A typical query that we get requested about tents is why is there water in my tent and what do I do about it. Most individuals assume that tents come waterproofed however the truth of the matter is that the majority are water resistant at greatest. We wrote a common article that covers all of the explanation why a tent is likely to be moist right here.
Nevertheless, on this article, we’re going to cowl tent bottoms solely.
So are tent bottoms waterproof?
Tent bottoms are usually not often waterproof. Whereas most tent producers do add a layer of waterproofing on the underside, it’s often lackluster and won’t maintain up for lengthy. Because the backside of the tent is uncovered to essentially the most put on and floor moisture, it is vitally more likely to be the perpetrator in the case of moisture in a tent.
We’ll stroll you thru defending your tent flooring and stopping future leaks by waterproofing.
Defending your tent backside.
Many individuals don’t notice how vital this step is. The tent flooring is the bottom of your shelter and often has to carry as much as particles below the tent, individuals strolling on high of it, and having gear sitting on it. A method to assist shield your tent flooring and maintain it waterproof is by utilizing a protecting layer barely bigger than your tent footprint beneath the ground.
Some tents include a tarp-like protecting sheet that you should utilize below your tent to assist shield it from particles and add somewhat additional thermal barrier between you and the bottom.
In case your tent doesn’t have this sheet, you’ll be able to merely use a heavy-duty tarp. This may have the identical protecting options and also will assist shield towards moisture from the bottom wicking by way of the underside of your tent.
We now have an incredible article on utilizing tarps below and over your tent right here.
You may also discover tent tarps right here on Amazon.
Another choice is a water-proof cloth equivalent to canvas. In the event you use a material it’s crucial that or not it’s tear-resistant and that’s the reason we suggest canvas. The draw back is that tarps are often extra inexpensive than heavy-duty waterproof canvas.
A trick that i’ve solely seen a handful of instances (and I personally have now tried) is utilizing interlocking foam pads as a footprint. You realize those that appear to be puzzle items on the sides. You will have the heavy obligation ones however it really works nice. Not solely does this add a pleasant layer between your tent flooring and the bottom however you’re going to get a pleasant padded flooring as properly.
The draw back is that if your campsite is just not near your car, you would need to carry these pads to your web site and they are often heavy to hold for lengthy distances.
For extra nice studying now we have an article about why you want a footprint below your tent right here.
Take away all of the particles that you may earlier than you set down your footprint or tent.
I’ve been responsible of this, not solely can particles be uncomfortable as you’ll really feel it below your tent flooring, however rocks, sticks some other objects with sharp edges can tear your tent flooring. A tear is often fairly straightforward to establish however particles also can result in very small and hard-to-find holes. Sadly, water will discover a approach in even by way of very small holes.
Not solely can particles trigger injury however natural particles, equivalent to grass, and leaves retain water below your tent and the longer water is there, the extra possibilities it can discover a approach in a gap.
Waterproofing a tent backside
As we mentioned above, including a footprint that’s waterproof will assist cease moisture from wicking from the bottom by way of your tent flooring however if you’re tenting throughout a rainstorm, this is probably not sufficient. Since heavy rain can result in water getting between the protecting layer and the tent backside it is necessary that the tent flooring itself have an additional layer of waterproofing.
The simplest answer is so as to add a water-proof sealant. Though most tents include a sealant on one facet, we extremely suggest including an additional layer of waterproofing to this since most tent’s preliminary waterproofing won’t be superb. Additionally, we extremely suggest including waterproofing to each the highest and backside of your tent flooring. It by no means hurts so as to add an additional layer of safety.
One of many spray waterproofers now we have had nice success with is fairly inexpensive and will be discovered on Amazon right here.
We now have an article that you’ll get pleasure from on waterproofing your entire tent right here.
Extra suggestions for stopping your tent backside from leaking.
This will sound apparent however now we have seen this many instances. All the time attempt to place your tent on excessive floor. This may maintain water flowing away out of your tent as a substitute of below your tent.
Even when on excessive floor keep away from depressions. you’ll be able to simply overlook this in grass or floor plagued by particles but when your tent is in a despair on the bottom, water will pool below your tent and this will result in moisture-wicking.
Make certain the bottom below your tent is strong. Mushy floor can result in despair below your tent. The load of your gear and simply merely strolling round inside your tent will trigger the mushy floor to compress and depart a gap or despair for water to gather.
Utilizing a tarp or cover above your tent can assist too. You possibly can angle a tarp to direct rainwater above your tent in a path away out of your tent. This may tremendously cut back the quantity of water that will get below your tent.
If you’re new to tent tenting or have been doing it some time, make sure to try our tent tenting articles right here. We now have articles for tent newcomers in addition to seasoned tent campers.