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There is nothing worse than waking up with wet feet, soggy socks and a soaked sleeping bag. This is something we have all experienced when camping. However, it doesn't have to be this way. That is why we are determined to help you find the best tent for heavy rain. We know how frustrating it is when your tent leaks so we have scoured the market to find the best tent for heavy rain. We have done this by looking at the specific features which affect a tents waterproof rating. The waterproof rating is determined by the Hydrostatic Head (HH) test. This tells you how many millimetres of rain your tent can withstand before it begins to leak. A tent can have a HH rating of anywhere between 200mm - 10,000mm. However, when looking for the best tent for heavy rain a HH between 3,000mm-5,000mm will be enough to withstand even the heaviest downpours.So let's dive in! Table of Contents What Should You Be Looking For When Buying the Best Tent For Heavy Rain (Click To Expand) Hydrostatic Head (HH) Measurement This measurement tells you how waterproof the tent is. It is measured in millimetres and the higher this number the more rain the tent can withstand. A tent is classed as waterproof if it has a HH of 1,500mm or more. To be completely honest, this is nowhere near enough for staying dry in a tent; even in light rain. Instead, you should be looking at a HH of 3,000mm-5,000mm. Ventilation This is how well air passes through the tent. This may not seem important but when it is raining it is unlikely you will be able to leave doors and windows open. A good tent will offer excellent ventilation even when it is sealed shut. This is an important consideration because a well-ventilated tent will prevent condensation from building up inside the tent (therefore keeping you dry). Fabric Most tents are manufactured using Nylon or Polyester. The latter of these is treated with polyurethane to make sure they are waterproof. Tents can also be made using cotton, poly-cotton and PVC-Coated Canvas. These all have natural waterproof qualities but are extremely heavy (especially when wet) and therefore are not popular. Pole Material Tent poles are typically made of steel or carbon-fibre. Carbon-Fibre is great because it is ultra-lightweight and easy to pack/store. Steel is better in large tents because the stiffness adds stability. Some manufacturers have started to design inflatable tents. These are an interesting idea but we have yet to be sold on their long-term functionality. Easy Assembly If you are looking for a heavy rain tent it would suggest that you may have, at some point, to either erect or take down the tent in the rain. Having a tent which has a simple and efficient design should be high on your list of priorities. Let us be clear though, a pop-up tent will not be the greatest heavy rain tent – make sure you balance the need for an easy set-up against the need to stay dry. Weight How heavy your tent should depend on the type of camping you are undertaking. If you are expecting to hike with the tent then look for something lightweight which can also be attached to the external part of your backpack. If you are car camping then the weight is less of a consideration. Strength With heavy rain, often comes the heavy wind. Look out for wind resistance features such as guide ropes and pole material. Best Tent for Heavy Rain: At A Glance Top Pick Top value Top Pick Top value Price$$$$Key Feature5000mm waterproof rating4000mm waterproof ratingEasy to Pitch Buy NowBuy Now Best Tent For Heavy Rain: In Detail Top Pick Snugpak Cave 4 Person Tent The Snugpak Cave tent is our pick for the best heavy rain tent. Snugpak have specialised in making military grade equipment since 2000 and are an industry expert. Both the groundsheet and flysheet have a breathtaking waterproof rating of 5000mm. This tent surprising light at 4.75kg which carries well when packed in the compression carry sack. Snugpak put excellence at the heart of their products and even provide a basic repair kit for your convenience. This tent is perfect for 4 seasons and will be an ideal long term investment. Features Doors: Two-point entry with porch to protect from wind and severe weather.DAC® Featherlite NSL® Anodised Aluminium Poles with pressfit connectors, 100% aluminiumWaterproof Taped SeamsTen Mesh Internal Pockets for equipment and head-end hanging loop (Five on each side).No-see-um netting 1600 holes per square inchFlame RetardantSupplied with a compression stuff sackSupplied with a basic repair kit Specifications Pack Weight: 4750g / 167ozTrail Weight: 4280g / 151oz (Fly, Poles & Inner Tent)Packsize: 50cm x 22cm / 20″ x 9″Pitch type: Inner FirstVents: 5 VentsFlysheet: 210t 100% polyester ripstop with (5000mm HH) waterproof polyurethane coatingInner tent: 190t 100% nylon inner fabric, with a 50D polyester No-See-Um-MeshGroundsheet: 100% nylon with (5000mm HH) waterproof polyurethane coatingPoles: 100% aluminium25 Lightweight Alloy Cross-Stakes, with two-spares (23 + 2 Spare Stakes) Manufactured by military grade supplier. 