Have you ever woken up to a heavy downpour and found out your tent is leaking? If so, this post will help you find the best tent for heavy rain. When it rains hard outside, many tents can leak through their seams because of improper sealing. The last thing anyone wants is to be drenched in wet clothes while trying to sleep at night! You’re probably here because you have experienced this and don’t want that to happen again. You’re in the right place!
What is the Best Tent for Heavy Rain?
We have compiled for you the top 6 Best Tent for Heavy Rain in 2023. In this article we go through the products that we have used ourselves, checked what other users thought about them and we ranked them accordingly.
With years of experience with heavy rain waterproof tents and having used several tents for heavy rain you can trust our review.
Moreover, you can scroll to the end of this review to see our mini buying guide as well as the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about tents for heavy rain.
1. BISINNA Lightweight Backpacking Tent
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 102.2 x 82.7 x 47.2 inches (259.6 x 210.1 x 119.9 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: 190T Polyester Waterproof: 2000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
Typically, most tents accommodate fewer people than they indicate they can because they don’t consider personal gear and elbow space. However, this Bisinna tent may be an exception as it features a significantly larger interior space than most tents of its size, and two campers may fit comfortably with their gear. However, it also makes an excellent solo camping tent for tall people, and I like that it features a vestibule so you can leave some of your gear outside if it’s not raining.
It has a decent quality build for its price range, and it has a full-coverage rainfly that makes it suited for 3-season camping. Additionally, it features UV protection which reduces heat inside the tent when you pitch it in direct sun. On the other hand, its PU-2000mm hydrostatic rating allows the tent to withstand moderate inclement weather for several hours without stress.
Pros
- High-quality and lightweight construction for backpacking,
- The double-layered design provides comfortable livability,
- It offers more space for two campers than the competition,
- Delivers excellent performance in moderate rain and wind
Cons
- Zippers are light-duty and may break quickly,
- It does not come with a groundsheet
2. Coleman Montana 6-Person Tent
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 19 pounds (8.62 kg) Size: 144 x 84 x 68 inches (365.8 x 213.4 x 172.7 cm) Size: 6 Persons Material: 75D Polyester Taffeta Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
The Coleman Montana 6P model is an affordable backpacking tent with a modified dome shape that gives it more headroom than typical dome tents. It offers better value for money than the competition, while its quality and ease of setting up compare favorably with other top backpacking tents under $100.
Additionally, its ability to handle bad weather is exceptional for a tent in this price range, where the tub floor delivers high performance when water puddles underneath the tent. However, you would have to get better stakes than provided to secure the tent in high wind conditions.
Ventilation is another notable feature where the airflow system keeps the tent comfortable and prevents condensation. Although it comes with a short rainfly, the angled design of the windows ensures that the inside stays dry and airy even in directional rain.
Pros
- It comes with an awning to keep the door area dry,
- Angled open windows allow ventilation in the rain,
- Reliable rain and wind-resistant construction,
- Easy setup with color-coded poles and sleeves
Cons
- The tent may get cold due to open windows,
- Requires seam sealing to prevent leaks
3. Pacific Pass Family Dome Tent
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 108.3 x 82.7 x 60 inches (275.1 x 210.1 x 152.4 cm) Size: 4 Persons Material: 190T Polyester with 63D and 1500MM water-resistant fabric Waterproof: Yes (up to 1500 mm) |
Families who love the outdoors will find the Pacific Pass Family Dome Tent a great buy at a lesser price. This is because the tent is spacious and is designed for a cozy and roomy experience.
For stability, the tent comes with 7 stakes and 2 ropes. The set up is pretty easy as it will take 2 people an estimated 5 minutes to do so. After use, simply disassemble and pack up by placing the components in the accompanying carry bag. It is also lightweight and will take little space on your family backpacking trip. The Pacific Pass Family Dome Tent is made from waterproof, durable fabric that keeps you protected in wet conditions. It comes with a rain fly that prevents your family from getting soaked by rain. The tent has two big windows for ventilation and mesh storage pockets sewn into the body for keeping small objects; along with a net bag on the top for organizing your tent.
