The sound of rain on your tent canvas can be soothing and help you fall asleep faster when you’re camping. However, if your sleeping back starts getting flooded, the last thing on your mind will be a peaceful rest. For this reason, we have prepared an ultimate list of the best tents for rain so you can go camping regardless of the weather predictions.
Quick Navigation
What are the Best Tents For Rain?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Tents For 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 rain tents that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these tents for rain.
We also wrote a brief tents for rain Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 10 rain tents based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. Coleman Sundome 2 Person Tent
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 7.5 Pounds (3.4 kg) Size: 82.7 x 59.1 x 47.2 Inches (210 x 150 x 120 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: 75D Polyester Waterproof: 600 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
https://youtu.be/9qnqhI9PBCE&t=12s
The Coleman Sundome tent features a free-standing design that’s lightweight for portability and with easy setup and takedown. However, it also limits the tent to fair weather conditions on soft ground to prevent damage. It also features side ventilation panels that offer excellent air circulation, while the ceiling mesh offers great stargazing opportunities on summer nights.
The tent features a 75D polyester construction with inverted seams and welded corners for waterproofing as the rainfly is significantly short. Many users note that the tent offers decent protection in moderate rain, and the frame can withstand some windy conditions. The shape of the dome allows the ceiling vents to exhaust hot air inside the tent and prevent condensation.
Pros
- High-quality construction and affordably priced
- The free-standing design allows quick assembly
- Offers decent waterproofing protection
- Excellent ventilation in warm weather
Cons
- Features only one door for access
- Heavy for a 2-person tent
- It has a short rainfly
2. NTK Arizona GT 10-Person Camping Tent
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 26.5 Pounds (12 kg) Size: 208.7 x 96.5 x 80.8 Inches (530 x 245.1 x 205.2 cm) Size: 44449 Persons Material: 190T Polyester Waterproof: 2500 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
The NTK Arizona is one of the best performing family camping tents in weather resistance and comfort and is part of the NTK GT Series 3-season tents. It is also remarkably lightweight at 26 pounds and offers a fastpitch setup with color-coded poles. The tent features a dome shape with a high headroom allowance of 6.2 feet, and most people can move around inside the tent without bending.
I also like that it’s a double-layer structure with an inner tent that features three generous No-See-Um mesh windows, two D-shaped double panel doors, and a room divider. No-See-Um is a high-quality mesh screen with a dense weave that protects against tiny insects such as mosquitoes while keeping the tent breathable. It is a notable feature because it allows you to sleep without the rainfly in warm weather and enjoy the night sky and cool breeze as you sleep.
The rainfly extends to the bottom and features a PU-2500mm waterproofing that many users can attest to its reliability in sustained moderate rainfall. The tent’s tub floor is another outstanding feature that many campers appreciate due to its reliable waterproofing abilities. The floor also features a 2500mm polyurethane coating plus an inner silver coated layer that ensures the tent remains dry even when water puddles or flows under it.
Pros
- High tub floor with double waterproof protection,
- Features fabric and mesh screen double panel doors,
- Excellent ventilation with several mesh panels,
- Full coverage waterproofed fly with UV protection
Cons
- Windows and doors fabric covers are on the outside,
- Not stable in strong wind conditions
3. Ciays Camping Waterproof Family Tent
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 5.3 Pounds (2.4 kg) Size: 87 x 61 x 46 Inches (221 x 154.9 x 116.8 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: Polyester Waterproof: 1200 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
This Ciays 2-person tent offers slightly more interior space for comfort and has decent build quality for its price range. However, it does not provide gear space, and it might be a little tight for two campers with gear. The tent features a polyester material with a water-resistant PU-1200mm coating that can withstand light rain. It also comes with fiberglass poles that can provide stability in windy conditions. However, they are also light-duty and can break while assembling the tent.
I like that it is breathable and comes with mesh panels for air circulation. However, it doesn’t have vents, which can cause the tent to be stuffy when you set up the rain fly. It is also easy to assemble and put down, even for novices, and it has a free-standing design that allows you to set it up on any ground. While it comes with mesh pockets, it does not feature a lantern hook or a vestibule as the rain fly covers the roof only.
