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!
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What is the Best Tent For Heavy Rain?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Tent For Heavy Rain and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available heavy rain waterproof tents that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these tents for heavy rain.
We also wrote a brief tents for heavy rain Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 8 heavy rain waterproof tents based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. BISINNA Lightweight Backpacking Tent
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 4.7 Pounds (2.1 kg) 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 |
See it in your local store:
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
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 19 Pounds (8.6 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 |
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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
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 7.9 Pounds (3.6 kg) 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) |
See it in your local store:
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
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 5.5 Pounds (2.5 kg) Size: 93 x 53 x 43.3 Inches (236.2 x 134.6 x 110 cm) Material: Polyester 68D, 190T and 210D Waterproof: Yes |
See it in your local store:
The Bessport 2-Person Camping Tent offers space and comfort for you and your backpacking buddy. It comes with two vestibules for storing gears like your hiking boot and anti-sweat socks. The vestibule is convertible into sleeping spaces.
The tent comes with two D-shaped doors that allow ease of movement. A weather-resistant tent featuring seam-taped construction prevents leakage in a wet environment. It comes with a full-coverage rainfly for protection against water or rain. It is engineered to stay strong and wind-resistant with aluminum poles and guylines for stability. The Bessport 2-person tent comes with a welded floor that elevates the bottom of the tent from ground level. Also, the interior floor dimension and height make it ideal for tall people. For ventilation, it comes with a large mesh window and 2 ceiling vents that allow air circulation and prevents interior condensation buildup. You can also open the doors to allow airflow into the tent.
Pros
- It is spacious and ideal for tall folks to sleep in,
- The tent has a welded floor that elevates it above ground level,
- It has 2 ceiling vents for improved ventilation,
- The rainfly offers full coverage in wet conditions,
- The large vestibule provides extra sleeping space
Cons
- Some users experienced problems with tent zips
5. Forceatt Tent for Camping
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 5.5 Pounds (2.5 kg) 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 |
See it in your local store:
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. Gonex Camping Tent
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 5.9 Pounds (2.7 kg) Size: 82.6 x 59 x 47.2 Inches (209.8 x 149.9 x 119.9 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: 75D 210T Polyester Waterproof: 3000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
Gonex is a well-known brand that produces a variety of outdoor gear, sports, and fitness products. This 2-person tent is part of its camping equipment product line, and it is a noteworthy 4-season tent that comes at an affordable price point. The tent’s dimensions are wide to accommodate two campers while storing their gear in the covered vestibules at the door areas. But, it is also short in length, and tall campers may need to sleep diagonally to fit comfortably.
The Gonex tent has a unique 2-layer design that makes it a good choice for winter camping. Its full-coverage rainfly features flaps at the bottom that you can hold down with small rocks or snow to prevent warmth from escaping the tent.
Alternatively, you can fold up the flaps to improve ventilation inside the tent and reduce condensation. However, you’ll need to buy a groundsheet to keep the bottom material durable.
The inner tent is easy to set up with clips and aluminum poles that are sturdy and robust to withstand rough weather. However, you will have to equip yourself with the proper stakes for frozen ground when winter camping. The tent also features windows and roof vents for ventilation, but many campers have noted that it does not circulate air well, and it would be stuffy in warm weather.
Pros
- High quality build at an affordable price point,
- Remarkably sturdy and stable for camping in any season,
- Wide interior dimensions to accommodate two campers,
- Full-coverage rain fly keeps the tent warm in cold weather
Cons
- Poor ventilation makes the tent stuffy,
- Tent stakes provided are not ideal for frozen ground
7. Night Cat Waterproof Camping Tent
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 10 Pounds (4.5 kg) Size: 94.5 x 82.7 x 55.1 Inches (240 x 210 x 140 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: 210D Oxford Fabric Waterproof: 3000 MM Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
This Night Cat Camping Tent features a pre-assembled hydraulic system that enables you to set it up in a couple of minutes. The tent is spacious for two campers and gear compared to other brands, and it also offers a reliable water-resistant capability that performs well in sustained heavy rainfall. Additionally, it comes with high-quality fiberglass poles that help to set up a stable shelter in windy conditions.
The tent features an inner tent with two double-layer doors that provide good ventilation when open. However, it does not come with ground vents to enable airflow when the mesh panels are closed for rain. I also like that the rain fly is flexible as a canopy for picnics and the beach. The tent features mesh pockets to keep small items and a ceiling hook for a lantern or camping fan.
