If you camp a lot, you’ll probably agree that the worst thing that can happen when you’re out there has a leaky tent. It’s a nightmare, especially when you’re spending the night in a thunderstorm. But the sad fact of life is that every camping tent will eventually need to be waterproofed. That’s where the best tent waterproofing spray comes in! It magically turns your tent waterproof, and there’ll be no leakage anymore! Most of the best tent sprays available on the market are also pretty simple to use, so there’s nothing for you to worry about. That said, we’ve researched the market and picked our favorite waterproofing sprays. Want to know more about them? Keep reading!
Table of contents
- Grangers Tent + Gear Repel
- Dry Guy Tent Fabrics & Outdoor Gear Waterproofing Spray
- Atsko Sno-Seal Water-Guard Extreme Repellent Aerosol
- Rust-Oleum Shield H2O Outdoor Fabric Spray
- Star Brite Waterproofing Spray
- Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On
- 303 Outdoor Fabric Guard
- Sof Sole Tent Waterproofer Spray
- GEAR AID Seam Grip TF Tent Fabric Sealer
- Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield
- Atsko Silicone Water-Guard
- Nikwax Tent and Gear Waterproofing Spray
- KIWI Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent
- How To Choose The Best Tent Waterproofing Sprays
- Should I spray my tent with waterproof?
- How long do tents stay waterproof?
- Does tent waterproofing wear off?
Grangers Tent + Gear Repel
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Even the best tent for heavy rain can lose its waterproof feature. That’s why you need to have the best tent spray. The first item that we want to show you is the Grangers Tent + Gear Repel. Made in England, this best tent waterproofing spray is made to protect your tent from rain and moisture. This is a high-performance spray that comes in a 1-liter bottle. You can use it on all kinds of tents and gear that you want to bring outdoors.
What’s more, this spray doesn’t affect your tent’s breathability and colors. If you don’t like this product (which we highly doubt), the company offers a money-back guarantee! So, you can buy this item without any worry. On top of that, this is a water-based formula without any fluorocarbon or VOC, making it a more environmentally-friendly product.
- What We Love:
- An easy-to-use option that allows your tent to withstand heavy rain.
- Pros:
- High-performance spray
- Versatile uses
- Environmentally-friendly formula
- Money-back guarantee
- Water-based
- Cons:
- Only available in one size
Dry Guy Tent Fabrics & Outdoor Gear Waterproofing Spray
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The Dry Guy Tent Fabrics & Outdoor Gear Waterproofing Spray is exactly what it sounds like it does. As the best tent waterproof spray, it keeps your tent completely dry whenever it rains. It can be used for all outdoor gear and still keeps them breathable and useful. On top of that, it’s cheap!
This best tent waterproofing spray comes in a 16 fl oz hand spray bottle, which is more than enough for a big tent like the best tent for 8 persons. Another thing that impresses us is how fast the spray dries! In less than 30 minutes, your tent will be completely leakproof! Considering how awesome it is, we’re sure you’ll always want to keep this spray by your side.
- What We Love:
- This spray allows your tent to stand heavy rain without losing its breathability.
- Pros:
- Dries fast
- Can cover a big tent
- Doesn’t asffect the tent’s properties
- Simple to use
- Cheap
- Cons:
- Only available in one size
Atsko Sno-Seal Water-Guard Extreme Repellent Aerosol
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Next on this list is the Atsko Sno-Seal Water-Guard Extreme Repellent Aerosol. As the best tent waterproofing spray, this spray packs a few extra punches that make it better than many other options on the market. Surprisingly, it’s still quite affordable. So, if you’re worried about budget, this item is a nice choice.
This best tent waterproof spray is specially formulated to restore waterproofing and protect your tent from UV and mildew. UV and mildew both discolor and break down tent fabrics like nylon and polyester over time. Sure, there are sprays out there that are made for UV or mildew protection, but why not roll it all into one spray?
- What We Love:
- This is a heavy-duty spray that ensures your tent can last for a long time.
- Pros:
- Non-silicone based
- Sun and mildew resistant
- Affordable
- Doesn’t sacrifice the tent’s breathability
- Doesn’t have any weird scent
- Cons:
- Causes yellowing on white fabrics
Rust-Oleum Shield H2O Outdoor Fabric Spray
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Though the Rust-Oleum Shield H2O Outdoor Fabric Spray isn’t as popular as other sprays, there’s no denying that it’s an effective product. As the best tent waterproofing spray, you can use it for polyester, cotton, and canvas tent. Apart from that, you can also use it for your camp shoes, apparel, and other camping gear! We also love how small it is! You can easily put it inside your dry bag for camping when not used.
As you can guess, this spray dries pretty quickly. Plus, it won’t affect your tent’s properties. What about the scent? Well, we’re glad to tell you that this spray is scent-free! And although it’s only available in one size, it won’t break your bank. So, if you’re looking for a reliable choice to protect your tent from the rainy weather, this one won’t disappoint.
- What We Love:
- This spray protects your tent with advanced super hydrophobic technology in a crystal clear formula.
