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Camping is something that millions of people enjoy every year across the world and throughout many seasons. The thrill of getting off the grid and spending time in the wilderness is something that draws in almost everyone looking for a new adventure. Unfortunately, not every camping trip is filled with sunny days and clear nights to enjoy.
Very often when camping, you could come across a surprise storm or rain shower that can put a damper on your trip if you are not prepared. Not being ready to deal with rain and wind when camping is a sure way to get your gear wet and ruined if you are not prepared. Luckily, we have found the best tent for wind and rain options to ensure that it never happens to you.
Ensuring you have the best tent for rainy weather and a high wind tent that will stay stable is always something to look for when camping in uncertain weather. These tents are specially designed to stand up to the elements so you can camp with confidence no matter the weather.
We want to help you understand your options on the market of tents for high wind and rain, so we found the 10 best tent for rain and wind options out there. We looked at what every tent offered for protection and overall usability to ensure that every option would be perfect for some camper out there. We also provided a useful comparison chart and buyer’s section to help you understand what to look for to find your best tent for camping in the rain.
Coleman Cabin Tent
NTK Cherokee GT
Coleman 8-Person Tent for Camping
Core 10 Person Straight Wall Cabin Tent
TETON Sports Mountain Ultra Tent
MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent
Browning Camping Big Horn Tent
Coleman Elite WeatherMaster 6 Screened Tent
Browning Camping Glacier 4-Person Tent
Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent
Before diving into the best tent for rain and wind options, we first need to understand the basics of rain and wind tents. We want to make sure you have a good idea of what to look for when picking a tent so you know exactly what you need in a tent for rainy weather adventures.
Depending on your experience camping, you may or may not already be aware of how a change in weather can ruin a camping trip. Having a tent for rain and having a tent that was built to deal with heavier rain and winds are two very different tent design philosophies. A traditional tent is going to be able to deal with a lighter drizzle and wind conditions, but it just won’t be up to par with elevated weather conditions.
The tents we have chosen stand out because they are intentionally designed to keep campers dry in a variety of conditions. Everything from the floor of the tent to the way the seams are lined up all contributes to how well it can keep out moisture and not be phased by high winds. A tent that was designed and constructed with the intent to be safe in rough weather is what you get when looking at the best tent for rain and wind options.
Alongside their ability to keep the inside occupants wet, these tents also need to be designed in a way that ensures that they are able to deal with a variety of wind conditions. Tents are very lightweight by design and can be literally carried away if they are not designed to deal with faster and stronger wind conditions.
Wind speeds of up to 50 MPH are often seen in areas where the most daring campers look to go and they need a tent that is ready to deal with these conditions. From the construction of the poles to how the tent is able to stay planted to the ground, every part on rain and wind tents are specially crafted so that they can maintain their structural integrity when facing faster than normal wind speeds.
A standard tent design is simply supposed to offer a decent layer of protection from the outdoor elements, but these tents will never be ready to take on extreme weather. Rain can have drastic impacts on normal tents by getting in through the seams and wetting everything that was inside the tent. The sidewalls and tarps of your standard tent are not meant to be used when the weather is expecting anything more than a light drizzle and gust.
Most tents that are built for rain and wind conditions is some amount of waterproofing on either the tarp or the body itself. This waterproof label is the difference between needing to dry out all your gear after a storm and sleeping in peace, knowing that water won’t be getting into your tent.
Understanding the basic elements that make up a tent can go a long way in ensuring that you are buying the best one for your needs. Let’s take a look at some of the most important areas you need to keep an eye out for when looking to find your rain and wind-resistant tent.
Since you are likely to be braving conditions that normal tents are not designed to protect you from, you will want to get a tent that offers you the protection you need. Protection is a rather vague term as it essentially characterizes the entire tent and its ability to hold up. To get a better idea of what protection really looks like, let’s start by understanding your primary defense from the rain and wind: the tarp.
Commonly referred to as either a tarp or a rain cover, this essential piece of equipment is what covers the top and side areas of your tent. Even the most hardcore tents tend to try and make breathable sides that are not very good at keeping out rain and wind. When you attach a tarp made for a rain and wind tent, you are essentially adding a layer of protection that is designed to keep out almost all moisture from the tent.
These covers are what makes up the majority of the protective elements on a tent as they cover the sensitive areas where water would be most likely to get in the tent. A standard tent will have a rain cover that is able to deflect most of the water, but those will generally not hold up under more intense conditions. Rain covers designed for rain and wind tents are usually constructed of a more durable material and will be seen with a more intense sealing style for protection.
Alongside the tarp section, you can use protection levels taken up a notch on the rain and wind tent by looking at the strength of the floor material and the pole layout. A good rain and wind tent will feel much more secure and ready to take on the water and wind with its reinforced areas.