Pros
- It has a water-resistant floor,
- It is made from thick fabric for durability,
- Big enough to fit a queen air mattress and an additional sleep bag,
- It comes with a rain shield for protection,
- It has a net bag on top for organization
Cons
- Some buyers report missing items for set up
4. Bessport 2-Person Camping Tent
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 5.51 pounds (2.5 kg) Material: Polyester 68D, 190T and 210D Waterproof: Yes |
We’re quite taken with the Bessport 2-Person Camping Tent for its thoughtfulness in design and comfort. The two vestibules are not only perfect for storing gear like anti-sweat socks, but can also be transformed into extra sleeping areas—a feature that’s rare in tents at this price point. And when it comes to entry and exit, the two D-shaped doors make the process a breeze. If you’re worried about weather, this tent has you covered with its seam-taped construction and a robust full-coverage rainfly.
On the flip side, the tent shines with its wind-resistant engineering, fortified with sturdy aluminum poles and guylines. We also noticed and appreciated the welded floor, elevating the tent from the ground and adding an extra layer of protection from moisture. The spacious interior dimensions are a boon for taller campers, and the large mesh window along with two ceiling vents ensures great air circulation, although this might lead to a chilly experience if you’re camping in colder conditions.
Pros
- Lots of extra space for sleeping,
- Welded floor keeps it above ground level,
- Lots of ventilation,
- Full coverage from included rainfly,
Cons
- Zipper not the greatest quality,
- Vents sometimes don’t lie down correctly
5. Forceatt Tent for Camping
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Size: 88.6 x 53.1 x 43.3 inches (225 x 134.9 x 110 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: 75D 190T Polyester Waterproof: 5000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
This Forceatt 2-person tent is smaller than the Bisinna model and may be cramped for two campers for comfort, while the 3-person model may be more accommodating. However, it makes an excellent choice for solo campers, and it features good-quality and robust construction for its price point. The tent comes with a full-coverage rainfly that features 75D polyester and a PU-5000mm waterproofing rating. Some campers have noted that the tent comes with a funky smell when new, but it dispels when you air it out in the sun.
The tent offers decent ventilation with the two D-shaped doors and the mesh fabric that makes up most of the inner tent. I also like that you can use the rainfly separately as a canopy while at the park or beach and the inner tent for stargazing on warm nights. It is a lightweight tent for backpacking and performs well in heavy rain and wind conditions.
Pros
- Sturdy and robust construction with quick assembly and takedown,
- Generous ventilation makes it comfortable in warm weather,
- High-quality rainfly offers decent protection in inclement weather,
- Features two-way SBS waterproof zippers on the doors
Cons
- The tent comes with a fishy odor when new,
- Tent stakes are light and bend easily
6. Night Cat Camping Hammock Tent with Mosquito Net
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 4 pounds (1.81 kg) Size: 108 x 54NaN inches (274.3 x 137.2NaN cm) Size: 1 Persons Material: Nylon Waterproof: 4000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Hammock |
Hammock camping is a unique experience, and if you are looking for an ultra-lightweight tent for thru-hiking, rock climbing, or kayak camping, you may want to consider this Night Cat Camping Hammock Tent. It features a two-layer design with an inner tent that incorporates a mosquito net to protect against bugs and help you sleep comfortably. It also features a nylon construction material that retains warmth better than polyester and comes with accessories to support up to 440 pounds of body weight.
The tent is easier to set up than the conventional tent and is more convenient because you can assemble it above any terrain. Plus, you can flip it upside down to use as a hammock for relaxing in your backyard. It is a solo camper hammock tent with generous interior space, a lantern hook, and mesh pockets. Many users note that the rainfly is easier to use and provides better rain protection than the competition.
Pros
- Lightweight and packs small for easy transport
- Generous interior space with a high weight load,
- Easy to set up for novice hammock campers,
- Excellent build quality with reliable weather-resistance
Cons
- Humid when the rain fly is in place,
- No space for gear inside the hammock
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of tents for heavy rain and decided that 6 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Tent for Heavy Rain is BISINNA Lightweight Backpacking Tent which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider Coleman Montana 6-Person Tent as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, Pacific Pass Family Dome Tent is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying tents for heavy rain
Water, Wind and Snow Resistance
Finding a tent that’s both comfortable and durable in diverse conditions is important. Dome-style designs prevent snow from settling on top, and rainflies that stretch to the ground act as excellent safeguards against rainfall. Trustworthy poles and stakes contribute to wind resistance, and water-resistant materials give the tent some great all-weather capabilities.