5000mm waterproof rating. Comes with a repair kit. This tent is not cheap but you really are paying for one the best in our opinion. Check Price on Amazon Best 1 Person Tent For Heavy Rain Snugpak Lonosphere Tent If you are looking for a 1 person tent which will keep you dry in all conditions then this is the tent for you. It is great value without compromising on quality. Snugpak have specialised in making military grade equipment since 2000 and are an industry expert. Both the groundsheet and flysheet have a breathtaking waterproof rating of 5000mm. This tent is ultra-light weight with a trail weight of 2.6lbs and a pack weight of 3.34lb. Features Doors: Single-point front entry with ample porchAluminium Poles with pressfit connectors, 100% aluminiumWaterproof Taped SeamsTen Mesh Internal Pockets for equipment and head-end hanging loop (Five on each side)Supplied with a compression stuff sackSupplied with a basic repair kitFlame Retardent Specifications Pack Weight: 1520g / 54ozTrail Weight: 1200g / 42oz (Fly, Poles & Inner Tent)Packsize: 48cm x 14cm / 19″ x 6″Pitch type: Inner firstFlysheet: 100% polyester ripstop with (5000mm HH) waterproof polyurethane coatingInner tent: 100% nylon inner fabricNo-see-um netting 1600 holes per square inchGroundsheet: 100% nylon with (5000mm HH) waterproof polyurethane coatingPoles: 100% aluminiumTen Mesh Internal Pockets for equipment and head-end hanging loop (Five on each side)16 Lightweight Alloy Cross-Stakes, with two-spares (14 + 2 Spare Stakes) Manufactured by military grade supplier. 5000mm waterproof rating. Comes with a repair kit. Only available as a 1 man tent. Check Price on Amazon Best 3 Person Tent For Heavy Rain Snugpak Scorpion, 4 Season Camping Tent We are so high on Snugpak that it comes as no surprise that they have a third tent in our best tent for heavy rain list. This tent has similar qualities as others in this list and has the added benefit of a vestibule. Both the groundsheet and flysheet have a breathtaking waterproof rating of 5000mm. Features Doors: Single-point front entry with ample porchVents: 3 VentsNo-see-um netting 1600 holes per square inchAluminium Poles with pressfit connectors, 100% aluminiumWaterproof Taped SeamsTen Mesh Internal Pockets for equipment and head-end hanging loop (Five on each side)Flame RetardantSupplied with a compression stuff sackSupplied with a basic repair kit Specifications Pack Weight: 3400g / 120ozTrail Weight: 2930g / 103oz (Fly, Poles & Inner Tent)Packsize: 43cm x 21cm / 17″ x 8″Pitch type: Fly-FirstVents: 3 VentsFlysheet: 100% polyester ripstop with (5000mm HH) waterproof polyurethane coatingInner tent: 100% nylon inner fabricGroundsheet: 100% nylon with (5000mm HH) waterproof polyurethane coatingPoles: 100% aluminium18 Lightweight Alloy Cross-Stakes, with two-spares Manufactured by military grade supplier. 5000mm waterproof rating. Comes with a repair kit. Scorpion style comes in different sizes. This tent is not cheap but you really are paying for the best. Check Price on Amazon Best Backpacking Tent for Heavy Rain Naturehike Cloud-Up Lightweight Backpacking Tent with Footprint The clever design of the Naturehike Cloud-Up makes it a great versatile 3-season tent. This flexibility makes it an ideal pick as a heavy rain tent. The inner tent is comfortable and breathable whilst offing a 4000mm water-resistant coating which will keep you dry during storms and heavy showers. Features 4000mm water-resistant. UV 50+ sun protection guarantee. Lightweight Aluminium polesIncredibly light so is perfect for backpackers. Beginner friendly set up. Clever design of the layers gives great versitility and can be used across 3 seasons. Comes with accessories: carry bag, tent stakes, foot print and wind ropesCan be bought as a 1, 2 or 3 person tent. Mesh canopy with additional window offer maximum ventilation & prevent condensation. Specifications Weight: 3.75lbOuter layer size: 24″ vestibule.Outer Fabric: 210T Polyester or 20D Silicone NylonFloor Fabric: 150D Anti Tear Oxford clothInner Fabric: Breathable Flyscreen meshPole: 7001 Aluminium Alloy Zips: Duraflex zips and clipsPegs: Aluminium Packed: 450mm x 120mm x 120mmAssembled: 2300mm (L) x 1200mm (W) x 1000mm (H). 4000mm offers great protection. Cord access which allows you to run wires into the tent. Welded corners and inverted seems offer extra protection from the rain. The fabric is thin which helps with the overall weight but means this tent is not great in freezing or extremely cold temperatures. Check Price on Amazon Best Tent To Set Up In The Rain ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 4-Person Tent This is a top pick budget pick when looking for the best tent for heavy rain. It's half mesh walls increase ventilation whilst the vestibule prevents overcrowding the interior with your gear. It also comes with aluminium poles which are incredibly easy to set up and offer extra stability when erect. This tent is will stand up to the toughest