Reviewing Affordable Waterproof Tents


Our review process

Picking out a new tent isn't always easy. It can be overwhelming if you don't know exactly what you need. Luckily for you, we've already gathered and analyzed information on more than 500 different tents and also looked at over 17,500 data points for each one. Out of these tents, we then took another look at 52 cheap waterproof tents using our progressive machine learning algorithm. The following article will break down the benefits and disadvantages and show you some of the more relevant information our research focused on.

Don't break your budget by choosing cheap waterproof tents. Waterproof tents are an ideal shelter against wind and pouring rain, so can stay warm and dry, whatever storms come your way. They shield against stormy weather, so you can enjoy your time outdoors without getting stuck in the rain. With better ventilation, they feature mesh panels, which ensure excellent breathability.

Our Top Ranking Tents
Best Overall Score
An image of Lightspeed Outdoors Waterproof Polyester Tangerine and Light Blue and Navy Dome 48 X 48 X 39 Inch Tent

Are you looking for an affordable tent? Read on to learn about the Lightspeed Outdoors Polyester Dome Tent. Made from polyester, this Lightspeed Outdoors tent is lightweight, easily portable, and simple to take with you on your next camping trip. With a dome design, it can remain secure without stakes or guy ropes. It has fiberglass poles, which have excellent corrosion resistance and can withstand all weather conditions. This Lightspeed Outdoors tent has a waterproof treatment, keeping you dry if you happen to get stuck in a thunderstorm. It comes with a carry bag and stakes.

    Pros
    • Features polyester construction, making it very easy to maneuver this tent from place to place, due to its lightweight quality
    • Polyethylene floor can stay in good shape even after long-term sun exposure
    • Built with a lightweight design, allowing you to walk comfortably
    Cons
    • Polyester is prone to becoming very hot in direct sunlight
    • Built with a lightweight frame, making it great for fast-paced backpacking
    • Dome design is heavier than tunnel tents
Runner Up
An image of Suisse Sport Waterproof 5-Person Blue Dome 120 X 96 X 84 Inch Tent

Let's review the Suisse Sport Dome 5-Person Tent, a popular choice among consumers. With a dome design, this tent is able to remain secure in windy conditions without guy lines or stakes. It has fiberglass poles, which have excellent tarnish resistance and can withstand all weather conditions. It has storage pockets and is designed with a gear loft, so you don't have to spend time in the morning searching for your glasses or phone.

This Suisse Sport tent has a polyethylene floor with a bathtub design, preventing water from seeping into the tent, keeping your equipment warm and dry. This tent is designed to accommodate five people. It is built with waterproof materials and features sealed seams, keeping you dry during stormy conditions. It includes a rainfly and stakes.

    Pros
    • Polyethylene floor does not fall apart with prolonged sun exposure
    • Pole sleeves make it easy to slide your poles into place
    • Features an easy setup, saving you construction time so you can get right to enjoying the fresh air
    Cons
    • Polyester fly cover can sag in the rain and cause dripping on the inside
    • Dome design is less stable in larger sizes
    • Bathtub floor contributes extra weight to the tent
Best for Livability
An image of Coleman Waterproof 4-Person Dome Instant Setup 34.1 X 7.1 X 6.7 Inch Tent

Go for a long weekend outdoors using the Coleman Dome 4-Person Tent. This tent features a dome design, requiring only three or four poles, so the setup usually doesn't take much effort. It has inverted seams, a wind-responsive frame, and a weather resistant design, so you don't have to worry about your clothes getting wet during a storm. This tent features an instant setup, so you do not need any tools to pitch the tent, lightening your load. It has Illumiline™ reflective guy lines, which are visible at night, so you can see your tent from afar.