Capacity is a metric you will see across all tent models and styles as it is arguably the most important consideration you need to keep in mind. The capacity a tent is marked as having essentially just says how many people it is designed to fit. You can see single person tents with a capacity of one and massive tents that can reach upwards of ten people under one roof.
A common understanding in the tent world is that the capacity of a tent often needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Most manufacturers will measure the floor space of a tent and then see how many average-sized humans would fit lying down in that space. This often has the effect that a tent that is marketed to fit six people will really be more suited to holding five. Assuming you all have the gear and want to have at least some space away from each other when sleeping, getting a tent that has a capacity of one more than the number of people that will actually sleep in it is something to keep in mind.
A number of campers their first time around think that the size of the tent only matters for knowing how many people you can fit, but there is a bit more that needs to be considered with size. The size is generally measured with length, width, and height. The measurement is used to account for the volume of the tent and the size of the base.
The volume measurement will be the best way for campers to understand how large the interior of the tent will be both horizontally and vertically. This is important for knowing if you will be able to comfortably stand up in the tent and will help you see how much space you will have left for gear. It is ideal to have enough space to not have things touching the walls as that can cause water to sneak into the tent on contact points.
The other reason size is important is because it dictates the overall footprint your tent will have on a given space. The footprint of a tent is important because it dictates where you can effectively set up a tent so that it is making safe contact with the ground to keep it secure. Make sure you are aware of where you are going to be camping so that your tent is a good size to fit on the ground.
Tent design in the wind and rain protection market is much more important than just the physical appearance of your tent. Traditional tents all used to look the same and worked well, but newer research and design philosophies are allowing new tents to come in new shapes and sizes that are better suited to deflect wind and water away from the tent for better weather resistance.
The design of rain and wind protected tents has a lot to do with keeping the tent secure in rough conditions. This is generally achieved through the use of specially designed traps and anchoring areas that keep the tent locked down in the wind. The designs of these tents are going to give you a greater sense of security when the weather starts to get intense.
A rather small consideration that can actually matter with these style of tents is going to be the poles the tent comes with. The purpose of the poles on a tent is to give additional support to the overall structure so that it can stay rigid and upright when in use. Normal tents will have these poles in some variation, but tents designed for rain and wind usually come with slightly stronger poles for a more stable platform. You can see things like reinforced fiberglass being used so that higher winds don’t cause your tent to break down and collapse in harsh conditions.
Tent materials have evolved and changed over the years to reach a modern range of options that are all going to be ideal for keeping you dry. Materials range from polyester to specially created blends of materials that can be specially designed to keep away water and prevent tearing in higher winds. Having a blend of materials that work together to provide both ventilation and protection to the tent is what most companies tend to use in their tents. Making sure the materials on your tent are going to have water-resistant or waterproof properties will be an added layer of confidence that will keep you dry on rainy camping trips.
The last consideration to keep in mind when picking out the perfect rain and wind tent for you is to consider the overall weight of the tent. Every tent will have a slightly different weight, even if they are designed to hold the same number of people. Weight comes down to things like tent size, materials used, and what the tent is designed to be used for.
The vast majority of tents in this category of protection are going to be heavier than their traditional counterparts due to the additional layers and materials. Waterproofing tent requires the manufacturer to strengthen the poles and trap coverings of the tent that all add up to an overall heavier package. For those who drive to their camping spot to set up, this should not be much of an issue. It should also be known that larger capacity tents are going to get increasingly heavy as the capacity number goes up/
For those looking for a backpacking tent, you can still get them with decent protection and a lightweight package if you look in the right place. Most backpacking tents are designed to put weight savings above all else, but you can certainly find great backpacking tents that are sure to keep you dry and safe in the wild.
A common area of confusion that new campers looking for durable gear face is understanding the difference between waterproof and water resistance. Despite seemingly sounding like the same thing at face value, these two terms are the difference between a dry sleep and getting everything wet when the heavy weather comes through.
Waterproof is a term used when a tent is claiming to keep all or most water from entering the tent. This designation is only used when a tent is confident in its ability to keep out water and moisture by having special materials or coatings that enable the tent to keep water away. With water resistant tents, they are fine for basic showers and lighter rain, but they will easily start letting in the water when the conditions get tougher. For those who need a tent that is able to stand up to rain and wind, you will ideally want a waterproof tent to keep you as safe as possible.
| Image | Title | Capacity | Material | View On Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 
| Coleman Cabin Tent | 4 | Polyester with taped Seams | View On Amazon |
 