conditions. Finally, it is excellently priced and offers great value for money. Features Free-standing two-pole design with 7000 series aluminium polesEasy assembly with pole clips that quickly snap over the tent polesPolyester fly with 1500mm coating resists UV damage and stays tautFactory-sealed fly and floor seams provide best weather protectionPolyester taffeta floor with 2000mm coatingExtra large #8 zippersTwo doors and two vestibulesMesh storage pockets, gear loft included. Weatherproof fly buckles on for maximum adjustability and protectionVestibules for gear storage and extra weather protectionHalf mesh walls increase ventilation Specification Base size: 7’6 x 8’6Center height: 52″Vestibule depth: 35″Tent area: 64 ft²Vestibule area: 25 ft²Minimum weight: 7 lbs. 15 oz.Total weight: 8 lbs. 10 oz.Packed size: 6″ x 23″Pole diameter: 11 mmFly Fabric: Polyester, 1500mmFloor Material: Polyester taffeta floor, 2000 mmBody Material: Not listed Super easy to set up. built-in storage pockets on the sides and roof of the tent. Vestibule 2000mm is less than other options in this list but for the cost this is a great budget option which is far superior when compared to other tents in this price bracket. Check Price on Amazon 2nd Best Tent To Set Up In The Rain Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL Backpacking Tent This tent has an awning-style vestibule which provides an extended living space, which is great for both drizzle and sun protection. The pole design creates steeper walls which offers even more living space. The four way high volume hub offers strength, stability and greater protection from the rain. This is a versatile tent which is built for three-season use. Features Four-way high volume hub design resulting in steeper walls without adding weight.Two doors and two vestibules with storm flaps.Large dual zipper door with discrete seams allows for easy entry and smooth closure while creating a clean, modern design.Quick Stash on tent body door makes stowing unzipped door quick and easy.Proprietary random rip-stop pattern nylon.Two-tone mesh provides privacy while allowing for star gazing transparency.Massive ceiling pocket provides great storage space.Media pockets located above sleeping area.Velcro tabs connect fly to pole structure.Ready to pitch; with pre-cut guy lines and tensioners attached to fly.Reflective guylines and webbing on tent corners.Easy grip zipper pulls. Specification Packed Weight: 3 lb 1 ozPacked Size: 4 x 19.5 inFloor Area: 29 sq ftHead Height: 40 inVestibule area: 9 sq ft (x2)Number of Doors: 2 Canopy Fabric: Patterned double ripstop nylon/polyester meshFloor Fabric: Silicone-treated patterned double ripstop nylon with waterproof polyurethane coatingRainfly Fabric: Silicone-treated patterned double ripstop nylon with waterproof polyurethane coating Lightweight and excellent for backpackers. Clever design adds extra living space. Great performance in wet and windy conditions. It does not come with a footprint which is strongly recommended. Expensive. Check Price on Amazon Best Waterproof Family Tent: Small Eureka! Copper Canyon LX, 3 Season Camping Tent This is a spacious tent which is easy to set up. There is an E-port for wires which can be brought into the outside if there is an electrical hook-up. It will outlast rain and wind with its durable steel and fibre-glass frame. There is also two high-stash storage pockets which offer extra storage and will keep your valuables close at hand. The near vertical walls are excellent for cots and airbeds. Features Durable, steel and fiber-glass frame features pole sleeves corner hubs, and quick clips for simple 1 person set up.Near-vertical walls create lots of standing room and are ideal when camping with air mattress and cots.Large mesh windows with waterproof curtains offer scenic views and plenty of ventilation.Extended fly coverage over the door provides extra weather protection and dry entryway.The zippered E-port lets you easily run an extension cord inside.There are plenty of stash pockets and a gear loft to help keep things organized. Specifications Floor Size: 8ft x 8ft.Interior Height: 7ft.Minimum Weight: 17lbs 3oz.Pack Size: 9in x 27in.Floor Area: 64ft x 2.Doors: 1. Storage Pockets: 2.Gear Hammock: 2.Poles: Continuous Pole Sleeves, Clips, Hubs, Rings and Pin.Secondary Pole: Fiberglass.Inner Fabric: Polyester Taffeta. Available in different sizes. Great family pick. Three season tent Windows are toggle and looped rather than zipped which can lead them to flap in the wind. The instruction manual is not very helpful. Check Price on Amazon Best Waterproof Family Tent: Large NTK Arizona GT 9 to 10 Person Tent This is a great family tent. It is spacious yet functional. The heavy duty rainfly will protect you from whatever the weather throws at you, whilst the spacious interior will give you all the room you need to relax. The colour coded poles are a neat feature which makes this awesome tent beginner friendly. If you are after a large best tent for heavy rain- this