The Best Tents for Rain and Wind

Most people don’t want to camp when there are a howling wind and pouring rain. We get that! But sometimes, you may just get caught out in the weather. 

Keen hikers can spend days if not weeks on the trail and camping, and if that’s you, then you really need a tent that can take a battering if the weather suddenly turns for the worse. Of course, you still need features such as lightweight, small size, and quick to erect and break down. We look at tents that offer excellent weather protection and suit adventurous outdoor people. 

Our Selection of The 10 Best Tents for Rain and Wind:

Below we take a more in-depth look at each of the tents we believe work great in rainy and windy conditions:

1. BISINNA 2 Person Camping Tent

The Bisinna 2 person tent is designed for harsh environments and is suitable for three-season use. Both the inner tent and rainfly are made of 190T polyester. The rainfly has been tested to a waterproof standard of PU2000mm, and all the seams have waterproof taping. The welded floor is made of 210D polyester, tested to a waterproof level of 5000mm to keep you completely dry.

The durable and lightweight 7001 aluminum tent poles are flexible, allowing them to withstand powerful winds. The poles attach to the inner tent and rainfly through strengthened eyelets and high-quality fasteners.

At just under 5 lbs, the Bisinna tent is lightweight and folds down to a compact 17.5 inches by 5 inches. It’s excellent for hiking and backpacking or any adventure where space is limited.

The rainfly has high-level vents to reduce the build-up of condensation and allow moisture to escape, keeping you comfortable inside. You’ll also find several internal pockets to stash items you want to keep off the floor.

The only downside to the Bisinna is the time it takes to put it up. It’s not slow at ten minutes but is twice the time of the others on review here.

2. Camppal 3 – 4 Person Tent

The Camppal MT066 hiking tent is the most expensive on review but makes up for the extra cost with great features. The Camppal is designed for four-season use, with excellent waterproofing and features to make it stormproof.

Inside the entrance is a small vestibule that can be used to store items or cook on rainy days. The front door also doubles as a canopy, giving extra space and a sunshade.

The rainfly is made of 210T polyester with a rain resistance rating of 3500mm. The floor is made of 300D polyester, rated at PU4000mm, and has taped seams to keep even the worst weather out. Internal seams and zip seams are all taped for additional waterproofing.

Two ventilation windows are fitted on the sides to release moisture and remove humidity from the interior. This also prevents the build-up of moisture on the inside of the rainfly.

Including in the price of around $120 is a gear loft, perfect for storing all your valuables, and a torch.

3. Bessport 3 and 2 Person Backpacking Tent

The Bessport is available in three sizes, one, two, and three-person, but apart from the slight increase in size, they are identical. 

Designed as a backpacking tent, the Bessport weighs in at just 5.5 lbs and folds down to only 16.5 inches by 5.5 inches. Despite the low weight, you don’t compromise on internal size, with plenty of room for you and your gear. 

Complimenting the backpacking credentials are the wind and waterproofing qualities of the Bessport. The 8.5 mm aluminum tent poles are designed to flex enough to absorb the wind pressure. Secure the four guylines, and you can be sure the tent can withstand powerful winds. 

Waterproofing has been tested to a rating of more than PU5000mm, complemented by fully taped seams. You can be sure in even the toughest of conditions that you’ll remain warm and dry.

Ventilation is provided by two large mesh windows and roof vents that are secured using velcro. The top half of the inner tent is also made of mesh, giving the Bessport unique ventilation characteristics.

Inside, you’ll find mesh pockets on the tent’s sides, and entry and exit are easy through two large doors. Large gauge zips prevent sticking and operate 2-way for convenience.

Overall, this is a great backpacking tent that will keep you warm and dry without costing a fortune. 

4. WoneNice Professional Camping Tent

At around $70, the WoneNice Professional 4-season tent is exceptionally well priced for the features it offers.

Weighing just 5.5 lbs and packing down to 17.9 inches by 6.5 inches, it really is practical for backpackers, hikers, and climbers. Add to that a quick assembly time of under 5 minutes, and it’s ideal for outdoor adventurers.

