Waterproofing a Cabin Tent: How to Stay Dry in the Rain

Drip, drip, drip. That’s a sound no camper wants to wake up in the middle of the night too. Once you’ve been rained out on a camping trip, you know it’s something you never want to deal with again. It’s cold, and miserable, and can really shift the course of your trip if you’re not prepared. Luckily, it’s a very preventable scenario. Become a pro at waterproofing your cabin tent. Watch your camping trips go from chilly to cozy!

Why Waterproofing is Important

Think of it like this: your cabin tent is your home on your outdoor adventures. And even though it may be “made for the great outdoors” doesn’t mean you can’t take extra measures to ensure it performs at its very best.

When the forecast doesn’t call for rain, waterproofing is still very important. Morning dew and condensation pose the risk of mold and mildew. Waterproofing seals canvas so that it doesn’t get drafty, and can better block the wind. For the same reason, waterproofing adds a layer of insulation. So not only does it keep moisture out, but also traps heat inside.

Remember that even in the summer months, nighttime temperatures drop. High winds pick up in the desert. Unpredictable storms are always a possibility, too. You can never be too over-prepared with waterproofing!

Waterproofing Your Cabin Tent

A high-quality canvas tent will typically already be treated with various weatherproofing finishes. UV protection, waterproofing, mold, and mildew resistance. Weatherproofing finishes on outdoor equipment are essential. And it’s extra important on canvas since it’s a natural material. On its own, while durable, it’s still prone to breaking down in the elements. A cabin tent treated with waterproofing is extra strong in nature. With the help of a few extra household items, you’ll be all set to go.

Rainfly: The Umbrella for Your Tent

A rainfly sheet is one of the best ways campers can protect their setup from rain. This is a waterproof sheet slightly larger than the size of your tent. That way, there is a parameter around the tent that’s also dry. So any shoes or gear left outside are protected, too. It’s pulled taut and suspended above by guylines and stakes. Sort of like an umbrella! 

A rainfly sometimes comes with the purchase of a tent. If not, use items from home! A plastic tarp or canvas tarp should do the trick. Just ensure there are grommets or clips so you have a way of securing it.

Groundsheet: A Waterproof Foundation

The groundsheet is the dry foundation of your tent. Whether or not you’re concerned about rain or snow this is an essential part of protecting a tent. A heavy-duty groundsheet preserves the bottom fabric of the tent. That part is constantly in contact with the earth. It’s subject to damage from ground moisture, rocks, and other debris. Especially for those camping in the snow! A groundsheet is an absolute must. It also adds a crucial layer of insulation.

It should be slightly larger than your tent, to add a bit of dry space around the edges. Stake it down, or weigh it down on all four corners with large rocks. Similarly to a rainfly, a groundsheet may come with your tent. If not, simply use a waterproof canvas tarp or plastic tarp.

How to Apply a Waterproofing Finish

Waterproofing your tent is an essential part of outdoor living. If your cabin tent is not already treated for waterproofing, or it needs a refresh, here is how to do it!

Start with a completely clean tent. You don’t want any dirt or debris present. To rinse it off, use a gentle shower hose setting. Too much pressure can weaken the fabric. After a nice soaking, it’s time to apply the product. As it dries, the canvas will absorb the product into its fibers. This is much more thorough than simply applying a layer that sits atop the material. Apply even layers of your waterproofing product of choice. Let it dry in between applications. Soak again, and keep adding layers until you’re confident in the sealant.

Popular products include wax finishes, sprays, or concentrates. Be mindful of the contents of the waterproofing you choose. Wear gloves and a protective mask to avoid contact or inhaling dangerous chemicals. A wax finish is applied by hand or a roller brush. Spray is the easiest application method. After spraying, go over with a sponge to ensure an even spread.

Campers should always follow the instructions on the product itself. Different solutions may require different methods, or have varying dry times.

Seams tend to be the area where tents are most likely to leak. Strengthen their durability with a seam sealant. This will also prevent chilly drafts from seeping through weak spots in the tent.

Check out this article from Field and Stream for some more expert tips on waterproofing a tent. Repeat these steps as needed until you’re confident in the waterproofing of your tent!

Maintenance and Care

Even heavy-duty canvas will wear down over time. Exposure to the elements breaks down the natural fibers. When you start to notice weak spots, it’s time for some maintenance!

Maintaining the waterproofing on your tent isn’t complicated. It’s a matter of keeping the canvas clean from debris. Identify how often you should fully reapply waterproofing. It should only be necessary one or two times a year, depending on how much water the tent takes on in a camping season.

Spot Cleaning and Washing

Frequent washes are not always necessary with a canvas cabin tent. In between uses, or at the end of the camping season, go ahead and spot clean the tent. Dirt and debris scratches at and breaks down weatherproofing and soft canvas fibers. Cleaning these out helps preserve the integrity of the tent. Just use a gentle soap, warm water, and a soft-bristled brush!

Reapplying Waterproof Finish

If you’re really putting your tent to the test over the course of camping season, you may need to reapply the finish! Similar to spot cleaning, reapplication doesn’t have to be full-blown. Simply identify the weak spots– typically seams, and around the base. Wet down the area, and apply the product of choice to that spot. Follow the directions on the product, and you should be good to go for next time!

Dealing with Leaks and Drafts in the Field

We hate to admit it, but sometimes it just happens. That drip, drip, drip we campers dread so much. Unexpected heavy weather and oversight can result in surprise leakage or drafts. If you find yourself in the field dealing with these issues, here are a few things you can do to help.

This blog post from The Expert Camper offers insightful tips and tricks for dealing with leaks in the field! A few notable solutions include patching and taping rips for a temporary fix. Pack seam sealant to apply on the go!

Get Out There and Stay Dry!

Drip, drip, drip no more! Waterproofing a cabin tent is simple to do! From camping in the snow or on a damp forest floor, or getting caught in a summer rainstorm. Keeping your tent protected from the elements with proper weatherproofing is essential. You’ll be a much happier and healthier camper if your tent is dry and warm inside.

The use of a rainfly and ground sheet are your strongest lines of defense against rain and moisture. These also work to add a layer of insulation, which definitely pays off in the colder temperatures! If you don’t have a proper rainfly or ground sheet, it’s easy to jury-rig a canvas or plastic tarp to do the trick! Use stakes and guylines to secure your coverings, and enjoy your dry campsite!

Applying a waterproof treatment to the tent itself may be necessary. Wax or spray treatments work wonders! As does seam sealant around weak spots. Remember to reapply waterproofing and keep the tent clean in between uses and as needed. Gentle spot cleaning does wonders to preserve the longevity of your tent.

Just in case of emergencies, it’s good to be prepared! Pack extra seam sealant and patches in your camping tent accessories. If a tent happens to take on a lot of precipitation (say, you get caught in a summer storm), you’ll be happy to have a few temporary solutions on hand.

The point is to not have to worry about getting rained out. With these simple tips and tricks, your cabin tent will be a dry, warm oasis no matter what the elements bring!

Happy camping!