Best Waterproof Tent for Summer Adventures in 2018

Choosing the right waterproof tent for your camping trips to your favorite national park can seem challenging at first. Like with sleeping bags, water bottles, hiking boots, and even camping showers, whether you are looking at 2, 4 or 6 person tents, there seems like an endless variety available and narrowing down your selection for the perfect summer tent can be overwhelming. 

There are a few things you’ll want to consider when you’re in the market for an all-weather camping tent that is waterproof and you can use for summer adventures: 

  • Size of the group camping with you and how much space you want for sleeping and other activities in the tent
  • What type of camping trip you’re planning. If you’re driving to your campsite your needs will be different than if you are planning to hike and you need to bring your tent with you. Likewise, if you’re camping on the beach versus camping in the woods, etc.
  • Weather conditions where you’ll be camping. Everyone will want protection from inclement conditions, but some people will need it more than others. Whether or not you want to invest in a waterproof tent and take steps to add even more protection with waterproof sealant on the floor and seams is based on the weather conditions you plan to camp in. It’s also a good idea to consider temperatures when you’ll be camping. During the hotter summer months, you’ll want to be sure your tent offers plenty of ventilation. 

Why Buy a Camping Tent? 

The obvious answer here is that you need a tent to camp, but this isn’t actually the case. You could sleep out under the stars or even use your vehicle when camping. However, most people love the idea of setting up a comfortable space that bears some similarities to their home. 

There are also different types of tents, so getting a camping tent means something different than getting a backpacking tent. Camping tents tend to be heavier, but they also tend to be larger and more luxurious. Whether or not a camping tent is right for you is based on your needs and wants while camping and how far you’ll need to carry your tent to reach your campsite. 

What to Look for in a Waterproof Tent 

Obviously, the most important issue when you’ve decided you need a waterproof tent is how well it repels water and prevents it from leaking. Tents with lightweight seas that are double protected with seam tape tend to do the best job at preventing leaks. If you’re able to find a tent with waterproof seam tape chances are you’re getting a tent you can count on to protect you from seepage. 

Waterproof tents also tend to have tub floors that are in a single piece. The flooring needs to be constructed from waterproof materials and be a couple to a few inches up on the sides before the wall seam connecting the two. Seams that are located on or too close to the floor tend to experience seepage eventually, especially when there are rainy conditions. 

Both double and single wall tents can be waterproof so don’t assume the extra wall is going to give you extra protection, though it can. Double wall tents have a detachable rainfly layer that helps to repel moisture and prevent moisture from getting into the tent. Sometimes, the inner wall of a doublewalled tent is mesh to prevent the tent from being too heavy and to allow for airflow, especially when the rainfly layer is removed. 

Obviously, single wall tents have just one layer, but it still manages to prevent moisture from penetrating the tent. The single layer is made of a high-tech material that is waterproof and breathable. Most of the time, single wall tents are lighter weight and have a higher price tag and are used by backpackers and other people who need to carry their tent long distances before setting up camp. 

One final tip for selecting a waterproof tent: avoid the temptation of saving money by purchasing the cheapest tent you can find. A low price might be attractive, but even if there are big promises made by the manufacturer about being waterproof, chances are the tent isn’t going to offer the same protection as something with an average to higher price tag. You don’t need to buy the most expensive waterproof tent there is, but buying something just because it’s cheap is likely to cost you more in the long run. 

Best Waterproof Tents for Summer Adventures 

Now that you have an idea of what to look for in a waterproof tent, take a look at our picks for the best available: 

Coleman 8 Person Red Canyon Tent

Coleman 8 Person Red Canyon Tent

This is a great large group tent. It’s perfect for bigger families and groups of friends who want to enjoy a camping experience together. It measures 17 by 10 feet and stands 72 inches in the center. It’s also divided into three rooms so everyone can have some privacy when needed. And since it’s made by Coleman, you know it’s a high-quality product. 

This tent is large enough to fit three air mattresses, including one queen size. It’s sturdy enough to stand up to windy or stormy condition and is even more durable than other Coleman tents. It can take some time to set up and is likely a job for two or more people, but once it’s up it’s a great option for camping. 

Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent

Wenzel 8 Person Klondike Tent

This tent has plenty of stability, which can be a blessing when you’re camping with a large family with young children. It’s also great if the weather conditions are less than perfect. 

The tent is constructed from water-repellent polyester that has a cost of polyurethane for an added layer of protection. There’s a bathtub floor design to prevent seepage and moisture from penetrating the floor. It measures 16’x11’ and has a height of six and a half feet at its highest point. With its spacious interior, this tent can fit two queen sized air mattresses without an issue​

Core 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent

Core 6 Person Instant Cabin Tent

This tent from Core is 11’x9’ and stands over seven feet at its highest point. It offers enough room for two queen mattresses. There’s also plenty of space for luggage and camping gear. One of our favorite things about this tent is how easy it is to assemble because the poles are pre-attached.

There are zippered panels in the interior of the tent for privacy and there are ports for electronics in the tent. The tent features H2O Block Technology with active beads to prevent moisture from penetrating the walls.

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