How To Waterproof The Floor Of Your Ultralight Tent?
As an ultralight backpacker you think twice before you add any item to your gear list. Most ultralight tents come with a ground cloth. This item is essential in preventing the moist ground from dampening the inside of your tent. However if your ultralight tent doesn’t have a waterproof tent floor already, there is a significant risk of you getting soaked. Don’t worry, we will go through exactly how to waterproof the floor of your ultralight tent!
Do you really need a ground cloth under your ultralight tent? I would recommend having some item, if not an extra cloth, then at least a tarp.
Steps To Waterproof The Floor Of An Ultralight Tent
Step 1: Clean the tent floor
Use a wet cloth with a mild detergent and warm water. Apply the detergent with soft, circular motion on the outside of the tent floor. As the inside will not come into contact with the wet ground, there is no need for cleaning it. Let it dry out, preferably in a room with good ventilation.
Step 2: Apply the waterproof coating
Gently spray the coating on the outside layer of the tent floor. After applying one layer you might want to wait until it dries up and apply another layer. My personal favourite is the Nikwax Waterproofing Spray. It is so easy to apply thanks to the spray bottle, and comes at a very affordable price.
Step 3: Seal The Seams
Sometimes the reason why the tent floor leaks is not the material itself, but the connection between the floor and the rainfly. The seams present a significant security hole on the waterproof shield of the tent floor. By sealing the seams you prevent the water from seeping through any potential small hole.
Do’s and Don’ts of Ultralight Tent Floor Waterproofing
Don’t ignore material durability: While weight is a significant factor for hikers, the durability of the material also matters. Materials like PE tarps are heavier but also more durable and cost-effective, which may be a better choice for long-term use.
Do take into account potential chemical reactions: For example, PU coated fabrics can undergo hydrolysis over time, leading to a loss of water-resistant properties. Being aware of these reactions can help you maintain the efficacy of your tent floor.
Don’t overlook the importance of a footprint: Using a tent footprint can provide an additional layer of protection for your tent floor, helping to prevent tears and punctures and enhancing water resistance.
Risk Of Flooding – Why You Need To Waterproof The Floor Of Your Ultralight Tent?
If you set up your tent on a slope a heavy downpour can leave your entire tent completely flooded. Getting a ground cloth or waterproofing the floor of your ultralight tent might be your best bet against water seeping inside.
Even if the tent floor doesn’t flood, you might experience a little wetness after you kneel or sit in one spot for a few minutes. This is prone to happen with cheaper tents, where the floor has a lower hydrostatic head.
Your tent floor might become less water resistant with time. The floor is in contact with the ground the most. Over time the constant abrasion might lower the hydrostatic head of the tent floor.
Should You Waterproof The Floor Of Your Ultralight Tent?
As a rule of thumb extra waterproofing on the floor of your ultralight tent can’t hurt. You would invest a small sum on waterproofing spray, and the added weight is negligable.
What Are Ultralight Tent Floors Made Of?
Most tent floors are made of one of two materials:
Silinylon: Silicone coated nylon, these tents tend to be waterproof.
Polyurethane coated nylon: these tent floors are water resistant but sometimes you can get issues with flooding.
Materials and Techniques for Waterproofing Your Ultralight Tent Floor
- Silicone Coated Fabrics (Silnylon and Silpoly) – Highly popular due to its lightweight and waterproof properties. Silicone offers excellent water resistance and adds strength to the fabric. However, it can make the tent floor slippery.
- Polyurethane (PU) Coated Fabrics – Polyurethane coating is not as water resistant as silicone, however they are flame-retardant, a useful feature for campfires. A big minus for ultralight campers, PU coating is heavier than silicone variants, also less durable over time.
- Cuben Fiber (Dyneema Composite Fabrics) – This high-tech fabric is extremely light and boasts remarkable waterproof and tear-resistant properties.
- Lay down a tarp – The easiest but crudest solution. Instead of adding an extra coating to the tent floor, you can lay down a tarp as extra layer between the damp ground and the tent.
- Order a ground cloth for your tent model – Some ultralight tents come with a custom made ground cloth. These are cut to size, however not every manufacturer sells them separately.
How Do Manufacturers Waterproof Ultralight Tents?
For waterproofing ultralight tents usually manufacturers use nylon coated silicone or polyurethane. They might even have some combination of the two coatings.
What Waterproof Rating Is Good For An Ultralight Tent Floor?
The bottom of ultralight tents need to have around 4000 mm HH waterproof rating for you to feel really safe, and not have to worry about water seeping into your tent.
FAQ – Tent Floor Waterproofing
Are all tent floors waterproof?
Sorry, but not all tent floors are completely waterproof. Most tent manufacturers try to add a waterproof layer to the bottom of the tents, however as with so many things in life…you get what you pay for. Cheaper, lower quality tents might not have completely waterproof floors.
