Are you planning on a camping trip with your friends or families, but you are afraid of leaking? Let’s go for the best tent for heavy rain in my buying guide below!
Going camping is one of the most popular pastimes, especially for those of you who enjoy a wild adventure once in a while.
However, there is more to a camping trip than you can imagine. If you do not invest in high-quality gears, the harsh weather conditions may tamper with your experience.
So how can you prevent external factors from ruining your camping trip?
Easy enough, let’s go for the best tent for heavy rain!
In my article below, I will give a detailed review of 10 most reliable choices. Who cares about the downpour when you have waterproof tents, right?
Our Top Picks
10. NTK Arizona GT
Tent For Heavy Rain Comparison Table
Tent for Heavy Rain | Preview | Capacity | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 4.8/5 | |
| 1-4 person | 4.7/5 | |
| 2-6 person | 4.7/5 | |
| 4-12 person | 4.5/5 | |
| 4-10 person | 4.3/5 | |
| 6-person | 4.3/5 | |
| 8-9 person | 4.8/5 | |
| 8-person | 4.4/5 | |
| 9-person | 4.7/5 | |
| 9-10 person | 4.7/5 |
Tent For Heavy Rain Reviews
Below are the best tent for heavy rain list that I took time and effort to find out. Hopefully, you can choose a suitable tent among them.
1. ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent
On my list of the best tents for heavy rain today is a model from ALPS Mountaineering. Let’s see what this product has to offer to campers, shall we?
First, it is worth noting that this tent is designed to accommodate one adult, so do not expect the spacious interior. But besides this minor drawback, there are a lot of useful features you can count on in this waterproof tent.
ALPS provides campers with a sturdy tent, accompanied by 7000 series aluminum poles and pole clips for effortless setup. Furthermore, the tent has some weatherproof fly buckles, factory sealed seams and the Poly Taffeta floor to increase its resistance against external factors.
Do you still need one more reason to purchase this tent? Well, let’s have a look at the vestibule, which gives you plenty of space outside the sleeping area to keep shoes and other heavy gears. Do you want to hold up some personal belongings? The mesh storage pockets will take care of your stuff. Yay!
Oh, and that is not to mention the half mesh walls, designed to boost the air circulation and help the campers feel more relaxed. In such a narrow tent, you are more likely to feel stuffy and uncomfy. This motivates ALPS to try their best with its design, so you will truly enjoy your camping trip.
In short, if you are looking for a high-quality one-person tent at an affordable price, you cannot go wrong with ALPS Mountaineering.
PROS
CONS
2. TETON Sports Mountain Ultra Tent
Next on my list today is a camping tent from TETON Sports - the mountain ultra tent! I’m so excited to share with you guys about this product!
The main reason why I love this tent is its intuitive design. The attached rainfly is waterproof, with built-in vents for the air to be well ventilated. No longer will you have to spend a night inside a stuffy space, because TETON Sports can now give you a cool and comfy sleep.
Oh, and have I mentioned the micro-mesh? This mesh is designed to fend off not only bugs and insects but also condensation! Have you ever woke up only to find there are water drops around your sleeping space? Well, TETON Sports make sure that such an uncomfortable situation will never happen again.
Also, this tent can be classified as a backpacking tent, as it is foldable, lightweight, and it can fit into a bag. You will not have to worry about packing your tent and moving it from one place to another.
However, the manufacturers have to do something about the bathtub floor. Somehow this part of the tent is shallow, so you have to pin it on a smooth surface, or else the air will travel through space. Not cool, isn’t it?
But still, I think TETON Sports is an ideal choice if you have had some experience with camping before, and would like to go for something economical.
PROS
CONS
3. Coleman Sundome Tent
If you are up for another recommendation, then I would suggest you have a look at the Sundome tent from Coleman. What are its features? Why does it deserve a place on my list of the best tents for heavy rain? Let’s see!
This model belongs to the dome tents category, which has a round rainfly covering the whole tent to maximize the protection. The spacious interior space is ideal for two adults, so this will be a perfect choice if you go on a camping trip with your significant other. Still, be aware that two people fitting inside this tent means that there will be limited space for your personal belongings.