Pros
- Generous interior space for two people with gear,
- Easy assembly with a hydraulic system for convenience,
- Double-sided zippers ensure doors are closed tightly,
- Versatile rainfly for multi-purpose applications
Cons
- Zippers frequently get stuck on the door flaps,
- No vents to prevent condensation
8. Night Cat Camping Hammock Tent with Mosquito Net
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 4 Pounds (1.8 kg) Size: 108 x 54 x Inches (274.3 x 137.2 x cm) Size: 1 Persons Material: Nylon Waterproof: 4000 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Hammock |
See it in your local store:
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
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the best tent for heavy rain is below:
Overall best tent for heavy rain out there: BISINNA Lightweight Backpacking Tent
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: Coleman Montana 6-Person Tent
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: Pacific Pass Family Dome Tent
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
Manufacturers of backpacking tents under 100 use different features to make their tents sturdier and comfortable in any condition. They use sturdy designs like round dome designs to stop snow from gathering on the tent and a rainfly that extends to the ground for protection against rain. Poles and stakes are also used to drive the tent into the ground and stabilize it, while heavy-duty water-resistant fabrics are used for protection against rain.
Ventilation & Heat Resistance
How much of the tent body is mesh? It is one of the factors you will consider when buying a multi-season tent. In hot temperatures, you will need several mesh windows to get a substantial flow of air. Alternatively, you can pitch your tent away from the direct sun to pull the rainfly cover and allow the tent to ventilate. Rainfly covers usually have a waterproof coating, which inhibits proper air circulation in warm weather and often causes condensation inside the tent. So, is there any solution? Yes, consider getting a tent with roof vents on the inner tent to minimize condensation problems.. With the rainfly covering the inner tent, the spacing in-between these two fabrics gives the tent ventilation while still having protection from the rain.
Durability
The durability of a tent depends on its material and floor type. Tents made from durable fabrics last longer than tents made from fabrics that are prone to wear and tear. Also, the material used for the tent floor is important as it can prevent water from seeping into your tent in wet conditions. If you are backpacking in rugged terrain, I advise getting an additional ground liner to protect the floor of your tent from sharp stones and sticks.
Tent Materials
There are many different tent materials. Some of the most common include PVC, nylon, polyester, and canvas. But other tent materials include Gore-tex and silnylon.PVC: This is a type of vinyl that can be waterproof when used on tents. It does not breathe well so it is not ideal for high temperatures or humid environments.Nylon: Nylon is a synthetic fabric made from three different types of plastics and can be water-repellent when fabric treated with a chemical called polyurethane which reduces water penetration through its pores but creates a suffocating environment inside the tent.Polyester: Polyester is like Nylon in that it is a synthetic fabric made from plastics. Unlike Nylon, polyester stays dry when wet and is more temperature resistant but is heavier than nylon as well as being less durable.Canvas: The old school material of tents. Canvas is lightweight and strong but can be difficult to waterproof. In addition, canvas allows for airflow but is prone to tearing when subjected to sharp objects.Gore-tex: Gore-tex is a breathable waterproof fabric that allows water vapor and heat to escape but not liquid water in the form of rain or melting snow. Because it breaths, Gore-tex clothing is ideal for high temperatures and humid environments. However, it’s rather expensive.Silnylon: This is a type of nylon fabric that is coated with silicone oil. It has good resistance to water while providing great airflow and breathability. However, it isn’t the most durable material so it should be used in replacement for tent floors or tarps rather than entire tents themselves.
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 ratingA 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 ratingA 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 ratingA 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 ratingA 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?
Waterproof tent material can be made from a number of different materials including canvas, nylon, and polyester. Some people believe that nylon or polyester are the best options because they do not absorb any moisture as canvas does. These materials are also lighter than canvas, so they can be used to make lightweight tents.However, there are some issues with waterproof tent material (nylon or polyester) that need to be noted.The first problem is that the plastic coating used on the fabric can rub off when you’re camping. If this plastic rubbing happens regularly, then it will degrade and lose its protection against water. The second problem is that this material cannot be completely waterproofed or it will affect the fabric’s elasticity and strength.A number of tents are made from canvas rather than nylon. This material is not as waterproof, but it does breathe better. Canvas is also much more durable and can be easily repaired when worn.
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.
