Planning your next camping adventure? Choosing the right tent is crucial for a comfortable and safe experience, especially when unpredictable weather strikes. This year's best waterproof tents offer a range of options to suit every need and budget, from ultralight backpacking shelters to spacious family tents. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a weekend warrior, finding the perfect balance of weather protection, space, and weight is key.This comprehensive review dives into the top 10 waterproof tents of 2024, carefully examining their features, performance, and value. We've considered everything from ease of setup and ventilation to waterproofing capabilities and overall durability, based on user reviews and expert testing. From budget-friendly options for casual campers to premium choices for serious backpackers, this guide will help you find the ideal waterproof tent to protect you from the elements and ensure an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Pros And Cons
- Good family tent.
- Fits two queen-sized air mattresses.
- 6 feet 8 inches of center height.
- Color-coded poles for easy setup.
- Coated polyester fabric, webbing zippers, and waterproof floors.
- Intelligent structure for weather and bug protection.
- Good for backpacking for three people or two people with lots of gear.
- Extra space is helpful in strong wind and rain.
- Two doors with vestibules.
- Hanging mesh loft.
- Easy setup due to color-coded poles.
- Pre-bend pole construction for more vertical walls and extra space.
- Rainfly has a 1500 waterproof rating, floor has a 2000 rating.
- Available in one to four-person sizes.
- Reasonably lightweight (heavier than most backpacking tents).
- Good for emergencies or impromptu camping.
- Single-wall tent with mesh ceiling and doors for ventilation.
- Bathtub floor protects from water.
- Waterproof rainfly.
- Two entry points with vestibules (two, three, and four-person options).
- Heavier than most backpacking tents.
- Affordable backpacking tent for two people.
- Lightweight (around 5 pounds).
- Easy setup with two aluminum poles.
- Rainfly snaps into main tent body.
- Two doors with good zippers.
- Vestibules for storing wet gear.
- Mesh allows for ventilation and stargazing.
- Mesh design doesn't provide much warmth (three-season tent).
Read more: 5 Best Family Camping Tents for Your Next Adventure
Mountainsmith Morrison Evo: A Veteran's Choice
The Mountainsmith Morrison Evo, an updated version of the classic Morrison, stands as a testament to durability. I've personally used it extensively for over ten years, from solo trips to Iceland to backpacking in the Rockies. It's proven its waterproof capabilities through various challenging weather conditions, remaining a reliable companion on countless adventures.
This tent boasts easy setup, even for solo campers, and the updated version includes additional features like increased headroom thanks to a new short pole and a protective footprint. Two doors and vestibules offer convenient gear storage, and it's available in two- and four-person options. The added headroom and footprint substantially improve its functionality over earlier models.
Despite being slightly heavier than some backpacking alternatives, the Morrison Evo's ease of transport and robust design make it a worthwhile investment. Its longevity and performance justify its weight, especially when shared amongst multiple people.
Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 2: Budget-Friendly Backpacking
The Alps Mountaineering Zephyr 2 offers a fantastic value for budget-conscious backpackers. Weighing approximately five pounds, it's slightly heavier than some top-tier options but remains manageable, especially when shared. Its performance in various environments, from mountain ranges to deserts, underscores its reliability.
Setup is a breeze with two aluminum poles, and the rainfly integrates seamlessly with the tent body. Two doors and vestibules provide ample space for gear, while the fully-meshed design ensures excellent ventilation during warmer months and allows incredible views of the night sky.
However, the mesh design compromises warmth, making it more suitable for three-season use. The 75 denier poly taffeta floor (3000mm waterproof rating) and 75 denier polyester rainfly (1500mm) provide ample protection against the elements.
MSR Hubba Hubba NX: Ultralight Backpacking Champion
The MSR Hubba Hubba NX is a top-selling backpacking tent for its ultralight design, weighing only 3.5 pounds packed and 3 pounds with minimal essentials. This minimalist setup doesn't compromise on living space, offering 29 square feet and a 39-inch peak height for comfortable sitting.
Two vestibules provide extra storage, essential for keeping gear dry and organized. The Hubba Hubba NX is versatile enough for car camping but shines on backpacking trips. Its high waterproof rating (3000mm floor), combined with MSR's Extreme Shield polyurethane treatment and DWR coating, makes it a reliable choice even in heavy rain.