| NTK Cherokee GT | 8/9 | Polyurethane laminated polyester | View On Amazon |
 
| Coleman 8-Person Tent for Camping | 8 | WeatherTec Protection | View On Amazon |
 
| Core 10 Person Straight Wall Cabin Tent | 10 | CORE H20 Block Technology | View On Amazon |
 
| TETON Sports Mountain Ultra Tent | 3 | Micromesh with rainfly | View On Amazon |
 
| MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2-Person Lightweight Backpacking Tent | 2 | Nylon with Xtreme shield waterproofing | View On Amazon |
 
| Browning Camping Big Horn Tent | 5 | Polyester with sealed seams | View On Amazon |
 
| Coleman Elite WeatherMaster 6 Screened Tent | 6 | WeatherTec Protection | View On Amazon |
 
| Browning Camping Glacier 4-Person Tent | 4 | Polyester with sealed seams | View On Amazon |
 
| Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent | 2 | Micromesh with seamed tape | View On Amazon |
Coleman is the most popular name in camping gear, and for a good reason. Their cabin tent is a modern addition to their tent lineup that is sure to please those looking for a spacious experience and plenty of protection. What makes this unit so special is its unique pole design that allows for setup in just about a minute.
A mix of welded corners and inverted seams are just two of the many design features designed to keep occupants dry. A double-thick fabric also ensures that you won’t be feeling the wind or rain bother you when safely inside this great tent.
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NTK has perfected their tent recipe by creating an option that offers both long-term durability and immediate protection from the elements when needed. The impressive coatings on this unit not only protect the floor from getting mold, but the 100% Waterproofing makes this one of the best family tents for bad weather.
Take advantage of the wide array of internal features like pockets and many lantern hangers to feel comfortable in any weather. Take this tent anywhere and set it up conveniently with it’s a simplistic design for families.
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Another great offering from Coleman shows they can dominate the game with any design they want. This 8 person offering has a very unique design that is great for family camping. Put up interior walls to create three separate rooms and take advantage of the large floor and height to make everyone feel at home.
Coleman uses their waterproofing technology for this tent to keep the delicate areas safe from any weather. A combination of welded floors and inverted seams means that you can take this tent anywhere and the water will stay outside.
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Getting a ten-person tent that actually has the space you need is rare, so the Core offering is a great treat. The accommodating design of this tent means you can comfortably fit two queen air mattresses for a luxurious experience to divide up space for other configurations. This tent is easily one of the best for feeling comfortable when camping.
Alongside the hospitality features, this tent is great for keeping you dry. The vents allow for breathability in the tent that also prevents moisture from building up. CORE H2O Block technology is also used to keep rain away and out of mind.
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With a design that looks right from the Everest base camp, the TETON Ultra is ready to keep you dry and safe wherever you take it. This unit is perfect for those looking to just get away without having to carry around a massive and heavy tent. The design even allows you stunning visibility when the weather allows for it.
The trap design on this tent is brilliant as it offers coverage levels that are hard to find elsewhere. Paired with the excellent ventilation and floor designed for comfort, this tent makes a great backpacking companion for rainy weather.
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This no-nonsense backpacking tent by MSR is ready to show you what a small and durable platform can do. This setup weighs just over three pounds and provides you with all the protection you could need for two campers. The easy to set up design is perfect for setting up in a pinch with just one pole making it easy to construct too.
Added Xtreme Shield Waterproofing helps this unit have some of the best waterproofing in the industry that is sure to keep you dry on any trip. The durable polyurethane and nylon work in harmony to give you all the protection you could need.
