A standard 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 almost all are waterproof at greatest. We wrote a normal article that covers all of 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 aren’t 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 rather more likely to be the perpetrator with regards 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 individuals don’t understand how vital this step is. The tent ground is the bottom of your shelter and normally has to carry as much as particles underneath the tent, individuals strolling on prime of it, and having tools sitting on it. One manner to assist shield your tent ground and hold 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 underneath 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’ll be able to merely use a heavy-duty tarp. This could have the identical protecting options and also will assist shield towards moisture from the bottom wicking by means of the underside of your tent.
We have an amazing article on utilizing tarps underneath and over your tent right here.
You may discover tent tarps right here on Amazon.
Another choice is a water-resistant cloth resembling canvas. If you employ 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 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 know those that appear to be puzzle items on the perimeters. You will want the heavy responsibility ones nevertheless it truly 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 will not 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’ve got an article about why you want a footprint underneath your tent right here.
Remove all of the particles which you can 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 underneath your tent ground, however rocks, sticks every other objects with sharp edges can tear your tent ground. A tear is normally fairly straightforward to establish however particles may result in very small and hard-to-find holes. Unfortunately, water will discover a manner in even by means of very small holes.
Not solely can particles trigger harm however natural particles, resembling grass, and leaves retain water underneath your tent and the longer water is there, the extra possibilities it’s going to discover a manner 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 means of your tent ground however if you’re tenting throughout a rainstorm, this might not be sufficient. Since heavy rain can result in water getting between the protecting layer and the tent backside it’s important that the tent ground itself have an additional layer of waterproofing.
The best resolution is so as to add a water-resistant sealant. Although most tents include a sealant on one facet, we extremely advocate including an additional layer of waterproofing to this since most tent’s preliminary waterproofing is not going to be excellent. 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’ve got had nice success with is fairly inexpensive and might be discovered on Amazon right here.
We have an article that you’ll take pleasure in on waterproofing your entire tent right here.
More suggestions for stopping your tent backside from leaking.
This might sound apparent however we’ve got seen this many instances. Always attempt to place your tent on excessive floor. This will hold water flowing away out of your tent as an alternative of underneath 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 underneath your tent and this will result in moisture-wicking.
Make positive the bottom underneath your tent is stable. Soft floor can result in despair underneath your tent. The weight of your gear and simply merely strolling round inside your tent will trigger the mushy floor to compress and go away a gap or despair for water to gather.
Using a tarp or cover above your tent will 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 underneath your tent.
If you’re new to tent tenting or have been doing it some time, you should definitely take a look at our tent tenting articles right here. We have articles for tent newcomers in addition to seasoned tent campers.