pick is for you. Features 2 rooms, 2 doors, 3 windows offering a spacious and well ventilated interior. Full cover rainfly which is double layered for extra protection. Roomy unit pockets and gear loft for extra storage. Inner mesh is ultra thin offering a breathable, no-see style mesh which will keep you safe from even the smallest insects. Unique barrier bathtub-style construction means you will not wake up in a puddle. Heavy duty carry bag with compression straps and ID label for clever storage of your tent. Specifications Seasons: 3Sleeping Capacity: up to 10 personsNumber of Doors: 2 doors Inner Fabric: polyester Floor Material: polyethylene Outer Material: 100% waterproof Polyester with polyurethane coating- 2500 mm water columnFrame: fiberglass rods Dimensions: H x W x D: 205 x 245 x 530 cm | 6.73 x 8.04 x 17.39 FTWeight: 12 Kg | 26.45 lb Tough fabric is durable and will protect you from all types of weather. Full cover rainfly. Colour coded poles offer quick and easy set up - even for beginners. Window needs to be opened and closed from outside the tent (because of the rainfly). Check Price on Amazon How to Stay Dry: What Do You Do In A Tent When It Rains? Most obvious first: pick the right tent. If you are a keen camper the chances are you are going to get caught in the rain at some point. Make sure you invest in the best tent for heavy rain. Make sure you pitch your tent on high ground. No matter how much you spend on your heavy rain tent, if you pitch it on a downslope you are going to get wet. Tarp is your best friend in wet weather. This will keep communal areas dry and will protect the flooring of your tent from fabric. As a general rule, you should always be looking to use a tarp. If you are looking for a money-saving tip, I have used heavy duty waste bin bags as a tarp and it worked surprisingly well. Bag up everything. This is a good old-fashioned fail-safe in case things do not go to plan. By bagging up everything important you can ensure that your gear stays dry. I always bag up a spare pair of clothes and use it as a pillow for added comfort. Make sure you layer your clothing. We have written a full article on how to do this. (click the icon to read more). If things do start to get wet, and puddles emerge in your tent make sure you use a towel or newspaper to mop this up immediately. This will prevent the water from spreading. If the weather becomes really bad a top tip is to make sure no items are touching the edge of the tent. Then try and include a second layer to your tent skin. This could be by using plastic bags or large heavy-duty waste bin bags. I would always recommend carrying a couple of these with you when camping. How Do I Keep Water Out Of My Tent? Seam Sealer This is a waterproof gel which is created for use on the seams of your tent. One of the more common reasons a tent becomes less waterproof is because the seams begin to wear and the chemicals applied to make them waterproof need to be renewed. No tent will be completely waterproof until the seams are sealed. How do I know if I need to use seam sealer? You can tell by looking at the condition of your tent seams. If they have a glossy look and are smooth to touch it usually means they are in good shape and you do not need to use seam sealer. If the seam is frayed or exposed then there is huge potential for leakage so you will need to apply seam sealer. Best Seam Sealer For Tents Check Price On Amazon Check Price On Amazon Check Price On Amazon Waterproof Spray Most tents are manufactured using waterproof treatments. Over time, this will begin to wear off, making it vital that you replenish and replace it. To do this, you need to use a waterproof spray or DWR coating. DWR coating can be used on all materials such as rainflys, tarp and footprints so this is a sound investment which will help keep you dry. How do I apply Waterproof Spray? Firstly, begin with a clean and dry tent. Make sure you have cleaned any debris and dust off the fabric of the tent. Failure to do this will interfere with the adhesion of the product. Secondly, make sure you follow the manufacturers instructions. Each spray will be unique in how it should be applied to your tent. Thirdly, spray the tent onto the fabric. Ensure it is evenly coated across the entire material. Any area not covered will not provide protection from the rain. Finally and if possible, apply heat to the material. Ironing the fabric is ideal. This will help the spray marry with the fabric offering even more protection. Best Waterproof Spray For Tents Check Price On Amazon Check Price On Amazon Check Price On Amazon Tarp & Footprints The best tent for heavy rain will all come with a tarp and footprint. Sometime's these are included inside the fabric of the tent (rather than being removable). We will discuss what a tarp and footprint is in the FAQ's but to briefly recap. A tarp is a cover which is placed above the tent. It acts like a waterproof cover. A footprint goes underneath the tent. It protects the floor from rocks and sharp