What's the best method to protect my tent from rain while camping?

Question

Anticipating any rain, I want to be able to shield the rain if possible. The tents are new and waterproof, but haven't used them in rain yet to know for sure and I don't want to use my vacation as the test.

Answer 1

If you bought a high quality tent it will keep you dry right out of the box and nothing needs to be done. If you have a lower quality tent then go to Walmart or any other camping store and buy some seam sealer and seal all the seams and stitching. Even a cheap tent should keep you dry if the seams are sealed. If you have any doubts set it up before the trip and throw a hose on it to test it out. If I ever have to put a tarp up over a tent then the tent will be promptly thrown in the garbage the next day.

Answer 2

I like to place my tent right between two strong trees and put a rope between them, then hang a much larger tarp on the rope to cover the tent. This is nice to keep out rain but also to be able to keep the tent windows open to keep it cooler and less damp inside.

Also, VERY important is to have a groundcloth underneath the tent. But you MUST NOT let the groundcloth come out from under any side of the tent. Otherwise rainwater will run down the tent onto the groundcloth and then settle under your tent, which will ruin your camping experience. I've seen this mistake happen many times in my camping days.

A groundcloth does seem to be much better than relying just upon the tent floor for protection.

One more thing involves placement of the tent too. Try to make sure that your tent is not in an area where rainwater tends to flow into. So look for a rise in the earth, a sort of low mound so that all rainwater will flow away from it.

Answer 3

If the tents are from a department store, go take them back BEFORE you use them and get your money back. I used to sell tents at Wal-Mart a long time ago. They sucked...they still suck because I see people always having to cover them with a tarp.

If you have a good tent you SHOULDN'T need a tarp over the tent.

You also don't need a lot of crap under the tent. I have one tent that has a footprint groundcloth. In my other two tents I use a simple $5 Emergency Blanket (the good kind..blue or orange on one side, silver on the other.) Keep the silver side up INSIDE the tent and it should keep out the ground water.

Pitch on slightly unlevel ground so water can run downhill and NOT pool up under your tent.

Most tents have the seams sealed. Some tents will come with seam seal you have to apply. The best tents have taped seams.

Answer 4

Tarps, poles, and rope (depending on where you are camping). Not only will tarps keep your tent dry, but a large enough tarp will provide a 'porch' area outside so you are not necessarily tent-bound during showers. Of course, if your backpacking or must carrying your equipment any great distance, big tarps with set up become much too cumbersome. In that case your best bet is to use the tent's fly (although many newer tents have lousy flies that don't provide enough cover) and a ground cloth (which should be used regardless of inclement weather to prevent ground moisture from seeping up into your tent-keeps you dry and warm). Naturally, tent placement is key to keeping your tent dry; pick the high ground and try to drain water of a tarp on the lower side of the tent.

Answer 5

What's this all rubbish with this tarp thing? Waterproof tent keeps you dry end of story! And I'm not talking about some cheap tent, get a good one - TNF, Vango, Mountain Hardwear etc. Probably if you have cheap tents waterproofing is questionable so just get a better one, tarp seems just stupid, heavy, difficult to handle etc.
Don't forget to buy the matching footprint for the tent too, just to protect it from mechanical impacts really.
Pitchin advices are correct, you will want to look for a good spot but the most important is to get the right tent.

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What's the best method to protect my tent from rain while camping?
Anticipating any rain, I want to be able to shield the rain if possible. The tents are new and waterproof, but haven't used them in rain yet to know for sure and I don't want to use my vacation as the test.

Answer 7

first thing you want to do is make sure the area in the site not pitched to bad and lay a really thick tarp or heavy mill plastic (thick) on the ground and set up your tent atop of the plastic or tarp keep extra to secure into the ground with the tent stakes...this will help stop the water from coming into the tent through the floor...also attach the rain-fly properly to the tent this will also help to keep you dry....biggest factor is LUCK.... i have been camping for 25 years and have been through some heavy rain know the campsite try and figure out which way the ground is pitched so you don't set the tent up in area the collects water run off...If your tent does get wet try try not to touch the sides of the tent and if water does collect inside the tent you will have to get on your knees and use towels to soak up the water try and do that as fast as possible. anthor tip put all your clothes and personal items in big zip lock bags they make them that big it will keep the water out and your stuff dry

Answer 8

Tarp Over Tent

Answer 9

Rain Tarp For Camping

Answer 10

In my experience, even when the store claims the tent is waterproof they are often not up to a good drenching.

I ALWAYS bring a tarpaulin along if the weather looks questionable. It's also handy to have a ground sheet and a waterproof sealant available.

But be warned that those waterproofing sprays and kits that you can buy often need several hours, if not a day to cure properly. Otherwise they will not work.

So.... a tarp is always a sure bet.