5 Must-Have Tent Features for Monsoon Camping

5 Must-Have Tent Features for Monsoon Camping

Blog Article

Given our location in Bengaluru and the approaching monsoon (typically June to September in South India), having a tent equipped for heavy rains and humidity is crucial. 5 Must-Have Tent Features for Monsoon Camping Here are 5 must-have features for monsoon camping:

High Waterproof Rating (Flysheet & Floor): This is not negotiable. Your tent's flysheet must have a hydrostatic head rating of a minimum of 2000mm, and preferably higher (2500mm or more) to be able to handle prolonged and heavy rain showers. The floor requires even greater resistance, seeking 3000mm or higher, to stop water from entering from the wet ground.

Full Coverage Flysheet: A fly that goes all the way to the ground is necessary. This provides a full cover against the rain, keeping splashback off the inner tent and allowing water to run off and away from the sleeping area. Ensure it fully covers all doors and windows.

Taped Seams (Flysheet & Floor): Despite the use of strong waterproof material, water does enter through stitching holes. Factory-taped flysheet and floor seams are essential. Check for smooth, air-tight seams on the fabric interior of the tent. Untaped seams are a significant weak point in rainy weather.

Great Ventilation: The monsoon is characterized by high humidity, which can result in lots of condensation within your tent. Great ventilation is essential to counteract this. Be on the lookout for:

Multiple Vents: High and low vents on the flysheet and inner tent enable cross-ventilation, which serves to drive moist air out.
Large Mesh Panels with Coverable Doors: Mesh doors and windows on the inner tent offer ventilation when open and can be covered by fabric panels in wet weather to keep water out but with some continued ventilation.
Wet Gear Vestibules: A large vestibule (or two) enable you to keep wet boots, rain equipment, and cooking gear outside the inside sleeping area, keeping moisture to a minimum inside the tent.
Strong and Wind-Resistant Frame: Monsoons tend to bring gusty winds along with the rain. A very strong pole setup (ideally aluminum for strength) and a properly pitched tent with all the guylines tightly clipped in place are needed to avoid the tent collapsing or getting damaged when winds pick up. Choose tents with more than one guy-out point placed ideally for maximum stability.

While other features such as a bathtub-style floor (where the floor fabric rises up the sides of the inner tent) and a footprint for extra ground protection are useful, these five are absolutely essential for remaining dry and comfortable while monsoon camping in South India.