- Pros:
- Simple trigger spray
- Versatile
- Scent-free
- Dries quickly
- Affordable
- Cons:
- Doesn’t cover much area
Star Brite Waterproofing Spray
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You can’t talk about the best tent waterproofing spray without mentioning the Star Brite Waterproofing Spray. This best tent waterproof spray comes in different size options, but we recommend going for the larger one if you have a tent bigger than two people. Fret not; even the bigger variant is insanely economical!
One of the main reasons we love this best tent spray is because it acts as a waterproofing agent and protects your tent from UV rays on hot days. When applied, it dries with no odor or color. Since it’s a silicone-based spray, it’s perfect for your polyester, nylon, cotton, or canvas tents.
- What We Love:
- An insanely popular and wallet-friendly option that does everything you expect it to.
- Pros:
- Available in 3 sizes
- Protects your tent from water and UV rays
- Perfectfor most tent fabrics
- Affordable
- Extremely popular
- Cons:
- Takes a while to dry
Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On
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When it comes to versatility, the Nikwax TX.Direct Spray-On takes the cake. This best tent spray keeps you nice and dry and acts as a barrier against the sun’s UV rays. In addition to protecting you from the rain and getting too much sun while you’re inside, it also keeps your tent from fading, which is a nice bonus feature!
As with other sprays on this list, this item is not pricey at all! Plus, it’s available in 3 size options. Furthermore, this spray works best on synthetic fabrics and won’t be as effective on natural ones. That said, you might have to apply multiple coats depending on the age of your tent. Oh, did we tell you that it’s water-based and biodegradable?
- What We Love:
- It’s a high-performance option that keeps your tent durable and dry at all times.
- Pros:
- Affordable
- Protect the tent from UV rays
- Keeps your tent from fading
- Available in 3 sizes
- Works best on synthetic fabrics
- Cons:
- Not suitable for natural fabrics
303 Outdoor Fabric Guard
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This brand has created its version of a tent waterproofing spray that all outdoor enthusiasts can depend on. Depending on how much fabric you need to cover with the 303 Outdoor Fabric Guard, there are many sizes you can choose from. There are 2 fl oz, 32 fl oz, and 128 fl oz options. Don’t worry; this product is far from expensive!
Moreover, this best tent spray will repel water and keep your tent from staining after application. The coating dries quickly and is unscented, which is another great perk that it offers. Even better, you can use this spray on a wide variety of fabrics! Best of all, the company guarantees it won’t alter the color of your tent, texture, flammability, and breathability!
- What We Love:
- This is a great all-rounder that won’t alter your tent’s properties.
- Pros:
- Protects your tent from water and stains
- Versatile uses
- Available on a variety of sizes
- Dries quickly
- Unscented
- Cons:
- The 2 fl oz option is too small
Sof Sole Tent Waterproofer Spray
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Anothergreat spray that you must consider getting is the Sof Sole Tent Waterproofer Spray. This best tent waterproof spray is built for all kinds of outdoor fabric applications. It’s used by all kinds of outdoorsmen, from hunters to backpackers, to keep their tent and other gear safe and dry. Plus, it’s made with a formula that contains 12% silicone for a long-lasting waterproof bond!
Furthermore, this spray’s formula is durable and repels not only water but also dirt and oils. Apart from your tent, you can also use this spray for your leather goods and other gear made from nylon or polyester. However, since silicone can discolor technical fibers like Gore-Tex, it’s not recommended for these uses.
- What We Love:
- A convenient and long-lasting option that can help all outdoor enthusiasts.
- Pros:
- Durable formula
- Repels water, dirt, and oils
- Versatile uses
- Cheap
- Compact design
- Cons:
- Not recommended for technical fibers like Gore-Tex
GEAR AID Seam Grip TF Tent Fabric Sealer
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Do you have a nylon tent? Then the GEAR AID Seam Grip TF Tent Fabric Sealer might be your best tent waterproofing spray! This spray is specifically designed to refresh the polyurethane coat on your tent fly or floor that breaks down over time. It’s incredibly affordable, and we also find it super easy to apply!
While it’s a small container, this tiny product can effortlessly cover most medium-sized tents like some 5-person tents and tents for family camping. It’s also small enough to throw in your bag, which is a huge plus. What’s more, it dries clear and flexes perfectly with your nylon tent, so it’s nearly unnoticeable. With everything it offers, getting this item for your nylon tent is a no-brainer.
- What We Love:
- The perfect item for your nylon tent.
- Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable
- Easy to apply
- Can cover most medium-sized tents
- FLexible and nearly unnoticeable on nylon
- Cons:
- Not made for polyester tents
Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield
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Since it was first introduced in the 1950s, many campers have considered the Scotchgard Outdoor Water Shield the best tent waterproof spray. While the formula has changed slightly over the years, it still comes in the same easy-to-use can and provides the same reliable waterproofing. Like many other sprays on this list, this item can be used on almost anything you want, including your tent, rain gear, backpacks, luggage, and more.
