is a 6 person tent, but an 11 person football team can easily cram themselves in the tent.

This tent isn’t recommendable for rainy weather. This is because the rainfly is not capable of protecting the screen. So, water from rain can quickly get in and create a pool on the floor.

The rainfly is pretty much useless for ventilation. You can only get ventilation when the rainfly is off. So, you can’t close it, and that can be an issue for people who prefer some privacy.

 Pros 

• Easy to set up
• Easy to tear down
• Convenient
• Very spacious
• Space for gear

 Cons 

• Not suitable for rainy weather
• Low ventilation

 8. Coleman Weathermaster 6-Person Waterproof Tent 

This tent is easy to set up.  It’s huge. It is so spacious that two air mattresses of queen size and several bags can be easily fit in and there would still be more space to fill. If you want to, you can even fit a third queen-sized air mattress easily without it feeling like too much.

This tent has a hinged door that gives an easy pathway for coming in or out. Breaking it down is even easier than setting it up.

Its roof is wholly screened and, on top of that, each side of the tent has huge windows. This helps to retain good ventilation and airflow even when you turn off the rainfly.

The problem with this tent is that its metal stakes tend to lose its shape in case you are not careful with them. Pulling out the stakes for the rainfly is an effort. But that just means that you won’t have to worry about your tent during strong winds or tough weather conditions.

 Pros 

• Easy entry and exit
• Very spacious
• Easy to set up.
• Easy to tear down
• Good ventilation

 Cons 

• Low-quality metal stakes
• Takes the effort to pull out stakes

 9. NTK GT Family Waterproof Tent 

NTK GT offers this tent that was built for family camping. This tent is very light despite its massive size. It is spacious and can fit about 5 to 6 people in it. There is little to no possibility of getting wet.

A 6-foot person can easily stand up straight in this tent. There’s enough room inside for three air mattresses, and still even more room for boots, bags, etc.

The netted top of the tent under the rain fly helps with ventilation on warm days.

Because of the poles, setting up this tent needs a little effort. The quality of the elastic band may vary a little. The tub floor doesn’t provide extra protection from water during camping in rain and snow, making this the best tent for rain and wind.

 Pros 

• Lightweight
• Spacious
• Waterproof
• Room for gear and to stand up
• Good ventilation

 Cons 

• Difficult to set up
• Low quality elastic
• Low water resistance of the floor

 10. Coleman Cabin Waterproof Tent 

The last one from Coleman in this list is probably the largest one too. This tent is ridiculously huge for a 2-person trip. It is straightforward to set this tent up as well as to take it down. It’s big enough for a full-sized and a twin-sized air mattress.

Due to its massive size, this tent is not for backpacking. It’s not entirely waterproof, i.e., water might get in if it rains for 5-12 hours straight in the campsite. The seams at the top and sides let water slide in.

The door of this tent is on the right instead of the center like most other tents. So, at times, it can be difficult to get inside or come out. The front of this tent has two windows, and the sides have two large ones.

But the back does not have any window. The flaps of the windows are hard to tie or secure even if you can roll it up. Hence, ventilation can become an issue.

 Pros 

• Very spacious
• Easy to set up and take down
• Room for a lot of gear

 Cons 

• Not waterproof
• Difficult entry/exit
• Low ventilation

 What to Look for Before Buying a Waterproof Tent? 

Here! Learn what factors you need to consider while buying one for the first time;

 

 Determine Use 

Firstly, you have to decide whether you even need to purchase a tent or not. Is the tent necessary on a weekend trip? If yes, then you need to decide whether you need a heavy tent or a light one based on whether you can afford to buy an expensive, heavy tent and whether you can carry it around.

 Fix Size 

It’s not necessary that you have to buy a 2 person for 2 people. There is no problem if 6 or 8-person tents are purchased in that case.

You and another person can roll around inside the tent and keep extra gear, pets, etc. It all depends on your preference.

 Camping Weather  

It is necessary to know about the weather conditions of the camping spot. There might be harsh sunlight, rainfall, strong winds or even snow.

The internet can be used to research on the kinds of tents and which tents are appropriate for which weather. If things don’t match then the entire trip might end up being ruined.

 Prioritize Packing 

Weight is an important issue that can arise while packing a tent. Besides that, it is also essential to make sure that the tent can fit into whatever bag you’re taking. Otherwise, you can strap it on the outside of your bag.

The advice is to practice how you would pack your tent right after you buy one. In this way, you can ensure that the load from the things you’re taking is distributed nicely.

 Pitch Before You Buy 

When you’re buying a tent, you should always research beforehand what kind of capacity you’re looking for and what dimensions you want in your tent. You can do this by simply trying out the tent at the store itself.

Getting inside a tent to test it out is always recommended because not all tents that are meant for two people are the same size. Therefore, you can determine which one is the best for you through an actual trial.

 Ease of Use 

You can always talk to the employees at any camping store for suggestions. You can do so by going to a physical store or even through online chatting.

The employees have knowledge about which tents are more preferred by buyers. So, if you are overwhelmed by the numerous choices you have when it comes to tents, you can always consult them. They can pick out tents for you according to your requirements.