The outer 210D polyester fabric has been tested to a waterproof rating of PU3500mm, while the floor has a rating of PU4000mm. All the seams are taped to prevent water seepage. Strong wind conditions are coped with using sturdy, flexible 7001 aluminum tent poles and a snow skirt that prevents wind from getting underneath the tent.

With two mesh windows, mesh door covers, an inner tent that is made of mesh gives fantastic ventilation. Moisture and humidity are quickly removed from the tent, keeping you comfortable and dry. The main door can be used as a sunshade if required, and there are small vestibules at both ends. Internally, there are hanging hooks for lights. 

5. Naturehike Cloud-Up Lightweight Tent

Weighing only 4.7 lbs, the Naturehike Cloud-Up just bets the Bisinna by being 0.2 lbs lighter! The Naturehike does pack down to a smaller size and is much quicker to erect than the Bisinna, so from a hiking point of view, it’s the winner.

Despite its small size and low weight, the Naturehike is not short on features. It is described as a three-season tent, and the windproof and rainproof characteristics back that up. The outer rainfly is made from 210T polyester, with a rain rating of PU3000mm and an ultraviolet rating of 50+. 

The frame is constructed using 7001 aluminum tent poles, that are lightweight, but extremely strong. Heavy wind and rain won’t be a problem for the Naturehike, as the poles flex to counter the wind.

During dry summer nights, the rainfly can be left off, giving brilliant night sky views through the inner tent’s mesh ceiling. If required, the outer rainfly attaches in just a few minutes.

Ventilation through the mesh roof is assisted by vents at the front and back, generating a through-flow of air. The rainfly can be used by itself, with the provided footprint, to create the perfect summer shelter for hot and humid nights.

6. Clostnature Lightweight Backpacking Tent

The Clostnature Polaris comes in various sizes, from one-person to four-person, and its excellent value at under $90 for the two-person version. With a pu5000 rated bathtub base, pu5000 rated waterproof 210T rainfly, and welded seams all around, the Closnature will keep you dry in even the most extreme weather.

The inner tent is entirely made of mesh walls for outstanding ventilation, while the two D-shaped doors give easy access from either side.

Weighing just 5.4 pounds and packing down small enough to fit in a backpack, the Polaris is ideal for hikers looking for a three/four-season tent.

Once set up, the front rainfly flap opens to form a vestibule for storing kit or as a canopy to cook under. 

Overall, the Clostnature, designed by mountaineering enthusiasts, will keep warm and dry for years to come.

7. Forceatt Tent for Camping Lightweight Backpacking Tent

Designed as a proper four-season backpacking tent, the Forceatt offers excellent features at a very reasonable price of under $75. The rainfly is made from the ubiquitous 210T polyester with a PU3000 coating, while the base is made from PU5000 Oxford cloth with an additional PU coating. The Forceatt should keep you dry in all but the worst weather.

Although it weighs just 5.5 pounds when packed away and packs away to a backpack-friendly size, the internal size is impressive. There is plenty of space for two, plus your gear.

Another great plus point for the Forceatt is the quick setup time of just two minutes, aided by the innovative crossover design for the support poles. 

8. WhiteHills Backpacking Tent 2 Person Lightweight Outdoor Tent

The WhiteHills is the heaviest tent in the review, but only slightly, and it offers some features others have missed out on. Once set up, you’ll find a gear loft to keep your essential items out of harm’s way and a central hook to hang a lantern from, two useful features. 

The rainfly is constructed from 210T ripstop polyester, common on many backpacking tents, with a 150D Oxford groundsheet with a PU3000 rating.

An internal height of almost 3.5 feet gives a spacious interior, with room for two people and their gear.

Ventilation in a tent is an essential factor, and the WhiteHills doesn’t disappoint, with a mesh ceiling, flysheet vents, and good space between the inner tent and rainfly.

9. HOMFUL Camping Tent 2 Person

At under $70 the Homful 2-person backpacking tent is one of the cheapest on the review, but it still offers all the features required for comfortable camping.

