The last thing you want to experience while camping is staying in your tent during the rain and still getting wet. It may surprise you, but not all tents are automatically waterproof as well. If you are planning to camp this summer, focus on the waterproof properties of the tent when choosing one. Only this way will you ensure a safe and dry shelter from unpleasant rain.
Even individual waterproof tents vary greatly in their degree of water resistance. The type of fabric, density and thickness of the fabric have a significant impact on water resistance. The quality of the waterproof fabric is what really makes a tent waterproof. There are several factors that affect a tent's water resistance, and that is why you need to look for a quality tent that will really keep you dry. How to do it?
Are nylon or polyester tents waterproof?
You have probably had a polyester t-shirt on at some point. If you accidentally spilled some water on yourself while drinking, you probably found out that such a t-shirt is not waterproof. Tents made from this material are, naturally, not waterproof either.
The secret of waterproof synthetic materials is hidden in their surface treatment. Tent fabrics must be coated with either polyurethane, silicone, or DWR (Durable Water Repellant), or even a combination of several of them, in order to be truly waterproof.
These surface treatments can become damaged over time, which is why even a very expensive tent will need to be re-treated after some time in order to maintain its waterproof properties. Do not worry, buying a cheap tent does not mean you are buying a tent in which you will get wet. Even affordable tents can have a quality waterproof surface treatment.
How to choose a waterproof tent?
Tent fabrics are usually marked with a waterproofness rating in millimeters (mm). The higher the mm value, the better the waterproofness. If you are planning for significantly rainy weather, then a level above 1000 mm will provide sufficient protection.
Another important factor when choosing a waterproof tent is the shape of the roof. The roof walls should be sloped downward, so that water can easily drain to the ground. Any flat spots or folds in the tent represent a place where water will collect. And that is the spot that will soak up water and may eventually start leaking. A teepee tent is suitable.
You may come across terms such as “all-season tent” or “4-season tent”. Do not be misled. Many tent manufacturers use these terms to describe tents with better resistance to weather conditions and changes in outdoor temperature. However, this does not necessarily mean that the tent is also waterproof.
A waterproof tent provides you with perfect shelter from any weather, and you do not have to worry about unexpectedly getting wet while sleeping at night. With a waterproof tent, the weather will no longer surprise you. We are happy to help you with your choice.
