Camping Tent Waterproof Ratings: A Quick And Easy Guide

As I review waterproof tents frequently I know how confusing it can get to see a random number on the product description and trying to extrapolate what that can mean in terms of waterproof ratings. Does a certain number mean it is a three season tent? Or will it do a good job in all four seasons? I wrote this post to explain camping tent waterproof rating to you.

What are camping tent waterproof ratings?

The waterproof rating of a camping tent is showed in millimetres (mm) using a water column test. It shows how much water can be on the fabric directly before it begins to leak.

Immediately you see that even though a 1500 mm tent doesn’t seem like much, but in fact you never have 1,5 meters of water sitting directly on the tent wall. Unless you tried to set camp in a lake, in which case I don’t know what to tell you…

My point is, if the rain is not extremely heavy, even a pretty low waterproof rated tent can do a decent job for you!

What waterproof rating is suitable for camping in which weather conditions?

I have slept in tents in many different countries, got soaked in tents that claimed to be 100% waterproof, but also survived dry in shelters that look like they would get soaked in even one drop of water. However here are some general guidelines.

For light rain, a rating of 1000mm to 2000mm should be sufficient. If you expect moderate rain, aim for a rating between 2000mm and 3000mm. For heavy rain and wet snow conditions, you’ll want a tent with a rating of 3000mm to 5000mm. And for extreme weather conditions, like heavy snow and high winds, opt for a tent with a rating of 5000mm or more.

Remember that other factors, such as the accessories or where you set up the camping tent can add or take away from the waterproofness of your tent.

At what rating is a camping tent considered a four season tent?

In terms of waterproof ratings, a four-season tent should ideally have a minimum rating of 1500 mm to 2000 mm. In my opinion you can go even to 3000 mm HH just to be 100% sure. This makes it capable of withstanding heavy rain and snowfall, crucial for maintaining a dry and comfortable shelter in all four seasons.

Most four season waterproof camping tents are made of polyester or ripstop nylon. These materials have a natural combination of waterproofing and breathability. However they are also very breathable. A great four season tent starts at 3000 mm HH, but also must have great insulation, well structured poles, a ground tarp and reinforced seams.

Can accessories add to the waterproofness of a camping tent?

This is a great question and hits the nail on the head when it comes to waterproof ratings. The mm rating only covers the wall of the tent. It says nothing about the waterproofness of the ground floor. It is easy to see how a poorly designed seam or a hole in the floor could easily let the water leak through. At that point even a 4000 mm waterproof rating can’t do anything for you.

A factory produced ground tarp can help a lot in waterproofing the tent. Similarly you have to make sure the seams are airtight. Go for tents with double stitched seams. If you have problems with leakage, here are a few tips on how to fix a leaking camping tent.

It is crucial to get just the right size tarp under your tent. If it is too big, the water will pool up under the tent and cause leakage. The exact opposite effect than what we were looking for. As a rule of thumb the ground tarp shouldn’t be more than one inch bigger than the tent on either side.

Does the minimum camping tent waterproof rating differ from country to country?

Obviously it does vary. In extremely rainy areas like the Rocky Mountains, Northern Spain or Sweden you need a higher waterproof rating for your camping tent just because you can expect more and difficult rains.

I have done a lot of camping in Sweden, and I would not attempt an overnight trip to the woods without at least a 3000 mm HH camping tent. My go to solo choice is the KAZOO Ultralight tent.
It is pretty complex when it comes to waterproofing. Apart from the necessary minimum mm HH rating, it has an extra ground tarp, a pretty big rainfly and double stitched seams.

Is a higher waterproof rating camping tent always better?

A higher waterproof rating tent will give you better security against getting wet but there comes a point of diminishing returns. Higher waterproof rating camping tents tent to be heavier. At a certain point the extra protection adds so much weight that it might not be necessary. Ultimately you need to know how much rain you can expect on a trip, and if you can get away with a lower mm HH rated camping tent.

Frequently Asked Questions: Camping Tent Waterproof Rating

Is 2000 mm waterproof rating enough for a waterproof camping tent?

Yes, in my experience a 2000 mm is enough in most countries, where you don’t have to expect a lot of rain.

How waterproof is 6000 mm?

A 6000mm waterproof rating on a tent implies that it can withstand a water column of 6000mm in height before water seeps in. To put it simply, it’s quite substantial! This rating suggests that the tent will keep you dry even during heavy, persistent rain. 

Are cheap camping tents waterproof?

Camping tents in the $30-$40 range are generally not waterproof. Even if advertised as waterproof, I would assume a tent in this range to be nothing more than water resistant. However with seam sealing, applying Nikwax spray to it you can substantially increase their water resistance.

How waterproof does a tent need to be in the UK?

For camping in the UK, I recommend a camping tent with at least 3000mm HH. The UK is known for its unpredictable and often wet weather, so a higher rating will ensure you stay dry, even during a heavy downpour. Simply put in my experience it is better to prepare for the worst case scenario.

Is 190T Polyester waterproof?

190T polyester is only water resistant but not water proof. “190T” refers to the thread count and density of the weave, exactly 190 threads per inch. This material needs extra waterproof coating in order to make waterproof camping tents from.

Conclusion

All in all everything starts with having the right waterproof gear. Camping tent waterproof ratings can help you in narrowing down the pool of potential products on the market.