10 Best Waterproof Tents

Anyone who has camped in the rain with a leaky tent knows it’s a miserable experience. Wet clothes and a soggy sleeping bag make for long, cold nights. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for the best waterproof tents here at Wild Proof Gear.

Waterproof tents include design features that increase the tent’s ability to protect you and your gear against rain. The tent’s fabric is typically made of polyester and coated with either silicone, polyurethane, or a mixture of both. They come with a covering, known as a rainfly, which shields the tent from rain. Waterproof tape or sealant is also included along seams to prevent leaks where the tent is most vulnerable.

If you’re looking for a breakdown of the best waterproof tents for camping, we’ve got you covered. We’ve selected the top 10 for 2023 and compared them by cost, size, water resistance, and ease of use.

Best All-Around Waterproof Tent – Kelty All-In

The Kelty All-Inn is everything you could ask for in a lightweight, waterproof tent. Many people assume you need to sacrifice significant interior space to achieve the standards of a true lightweight tent. This is far from the truth with the All-Inn. With a pack weight of 4lbs, you get the weight of a one-person tent with the interior space of a two-person tent.

Like all two-person tents, it’s ideal for a duo who don’t mind a close sleeping situation or camping solo with room for gear. It might even be a roomier floor plan than most tents made for two.

Where this tent stands apart from most two-person tents is its headroom. Changing clothes and moving around is a breeze with this extra height. It’s a true luxury for a tent this size and one that doesn’t come at the cost of added weight.

When it comes to protection against the rain, the All-Inn has you covered from above and below. Not only do both the rainfly and the floor have top-end waterproof ratings of 1500mm, the floor also has a silicone coat for added protection.

Although you’ll want reliable waterproofing for foul weather camping, rain won’t be the only concern when facing a storm. Wind can be devastating to any camping trip. To prepare for whatever mother nature throws your way, you’ll need a tent that can handle the heavy stuff.

This is a major reason we’ve chosen this as the best all-around waterproof tent. Not only will it keep you bone dry, it’ll hold tight in winds up to 70mph. You might not want to make a habit of camping in these conditions, but it’s nice to know you’re prepared for the unexpected.

On a lighter note, a little perk about this tent any backpack camper will appreciate is the included stuff sack. Not having to squeeze the tent back into your bag every morning saves serious time and headaches.

There’s very little to complain about with the All-Inn. The fasteners are a bit of a breaking liability, but that’s true with all plastic fasteners. If you’re careful not to force them, there shouldn’t be an issue.

Aside from that, the only problem we could see for some people is the price. For those on a budget, it’s definitely more expensive than some other two-person tents. That said, you get what you pay for, and the all-around quality more than justifies the price tag.

There are certain brands that charge more for the same (if not lesser) quality tents. Kelty is a trustworthy brand that makes a quality product at a fair price. If you’re looking for the absolute best allaround tent, we highly recommend the All-Inn.

Best 1-Person Waterproof Tent – ALPS Mountaineering Lynx

Solo backpackers will love this easy to set up, waterproof tent. The Lynx has enough room for a single person to sleep in comfortably, but very little room for storage. You can tell it’s designed with minimalist campers in mind. Cold weather campers also will appreciate the small space for maximizing body heat.

When you’re solo camping, you’ve got a lot to take care of at the end of the day. The last thing you’ll want to do is mess around with a tent that would be easier to set up with the help of an extra person. The simple, aluminum, two-pole design eliminates this hassle providing an easy, single-person setup.

We all try our best not to set up tents on ground that pool water. But, given enough rain, or less than ideal ground, it’s always possible that water will seep in from below. Unlike some other tents in this price range, the floor of the Lynx has a heavy-duty, water-resistant coating. Although it’s always a good measure to use a footprint when expecting heavy rain, it’s nice to know you’ve got some built-in protection.

The Lynx also includes two top vents which reduce the build-up of moisture on the inside. A real standout feature of this tent is the efficient and durable rainfly. We love that it covers fully to the ground for optimal protection against rain. This is especially helpful for windy rain that alternates directions throughout the night. It also creates a vestibule for storing wet and dirty gear outside that
keeps it protected from the rain.