Pros
- Good quality build for its price point,
- Comfortable interior space versus the competition,
- Easy assembly and takedown for any skill level,
- Free-standing design allows set up on hard ground
Cons
- It does not feature vents to reduce humidity,
- Lightweight poles may break easily
4. NTK INDY GT 5-Person 12.2×8 Family Camping Tent
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 12 Pounds (5.4 kg) Size: 153.6 x 98 x 56.4 Inches (390.1 x 248.9 x 143.3 cm) Size: 5 Persons Material: 190T Polyester Waterproof: 2500 MM Instant: No Tent Type / Shape: Tunnel |
See it in your local store:
The NTK INDY 5-Person Tent features a unique igloo design that provides plenty of space for camping with pets. The tent features two rooms that include a 56 square foot main sleeping area and a covered vestibule area with two doors. The vestibule space is versatile, and it can close up to use as a sleeping space or open up to use as a shade. It is a lightweight tent that compares favorably in quality with other top backpacking tents for under $200.
This two-part tent can put up four adult campers comfortably, and if you are backpacking, you can split its weight four ways for portability. However, many users note that it does not have adequate ventilation with the rainfly, but this double layer insulates the tent for cold conditions. Furthermore, it is remarkably stable in windy conditions and is reliably waterproof in the rain. Its freestanding design is also quick to set up and take down and the carry bag is wide to repack the tent.
Pros
- It has a lightweight and robust structure for backpacking,
- Accommodates four adult campers comfortably,
- Features a covered vestibule space for multiple uses,
- Exceptional insulation for cold weather camping,
- The two doors in the vestibule area allow easy access
Cons
- Rainfly reduces ventilation in rainy weather,
- The short headroom height is inconvenient
5. Forceatt Tent for Camping
| Specs |
|---|
| 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. Pacific Pass Family Dome Tent
| Specs |
|---|
| 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
7. Bessport 3-4 Person Camping Tent
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 6.6 Pounds (3 kg) Size: 88.4 x 72.7 x 47.2 Inches (224.5 x 184.7 x 119.9 cm) Size: 43894 Persons Material: Polyester 68D, 190T and 210D Waterproof: Yes |
See it in your local store:
Built for rugged conditions, the Bessport 3-4 Person Camping Tent is the best premium choice in this review. It is easy to set up, 3-seasons tent for a group of backpackers. It is spacious with an aluminum pole and clip structure for easy setup. The tent has tapered seams with flap-covered zips to ensure that you stay dry in wet conditions. It has a to-the-floor full rain fly that shields the tent from pouring rain, with the flairs on each side providing a shield for storing things outside the tent. If you love watching the sky or star gazing, you can remove the fly cover to watch the stars through the mesh top. For ventilation, the Bessport 3-4 Person Camping Tent has a large mesh door, two mesh windows, and a mesh top for increased airflow. It also has mesh pockets sewn into the side for storing small objects.
Pros
- Features an intuitive 1-pole system for easy assembling,
- Comes with a removable full fly cover for protection against rain,
- zipper flaps with velcro for protection in wet areas,
- Has an alcove for keeping muddy boots in the tent
Cons
- If the pole breaks, you lose the tent structure,It may not be ideal for extremely snowy conditions
8. Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon Car Camping Tent
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 21.5 Pounds (9.8 kg) Size: 204 x 102 x 72 Inches (518.2 x 259.1 x 182.9 cm) Size: 8 Persons Material: Polyester Instant: No |
See it in your local store:
The Coleman 8-Person Red Canyon Tent is an affordable family camping tent with generous interior space to fit eight people comfortably. Additionally, it comes with room divider curtains to create three rooms for privacy as needed. Unfortunately, it also features only one door, which is an inconvenience for a tent this size.
However, I like the lightweight construction that makes it easy to carry to the site and set up. Plus, it also packs tightly, so it does not take up much space in storage. It allows a quick setup and takedown to help you to settle in quickly as it features a single-layer design with a short rainfly. On the downside, the fly does not cover the windows, and the tent can get uncomfortable as the windows remain exposed to cold.
