7 Best Tents For Rain

Rilor Staff
Update: July 17, 2021
Table of Contents

The rain is one of the common elements you'll encounter in your camping and other outdoor activities. It is inevitable in some cases, even if you have checked the weather forecast. If you are going to engage in any of these endeavors,  it is not a bad idea to invest in the best tents for rain. 

The following are some of the finest tents you can use even amidst the inclement weather and atmospheric condition.

7 Best Tents For Rain

 Seasonality CapacityFloor Area
REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent 3- 4- season4-person59.7 square feet
Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 Tent 4-season3-person48 square feet
Nemo Kunai 23- 4- season2-person26 square feet 
Marmot Thor 2P Tent 4-season2-person38 square feet
BFULL Camping Tent 3-season3-person40.8 square feet
Coleman Elite Montana Tent 3-season8-person112 square feet
Exped Orion II Tent 4-season2-person30.1 square feet

1. REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent

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Should you need a tent that can withstand various elements, the REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent is an impressive choice. It features a dome construction that improves its stability against strong wind and rain. Such architecture also enhances the livability of its interior. The tent's fabric is made from 150-denier polyester Oxford fabric that is both puncture- and abrasion-resistant. 

Furthermore, this outdoor shelter comes with a polyester rainfly. The latter has a full-coverage construction; it extends to the ground but is not susceptible to stretching. It is also resistant to UV rays. Moreover, it comes with two roof vents and another side vent for optimized ventilation. It doesn't get hot inside, and it is never prone to condensation. The tent has two vestibules; the one in front is larger than the back. 

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Seasonality: 3- 4-season
  • Sleeping capacity - 4-person
  • Packaged weight - 16 pounds
  • Floor area - 59.7 square feet
  • Peak height - 5 feet
  • Pole material - Aluminum
  • Canopy material - Polyester
  • Rainfly - Available
  • Vestibule - Available

2. Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 Tent

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The Mountain Hardwear Trango 3 Tent is another impeccable tent that can withstand harsh atmospheric settings. It is designed for backpackers and mountaineers, being rated as a 4-season tent. Its infrastructure is quite impressive and one-of-a-kind. An excellent example would be its DAC Featherlite aluminum poles that possess a high strength-to-weight rating. It has been anodized as well to enhance its stability in any terrain further. 

This tent also offers a large dry-entry vestibule, which is supported by a single sleeved pole. A smaller vestibule is also present on its rear, which you can use to dry your equipment. Its rainfly is durable, and its canopy is extremely taut; it is almost impervious to stretching. All the gaps are sealed to prevent the entry of water, moisture, and dust. Meanwhile, its flooring is seamless, too.

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Seasonality: 4-season
  • Sleeping capacity - 3-person
  • Packaged weight - 11 pounds
  • Floor area - 48 square feet
  • Peak height - 4 feet
  • Pole material - Aluminum
  • Canopy material - Ripstop nylon
  • Rainfly - Available
  • Vestibule - Available

3. NEMO Kunai 2 Tent

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This tent strikes the perfect balance between durability and lightness. Believe it or not, the tent can be used for mountaineering and summit hikes, which is quite surprising, given that it is a 3- 4-season. It features a tapered profile, wind-blocking interior, and aggressive brow pole construction so that it can withstand difficult weather patterns. 

Furthermore, the tent has a tub floor architecture that keeps its interior dry even if the ground is already wet. Meanwhile, its strut vent on the zipper flap aids in the air circulation of the tent, preventing internal condensation from happening. Its rainfly extends to the ground, effectively covering the tent from the elements. The tent's fabric is also rugged; it can resist punctures and leakages. 