Apart from its versatility, we also love how inexpensive this item is! And for such an affordable product, this best tent spray can last for a long time. One can of spray has enough waterproofing for 60 square feet of nylon fabric. Don’t worry; if you run out midway through the job or want to add a second coat, it’s widely available and easy to find at any hardware store. Yep, that’s how popular this spray is!
- What We Love:
- This is a reliable option that’s useable on many fabrics and can last up to a season.
- Pros:
- Lasts up to a whole season
- Inexpensive
- Versatile
- Highly popular
- Can be used for a huge tent
- Cons:
- Sometimes it might stain some fabrics
Atsko Silicone Water-Guard
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For those looking for the best tent waterproofing spray that’s a bit cheaper and more versatile, we recommend checking out the Atsko Silicone Water-Guard. This item is more than just a silicone spray for tents, as it can also be used to treat footwear, outdoor gear, sleeping bags, and even leather and suede. Pretty awesome.
Another thing that we love is that it allows your tent to be still breathable. Unlike other similar sprays, this one doesn’t have a strong smell! Plus, it comes in an aerosol spray bottle, so it’s incredibly easy to use and quick to apply over a wide surface area. So, whether you have a one-person tent or a huge tent for high winds, you can always rely on this spray. However, this best tent spray needs 72 hours to cure to work well, so plan accordingly!
- What We Love:
- A cheap option that doesn’t sacrifice any essential feature.
- Pros:
- Has no strong smell
- Can be applied to many different fabrics
- Affordable
- Comes in an aerosol spray bottle
- Allows the tent to be breathable
- Cons:
- Long drying time
Nikwax Tent and Gear Waterproofing Spray
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Nikwax is many people’s go-to brand for all things gear care, and its best tent spray is no different. The Nikwax Tent and Gear Waterproofing Spray are one of the most popular choices among serious campers and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s more than just a water repellent for tents, as it can protect other gear fabric from degradation due to UV rays.
Another feature that makes this product deemed as the best tent waterproofing spray is that it’s biodegradable. With this spray, you won’t be adding microplastics to the ecosystem when you’re camping. Aside from that, it also uses a mechanical spray nozzle instead of a spray can, so there are zero CFCs.
- What We Love:
- A biodegradable option that also has UV-resistant properties.
- Pros:
- No CFCs and biodegradable
- Contains UV-blocking additives
- Gentle water-based formula
- Can be used for many fabrics
- Reasonably priced
- Long-lasting
- Cons:
- It only covers about one medium-sized tent
KIWI Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent
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While there are tons of options out there, we think nothing beats the KIWI Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent. It’s seen as the best tent waterproofing spray for so many reasons. You can use it for just about anything, including tents, tarps, shoes, boat covers, and others. If what you want is the best tent spray that can be used on nearly all of your camping gear, this is the one!
On top of that, this best tent waterproof spray is one of the more durable and high-performance sprays on this list. Water rolls right off treated products, and its waterproofing lasts for a pretty long time. Best of all, it covers a large area! One bottle will waterproof at least one large tent or probably two, depending on the size. This way, you don’t have to buy multiple bottles!
- What We Love:
- A simple and affordable option that gets the job done.
- Pros:
- Works for many different fabrics
- High-performance silicone waterproofing
- Covers a huge area
- Affordable
- Highly popular
- Still allows for some breathability after it’s apploed
- Cons:
- Takes a long time to dry
How To Choose The Best Tent Waterproofing Sprays
While many of them are affordable, that doesn’t mean you should choose the best tent waterproofing spray without many thoughts. Here are the main features that you should consider:
Aerosol vs Spray Bottles
When choosing the best tent spray, the first thing you need to decide is whether you should use aerosol or spray bottles. Aerosol bottles are easy to use and penetrate the fabric better. However, they’re bad for the environment, and you might end up using a lot more than you planned. On the other hand, spray bottles work like a spritzer. You have to pull the trigger manually, and the spray will come out. With them, you’ll get much better control over how much spray you’re using. On the downside, you might end up spraying your tent unevenly.
Cure time
Of course, the best tent waterproof spray needs time to dry to protect you from the rain entirely. Some products require only a few hours to dry, while others might take a few days. So, make sure how long your product will take to cure before taking the tent outdoors.
Type of fabric
Generally speaking, most tents on the market are made from 3 main fabric types: nylon, polyester, and canvas. If you have a silicone-based spray, you’re in luck! That’s because it’s entirely safe for use on all of the mentioned fabric types. But if your tent is already coated or laminated, you want to opt for a water-based spray as it won’t mess your tent up.
Should I spray my tent with waterproof?
If you find that your tent’s problem is that it’s not beading off the water, then it’s probably time to apply a waterproof spray. It helps shed water from the tent, so you and your belongings can stay dry.
How long do tents stay waterproof?
As a rule of thumb, if you’re using your tent on average for 2 or 3 weeks a year, then proofing it every couple of years should make sure it maintains its waterproofness. If you’re willing to play it by ear, wait until it starts to leak, then do it!
Does tent waterproofing wear off?
It depends on your tent, the spray, and the environments in which you camp. For example, if you camp in spots with a lot of cloud cover but almost no rain, your tent’s waterproofing can probably last for many years.