    Pros
    • Pre-attached poles make setup a simpler matter
    • Illumiline™ reflective guy lines for high-visibility in the dark or at night
    • Features inverted seams, giving you an excellent water defense system to protect you from heavy downpours
    Cons
    • Instant setup tents are not recommended for extreme weather conditions
    • Dome design can take more time to pitch than pop-up tents or other designs
    • Affordable tents are unable to withstand extreme weather
Best for Bad Weather
An image of Alpinizmo Polyester 3-Person Blue Dome 3-Season 26 X 18 X 12 Inch Tent

Are you looking for an affordable tent? We recommend the Alpinizmo Polyester Dome 3-Person Tent. This tent is made from polyester, eliminating shrinkage when it gets damp, meaning you can ideally use this for years. With a dome design, it does not need guy ropes or stakes to remain upright in windy conditions. It is designed for three-season use, containing greater amounts of mesh than 2-season tents, making them much more breathable and lighter. This Alpinizmo tent has fiberglass poles, giving campers a lightweight option that is 100% rust and corrosion proof. It has storage pockets so that you can organize all your equipment and eliminate any mess or clutter inside the tent. This tent is built with waterproof materials to keep the rain out. It is designed to sleep three people.

    Pros
    • Made of polyester, making it lightweight, so you can easily take on your next family camping trip
    • Continuous pole sleeves for a simplified setup
    • Features a lightweight design, making it great for fast-paced hiking or cycling trips where weight is a key issue
    Cons
    • Polyester fly cover can sag in the rain and cause dripping on the inside
    • Polyester does not naturally breathe and is prone to condensation through the night
    • Lightweight tents are designed with thin fabrics that can tear
Lightweight Option
An image of ALPHA CAMP Waterproof Polyester and Polyurethane 2-Person Blue Dome 24.4 X 5.3 X 5.5 Inch Beach Tent

Go for a weekend away outdoors using the ALPHA CAMP Polyester and Polyurethane Dome 2-Person Tent. With a dome design, this ALPHA CAMP tent can remain secure in windy conditions without guy lines or stakes. It is constructed from polyester and polyurethane, keeping its structure when wet without sagging or shrinking. Perfect for the beach, this ALPHA CAMP tent will provide excellent sun protection. It has fiberglass poles, which have excellent tarnish resistance and can withstand all temperatures, from high heat to intense cold. This ALPHA CAMP tent has a ground vent, which lets in lots of fresh air to keep the tent at a comfortable temperature.

This tent is equipped with a gear loft and features interior pockets, so you can keep all your extra items in an easily accessible and convenient area. It features a polyethylene floor and has a mud mat, making it easy to tidy the tent whenever you may bring in dirt. It is made with waterproof materials to keep you dry in wet conditions. It is designed to accommodate up to two people. This tent has reflective ropes, preventing anyone from tripping over the ropes securing the tent.

    Pros
    • Features a polyester and polyurethane construction, keeping its form when wet without sagging or shrinking
    • Polyethylene floor does not fall apart with prolonged sun exposure
    • Beach tent design is lightweight and breathable
    Cons
    • Polyester fly cover can sag in the rain and cause dripping on the inside
    • Polyester and polyurethane is prone to becoming very hot in warm weather
    • Lightweight frame is susceptible to ripping due to the delicate fabric
For Family Camping
An image of Coleman Montana Large Waterproof Polyester Taffeta 6-Person Dome 26 X 9 X 8 Inch Tent

Looking for a reliable large tent for your next adventure? Check out the Coleman Montana Polyester Taffeta Dome 6-Person Tent. This tent features a dome design, which can tolerate windy conditions due to its stability. It is made from polyester taffeta, keeping you from getting wet, but also remaining dry from rain it may have come in contact with. This tent has inverted seams and a WeatherTec system, which incorporates anti-wicking thread, webbing and zippers designed to keep you dry no matter what. It has storage pockets, so you can easily keep track of all your things. This tent has fiberglass poles, which have excellent corrosion resistance and can withstand all temperatures, from high heat to intense cold. Made of polyethylene, its floor is naturally water-resistant and doesn't require an additional protective layer.

