How To Waterproof A Tent With A Tarp

Want to learn how to waterproof a tent with a tarp?

Tents can start to leak and it’s not a comfortable situation to be in. If you are someone that is particular about water getting in, you will want to consider all of your options.

One of those options will come in the form of a high-quality tarp for your camping tent.

The benefits include:

  • 24/7 Protection
  • Easy to Set Up
  • Robust Design

A lot of tent users complain about water getting in and causing damage. To avoid a situation such as this, you are highly recommended to learn how to waterproof a tent with a tarp. This is the only way to stay safe and make sure the tent remains in good shape moving forward.

Of course, this means taking the time to find the best tarp for your camping tent and making sure it’s used wisely.

This guide will take a look at how to waterproof a tent with a tarp and which tarp to invest in to make sure this works out as planned.

Best Tarp for Camping Tent (EDITOR’S CHOICE)

No products found.

Tips on How To Waterproof a Tent With a Tarp

Tip #1: Buy a High-Quality Tarp

A high-quality tarp for your tent is a top priority.

You can’t assume a thin, meager tarp is going to get the job done! Yes, it will offer some form of blockage against the rain but that’s not enough to keep the tent in good shape as the conditions become wetter.

A lot of people make this mistake while camping and that’s what leads to below-par results. You should always take the time to do your research and buy a high-quality tarp. This means a tarp that is made of PU 3000mm waterproof coating and offers good coverage.

The benefits include:

  • Refined Performance
  • Handles All Inclement Weather
  • Built to Last

If you don’t learn how to waterproof a tent with a tarp, you will always remain a step behind.

This is one of those concerns people have when they are comparing waterproof tarps for camping tents. Consider all of your options but only go with the one that is made of premium waterproof materials. This is a must!

If you settle for less, the tarp isn’t going to work and you are going to get wet. Plus, the tent is going to get damaged along the way too!

how to waterproof a tent with a tarp

Tip #2: Hook the Tarp Securely

When figuring out how to waterproof a tent with a tarp, you will want to look at the hooks.

These are going to go into place and hold the tarp as it protects the tent. Now imagine one of those hooks come loose and the tarp starts flinging around in the air.

This can happen and it is not a pleasant thing to deal with at the best of times!

The rain is going to make it difficult to keep the tarp in place while ensuring the tent remains dry. This is why hooking the tarp securely using the provided tools/components is a must.

Most high-quality tarps come with a way to secure everything into place and those items need to be used wisely for consistent results during the rain.

In most cases, you are going to get a set of reinforced pegs that will stick into the ground and hold firm. You should use these as a way to make sure your tarp doesn’t fly away or fall.

It does take a bit of trial and error, but only when you are going with a premium tarp for your tent.

Tip #3: Consider a Wider Angle

When learning how to waterproof a tent with a tarp, you have to think about the angle that is on offer.

Too many people don’t think about the angle at play and that holds them back. You have to pinpoint your options and make sure the angle is wide enough to not let water in at all.

50-60% of all water tends to come from the sides due to wind making it important to consider a wider base for your installed tarp.

If you have the angle set properly, the water is going to hit the tarp and slide straight down.

This is imperative when you are working on a viable solution and want to learn how to waterproof a tent with a tarp. Remember, it’s not just the quality of your tarp but also its placement.

how to waterproof a tent with a tarp

Tip #4: Buy a Ground Tarp

Most people are going to invest in a normal tarp to conceal and protect the tent. This is great and it is the first investment you should make.

However, what are you going to do about the ground?

The ground will get moist and that will also play a role in protecting the tent and yourself! To do this, you will want to buy a ground tarp for camping.

No products found.

The ground tarp will offer a place to sit and will offer additional protection against moisture.

If you are not thinking about this, you are not going to see impressive results while camping. The ground is going to get wet, uncomfortable, and almost impossible to rest near or on.

Final Thoughts

For those learning how to waterproof a tent with a tarp, you have to stick to the basics.

The goal is always to buy a high-grade tarp for camping tents, invest in a ground tarp, and then look towards setting it at a wider angle.

By doing these three things, you are already ahead of most people when it comes to waterproofing a tent.

Here is more on how to go camping the right way – tips for warming an air mattress while camping and how to handle the heat while camping.