For example, if you need a tent that can be easily set up, the employee can direct you to one that is easier to set up than others. Besides that, it is necessary to do a trial of the tent before taking it camping.

 Materials of Tent 

It is important to note what material the tent is made of because the material is a very important factor in deciding whether you should buy it or not.

Cotton tents, also known as canvases, proclaim to be waterproof, but the problem is, they absorb water when exposed to rain. So, it gradually becomes heavier in weight. Despite that, they are more long-lasting than Nylons.

Nylon or Polyester material is great for a tent too since it is waterproof, but exposure to sunlight can ruin the fabric.

No matter what material you get, it is important to check its ability to resist water, especially with closed seams.

 How To Know If Your Tent Is Rain Proof? 

Before a camping trip, it is necessary to research weather conditions and, depending on that, the tent should be bought. Rainy situations can cause the most hassle if the tent is not waterproof enough.

How would you know if your tent is waterproof? Let’s check out:

 

 Are The Seams Of The Tent Sealed? 

It is important to check whether the seams are properly sealed, especially in places where there are stitches holding the material of the tent together. It is also important for the stitching to be waterproof even inside the tent by assuring it’s having a coating of the appropriate material.

Check the seams of the tent including where there are additional items sewn in. You should not forget to check the different toggles and ties of the tent since they are stitched on the main fabric of the tent where the seams are. Otherwise, it could lead to leaks.

 

 Do The Zips Work? 

Rain comes into the tent through the entries most often. So, you need to check whether the zipper on your door or entryway can prevent water from getting in.

Some tents come with extra fabric or a cover made of plastic on the doorway to protect the zips from the water. If you have extra zippers on the tent, then you have to make sure that those zips don’t cause water leaks as well.

 

 How is it’s Hydro-static Head? 

Most regular or basic tents have only 2000mm HH, which is a unit known as Hydro-static Head. The mentioned Hydro-static Head gives a measure of the water resistance of the tent fabric.

This much HH is suitable for mild settings, but in case of a heavy downpour, you will find water seeping through the fabric. The seams of the tent need to be taped well. Otherwise, even a tent that has 8000 Hydro-static Head will leak.

 Check For A Bathtub With A Groundsheet That Has Been Sewn In 

Some tents will have one of those sewn-in groundsheets, which are not a must in tents but does help to save time during pitching. It is only important to ensure that it is a ‘bathtub’ groundsheet.

This translates to the groundsheet sides turning upwards in the side, reducing any risk concerning water leaking into the tent. Groundsheets should have a high Hydro-static Head, close to 10000 HH. They are also a denser and sturdier material than the fabric used for the primary tent.

 The Quality Of The Stitching 

Every stitch of a tent produces a gap in the tent fabric, which can later lead to leaks. Tent designs could be altered by the user in regards to leaks. For example, overlying the material as well as reducing the fabric stitch amount going through the outer part of the tent can help lower the risk of leaks.

It is necessary to make sure that the stitching is done properly and ensuring that there isn’t a ton of extra loose ends or material stitched. Such features could be signs that the quality might not be very good.

 Is The Entrance Rain Proof? 

The tent should contain a shelter. At least some kind of gully or ridge at the entrance would do. This will allow you to open the entrance during rain without having water pour down on you directly from the roof. Otherwise, the rainwater can pour directly on to the tent floor and create a puddle.

 Is There Any Waterproof Treatment? 

A few tents tend to have the waterproof treatment along with a higher HH inside the material in addition to well-designed and sealed seams.

The added waterproofing will help the water roll down the tent like beads. The water will have a smaller chance of entering the tent if it stays on top of it for a shorter time.

 

 Frequently Asked Questions 

 1. How can I deal with a leak? 

You can seek customer service for an exchange in case of it being a new tent. Otherwise, you can fix any sources of the leaks, such as- repairing any tear, sealing seams, using tape, etc.

 2. What if water seeps through your tent material? 

If water starts to collect on the tent, you have to re-proof it by applying a re-proofer.

 3. Is there water in your tent even if it’s not raining? 

This sort of occurrence is caused by condensation due to your body temperature. To fix it, allow more ventilation and airflow inside the tent.

 4. What do to if the tent pole breaks/splinters? 

You need to understand how to re-adjust the way you choose to pitch to fix it when this happens. Just avoid putting excess pressure to prevent it.

 5. Mold/mildew; how do I get rid of it?  

Dampness can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. A tent that is more or less covered with mold should be discarded. Otherwise, use different home remedies or cleaners such as a mixture of vinegar and water, salt with lemon water, etc. Pitch the tent and gently rub the mold off. Let it dry properly before packing it.

 6. How do you stop your tent from smelling? 

You can pitch the tent in an open space for drying to get rid of the smell and make sure you don’t wrap it up too tightly on packing it.

 7. How do I protect the tent bottom? 

“Footprints” can act as a carpet for your tent floor or bottom for an extra layer of protection and reduce the coldness that can come from the ground. You can also use a tarp instead.

 Conclusion 

You can’t always expect a bright sunny day on your day out camping. The sunlight might be too harsh, it might rain, and there might be fierce winds and what not.

So, it is vital that you purchase the best waterproof tent that meets all your necessary conditions. This guide should help you in ensuring that your trip goes nice!