Is there a reasonably priced, fairly large tent that's 100% water-proof?

[LeeH]

We went camping this weekend in north east AZ. We got hit by a heavy afternoon thunderstorm yesterday. It rained for 1.5 hour with very heavy downpours at times and even some hail. Lot's of close lightning strikes.

Our Greatlands tent from Target faired reasonably well I thought. Yes, water eventually soaked through the seams of the rain fly leading to some drippage inside. There was also some leaking along the window zippers on the sides as they're not fully covered. The floor pan did it's job nicely.

What level of water-proofing/resistance should I expect from a tent - cheap or otherwise?

[pwd72s]

Some of the best elk camps I've seen are made with old army wall tents...heavy canvas. Many of them have wood stoves. This is in snow country...10-15 above temps, with blizzards always a possibility.

(Edit) Definitely NOT a set-up you'd want to backpack in, however.

[David]

My Kelty did pretty good for about 2 years.

Reminds of boyscout summer camp sleeping in old canvas scout tents. They told us they were waterproof until you touched them. So what does a boy do? Touch the tent right above his face in a huge downpour. Drip, drip, drip on my face

[porsche4life]

Get a tent that the rainfly overhangs the tent more than yours. The older cheap colemans were good but not anymore. Kelty is good if you can afford it, as is eureka. Just really inspect one before you buy. Look for plenty of overhang, stiff poles, good stitch quality, and plenty of tie down/out points.



Oh ya I am an Eagle Scout and have spent lots of nights in tents and rode out lots of OK thunderstorms.

[Bill Douglas]

Excuse my ignorance. But raining in AZ?

Now that it has rained, doesn't that mean it's not going to rain again for the nex two years?

[Jims5543]

I saw RoninLB do something like this when he does his road trips and thought it was brilliant.


Some food for thought.

[gr8fl4porsche]

I use a tent from Walrus called an Armadillo. Sleeps 4 with exterior covered gear storage in the front and back. The rain fly covers 100% of the tent if you want it too and all seams are sealed. I believe they are out of business but that is what you want - full rain fly that goes to the ground on all sides and sealed seams. I believe I dropped about $350 for it. It has held up in nasty storms in the mountains without a drop inside.

[MT930]

My Eureka Timberline is pretty bullet proof, with correct drainage setup $250.00. should be seem sealed!

I think you get what you pay for. More $$ = dryness

I have a new North face given to me as a gift, don't remember the name 4 man mountain expedition type. Close to $400.00 nice tent but, that more than I would have spent myself only used it twice no heavy weather, can't speak of the performance it is very well made.

I'm using the camper most often now, the hot coffee and warm bathroom with a shower is addictive in Montana.

[9dreizig]

Anything with a Cabela's private label name is going to give you great bang for the buck.. I've had mine in gale force wind/rain on the Alaskan Peninsula with no problems... I always seam seal a tent once a season regardless of brand/cost..
T

[LeeH]

I looked up Cabela's and saw one of these on the local Craigslist for $200. I don't think we need a tent with a wood stove, but considering what this costs new it seems like a bargain. Cabela's web site lists the weight at 61 pounds... I'm guessing that doesn include the stove.

[9dreizig]

I was thinking of the geodeasic style

[masraum]

I have to say, the first thing that popped into my head when I read the topic was "any cheap tent that's setup in your garage or house." I've just never been in anything but cheap tents.