I was wondering if anyone can recommend a really rainproof tent. I have a couple a different tents by different manufactures but none have stood up to heavy continious downpours for many hours or days without taking in some water. Does anybody know of or have used a tent that was made to withstand this sort of use?
My mom used to always waterproof our tents prior to camping by spraying the entire thing with Scotchguard or some waterproofing spray. She swears by it. But yeah if anyone has any tips to offer to waterproof a tent in heavy continuous downpours, I'd like to know too in case the old spray thing doesnt work. Im seriously considering living out of a tent soon.
I have a Hennessey Hammock which keeps me drier than any tent (even a nice Sierra Designs Clip Flashlight), for a few reasons: it is off the wet humid ground; you don't have to pitch it on flat puddle-prone ground, and it has a siliconized nylon rain fly, which doesn't even get damp at all. Hammocks are too cozy for most people and have certain other advantages/disadvantages, but I would highly recommend a siliconized nylon rain fly, even if it is just a tarp, which can be stretched out to cover a wide dry area. There are tents that have a sil-nylon fly, which also shakes out real "dry" so you don't end up packing a wet tent when moving.
My good ol' Kelty Zen is bombproof. No leaks there. Remember to waterproof your tentfly and seamseal all seams before a hiking/camping trip.
I have a Sierra Designs Lightning.. it's awesome. Never have had a problem getting wet.. even in extreme downpours. And as said before.. make sure to seamseal all your seams and waterproof your tent fly. Sil-nylon flies are extremely waterproof as well.. just gotta be extra careful with them as they are a very thin material and can rip semi easily if you aren't careful with. Hennessey Hammocks are also quite amazing Also.. you didn't mention if water is leaking from the sides or the bottom or what.. one tip.. if you have a footprint (tarp or whatever) under your tent.. make sure it doesn't extend outside of the bottom of the tent.. this can cause water to collect underneath and even in the most waterproof floors can soak in over time.