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The Browning Big Horn is the poster child for what you want in a larger tent with a rectangular design. There is a strong balance of features that ensure you have great breathability and comfort while also making sure that there is enough protection to keep you the right way up and dry.
The rain trap on this unit is a bit of a hassle to set up, but it will be your best friend once it is up. Families will love this tent for its overall comfort and enjoyable design.
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This tent is the definition of luxury with its long list of features sure to impress even the most skeptical campers. The added screen room allows you to sit outside without worrying about bugs. On the inside, the spacious interior is ready for two queen air mattresses and even has built-in lights. The WeatherTec protection and the multitude of options make this the best comfort tent for families.
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This offering from browning is here to show what an all-weather tent can do. A combination of strong poles and it’s free-standing ability makes this a great tent for those wanting something ready to withstand any winds.
The large rain tarp protects the tent and some exterior space for maximum convenience with the interior design allowing for comfort and roominess alike. This tent offers a great combination of weather protection and space that will be very appealing for families looking to brave more extreme conditions than just the backyard.
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When it comes to value for size and quality, not many tents can hold a candle to the Featherstone Backpacking Tent. This design is great for two campers looking to get off the trails and set up without having to spend too long setting up and getting settled. The durable exterior cover provides plenty of protection and the lower profile is great for wind resistance.
The single-pole design with an aluminum pole ensures that just one person could set up this tent with ease. If you have nice weather, you can even take off the rain cover for a completely panoramic sky view with durable mesh protection.
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Understanding what makes the best tent for rain and wind different from the best tent for general camping comes down to intended uses. When you are buying a tent, you need first to consider what conditions you expect to camp in. When you think about the weather in your camping locations, getting a tent that can stand up to heavy rain and wind will allow you to feel safe when the weather happens. A rain and wind tent will offer superior protection to campers with better tarps and materials that will be ideal for the rain and wind.
A common question that people ask about wind strengthened tents is how much wind can they take. For a standard tent that is not intended to deal with faster winds, they can take wind speeds of around 25-30 MPH before getting knocked over or carried away. For tents designed for wind protection, those tents can take on wind speeds upwards of 50 MPH.
Setting up a tent when it is dry is a piece of cake, but doing it in the rain can often be a whole different battle. Setting up a tent when it is raining requires you to be careful as you don’t want to get water in your tent. Working faster and efficiently will help you get the tent up and keep it dry. For windy setups, you simply need to make sure you don’t give the wind a chance to catch the tent and take it and you need only to take out tent parts for the building when they are needed.
Camping is something everyone should experience in life as it connects us with nature around us. However, a stormy day can turn someone off from camping forever if they get wet or the wind makes camping feel like a serious struggle. Rain and wind tents have come to save the day by helping get campers out without worrying about the weather.
Among our picks for the best tent for rain and wind choices, we found that each one offered a unique experience for different campers. There is the massive Core 10 Person Straight Wall Cabin Tent for camping with friends and the excellent Featherstone 2 Person Backpacking Tent for those who want to get off the grid while still having protection. No matter your experience with camping or group size, there is a rain and wind tent out there for everyone.
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