So, as far as the design is concerned, what do we have here? First, the internal ventilation system! This tent incorporates patented welded floors, a ground vent and extra-large windows to maximize the air circulation. You are well protected against the harsh weather conditions, while still enjoy the chilly atmosphere inside the tent.
I also love how the tent is shaped with its dome top. This way, even an adult can stand upright inside the tent. How awesome, right?
However, I should tell you beforehand that this tent is not designed to endure the cold weather. The mesh top and breathable hole at the back keep the tent dry and cool in tropical lands, but they will expel the heat and make you freeze if the weather drops too low. Bring along a blanket or some jackets, everyone!
My final word? If your camping destination has some favorable weather conditions, this Coleman Sundome will be your best bet. It might not be in your favor during super heavy rain, but it makes a perfect shelter in sunny places.
PROS
CONS
4. Eureka Copper Canyon 6 - Person Tent
Are you about to go camping with your bestie squad, and you want a spacious tent? Eureka Copper Canyon tent will satisfy your needs!
What I like best about Copper Canyon is its comfort. Apart from the roomy space, the internal walls of this tent are almost vertical, which creates a feeling like you are in a cabin. That is not to mention the storage pockets and a gear loft placed within your reach, so you can keep your stuff somewhere safe and easy to find.
The setup of this Eureka Copper Canyon tent is also super easy. With the frame made from both steel and fiberglass, assembling a tent has never been so effortless. The pole sleeves, the ring-and-pin system as well as the hubs will assist you in building up a perfect shelter for your camping trip.
Another unique detail of this tent is its E! Power Port, which is essentially a connector for campers to charge their electronic devices without having to go out.
You can place the cord outside to prevent any possible electrical shock, while still having access to its power source from the comfort of your tent.
Sadly, this 6-person tent is not perfect. For some reasons, the door has one zip only, and the flaps are not sewn carefully into seams. So make sure you have closed everything, or else heavy rain may leak through.
All in all, Eureka Copper Canyon tent is a reliable product. It is large enough for you and your companions, while still having the most necessary features of a waterproof tent.
PROS
CONS
5. Coleman Cabin Tent
Coleman is more or less a giant in the tent-making industry, which is the reason why it introduces multiple impressive tent designs on the market. Now, we will have a look at its cabin tent.
At first look, I was pretty concerned about the assembly of this tent. But it turns out that Coleman Cabin is super easy to set up. If you follow the instructions, it would take around a minute or two for the tent to fully open up. No more struggling with the complicated manual, so yay!
You should also pay attention to the attached rainfly and the Rugged Polyguard 2X fabric. Not only do they increase the lifespan of the tent, but they also shed the moisture away to prevent any leakage.
I also love the fact that Coleman designs a light-blocking tent. Once you get inside the tent and pull up the door, almost 90% of sunlight will be blocked. This way, the temperature will drop and you will feel much more relaxed. No more heat build-up or sweating, my fellow campers!
Oh, and do not forget the attached carry bag. One more reason why I place my trust in Coleman is their attentiveness to details. Instead of trying to shove your tent inside the backpack, let’s use the expandable carry container! Everything will be neatly placed inside, ready for your next trip.
However, Coleman may want to improve its zipper design. The zipper at the front door is tough to close up, so sometimes campers have to leave it half-open. Really frustrating, don’t you think so?
Despite this minor flaw, the Coleman Cabin tent is still worth your investment. For a solo or 2-people camping trip, you cannot find a better, more reliable tent!
PROS
CONS
6. SPRINGBAR Highline 6
If you are planning on a long camping trip with around 3 to 5 companions, this tent from SPRINGBAR may be your best bet. Let’s explore its features with me and see why it is among the most favorite tents for professional campers.
One cannot fail to notice the material of this tent, which is 100% cotton canvas. The outer coating is 100% waterproof, reinforced by the vinyl floor. In other words, there is no way moisture can seep through your tent!
Also, if you want your tent to be both stylish and functional, then you would love this model from SPRINGBAR. The tent is shaped like a vintage cabin with a rainfly covering the front space, which gives it a perfect look for a shelter.