The combination of weight, space, and weather protection solidifies the Hubba Hubba NX as a premium, albeit more expensive, choice for backpackers prioritizing minimal weight and maximum comfort.
Coleman Sundome: Affordable Festival & Family Camping
The Coleman Sundome is a great option for festival-goers or those who occasionally need a tent for family camping trips. While not boasting a full-coverage rainfly, reviewers consistently praise its sufficient waterproofing for casual use in light to moderate rain.
Coleman's WeatherTec system, featuring taped seams and a welded floor, provides reliable water resistance. Available in various sizes (two to six person), it offers quick setup thanks to continuous pole sleeves. Larger sizes provide enough headroom to stand, and large windows/ground vents ensure excellent ventilation.
This tent offers an affordable and convenient solution for those seeking a basic, waterproof option for casual outdoor excursions. The lack of a full rainfly might be a drawback for users expecting protection during extended periods of heavy rain.
Eureka Copper Canyon: Large Group Camping Solution
The Eureka Copper Canyon is the ultimate large-group tent, accommodating up to 12 people with plenty of headroom (seven feet). It features a divider for creating separate sleeping spaces, and large doors/windows offer ample ventilation. A gear loft provides extra storage.
A waterproof rainfly and front awning provide protection from the elements, although it might not be ideal for extended periods of heavy rain. The tent is well-suited for cots or air mattresses due to its vertical walls and square corners.
Its size and features make it perfect for families or large groups, though its larger size and potential weight might be a consideration for transport.
Teton Sports Mountain Ultra: Versatile and Lightweight-ish
The Teton Sports Mountain Ultra offers a balance of lightweight portability and weather resistance. Available in sizes from one to four person, it is heavier than dedicated backpacking tents, making it better for car camping or shorter backpacking trips where weight is less critical.
The single-wall design features mesh ceilings and doors for excellent ventilation in warmer weather, while the bathtub floor offers protection from moisture. The waterproof rainfly adds extra protection in inclement weather.
Its versatility, coupled with the quick setup thanks to the rainfly’s simple attachment to the inner tent, makes it a good option for those needing a tent readily available for unexpected outdoor adventures.
Marmot Tungsten 3P: Durable Backpacking for Three
The Marmot Tungsten 3P is a solid choice for backpacking trips, accommodating three people or two with ample gear space. Its design excels in windy and rainy conditions, offering superior protection compared to many other tents.
Two doors with vestibules and a mesh loft provide convenient gear storage and lighting options. Color-coded poles simplify setup, even in challenging weather. The pre-bent poles create more vertical walls increasing interior space.
The combination of durability, weather resistance (1500mm rainfly, 2000mm floor), and thoughtful design makes the Tungsten 3P a robust option for those who prioritize protection in harsh conditions.
Wenzel Klondike 10: Massive Family Camping Haven
The Wenzel Klondike 10 is a truly enormous tent, designed for large groups or families. The near equal size of the screen porch and sleeping area makes it ideal for storing gear or adding extra sleeping space.
It offers 90 square feet of space and 6.5 feet of headroom, creating a spacious and comfortable interior. However, its size means increased weight (25 pounds), making it unsuitable for backpacking.
While the rain fly isn't fully ground-reaching, the waterproof coated rain fly and sealed seams offer ample water resistance, although it's best suited for light to moderate rain events.
Marmot Limestone: Reliable 4-Person Shelter
The Marmot Limestone 4-person tent prioritizes reliability and weather protection. Offering 59.7 square feet of space, it comfortably accommodates a small family, offering superior air circulation.
The catenary-cut design on the rainfly promotes airflow, and two doors (one large double door and one D-shaped door) improve ventilation. The seamless design ensures consistent rain protection.
This tent provides a comfortable and well-ventilated experience even in inclement weather, making it a reliable choice for family camping.
Coleman WeatherMaster 10: Spacious Family Tent
The Coleman WeatherMaster 10 is a large family tent designed for comfort and weather protection. It can easily fit two queen-sized air mattresses, with ample headroom (6 ft 8 in) for stretching out.
Color-coded poles make setup easy, and the tent's construction utilizes coated polyester fabric, waterproof floors, and durable zippers. The design offers protection from rain, wind, and bugs.
This tent provides a spacious and practical solution for families seeking a durable and weather-resistant option. This is an excellent choice for family camping, combining size and weather-protection.