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Seasonality: 3- 4-season
  • Sleeping capacity - 2-person
  • Packaged weight - 4 pounds
  • Floor area - 26 square feet
  • Peak height - 3.67 feet
  • Pole material - Aluminum
  • Canopy material - Ripstop nylon
  • Rainfly - Available
  • Vestibule - Available

4. Marmot Thor 2P Tent

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If you intend to challenge the winter and rainy weather for extended periods, you should try using the Marmot Thor tent. This one is a 4-season shelter, which solidifies its claim as a solid mountaineering tent. Once inside the tent, you'll never get wet or chilly, even if the external conditions are already unfavorable. It has a full-coverage rainfly that has been seam-taped so that no water can pass through. 

Under the rainfly is a spacious vestibule where you can lounge or stash your outdoor equipment. Meanwhile, its internal guyline system ensures the tent's structural integrity even against strong gusts of wind and heavy rain. The Marmot Thor has a proprietary pole system that maximizes the usable space on the interior. In short, this canopy can give you the comfort and protection you need.

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Seasonality: 4-season
  • Sleeping capacity - 2-person
  • Packaged weight - 10 pounds
  • Floor area - 38 square feet
  • Peak height - 3.67 feet
  • Pole material - DAC Featherlite NSL
  • Canopy material - No-see-um mesh/ripstop nylon
  • Rainfly - Available
  • Vestibule - Available

5. BFULL Camping Tent

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If you want a simple tent that still offers decent rain protection, the BFULL Camping Tent is a great deal to take. This instant pop-up tent has an automatic hydraulic system that enables you to pitch it in less than a minute. It has a light but rugged structure, making it an optimal shelter. By all means, this tent can handle rain and light snow, thanks to its semi-full rainfly and dome-shaped construction.

However, keep in mind that this unit is using fiberglass poles. While the latter is not flimsy, it is not as flexible and sturdy as aluminum poles. Hence, you should never use this in areas where the wind is strong. All of the tent's seams are fully taped to ensure that no water leaks can take place. Even the floor is impervious from being penetrated by water and moisture.

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Seasonality: 3-season
  • Sleeping capacity - 3-person
  • Packaged weight - 7.4 pounds
  • Floor area - 40.8 square feet
  • Peak height - 3.41 feet
  • Pole material - Fiberglass
  • Canopy material - Polyester
  • Rainfly - Available
  • Vestibule - None

6. Coleman Elite Montana Tent

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The Coleman Elite Montana Tent can give full rain protection for you and your family. This unit offers generous space for eight people and their items. In fact, the tent is big enough to accommodate three queen size air beds. Since this tent is manufactured by Coleman, it features the latter's WeatherTec system, which includes inverted seams and welded corners. As a result, moisture and water will never breach the floor. 

The extended vestibule of this tent provides extra space for storage, a lounge, and even a cooking area. Its rainfly is taut and covers the tent's roof fully. Interestingly, the windows of Elite Montana have an angled design. Because of this, you can open them even if it's raining. It prevents the tent's interior from becoming hot. 

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Seasonality: 3-season
  • Sleeping capacity - 8-person
  • Packaged weight - 24.5 pounds
  • Floor area - 112 square feet
  • Peak height - 6 feet
  • Pole material - Fiberglass
  • Canopy material - Polyester
  • Rainfly - Available
  • Vestibule - Available

7. Exped Orion II Tent

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The Exped Orion II Tent is a tested-and-tried all-weather tent. Furthermore, it offers versatility that only a few tents can match. Specifically, the tent has three modes: Party, Storm, and Breeze-Way. In its Party Mode, the tent is detached from its fly, which allows you to have an independent canopy regardless of the weather. In its Breeze-Way Mode, the doors open entirely to maximize ventilation and cooling. Finally, if things are too stormy or rainy, switch to the tent's Storm Mode.

There are three poles that support the tent for guaranteed stability. There are two similarly sized poles that stretch throughout the tent's sleeping area. Meanwhile, a ridge pole extends at right angles, enabling its vestibules to stand erect. The materials used on the Exped Orion II Tent were truly impressive. Its canopy fabric has ripstop capabilities, and its floor is tailored from polyurethane-coated nylon to prevent ground elements from entering. 