Although protection against rain is the main purpose of the rainfly, that’s not its only value. Sunlight is the biggest culprit of tent deterioration. It also gets real hot real quick once that morning sun comes up. That’s why having a UV resistant rainfly, like the one included with the Lynx, is a big bonus. With this added protection from the sun’s rays, you’ll get more life out of your tent, and stay a bit cooler on those warm summer mornings.

The only real downside we could find with this tent is the weight of the stock set up. Coming in at 4lbs 1 oz, it weighs slightly more than the larger Kelty All-Inn. However, the reason for the extra weight is because it comes stock with steel stakes. We’d suggest you ditch the steel and grab a quality set of aluminum stakes. Problem solved.

Budget Waterproof Tent – Coleman Sundome

Not working with the biggest budget? That’s ok! Coleman has a reputation for quality products at budget-friendly prices. When it comes to value, their Sundome two-person tent doesn’t disappoint.

You get all the convenient features you’d expect on a basic tent like lantern hangers and inner pockets. Plus, you get some features you might not expect. They include a zippered opening for running wires and a floor vent for better airflow.

Zippers are the most problematic component of less expensive tents. We all know what it’s like to struggle with zippers and wouldn’t wish that type of frustration on our worst enemies. Unlike other tents at this price point, Coleman has included reliable, heavy-duty zippers to save us from this headache.

Budget-friendly doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice overall quality, but it doesn’t mean every feature will meet high-end tent standards. The team here at Wild Proof Gear found some limitations for this tent you’ll want to consider.

To start with a pretty minor issue, the stakes are ultra-thin and fragile. We wouldn’t expect them to last very long. You could always replace them with higher quality stakes, but if budget is a concern, extra expenses might be a deal-breaker.

The Sundome’s ability to stand up to wind is also a limitation depending on camping conditions. While most tents on this list can stand strong winds, some even up to 70 mph, we wouldn’t trust this tent in winds above 35mph. Even at the high end of its wind speed limit, you should expect some bending and movement. To be completely honest, we wouldn’t have expected much more at this price point.

If camping in the rain is a concern for you, the fact that the rainfly does not come fully to the ground may be an issue. The increased airflow of a top cover rainfly may be an advantage for some people. But, when the wind picks up, there’s a good chance some water will get in from underneath that rainfly.

That said, the Sundome is a quality, budget-friendly tent. It’s a great starter tent or a spare to keep around for friends without a tent.

Best High-End Waterproof Tent – MSR Hubba Hubba NX

If you’re looking for the best of the best in waterproof tents, look no further than the Hubba Hubba NX. MSR is a gold standard when it comes to camping equipment. Their use of premium materials and rigorous testing make them an obvious choice when it comes to top-of-the-line tents.

There’s a substantial feel to the whole setup. From the durable fabric to the heavy-duty Easton Syclone poles--the tent is designed to withstand heavy winds and built to last.

And that solid feeling doesn’t come at the expense of increased weight. The tent is light as a feather. It weighs a total of 3.5 lbs or 3 lbs if you choose to pack the minimalist setup option. That makes it even lighter than many one-person tents.

Combine its lightness, the ease of setup, and its ability to break down into a compact 18x6 inch pack, and you’ve got a tent that’s built for backcountry travel.

After testing the Hubba Hubba, we’re really impressed with the space it provides for sleeping and storage. There’s great headroom and more than enough floor space to sleep two people. The addition of two large exterior vestibules also helps maximize gear storage and interior sleeping space. To further reduce interior clutter, they’ve included three ceiling hangers which are great for hanging clothes and lightweight gear.

When it comes to protection against the rain, this three-season tent doesn’t disappoint. Known for going above and beyond the typical standards of design and construction, MSR has included its Xtreme Shield Waterproof Coating. It provides powerful protection against heavy rain and lasts up to 3 times longer than standard coatings.

The only downside to purchasing this tent is the price. It’s the most expensive two-person tent on our list, but what you’re paying for is the highest quality construction, engineering, and features on today’s market.

For anyone serious about efficiency and durability when it comes to their lightweight camping setup, the Hubba Hubba is a worthwhile investment.

