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 folks suppose that tents come waterproofed however the truth of the matter is that the majority are water resistant at finest. We wrote a common article that covers all of the the explanation why a tent is likely to be moist right here.
However, on this article, we’re going to cowl tent bottoms solely.
So are tent bottoms waterproof?
Tent bottoms are usually not normally waterproof. While most tent producers do add a layer of waterproofing on the underside, it’s normally lackluster and won’t maintain up for lengthy. Since the underside of the tent is uncovered to essentially the most put on and floor moisture, it is vitally prone to be the perpetrator in relation to moisture in a tent.
We will stroll you thru defending your tent ground and stopping future leaks by waterproofing.
Protecting your tent backside.
Many folks don’t notice how essential this step is. The tent ground is the bottom of your shelter and normally has to carry as much as particles below the tent, folks strolling on prime of it, and having gear sitting on it. One method to assist shield your tent ground and preserve 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 need to use below your tent to assist shield it from particles and add a bit additional thermal barrier between you and the bottom.
If your tent doesn’t have this sheet, you may merely use a heavy-duty tarp. This could have the identical protecting options and also will assist shield in opposition to moisture from the bottom wicking by the underside of your tent.
We have an incredible article on utilizing tarps below and over your tent right here.
You may discover tent tarps right here on Amazon.
Another possibility is a water-proof cloth comparable to canvas. If you utilize a cloth it’s crucial that it’s tear-resistant and that’s the reason we advocate canvas. The draw back is that tarps are normally extra reasonably priced than heavy-duty waterproof canvas.
A trick that i’ve solely seen a handful of occasions (and I personally have now tried) is utilizing interlocking foam pads as a footprint. You know those that appear to be puzzle items on the perimeters. You will want the heavy responsibility ones however it really works nice. Not solely does this add a pleasant layer between your tent ground and the bottom however you’re going to get a pleasant padded ground as effectively.
The draw back is that if your campsite shouldn’t be near your automobile, 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 we have now an article about why you want a footprint below your tent right here.
Remove all of the particles that you could 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 ground, however rocks, sticks another objects with sharp edges can tear your tent ground. A tear is normally fairly simple to establish however particles may result in very small and hard-to-find holes. Unfortunately, water will discover a method in even by very small holes.
Not solely can particles trigger harm however natural particles, comparable to grass, and leaves retain water below your tent and the longer water is there, the extra possibilities it should discover a method 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 your tent ground however in case you are 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 will be important that the tent ground itself have an additional layer of waterproofing.
The best resolution is so as to add a water-proof sealant. Although most tents include a sealant on one aspect, we extremely advocate including an additional layer of waterproofing to this since most tent’s preliminary waterproofing won’t be superb. Also, we extremely advocate including waterproofing to each the highest and backside of your tent ground. It by no means hurts so as to add an additional layer of safety.
One of the spray waterproofers we have now had nice success with is fairly reasonably priced and might be discovered on Amazon right here.
We have an article that you’ll take pleasure in on waterproofing your complete tent right here.
More ideas for stopping your tent backside from leaking.
This could sound apparent however we have now seen this many occasions. Always attempt to place your tent on excessive floor. This will preserve water flowing away out of your tent as a substitute of below your tent.
Even when on excessive floor keep away from depressions. you may 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 could result in moisture-wicking.
Make certain the bottom below your tent is stable. Soft floor can result in despair below your tent. The weight of your gear and simply merely strolling round inside your tent will trigger the comfortable floor to compress and go away a gap or despair for water to gather.
Using a tarp or cover above your tent may help too. You can angle a tarp to direct rainwater above your tent in a path away out of your tent. This can tremendously cut back the quantity of water that will get below your tent.
If you might be new to tent tenting or have been doing it some time, you should definitely try our tent tenting articles right here. We have articles for tent newcomers in addition to seasoned tent campers.