Furthermore, this model from SPRINGBAR is extremely durable and sturdy thanks to its steel stakes and stake loops. If assembled correctly, the tent can withstand extreme weather conditions like high winds or heavy rain.
Still, I think the tent can benefit from having more storage pockets. Providing the tent accommodates at least 4 people, they will surely need a lot more space to keep their stuff.
Apart from this inconvenience, SPRINGBAR tent is very much a worthwhile tent. Not only is it roomy and comfortable to move around, but it also holds up against unfavorable external conditions.
PROS
CONS
7. NTK Cherokee GT
If your budget does not allow something as expensive as the SPRINGBAR tent, then this design from NTK Cherokee may suit your needs.
Available at a competitive price, NTK Cherokee is a beast when it comes to large camping groups. The interior space is big enough to host up to 5 people, and adults can stand up freely while being inside the tent. If you want to have some privacy, this model provides you with a room divider. How thoughtful, right?
But there is more to the NTK Cherokee tent than just the spacious space. The dual-layer made by 190T polyester and urethane makes sure the tent does not get leaked, which is a huge bonus for a waterproof tent. And do not forget its heat-seamed coating, as it offers an extra shield of protection against the UV.
I also enjoy the ultra-thin mesh fabric, which will circulate the airflow and make you feel more comfortable staying inside the tent at night. Plus, the mesh has these micro holes which do not mosquitoes and bugs to fly in, so you do not have to worry about getting bit!
However, I would say that NTK Cherokee has some serious problems with its stakes. Not only are the stakes few in number, but they are also easily bent. If the weather conditions are too harsh, the stakes can pull out of the ground. You will need to hammer these stakes carefully to make sure they hold down the tent.
If you think the stakes are not a deal-breaker, then congratulations! You have got yourself a reliable purchase with the NTK Cherokee tent. See for yourself how this product works in your favor!
PROS
CONS
8. Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent
Another family-camping tent that I would like to recommend to you is this Klondike tent from Wenzel. At an extremely affordable price for an 8-person tent, many customers are worried that this tent cannot hold up very long. Let’s see if the concerns are true.
What struck me when I first had a look at this tent is its water-resistance level. Apart from the polyester and urethane coating to shield the campers from moisture, this tent also has double-stitched seams with flaps to direct the water away from the tent. And guess what? All the zippers, webbings are threads are well treated with water repellant spray, so rest assured that you will be kept dry!
Also, this Wenzel Klondike tent comes with a full mesh cover and two mesh windows, so insects and bugs cannot find their way inside the tent. These vents maximize the ventilation system of your shelter, so you will not feel stuffy at all.
Nevertheless, do not expect perfection from this model. Personally speaking, I think the dark-colored rainfly is quite a bad idea, as it cannot reflect the heat on sunny days. Thus, campers may feel hot and irritable if they stay for a long time inside the tent when the temperature is high.
But in case you bring along some extra powerful fans, or you can put up with the heat, then nothing much can be complained about the Wenzel Klondike tent. Get one for yourself and see how things work out!
PROS
CONS
9. CORE 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent
Personally speaking, this Instant Cabin tent from CORE is one of my favorite tent for heavy rain! I am more than thrilled to explain why I fall in love with this product.
First, let’s talk about the removable rainfly. If you want to enjoy a stargazing experience, you can push the rainfly aside and pave the way for CORE’s oversized mesh ceiling panels. When the weather starts to rain, pull the rainfly over so you are kept dry.
With such a spacious tent, it is understandable that you worried about the airflow. But well, CORE has taken care of this issue by incorporating advanced vents both on the ground and across the ceiling, so you will not feel stuffy inside. And do not forget the side T-door! Not only does it act as a second entry, but it can also increase the ventilation through its mesh windows!
So far, so good, right?
Sadly, there are still some flaws in this CORE Instant Cabin tent. I am pretty concerned about the stakes of this tent, as they are all easily bent. Upon first use, I already bent all 12 of the attached stakes. But this drawback can be solved if you turn to a set of stakes provided by a third party.