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Seasonality: 4-season
  • Sleeping capacity - 2-person
  • Packaged weight - 7 pounds
  • Floor area - 30.1 square feet
  • Peak height - 4.1 feet
  • Pole material - Aluminum
  • Canopy material - Ripstop nylon
  • Rainfly - Available
  • Vestibule - Available

How To Choose The Best Tents For Rain

Dealing with inclement weather is something that you need to consider whenever you are camping or backpacking. Elements like rain and snow are just within the picture. If you are keen on the weather forecast, you might be able to dodge them. However, if the unexpected happens while you are in the middle of your outdoor trip, you need to be prepared. 

You need to have a decent rain tent if you want to ensure that you can keep yourself and your items dry once precipitation occurs. Of course, I can guarantee that not all tents out there can shield you from the downpour. Hence, you need to pick the suitable outdoor shelter if you are expecting rain and snow. 

Seasonality

Tents can be categorized based on their seasonality. There are 3-season tents, 3- to 4-season tents, and 4-season tents. 

  • 3-season tents - These tents provide the perfect balance between weight management and weather protection. Specifically, these tents are designed for summer, fall, and spring. However, if you can get and pitch high-quality 3-season tents, they will be able to withstand heavy downpours and light snow. But keep in mind that these tents are not designed to deal with strong tempests, harsh winds, and violent snow. 
  • 3- to 4-season tents - These tents are often called extended season tents. They are crafted to handle longer 3-season applications--or settings where moderate snow and rain are expected. Having these tents means that you have a balance of strength, ventilation, and insulation. Most of the time, these tents have 1 or 2 poles and have lesser mesh panels than standard 3-season tents. 
  • 4-season tents - If you are looking for a tent that can withstand strong wind, snow, and ran, you need to get a 4-season tent. A 4-season tent is tailored for mountaineering use. Therefore, you can guarantee that they can offer you shelter in harsh terrains and conditions. Their poles are numerous; moreover, they feature rugged and durable fabrics. It is also notable that they have a dome design so that snow and water won't accumulate on their top. They also feature extended rainfly. 

Tent Fabric

When you are expecting rain on the field, you would want the tent to be impermeable to water. Otherwise, your interior would be drenched by water. Tough fabrics should be used in the tent to ensure that they can protect you against the elements. The quality of the fabric is often measured in denier. The higher the denier, the thicker and durable the fabric is. 

You should also check the fabrics used on the tent floor. Aside from being rugged, it is essential that there are seam tapes on the corners. In this way, leakages won't take place.

Rainfly

The rainfly is an essential aspect of any tent. You can consider it as the actual roof of the tent. Its job is to provide additional protection against rain, snow, or dew. Of course, you can guarantee that a rainfly can help deflect harmful UV rays. A rainfly is also useful in heat-retention inside the tent. There are two types of rainfly: full and roof-only rainfly. 

A roof-only rainfly gives ample protection against the rain and heat of the sun. Just like its name suggests, the rainfly only covers the top of the tent, allowing more air and light to come in. If you want comprehensive protection against the weather, you need a full rainfly. The latter typically extends to the ground, effectively covering the entire tent.

Vestibules

One way or another, you should also keep your outdoor equipment dry throughout the duration of the rain or snow. If your tent is small, you may not be able to put all your belongings inside the tent. Hence, it is crucial that your outdoor shelter should have a vestibule. 

A vestibule is your garage whenever you are camping or backpacking. They are extensions of the tent, often located in front of the door. If the tent has two doors, it is a given that it has two vestibules, too. The extra shade that these vestibules provide gives you enough storage space for your equipment. It is better to hang your wet clothing and muddy footwear in the vestibule.

In Summary

Preparation is essential for every camping trip. Equipping yourself with the right outdoor equipment can help you tackle unexpected situations, such as sudden rain. Investing in the best tents for rain can help you weather the elements. It is a worthwhile amenity that you can bring anywhere. 

That's it for now. If you have other inquiries, feel free to ask me in the comment section below.

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