What Waterproof Ratings Mean in Camping Tents
What Waterproof Ratings Mean in Camping Tents
Blog Article
The waterproof rating of a camping tent indicates how well its fabric can resist water penetration. This rating is crucial for staying dry and comfortable during wet weather conditions.
What Waterproof Ratings Mean in Camping Tents
Here's a breakdown of what these ratings mean:
Hydrostatic Head (HH) Rating
The normal measure of a tent's water resistance is the Hydrostatic Head (HH) rating. It is measured in millimetres (mm) and represents the height of a column of water that the material can resist before water begins to seep through.
How it's tested: A sample of fabric is under a sealed tube, and water is added in, raising the water level until leakage. The water column height at leakage is the HH rating. Some tests employ machines to simulate this pressure.
Understanding the Ratings:
Below is a general guide to interpreting various HH ratings for tent fabrics:
0 - 1,000mm: Water-resistant, not fully waterproof. Useful for very light drizzle or morning dew but will probably leak in any decent rain. Frequently in cheaper or fair-weather tents.
1,000 - 1,500mm: Seen as the minimum for being deemed waterproof. Provides defense against light rain and spasmodic showers, but could fail with continuous or heavier rain, particularly where pressure is being applied (e.g., pushing against the tent wall). Standard in lightweight backpacking tents.
1,500 - 3,000mm: Offers adequate waterproofing appropriate for general camping in moderate and even heavy rain. This is a typical rating for most three-season tents and represents a good compromise of weight and protection.
3,000 - 5,000mm: These are pitched for tougher weather, including intense and persistent rain. These types of tents are suitable for pitching in damp places or wet periods. Frequently come in stronger three-season or "three-plus" season tents.
5,000mm and above: Provides excellent waterproofing, good for very heavy rain, high wind driving, and even light snow. Four-season tents for harsher conditions usually have these ratings. Groundsheets tend to be more highly rated (e.g., 5000mm+) because of the pressure exerted by users.
Key Things to Keep in Mind:
Rainfly vs. Tent Body: The rainfly (outer) and the tent floor typically have varying waterproof ratings. The floor will generally require a higher rating because of body weight pressure and possible ground moisture.
Seams and Stitching: Despite very waterproof fabric, water can seep in through seams and stitching. Good-quality tents have heat-sealed or taped seams to avoid leakage.
Durable Water Repellent (DWR): Several tents feature a DWR treatment on the outside fabric, making water bead and run off. This allows the fabric to function as a waterproof but can deteriorate over time and may require reapplication.
Design and Construction: The overall design of the tent, the extent of coverage by the rainfly, and the inclusion of features such as storm flaps over zippers also play a major role in waterproofness.
Breathability: More waterproof ratings may result in less breathable materials, and this can cause condensation within the tent. Seek a balance between waterproofness and ventilation features such as mesh panels and vents.
Real-World Conditions: Lab tests may not accurately mimic real-world conditions such as wind-driven rain or long-term exposure. User feedback may offer insights into the actual performance of a tent in real-world camping environments.
Selecting the Proper Rating:
Take the following into consideration when selecting a tent based upon its waterproof rating:
Anticipated Weather: If you are camping mostly in dry weather with only the occasional light rain, a low rating (1,000-1,500mm) would likely be adequate.
Common Camping Sites and Periods: When camping in areas with heavy or frequent rain, or in spring and autumn, use a rating of 2,000mm or more.
Four-Season Use: When camping in winter or anticipating heavy snowfall, a four-season tent with an excellent waterproof rating (3,000mm+) is advisable.
Ground Conditions: If you tend to camp on damp ground, make sure the tent floor has a high waterproof rating (3,000mm+).
By knowing what waterproof ratings are, you can select a camping tent that will ensure you stay dry and comfortable, regardless of the weather.