Using a 210T polyester rainfly, with a PU3000 coating, plus a PU3000 groundsheet, the Homful will keep the weather out and you warm inside. The low price shows up in the ventilation, which is quite basic and may cause some condensation issues. 

If you are looking for an inexpensive four-season tent, then the Homful could just fit the bill.

10. Camppal Professional 1 Person Tent

The Camppal is designed as a go anywhere, do anything single person mountain tent. It has been built to withstand strong winds and heavy rain, so if you expect to be backpacking in bad weather, then the Camppal may be the right tent for you.

Both the inner tent and rainfly are made from strong 210T polyester with PU3500 waterproofing, while the is Oxford 300D polyester, with a PU4000 rating. Both the inner and fly are fire retardant to the CPAI-84 standard.

Extra space can be made by extending the rainfly into a small vestibule if required, ideal for a cooking shelter or sunshade. An attached snow skirt allows for comfortable camping even in the coldest conditions.

What to Look for When Buying a Tent for Rain and Wind

There are some must-haves when it comes to tents suitable for wet and windy conditions. In our buying guide, we try to point you in the right direction, so your next tent keeps you warm, dry, and comfortable in the worst of weather.

Tent Waterproof (HH) Rating

The level of waterproofing a tent offers is measured using the Hydrostatic Head method and assesses the material’s resistance to water. A piece of the tent material is clamped to the bottom of a graded tube. Water is slowly added to the tube until three drops of water seep through the material. 

The height of the water in millimeters is measured, and this becomes the waterproof or HH rating. Ratings can vary from as low as 500mm up to a maximum of 10,000mm.

Waterproof (HH) Rating vs Tent Weight

A higher rating gives better waterproof protection, but to achieve this, the material is thicker and heavier. Depending on your tent’s use, you may prefer a lighter tent over a more waterproof tent.

Note that the material is not the only area that water can enter the tent. Seams will run from the top to the bottom of the tent and present a risk of seepage. The floor needs a much higher rating as it is in contact with the ground and bears the weight of the occupants. Look for taped seams and a floor HH rating of at least 3000mm.

What HH rating should I be looking for?

It depends on your expected use of the tent. If you intend to camp mostly in the summer and avoid the wet autumn and spring, then a lower rating is okay. For a four-season tent, look for a rating of at least 2000mm on the tent and at least 3000mm for the floor.

Tent Windproof Rating

There, unfortunately, isn’t a specific rating to compare how windproof a tent is. If you intend to climb Mount Everest or something similar, then you need an exceptionally windproof tent that uses above-average high-quality materials and several layers of insulation to keep out the wind chill. Of course, the more waterproof the tent is the better it will be at keeping out the wind.

For most of us, a tent with sturdy aluminum tent poles, plenty of tiedown points, and guy ropes should be sufficient. If you expect to be out in all weathers, then a tent with a low ridge height will also help protect you from the wind.

Check The Ventilation of The Tent

I can actually say this has happened to me. While using a poorly ventilated tent that was closed up tight to prevent the cold from coming in, I got wet. The heat generated by the occupants couldn’t escape the tent, and condensed onto the inner surface of the rainfly, and was dripping on me! 

Now we didn’t get soaking wet, but the drips on my face kept me awake, and the humid atmosphere made my sleeping bag very damp. A fully closed tent, with poor ventilation, is not a pleasant place to be. 

FAQs

Conclusion

Before deciding to simply buy the tent with the highest waterproof rating, you need to assess your requirements. Be honest with yourself. Will you really want to camp when it is pouring down or even snowing? Maybe you are a seasoned hiker and ignore the weather?

Windproofing is slightly different, as even in the driest of climates, you can still experience strong winds. Look for strong aluminum tent poles, the number of securing points and guy ropes, and the tent’s height. Keep the height low will help in strong winds.

Whatever category you fall into, there will be a tent for you.

Tents for Rain and Wind Summary Table

Here’s a quick summary of the 10 best tents for rain and wind currently on the market. You can find our full review of each tent at the start of the article.