If you think you can deal with these bendable stakes, then CORE 9-person Instant Cabin tent is all you need. Cost-saving, spacious, and weatherproof, what else do you expect from a tent?
PROS
CONS
10. NTK Arizona GT
If you are looking for an affordable yet spacious family tent, I suggest that you have a look at the Arizona tent from NTK.
With 2 doors and 3 windows to maximize the ventilation, NTK makes a 2-room tent feel much more relaxing and comfortable than ever. Are you worried that you cannot set up such a huge tent? Worry not, because the poles are color-coded and the rods are made from Nano-flex shock-corded fiberglass, which means you can easily assembly everything within around 15 minutes.
Many people are also concerned about the water-resistance of this tent. Well, let me tell you, NTK provides customers with a dual coating made from 190T polyester and urethane, so not even the heaviest rain can seep through the seams.
Furthermore, you might want to notice the Ultra-thin polyester, which shields you from getting bit by bugs, insects or mosquitos. At the same time, this no-see style mesh can offer some privacy during sunny days, when you do not put on the attached rainfly.
Still, I have expected better from the room divider. This makeshift door looks rather floppy and low-end to me, and sudden movements around the tent can make the divider collapse. I had to use glue to stabilize the door after it fell off on the ground once.
In short, an NTK Arizona tent can make a great deal if what you need is a large, highly sufficient, and economical tent.
PROS
CONS
How To Choose The Best Tent For Heavy Rain
Numerous factors can make or break the best tent for heavy rain. Below are some of the most important points you have to bear in mind when shopping for a waterproof tent. Keep in mind!
1. Materials
Polyester is the most common fabric used in the tent-making industry, which is not water-resistant. Therefore, many manufacturers apply a urethane coating both inside and outside the tent to make sure it does not get leaked.
You may wonder: “How on Earth can I get to know whether my tent is actually waterproof or not?” Well, lucky for you, there is a thing called the hydrostatic head to measure the waterproofness of an item. The higher the rate is, the more water-repellant your tent becomes.
You can also check the materials used in each tent to see how water-resistant it is. Nylon tents often come with silicone coatings, which are not very durable under harsh weather conditions. Once purchasing such a tent, you may have to apply another layer of seam sealant.
On the other hand, tents made from canvas fabric are of much higher quality. The tent needs to be wetted and dried for a few times for the fabric to swells up and blocks moisture, so it will take a bit of your effort. But once things are done, a canvas tent can be extremely waterproof.
2. Seams
The seams are another factor that decides which are the best tents for rain. Look at spots where different pieces of cloths are sewn together and examine it. Most high-quality, waterproof tents will have their seams covered by tape, with stitches and toggles sewing the fabric together in a meticulous way.
3. Zips
If not closed carefully, the zips are where the rain comes in. Before you purchase a tent, make sure its zips are carefully sewn into the fabric. And look for the flaps! If a tent is truly waterproof, it will come with flaps to direct the water away from the windows and doors.
However, you might want to test out the flaps first. If poorly made, the flaps tend to get snagged under heavy rain, so they are going to be useless in shielding your shelter from moisture.
4. Overall design of doors and windows
Doors and windows are the two biggest entries into the tent, which is why most leakages usually come from these spots. You should choose a tent with well-covered doors and windows so that the rain does not seep through the open space easily.
If possible, you should see whether these entries flops back inside the tent under heavy movements. Some tents have doors not designed to withstand heavy forces, so when it rains, the moisture will condense on the door. Once you open the zipper, water will fall right back onto where you are standing. Ouch! So be careful when examining the tent!
5. Attached accessories
While a tent itself has to be waterproof, it can receive quite a lot of help from the additional accessories.
For example, you may want to purchase a tent that comes with a rainfly. A rainfly placed on top of your tent will block heavy rain from going inside.
Another helpful detail is the flaps and skirts covering the seams, windows, and doors. These can also shed the moisture away effectively, as it creates drainage for the water to flow away from the tent.
You should also notice whether the tent has a vestibule. Some people are fine with keeping their shoes and cumbersome gear outside. But personally speaking, I think a vestibule will make much better storage space, as you do not have to drag your muddy stuff inside the sleeping space.