Pros
- Spacious interior that accommodates eight campers comfortably,
- It comes with two divider curtains for added privacy, Has plenty of headspace for standing,
- Fabric and tub floor are reliably water-resistant
Cons
- Windows remain exposed even in cold weather,
- Features only one door for access
9. TPS Power Sports Instant Pop Up Camping Tent
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 8.5 Pounds (3.9 kg) Size: 97 x 97 x 52 Inches (246.4 x 246.4 x 132.1 cm) Size: 3 Persons Material: 210D Oxford Instant: Yes Tent Type / Shape: Dome |
See it in your local store:
This TPS Instant Set-Up model is available in three sizes and two colors. TPS Power Sports is an outdoors and sports equipment brand with a broad product range. Their camping tents are made in China, and there is not much information on their website for this tent model. The 3-person tent features an octagonal dome shape with a floor area of about 50 square feet. It also features an instant setup system that allows you to pitch and bring down the tent in a few seconds.
While the tent’s unique shape is attractive and stylish, it is also not efficient with space. Camping mattresses and cots are rectangular, and trying to fit them in an octagonal space creates bits of unusable space. However, this tent also comes in a square-shaped model that offers a better space arrangement. Additionally, it has a low water-resistance ability which makes it unsuitable for rainy weather. Some users have also noted that it has a poor build quality and may not be durable to use for several camping seasons.
On the upside, the tent features 360-degree windows that provide excellent air circulation in hot weather. It also comes with a full-coverage rainfly that provides shelter for light rain, but it may also make the interior stuffy as it does not feature ground or roof vents. However, the polyester material is UV protected, which helps to keep the interior cool.
Pros
- Stylish design with 360-degree windows for ventilation,
- Full coverage rain fly provides shelter in light rain,
- Pre-assembled hydraulic structure enables instant setup
Cons
- Poor build quality for durability,
- It does not feature window cover panels for privacy
10. Moon Lence Camping Tent
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 6 Pounds (2.7 kg) Size: 83.8 x 59.8 x 48 Inches (212.9 x 151.9 x 121.9 cm) Size: 2 Persons Material: 100% Polyester Waterproof: Yes |
See it in your local store:
The Moon Lence camping tent is a double-layer 2-person tent that is made from 100% polyester. It is easy to set up and pull down and comes in a small handy bag for storage. This affordable tent that cost less than $200 and comes with 190T PU material construction with a 1000mm water-resistance and UV-resistance to provide all-around protection with water-resistance. It comes with two windows and a ground vent for improved air circulation.
For stability, it has 4 guy ropes and 9 lightweight iron pegs to keep the tent balanced in windy conditions. It also has 2 shock cord connecting poles for easy set up and it takes 15 minutes to do so.The lightweight iron pegs and guy lines provide stability against windy conditions, and prevent rainwater from pooling on the tent.
Ventilation is not a problem with the large mesh section, ground vents, and a detachable rainfly that controls the moisture by increasing the airflow.
Another notable feature is the internal mesh pockets that give you an excellent way to store your stuff. The tent also comes with a ceiling hook to hang your lantern and create the best environment at night.
Pros
- Generous two-person tent,
- Small and is easy to store away,
- Wind-resistant with iron pegs and guy ropes for stability,
- UV-resistant
- Several window openings,
- Completely waterproof with tarp material,
- Excellent air ventilation
Cons
- It does not have a tent footprint,
- The zipper occassionally gets stuck
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the best tents for rain is below:
Overall best tent for rain out there: Coleman Sundome 2 Person Tent
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: NTK Arizona GT 10-Person Camping Tent
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: Ciays Camping Waterproof Family Tent
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying Tents For Rain
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.
Durability
When we talk about durability, we look at the denier rating of the fabrics used, which is visible on the product description. The denier indicates the weight of the fabric’s yarn. In case you might be wondering, a lesser rating means a lighter, thinner and less durable material, and vice versa. It also means that the denier is a significant factor in the tent’s weight, and you will need to balance these two factors. Some premium tents feature a silicone coating added to the fabric to increase durability while maintaining the lightweight advantage.
Poor quality backpacking tents with a low denier rating are vulnerable to getting tears on the tent floor, which can compromise their usability. To protect the groundsheet of a lightweight tent, you can opt to use a
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.
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.
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.
Questions and Answers About Tents For 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.
How to clean your Waterproof tent?
You can use a non-abrasive sponge to clean the tent. However, try not to overwork the waterproofed areas as you may damage the protective coating. Target the soiled areas by soaking it in a bathtub of warm, soapy water, and let it dry out for some time.
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.