Best Waterproof 8-Person Tent – Eureka Copper Canyon

We know not everyone looking for a waterproof tent is a backcountry camper who wants a minimalist, featherweight setup. That’s why the team here at Wild Proof Gear has done extensive research for family campers or anyone who enjoys the room and comforts of a larger tent.

After testing the options, we found the Eureka Copper Canyon to be the most weatherproof and durable large tents out there.
When we tested this tent, we had no issue setting it up solo. That said, we’ve heard some complaints from people who say they’ve struggled a bit with the setup.

Let’s be honest here people…if you’re new to camping, setting up even a simple two-pole tent might present issues. Believe me, I’ve seen it. The reality is though, if you have camping experience, you’ll have no problem setting this tent up on your own.
Once you’ve got this cabin-style tent setup, the first thing you’ll notice is how spacious it is. At 7ft in height, there’s enough headroom for any adult to stand completely upright. There’s also enough room for a family or group of friends to sleep, hang out, and even move around.

The extensive window coverage also adds to the feeling of spaciousness. There are six large zippered windows that provide serious cross ventilation, and an expansive view from every side of the tent. Of course, you can close these windows when it’s raining or for privacy, but it’s nice to have the option to open up and air out the tent when the weather allows.

Speaking of privacy, we can’t forget the fact a bunch of people will all be sleeping (and changing clothes) in here. That’s why the detachable divider curtain which creates two separate rooms is a great feature for additional privacy.

One of the unique things we noticed about the Copper Canyon is its storage space. There are netted pockets placed around the ceiling as well as a large square net hung from the center.

A couple of issues we can see some people might have with this tent are the weight and the price.
Here’s the deal…

It’s heavier and more expensive than many of the 8-person tents we’ve reviewed here at Wild Proof like, Coleman, Wenzel, and Browning. However, what you lose in lightness and upfront cost, you gain in durability, longevity, and weatherproofing.

This is a hearty tent that will keep you dry and last a while. If you’re willing to spend more for that kind of peace of mind and long-term savings, the Copper Canyon is the right call.

Best Bang for the Buck – Mountain Inn Sports

The Mountain Inn Sports is a solid mix of value and cost in today’s market for waterproof tents. It’s a compact, lightweight tent which makes it a great option for backpacking and hiking. There’s enough room for a solo camper to sleep in and room to store gear, but it’s far from a “hang out” tent.

Similar to the Coleman Sundome, it’ll withstand winds up to 30-35 mph. Not exactly a tent you’d want to test in serious gusts, but it’ll have no trouble handling itself if the wind picks up unexpectedly.

One feature that distinguishes the Mountain Inn over the Sundome, however, is its rainfly which covers fully down to the ground. Now, this is clearly a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the increased ventilation of the Sundome’s shortened rainfly especially when camping primarily during the summer. Others would rather have additional rain coverage. They both have their advantages. So that one’s up to you.

If you’re considering this tent, you should keep in mind that the poles are made of aluminum. Though opting to use aluminum has decreased the weight and cost of this tent, it’s also seriously diminished its strength.

Overall, however, this is a great tent for anyone just getting started camping looking for an inexpensive, lightweight setup.

Best Waterproof 3-Person Tent – Winterial Tent

This Winterial tent is the only three-person tent on our list and a winner when it comes to waterproof tents with a bit more room than a 2-person tent. It’s worth mentioning that if you’re looking to comfortably fit 3 people, this tent will likely be a disappointment. Like many smaller tents that claim to fit a specific number of people, it’s far better suited to sleeping one less person.

After opening it up and taking a look inside, our opinion is that 2 people + some room for gear is a more accurate size description. That makes it a great option for a duo who want a bit more space than what a two-person tent typically provides.

The real standout feature here is the waterproof rainfly. After testing it, there’s no doubt that it holds up to heavy rain. We also really appreciate the addition of vents to the rainfly and the fact that it pulls down over the doors which have an open bug net layer option. The combination of these features creates significant ventilation, especially when battening down the hatches.

Faulty zippers are the worst! With some cheap tents, it seems that no matter how careful you are with them, they’ll break long before the rest of the tent. That’s why we’re a big fan of the solid zippers on this tent.