Ventilation & Heat Resistance
We find that the amount of mesh within a tent’s structure often indicates its ability to ventilate properly. On hot days, tents with generous mesh windows are the answer to maintaining a consistent, cool airflow. While seeking shade for your tent and managing the rainfly aids in temperature control, we’ve found that the waterproof properties of many rainflies can somewhat hinder optimal ventilation, triggering condensation inside. One practical workaround is using a tent that features vents on the inner ceiling. When you have a rainfly in place, the spacing between the two layers ensures that your tent stays both airy and rain-resistant.
Durability
The fabric and floor quality play central roles in your tent’s endurance. Choosing tents made of sturdy materials promises longer life and better resistance to wear. Meanwhile, the floor’s material acts as a barrier against moisture. If you’re setting up camp amidst rough terrains, consider getting an added ground liner; it’s a lifesaver for your tent’s foundation.
Tent materials
Material matters when you’re in the market for a new tent, and we’ve tested them all. PVC offers good waterproofing but is not breathable, making it a poor choice for hot or humid climates. Nylon can be made water-repellent but tends to trap heat and moisture inside. Polyester is similar to nylon but offers better moisture and temperature resistance, though it’s heavier and less durable. Canvas, the traditional tent material, allows for good airflow but requires extra effort to waterproof. Gore-tex is the premium option, offering excellent breathability and water resistance but at a higher cost. Silnylon, while breathable and water-resistant, isn’t durable enough for an entire tent structure.
Tent seasonality rating
A tent seasonality rating is a rating that is used for determining how well or best to use a tent in various climates. This rating takes into account the humidity, windiness, and sun beating down on the tent. It also determines if there are any precipitation events. The higher the number of the seasonality rating, the better the tent will be suited for that climate.
1-2 season tent rating
A tent with a 1 or 2 seasonality rating is great for camping in areas that are arid. This typically means dry climates. A tent with a 1-2 seasonality rating will also work well in hotter climates. It will keep you cool because it’s made of lightweight materials, but not so much that you’ll be hot while you’re inside the tent.
3 season tent rating
A tent with a 3 seasonality rating is good for camping in areas that are temperate. This typically means areas that experience dry and wet seasons. A 3 season tent will work well in both climates, but it won’t be the best option if you’re only planning on using your tent during one of these seasons.
4 season tent rating
A tent with a 4 seasonality rating is meant for camping year-round. A 4 season tent will work well in cold and wet scenarios, but it won’t be the best option if you’re only planning on using your tent when it’s hot.
5 season tent rating
A 5 seasonality rating means that this tent can be used in extreme weather and it is often referred to as expedition rating. These tents are typically found in adventure travel companies. There are very few people who will ever need a tent with an extreme weather rating.
Questions and Answers About tents for heavy rain
How often do tents need waterproofing?
In general, waterproofing your tent needs to be done every year. Depending on the frequency of use, if a tent is used 3-4 times a year it should be dry cleaned between uses and waterproofed every other year. If a person uses their camp tent for 7-10 days per year, it should dry clean once a season and air out in the sun or rain to keep any moisture from settling before treating with a water repellant spray or coating.
If you store your tent in an area that gets lots of humidity from either being near the ocean or because it’s surrounded by trees, you need to take care of your home away from home more often as those environments create much more need for protection.
What is the best waterproof tent material?
When it comes to waterproof tent material, we often get asked which is the best option. Nylon and polyester top the list for many because they’re lightweight and don’t absorb moisture like canvas. However, it’s important to be aware of a few downsides. The plastic coating on nylon or polyester can wear off over time, compromising the tent’s water-resistance. Additionally, completely waterproofing these materials may affect their elasticity and overall strength. On the other hand, canvas tents may not be as waterproof, but they do offer better breathability and durability.
What do you do in severe weather while camping?
Preparation is the key to safety whether at home or while camping. Ideally, you will be able to move to a safe location before the weather worsens. But if there are no such places available nearby then it’s best to plan ahead for emergencies with an appropriately-sized survival kit that includes materials like blankets, food and water rations as well as first aid kit items.
Is it safe to stay in a tent during a thunderstorm?
It is always safer to sleep in your car than in a tent.
Lightning can travel through metal and the ground, so if you are sleeping on the ground or near metal objects like tent poles, you could be at risk.
The best thing for you to do is check weather reports before venturing outdoors. Don’t rely on just one source of information — use an app that pulls data from various sources and figures out where the most recent storms occurred.