    Pros
    • Made of polyester taffeta, keeping you dry
    • Polyethylene floor does not fall apart with prolonged moisture exposure
    • Features an easy setup, sparing you construction time
    Cons
    • Polyester taffeta is prone to becoming very hot in warm weather
    • Dome design doesn't have as much headroom as cabin tents
    • Cheap tents are generally not very durable
For Camping Solo
An image of Teton Sports Waterproof 1-Person Gray and Yellow Pop-Up Beach Tent

With the Teton Sports Pop-Up 1-Person Tent, you can plan a great weekend getaway. This Teton Sports tent has a waterproof treatment and is water resistant, keeping you dry and your equipment safe from any rain. It has a pop-up design, providing straightforward installation. Perfect for the beach, this tent is made with special UV protection fabric, so you don't have to worry about getting too much sun. It accommodates one camper. This tent includes a carry bag and a rainfly.

    Pros
    • Beach tent design is lightweight and breathable
    • Easy to assemble, giving you a comfy roof over your head in a few minutes
    • Designed with waterproof materials to keep the rain out
    Cons
    • 1-person tents leave little room for stretching out
    • Pop-up design is not suitable for extreme weather conditions
    • Cheap tents don't generally come with additional convenience features
Additional Picks
An image of SE Tube Tent Waterproof Non-Woven Orange A-Frame 82 X 36 Inch Tent

Sleep comfortbly while backpacking with the SE Tube Tent Non-Woven A-Frame Tent. This SE tent is made from non-woven, so it is ideal for moments when there is an emergency and you need to take shelter quickly. It is designed with waterproof materials to keep you dry in wet conditions. With an A-frame design, it is easy to assemble. This SE tent includes tent pegs and 23 feet of rope.

    Pros
    • Features a non-woven construction, wrinkling very easily
    • Designed with waterproof materials to keep you sheltered and dry from heavy rain
    • Made with tear resistant materials, making it durable against damaging elements like falling branches or sharp stones on the floor surface
    Cons
    • Non-woven wrinkles very easily
    • A-frame design doesn't have high ceilings
    • Cheap tents are unable to withstand extreme weather
An image of Northwest Territory Waterproof 3-Person Blue Dome Tent

Let's review the Northwest Territory Dome 3-Person Tent, a popular choice among consumers. This Northwest Territory tent has a dome design, requiring only the poles to be slid into the slots for fast pitching. It has a waterproof treatment, keeping water out and your things inside dry. It includes two shoe lockers and is equipped with storage pocket, keeping your things out of the way so you won't feel cramped or crowded inside the tent. The floor has a mud mat so that you can keep the floor surface of the tent in spotless condition for resting.

    Pros
    • Easy to assemble design can be ready to go in no time and you can spend more time enjoying yourself
    • Features a mud mat, making it easy to tidy the tent whenever you may carry in dirt
    • Waterproof protection keeps your belongings safe in heavy rain
    Cons
    • Mesh roof may not be suitable for cold weather
    • 3-person tents don't have a lot of extra space for gear
    • Dome design is heavier than tunnel tents
An image of Pacific Play Waterproof Polyester Taffeta Pink Dome Tent

We've organized the important things to pay attention to when purchasing the Pacific Play Polyester Taffeta Dome Tent. This Pacific Play tent is made from polyester taffeta, keeping you from getting wet, but also drying out quickly from any water it may have come in contact with. It features a dome design, requiring only three or four poles, so the setup usually doesn't take much effort. It is made with waterproof materials, designed to keep the rain out. This Pacific Play tent has fiberglass poles, giving campers a lightweight option that is 100% rust and corrosion proof. Made of polyethylene, its floor is naturally water-resistant and doesn't require an additional layer of protective coating.

    Pros
    • Features a polyester taffeta design, keeping you from getting wet
    • Polyethylene floor does not fall apart with prolonged moisture exposure
    • Easy to assemble, making it convenient for people who are inexperienced with pitching tents
    Cons
    • Polyester taffeta has low breathability and is prone to mildew
    • Dome design doesn't provide as much headroom as other designs
    • Inexpensive tent designs do not generally have extra convenience features
Cheap Waterproof Tents: Here's Some More Information To Think About:
Some Designs Offer More Room at the Base of the Tent, Others Maximize Ventilation-Let's See What Makes Sense for Your Cheap Waterproof Tent
Pyramid Tents

If you're curious about a pyramid design for your cheap waterproof tent, there are three options available. Pyramid tents are typically supported by a single central pole, creating a roomy interior with a lot of space to sleep, move around, and store all your gear. With a lightweight construction, they are perfect for people who don't want to carry a lot of camping equipment. They are easy to take down and set up since they rely on just one center pole for support. These tents feature plenty of headroom, which gives them an open feel. If you're looking for a pyramid design, check out this great one.

