Tub Style Flooring and Rainflys

A rainfly tent is like a tent within a tent. The rainfly acts as an exterior waterproof/water-resistant barrier to help keep rain away from the actual tent. Ideally, it should be kept out of direct contact with the tent material, as contact will promote water transfer to your belongings inside. Has anyone ever been startled awake by a screaming 4-year-old crying because he just woke up in a soaking wet sleeping bag? I shiver just thinking about it. A good rain is worth its weight in gold, and it’s better than trying to hastily pitch tarps or retreat to the car for the next 14 hours straight. A bathtub or tub-style floor will also go the extra mile to keep water off your belongings. This style of flooring carries the waterproof flooring material partially up the tent wall, typically 8 to 12 inches, and prevents much of the rain that drips from the roof from mixing with the mud and seeping through the tent. store sidewall.

adequate ventilation

With 4 or more people trapped inside a tent on a rainy day, the humidity inside the tent will skyrocket pretty quickly. You’ll try to play cards only for one of them to suddenly disappear… and an hour later you’ll find it stuck to the side of little Trent’s sweaty leg. You won’t be able to stop the storm, and you won’t be able to stop your breathing, but you can choose a tent that has at least 2 screened windows on opposite walls. Or equally effective, a vented dome top with a ground vent that is sheltered from rain or a vestibule. Any combination that allows air movement will be of great benefit.

Screened Porch and Foyer

Many tents are now available with a vestibule…a semi-protected area above the door opening that is formed by an extension of rain. These work quite well to protect the door from direct exposure to rain. A Vestibule is also very handy for taking off and leaving muddy wet shoes, sodden clothing, and storing anything else that is waterproof to free up space for crazy occupants trapped inside the tent. Some of the larger “cabin” style family tents now come with a covered porch. If the rain isn’t too torrential, these screened in porches are great for letting the family spread out a bit until the rain abates. Not only does it allow your family to spread out physically, but it can go a long way in promoting emotional well-being for mom and dad, allowing them a few minutes of relative peace while the kids spend their own time playing nearby, out of harm’s way. The weather.

creature comforts

Alright, some of these aren’t on the old-school “roughing” list, but let’s face it, few of us embark on this rainy-weekend adventure to be Davy Crockett or Lewis & Clark. There are tents currently on the market that have built-in LED lights and fans, powered by readily available rechargeable DC sources. No more kicking the flashlight or trying to hold the flashlight in your mouth while shuffling the cards and helping your daughter put on her hoodie at the same time! Most tents have some sort of pockets for interior storage, but did you know there are now tents with lockers? Yes, you read it right. These specially designed “jump in” closet areas free up valuable floor space on a rainy day, giving you more room to maneuver around the sea of ​​humanity trapped in the tent with you.

ceiling height

It seems like a lot of 12 year olds are almost 6′ tall these days? If you are stuck inside a tent all day, or worse, ALL weekend due to rain, the height of the roof of the tent will become very important. Your body will naturally want to stand up at some point, and it’s pretty awkward if you’re 6′ tall and the tent is only 5′ 8″! The selection used to be somewhat limited for tall tent campers, but has recently blossomed with a large number of tents with ceiling heights of 5′ 10″ or more. I would also suggest looking into a cabin style tent rather than a dome as the former will offer more room to move around in the higher headroom.

So if you’re new to tent camping, looking to retire or upgrade your existing tent, or busy compiling your Christmas camping wish list, consider these features in a new tent. Doing so, before you’re trapped inside with the whole family during a prolonged downpour, could go a long way toward a more enjoyable weekend outing…and keeping your sanity going.