What we’re not a big fan of, however, is the aluminum poles. As we mentioned in our review of the Mountain Inn Sports tent, aluminum is much more fragile than steel. Though it reduces the weight and cost of the tent, the potential for breaking a pole is much more likely.

Overall, this is a great tent for the price. It’s cheaper and more waterproof than the majority of threeperson tents. The only thing we’d recommend is that you adjust your expectations when it comes to durability and longevity.

You can expect this tent to keep you dry and save you some cash, but don’t expect it to last forever.

Best Waterproof 10-person Tent – Coleman WeatherMaster

For anyone put off by the price tag of the Eureka Copper Canyon 8 person tent and looking for a quality, family-sized tent at a budget price, we’d recommend the Coleman Weathermaster.

For considerably less money, you get a waterproof tent for families that has a few things going for it that the Copper Canyon doesn’t. To start with, it’s a 10-person tent which means it’s slightly larger. It may not reach the same max height as the Copper Canyon, but it does have a bigger footprint.

The really cool thing about this tent is the screened-in porch feature. One of its sides has a mesh covering, creating a bug-free outdoor hangout with direct access from the tent. The built-in shade and total airflow are great for sunny days and those evenings when the mosquitoes come out and you still want to enjoy the last bit of sunlight.

If you’re considering the Weathermaster, we’d suggest purchasing a new set of stakes. The stock stakes are poor quality, and when it comes to a tent this size, it’s best not to take chances.

The other issue with this tent is some leaking at the seams. During our tests, we found that, although most of the tent is waterproof, the seams leak. Leaky seams are an issue for many less expensive tents. If a higher-end tent is not in the budget, we found that you can fix this issue by applying waterproofing spray.

Coleman does a great job of making camping accessible to the general public. We love that they’ve created a quality large tent like the Weathermaster for a reasonable price so your family can start enjoying nature, regardless of your budget.

Best of the Rest – Teton Sports Mountain Ultra

We wanted to include the Teton Sports Mountain Ultra as an alternative option with features that could be a good fit for the right type of camper.

It’s a bit heavier than we’re used to seeing for a one-person tent. It’s not a tent we’d recommend for backpacking. That said, there are a few reasons this tent stood out to us during our testing.

For starters, we liked the full-dome mesh tent setup. If the weather’s nice, you can leave it uncovered, and it gives you the feeling that you’re truly sleeping outside. Imagine sleeping in a field on a clear night with a 360-degree view of the sky. It’s a pretty incredible opportunity made possible by this feature.

The total ventilation of the mesh dome would also be appreciated when on hot days and whenever you’re using the rainfly--which, by the way, we found to be reliably waterproof. The only time we could see this feature being problematic is when you’re in an area with loose sand and dust. So you should rethink bringing this tent out in the desert.

Some other features that stood out to us were the inner pockets and gear loft for efficient storage. Plus, the fact that this little guy can stand up to 50-60mph winds provides some peace of mind.

Considering its reasonable price, quality construction, and unique features, the Teton Sports Mountain Ultra deserves an honorable mention.

Best Waterproof Pop-Up Tent – Pinnacle Tents

This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one waterproof pop-up tent.

Like all pop-up tents, the Pinnacle Tents Pop-Up is ridiculously easy to set up. What makes it stand apart, however, is the rugged and durable construction. The frame made of steel is built to last. No joke--this thing can handle some serious wind and abuse!

The downside to this durability is definitely the weight. Coming in at 6lbs, it’s not a tent you’ll be backpacking with anytime soon. Instead, we could see this being a solid option if you’re looking to keep a tent stored in your vehicle and ready to be set up on a second’s notice.

The waterproofing on this tent was also very impressive. It’s made using quality waterproof fabric and has taped seams that prevent leaking at its weakest points.

Also worth mentioning are the adjustable vents which allow you to customize ventilation on both ends of the tent. Regardless of which direction the wind shifts, or your own personal preferences when it comes to airflow and temperature, this feature gives you a degree of climate control not found on other tents.

If you’re looking for a rugged, waterproof tent that can be set up in a matter of seconds, you won’t be
disappointed with the Pinnacle Pop-Up.