Also, look out for the carry bag. I know some of you may think this is an extra detail, but trust me! It is not. You never know how necessary a carry bag is until you have to struggle to fit a foldable tent inside your backpack. An expandable bag will be of great help, even more than you think!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Should I buy a 4-season tent or just a tent for heavy rain?
This is very much a tricky question because the answer lies in your needs.
Do you intend to travel and go camping all year long, where the weather does not rain all the time? Or are you in for extreme camping trips in the forest rain or by the tropical beaches, where a downpour could happen out of the blue?
If you belong to the former category, then a 4-season tent will be better suited. However, in case you want to make sure no moisture can leak through your tent and dampen the interior space, a water-resistant tent is an ideal choice.
Below is my comparison chart so that you will have a better idea about the pros and cons of each type of tent.
PROS
4- season tents
- Sturdier and more durable. Not only can they withstand heavy rain, but they can also fend off other extreme weather conditions.
- Better at heat reservation, so campers will be kept warm and dry during cold weather.
Tents for heavy rain
- Designed to endure extreme moisture and wetness, which can keep you dry and comfortable.
- Usually come with a rainfly for better protection against weather factors.
CONS
4-season tents
- Usually made from heavy and thick materials, which makes moving them from one place to another an ordeal.
- The assembly of 4-season tents can be more challenging due to its complicated design.
Tents for heavy rain
- There is no standard criteria to judge whether a tent is qualified as a tent for heavy rain or not.
- There are a wide variety of models on the market, which can confuse customers.
- If brought to somewhere with cold weather, a tent for heavy rain may not be able to endure the low temperatures.
2. Should I choose a cheap or an expensive tent?
If you are not a big fan of camping, then I suggest that you for a cheap one. Cheap tents do not necessarily mean they are bad. It’s just they are not as durable and versatile as higher-end tents.
However, in case you regularly go camping, you should not shy away from investing in a high-quality tent. Yes, it may cost you a bit too much in the first place, but I guarantee the majority of expensive tents are built to last.
Many campers are hesitant to make a big investment, and they turn to shaggy tents. The thing is these tents will tear down after being used a few times. You will end up spending over and over again, while you could have saved a lot of money in the long run with a reliable tent.
3. Some tents do not come with a rainfly, do I need to buy one?
If you are going to somewhere with tropical weather, you definitely should buy a separate rainfly. A well-made, waterproof rainfly will add an extra layer of protection, thus preventing your tent from getting leaked. It can also help with shielding your tent from the harsh winds so that it is not likely to fall down or collapse in case the weather turns sour.
However, if you have checked the forecast and are confident about the stability of the weather conditions at your camping site, a rainfly may be unnecessary.
4. What should I do if my waterproof tent has a leak?
Before we get to the fixing part, let’s begin by making sure you have maximized the water-resistance of your tent.
You have purchased a waterproof tent, wonderful! But there are a few more things you can do to increase its sturdiness. You can check the seams across the tent and let them sealed by seam sealer, so water cannot seep through the tiny holes. Or you can reinforce the urethane coating by applying tent sealants. Finally, what about adding some water-repellant spray on top of everything and let them dry for a few hours?
Providing you have done all of the above, and your tent still gets leaked, you should follow these instructions to fix the problem.
First, examine where the leak comes from. Does it come from the seams? If so, prepare some seam sealant and a broad brush. Once the weather is dry, use the brush to repaint along the seam. Remember to clean the seams with alcohol beforehand to increase the effectiveness of the sealant!
Sometimes, you may find water condensation inside the tent, and you mistake it for water leakage. But trust me, condensation happens all the time, especially if there is a sudden switch in the air temperature. If you encounter some water drops while your tent is still intact, it is likely that there is no leaked spot at all. You need to clean up your tent with alcohol and use some water-repellant spray to be sure.
Conclusion
No longer will you have to worry about your tent getting leaked, now that you have had the best tent for heavy rain! Water-Resistant camping gear like this will protect you from being soaked up, trust me!
What is your opinion? Have you ever tried out anything in my list above? Share with me in the comment section here!