Non-Freestanding Tents

There is one cheap waterproof tent with a non-freestanding design. These tents are staked to the ground, so they have improved wind resistance than freestanding tents. They feature a lightweight design, so you can travel greater distances and enjoy hiking without having to carry heavy equipment. However, they require ground pitching, making them harder to set up and take down compared to other kinds of tents. If you are interested in learning more about a non-freestanding design, you can check out this option available.

Tunnel Tents

There are three cheap waterproof tents with a tunnel design. These tents are supported by one or two poles for extra strength. They have a lightweight design, which reduces the weight you have to travel with. With poor ventilation, they are more prone to internal condensation. Additionally, they are low rise, so there is less overall headroom. If you're looking for a tunnel design, check out this fantastic one.

Cheap Waterproof Tents Have Different Kinds of Poles
Tents with Aluminum Alloy Poles

If you're an avid camper, you'll want to know everything about pole material. Aluminum alloy poles are durable, resisting high winds. The poles are built of aluminum that has been mixed with other types of metals, making them convenient if you're constantly on the move. They are resistant to rust and corrosion, so they can last for years without degrading if handled correctly. If you think that you might want to get aluminum alloy poles for your tent, you might want to consider this fantastic option.

Tents with Aluminum Poles

If you are looking for a cheap waterproof tent, there are three options with aluminum poles to choose from that we think you'll love. Aluminum poles are very lightweight yet strong, making them perfect if you're always on the move. These poles will likely only bend and not break if overloaded, which can be easily fixed. Something to consider is that they are susceptible to corrosion, causing a reduction in their strength so that they are almost useless to prop up your tent. If you're interested in aluminum poles, get started on choosing the perfect cheap waterproof tent right here.

Tents with Fiberglass Poles

We recommend you check out a cheap waterproof tent with fiberglass poles, like this one. Fiberglass poles won't be affected by cold in the winter and heat in the summer, so they can be used in any weather condition. These poles are rust and corrosion resistant, so they can last for years without deteriorating if handled correctly. At a more affordable price, they are perfect if you're shopping on a budget. However, they are fragile, so they are likely to shatter if broken, which can also tear your tent canvas material. Because they are not as durable, the poles are thicker and heavier in order to support the same amount of weight as a similar grade aluminum pole.

From Winter Weather to Summer Camping, You'll Want to Know Which Cheap Waterproof Tents Are Best for Which Season
3-Season Tents

Keeping you protected in the spring through fall, any one of the two cheap waterproof tents available will be well-suited for all three seasons. These tents usually have vents to help reduce condensation. They can be used in spring, summer, and fall, so they will keep you cool in hot seasons and warm during cold months and they also are lightweight, so you can easily trek while carrying your tent in your backpack. They are designed with mesh panels, keeping your tent ventilated to prevent condensation. You can check out this one if a three-season tent is what you're looking for.

2-Season Tents

There are six options available for cheap waterproof tents that are ideal for the warmer months of the year, including this awesome one. These tents are lightweight and are designed for spring and summer use, making them great for hot temperatures. A potential downside is that they are unfit to withstand more than light rain or wind, so they don't provide you with complete protection against the elements. Moreover, they offer the lowest level of weather coverage, so you might want to look for something more tough if you need more protection.

4-Season Tents

If you're looking for a winter tent, there are 12 cheap waterproof tents are designed for camping all year round. Check out this awesome one. These tents are suitable for all seasons, so you can use them all year round. They are usually built with vents, so air can flow freely throughout the entire tent while protecting you from direct wind. However, they weigh more than other kinds of tents, making them hard to carry if you will be backpacking. Another downside is that they are a bit expensive compared to other tents, so they might not be the best choice if you're on a budget.