How to Make My Tent More Waterproof

A weekend camping trip is a relaxing getaway for nature lovers and families alike. Few things dampen the spirits more than waking up in the middle of the night to rain dripping into your tent, soaking your sleeping bags and your clothes. Many happy outings have been sadly curtailed due to leaky tents and improper waterproofing. With proper care and maintenance a tent can repel water and keep you cozy and dry, even through the wettest and windiest storms.

Things You'll Need

  • Tarp
  • Rope
  • Seam sealer
  • Silicone waterproofing
  • Thompson's WaterSeal
  • Spray bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a tarp over your tent and use tarp clips to attach it to your tent. Use tent stakes and rope to hold the tarp in place more securely. Alternatively, hang the tarp over the tent, using ropes to secure it to nearby trees. Hang the tarp at an angle so that the rain runs off away from the tent entrance and does not pool on the tarp. If you'll be camping in areas without many trees, invest in lightweight tent poles to hold the tarp above the tent.

    • 2

      Seal the seams of a nylon tent. Make sure your tent is clean and dry. Pitch your tent in shady area, avoiding direct sunlight. Apply the seam sealer to the inside and outside of all seams, including the edges of your tent floor. Allow the sealant to dry according to the manufacturer's directions. Spray the outside surfaces of your tent with a silicone waterproofer made for nylon tents. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying time. Repeat every year at the start of camping season.

    • 3

      Spray a canvas tent with Thompson's WaterSeal --- the same product used to protect concrete and wood. Set up your tent in a shady area, avoiding direct sunlight. Fill a spray bottle with Thompson's Waterseal. Starting at the top of the tent, thoroughly wet the canvas, working your way down to the bottom of the tent. One gallon should be enough to treat a standard four-person tent. Allow the tent to dry completely before storing. One treatment should last through several years of normal usage.