objects. A footprint will be waterproof and adds insulation for those cold nights. Best Waterproof Tarps For Tents Aqua Quest Defender Tarp Check Price on Amazon See Customer Reviews on Amazon Key Features This tarp will keep you completely dry; even in extreme weather. With a hydrostatic head measurement of 20,000 mm, this is one of the most waterproof products we have ever reviewed.With reinforced seams and treated fabric, this is a long-lasting durable product. Many people who buy this tarp comment that it remains in great shape years after purchase.Incredibly compact which makes it an ideal accompaniment to a tent. This is ideal for backpackers.Incredibly versatile and can be used in multiple angles and positions.Lifetime guarantee. Unigear Hammock Rain Fly Waterproof Tent Tarp Check Price on Amazon See Customer Reviews on Amazon Key Features HH measurement of 3000mm will protect you from prolonged medium showers or that sudden large downpour.8 fix points on the rain fly have reinforced a triangle dual layer. The seams and fix points are all reinforced for long-lasting durability.A lightweight tarp can provide UV protection in the sun. Rain Fly Evolution Waterproof Tent Tarp Check Price on Amazon See Customer Reviews on Amazon Key Features HH of 2,000mm.Ultra-lightweight and compact making it ideal for those who are backpacking.Comes with a military-grade survival bracelet.Unbelievable versatility. Frequently Asked Questions Can Tents Withstand Rain? Whether or not a tent can withstand rain is determined by its Hydrostatic Head (HH) measurement. HH is measured in mm and indicates the force of water needed before fabric or material begins to leak. Imagine a column of water 2 metres high (2000mm); the weight of that water being forced down onto a material creates a given pressure, generating the hydrostatic head measurement. The greater the column of water, the greater the pressure and the more waterproof a fabric will need to be in order stop the water penetrating the fabric.Therefore the best tent for heavy rain will have a high HH rating – this means that the number of mm it can withstand will be higher. Basically put, 5000mm is better than 1500mm. Should I just pick the tent with the highest HH? This is tough to answer because it comes down to personal circumstance. The higher HH tents are usually premium tents and cost more money. Also, you may not need a tent with a HH of 5000mm because you will never be in conditions which require that level of water-proofing.Putting this into context, a power-jet washer for your driveway has a typical HH of 1000mm for 980bar of pressure. For a tent to be classed as waterproof it must have a HH of least 1000mm. For the best heavy rain tent you will want to be looking at HH of at least 2500mm. Why does my tent get wet inside? I have a waterproof tent with a high HH and it leaks The best tents for heavy rain are, by their nature, well sealed. This is often only possible by compromising on ventilation. This can lead to a build up of condensation in the tent. Therefore, your tent is not leaking and the water inside the tent is condensation. This is a fine balancing act and for top end tents this is usually not an issue. For budget tents with a high HH rating you may need to do some manual ventilation. You can do this by opening doors and windows to allow the air to flow through the tent. What is the difference between water-resistant, water-repellent and waterproof? Water-resistant tents are able to resist moisture and minimise moisture seeping into the fabric. Water-resistant tents will not prevent moderate to heavy rainfall from entering the tent.Water-repellent is a coating which is applied to the outer fabric of the tent. It will prevent more water than a water-resistant tent but is still not waterproof. It will repel light rain but anything more and the fabric will begin to let in the moisture. Waterproof tents have a HH of at least 1,500mm. In theory, they should prevent rain from entering the tent. However, most tents which are advertised as waterproof do not do this. Instead, you still find water entering the tent. A true waterproof tent will have a high HH level, good ventilation and is well-constructed. What is a tent footprint? Should I use it? The best tent for heavy rain will come with an in-built footprint or with one which you can attach. A footprint has other benefits. It helps to protect the inner tent fabric from tears and rips will keep the inside of the tent clean from mud and dirt (it is much easier to clean a removable a footprint than inner tent fabric). A footprint will also add insulation to your tent for those cold camping nights. What is a tarp? Should you put a tarp under your tent? Tarp, or tarpaulin, is a cover made from strong, yet flexible materials. Tarp is used to protect you from the wind, rain and sun. At a minimum, they are water-resistant but most will be waterproof. Tarp is extremely versatile and can be used to add waterproofing to the floor of the tent or as an additional roof. In