Camping without a tent can’t be imagined, which helps to shelter you and your family in an unknown place. Just having a tent is not enough to stay protected in the camping area.
For example, if you choose a summer tent for camping in the monsoon season, it will be worthless when raining. Most campers are confused about the waterproof tent, especially if they’re going camping during the rains. One question always perplexes their minds; Do tents need to be waterproof?
Typically, a waterproof tent will help to keep you dry inside the tent when it rains. A non-waterproof tent will not give you such protection. To know more about waterproof tents, keep reading the entire context.
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Do Tents Need to Be Waterproofed?
You will find different types of camping tents relying on the purpose of usage. For instance, if you’re going to a camp during the summer, you will need a tent that will protect you from the sun’s heat. The tent has to be able to keep you cool inside it.
On the other hand, if you’re camping during the rains, you will need a tent that will protect you from rain. If you choose a summer tent during the rains camping, you may need to face trouble when the rains come.
Fortunately, there are numerous brands of waterproof tents available on the market. From large to small, all sizes of waterproof tents can be found in both online and offline markets. You can check out the best 10 person waterproof tent reviews for online purchases. Here you will get some robust, waterproof camping tents that are large enough to shelter you and your family.
Why Do You Need Waterproof Tents?
The main purpose of having a tent during monsoon camping is to keep you and your family, as well as all your gear, dry. If the tent fails to do that, your camping experience will be terrible. Below, we have demonstrated some common advantages of having a waterproof camping tent.
Keep Everything Dry
It is common to carry all your important gear while going to a camp. In case of rain in your camping area, all the gear will be wet, causing damage if you don’t have a waterproof tent. In that case, a waterproof tent will ensure you and your gear will not get wet, even if there is heavy rain outside. If you are going to a soccer game and need to protect yourself from the elements – check out best soccer tents for moms and parents.
Protect From Moisture
Waterproof tents are able to deal with all forms of water, from morning dew to heavy rainfall. As most waterproof tents are made with waterproof materials, you don’t have to worry about moisture inside your tent. Typically, the waxes and coatings of waterproof tents work as a protective barrier on the tent surface.
Sturdy In Extreme Weather
Since waterproof tents are usually made with rain in mind, they offer extreme sturdiness and protection against all kinds of weather. This type of tent can withstand whether the rain comes with wind, mud, and humidity. You can ensure that a waterproof tent will keep you safe in harsh weather.
How To Know If My Tent Is Waterproof?
From the different types of tents, it can be challenging to choose a waterproof tent, especially if you are an amateur. In that case, knowing some simple factors that contain a waterproof tent will help you get a waterproof tent easily. For your convenience, below, we have explained what factors you should consider.
Check Tent’s Waterproof Rating
Waterproof rating of a tent determines the amount of water pressure that the tent’s fabric will withstand. This rating is mainly measured in mm and usually falls from 1000 mm to 3000 mm. A tent with a 1000 mm to 1500 mm waterproof rating can deal with dry weather and light rain, while a 3000 mm waterproof rated tent can handle heavy rain. The higher the waterproof rating, the more water resistant the tent will be.
Examine The Tent’s Seams And Sides
Check the area where the tent’s fiber is stitched together. If the stitched areas are sealed properly, you can ensure water won’t leak through your tent. At this stage, you should also check the toggles and ties of your tent. Additionally, doorways are another crucial area to check while checking the waterproofness. A well-designed waterproof tent’s doorways are also waterproof.
Check Fabrics And Coatings
Most tents are made of nylon fabrics. Unfortunately, both of these fabrics are not waterproof. Waterproof tenets are usually made of polyester, which is a synthetic fabric that helps resist water. Additionally, the coating is another key factor to check, as it can leak water. Typically, tents with a coating of polyurethane (PU), durable water repellent, or silicone are well waterproofed.
Look Into The Tent Floor
Tent ground is equally important while checking the waterproof capability of a tent. The tent’s floor with non-waterproof features will be moody during rain. In contrast, a waterproof tent floor is designed in such a way that helps to keep the floor dry even during heavy rain.
What To Do If My Tent Is Not Waterproof?
If you find your tent is not waterproof after checking the factors discussed above, don’t be upset. It is common to purchase a tent that is not waterproof unintentionally. Typically, less expensive tents do not offer waterproof features. Likely, even if you purchase a non-waterproof tent, you can make it waterproof by following some simple techniques. For your help, we have discussed how to make your tents waterproof in the section below.
How To Make Your Tent Waterproof?
Making a tent waterproof is not a difficult task but you will need to follow step-by-step instructions. If you somehow miss any step, your tent won’t waterproof properly. To know how you can do that, follow the steps described below.
Step 1: Clean Your Tent Properly
First, you have to clean your tent’s surface properly. At this stage, you can make a solution by mixing some soap with water. Apply the solution to the tent’s surface and gently scrub until all dirt is removed. Avoid using harsh soap or chemicals to clean the tent because these cleaning products can permanently damage the tent.
Step 2: Apply Waterproof Coating
Spray waterproof coating on the entire tent, including the corners, before you dry it. Wipe off the excess coating on the tent and ensure the coat is applied evenly on the tent’s surface. As different types of coating have different instructions, you should follow the coating instructions according to the type of your coating.
Step 3: Dry The Tent Properly
Once you have finished coating, let the tent dry in a cool area. At this step, you may require help from anyone else, whether a friend or a family member. Spread the tent in the cool area and leave it until the tent dries completely, including inside.
Step 4: Seal The Seams
Seams play a crucial role in waterproofing tents. Typically, seams are prone to wear and tear over time. To seal the seams, turn the tent inside and check if any peeling appears. If you find any peeling, remove the tent coating and clean the area properly. You can use some rubbing alcohol to clear out the tent coating properly. Now apply seam coating on all the seams of your tent, even if one part seems good.
Step 5: Apply Waterproof Coating On Tent’s Floor
Tent floors protect from getting water and dirt from the bottom. So you should waterproof the ground of your tent. At this stage, you have first to turn the tent over and spread the floor fully on the ground. Now apply waterproof coating on both sides of your tent’s floor following the same procedure you have already made.
Step 6: Keep The Tent In A Cool Place
Once the coating is done, leave the tent in a cool place to dry completely. Then, pack the tent as you usually do and put it in the storeroom. Remember that storing the tent in the wrong place will cause coating damage over time, even if you don’t use it for a longer time. In that case, you should store the tent in a place where the temperature is cool, and there is less moisture.
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproof Tents
Campers have different confusion about waterproof tents that raise different questions in their mind. For that, below, we have answered some commonly asked questions about that.
1. How Frequently May I Need To Waterproof My Tent?
If your tent is not waterproof, you have to first make it waterproof by following the above procedure. Once you waterproof the tent, you can waterproof it again every 6–12 months. Besides, if you notice anything suspicious that could cause water in your tent, you should waterproof the tent again.
2. Why Are Tents Losing Their Waterproofness?
Camping tents’ waterproofness can decrease gradually for different reasons. For example, if the outer of your tent is worn down by stones, broken tree branches, or other sharp objects, the tent will lose its waterproofness. Additionally, the waterproof coating of tents is usually damaged over time, causing the tent not to withstand harsh rain.
Conclusion
Having a good tent will determine how much you enjoy your camping, especially during the monsoon season. A tent will protect you and your gear from getting wet if rain comes. However, regular tents will not be enough to protect you from the rain.
In that case, you will need a tent that is waterproof. You will find several waterproof tents in both online and offline markets. Even if you have a non-waterproof tent, you can make it waterproof by following the procedure discussed above.