some hot climates people will forgo a tent and just use a tarp as a cover. You can put tarp under your tent but I personally prefer using a footprint as these are more cushioned and have better insulation qualities which can help keep you warm. How do you waterproof a tent with tarp? There are many ways to set up tarp as an additional roof above your tent. The easiest method is to create a simple frame with two poles. If you don’t have poles you could always use natural objects such as study trees. If using poles, add guylines to increase stability. Once you have a stable base, you can use the poles and guylines to hang the tarp over. To change the shape of the tarp all you need to do is amend the angles of the guylines. Do tents lose their waterproofing? Most tents are treated with a waterproof coating. If you have just bought your tent this should last for a while so you don’t need to worry. If you have an older tent the waterproof fabric will become less effective over time. This could be the result of natural wear & tear, UV damage or the fabric fraying because of structural problems such as rips and tears. You should be able to see if the waterproof coating is waring off because the tent fabric will begin to flake.Fortunately, there are some easy ways to replenish the waterproof coating. Below these FAQ’s we recommend our favourite waterproof spray and seam sealer. Go check these out if you think you need to reapply a coating to your tent. I already have a tent, can I make it waterproof? If you already own your own a tent then there are things you can do to improve its waterproof rating. This is really easy to do and will help save you money. You can make a tent more waterproof in a few ways In this article we discuss how you can do this before recommending some of our favourite products. How long does waterproofing last on a tent? As a general rule, if you are using a tent for less than a month a year you will only need to reapply a waterproof coating every 2-3 years. How do I waterproof my tent for cheap? If you apply seam sealer and waterproof spray to your tent regularly you will be saving yourself a load of money compared to buying a new tent. If you are looking for other shortcuts then I would probably urge caution. What might seem like a bargain idea now may not be so hot when you wake up in a wet puddle with all of your gear soaked from a night of heavy rain. Is it safe to sleep in a tent with mold Yes, you can sleep in a tent with mold but I would advise cleaning as much off the fabric as possible. Scientific studies have shown that long term exposure to mold can affect people who have asthma and/or other chest problems. That being said, as a one-off you will be fine with exposure to mold. Does waterproof spray work on tent? All of the waterproof sprays we have recommended have been researched and tested by us independently. All of these worked on new and a variety of old tents. They also worked well across different material types and tent styles. Do tents need waterproofing? Most tents have a waterproof coating and seam sealer applied as standard by the manufacturer. I would always recommend carrying some seam sealer and spray with you as part of your gear so it can be applied if your tent begins to leak. Is 2000mm waterproof good for a tent? A 2,000mm tent will endure a 2-metre column of water-bearing down on it before it leaks. This sounds a lot but it is the equivalent of a light-moderate rain shower. Is 1,500mm waterproof for a tent? 1,500mm is widely accepted as the measurement tents need to meet in order to be classed as waterproof (beware that this is not an international standard so always check your tents HH measurement before buying). That being said, 1,500mm will keep you dry in light rain. It may withstand a very short heavy shower. But, in prolonged rain, it will begin to leak. For the best tent for heavy rain, the minimum HH measurement you should look at is 3,000mm. Why does touching a tent make it leak? When you touch the tent fabric you draw water to your finger. Since it is often humid inside a tent when it is raining the condensation will build-up until you get a drop. This is why you should avoid putting objects such as your bag or boots on the tent fabric on a wet evening. Conclusion: Best Tent for Heavy Rain In this article we have discussed the properties a features of the tents designed for heavy rain. The best tent for heavy rain are, in our opinion, manufactured by Snugpak. These tents are renowned for their ability to withstand heavy rain with a HH rating of 5000mm. We are also reassured that Snugpak develop tents to a military standard and supply these to the British Army and Special Ops unit - simply, put they must be good. If you already own a tent it may not be necessary for you to buy a new tent to withstand heavy rain. Instead, you could use seam sealer and waterproof spray to renew and regenerate your tent fabric - restoring it to its original state. 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