Heading outside for an overnight adventure can be a great experience for all involved. Or not. Without waterproof gear, you might end up spending a night feeling more like a drowned rat than a cozy outdoorsman.
That is where a high-quality tent waterproofing spray comes into the mix.
What makes it good quality and the right match for you?
- Silicone concentration. The amount of silicone the spray contains can change its effectiveness.
- Packaging Type. Do you want something in an aerosol form or something like a hand spray?
- Capacity. Consider how much you need to do your tent and some other kinds of gear that need waterproofing.
Read More : 3 Things to Know Before Buying Waterproofing Sprays
You need to re-waterproof your tent after using it for a while in a variety of climates and levels of exposure. You need to re-waterproof to keep it effective. Find out which is the best choice for you below.
These are the top 8 tent waterproofing sprays on the market today.
1. Kiwi Camp Dry Water Repellent
Kiwi Camp Dry Water Repellent comes in only one size: a 10.5-ounce can that you can use to spray over your entire tent surface area. It is the number one product on the list since it is a heavy-duty option.
If you need a complete redo to waterproof something for the first time, then this product is the one that will give you a satisfying coat.
Kiwi uses a unique formula that allows it to bond closely to leather and other kinds of fabric. This bond creates a tough water barrier while still allowing materials to breathe. That means it is great not only for tents but also for rain gear and boots.
What we like
- Easy to use.
- Unique formula for close-knit bonding.
- Works for a variety of materials and objects.
What we don't like
- Only size is a 10.5-ounce can.
2. Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield
Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield comes in an aerosol can with a liquid inside that will transform your material. It is a heavy-duty shield produced by 3M to create long-lasting protection for outdoor materials like tents, boats, rain gear, or outdoor fabric upholstery.
You can get this product in multiple sizes. It is safe for nylon, polyester, cotton, polypropylene, suede, and leather. It is the most effective if you reapply Scotchgard’s Heavy Duty Water Shield at the beginning of each season.
After application, the material will still be breathable, and it is applied using only a one-step spray and dry process.
What we like
- Variety of sizes.
- Safe for a variety of fabrics.
- Breathable even after application.
What we don't like
- Reapply seasonally for best results.
3. Gear Aid Tent Waterproofing Spray Kits
Gear Aid is a popular brand for maintaining outdoor gear. They produce a tent waterproofing spray kit that helps you do just that. Although it is marketed as a tent water spray, it can also be used on the majority of fabrics and even on maps.
Gear Aid Tent Waterproofing Spray is fast-acting and goes on smoothly with the help of an aerosol can. Its formula is silicone—and PFOA-free, and it maximizes the breathability and performance of your fabrics. It only comes in a small 5-ounce can.
What we like
- Silicone and PFOA-free.
- Unique formula maximizes performance and breathability.
- Variety of uses, even on paper.
What we don't like
- Only sold in a small can.
4. Sof Sole Tent Waterproofer Spray
Sof Sole Tent Waterproofer Spray is built for various outdoor fabric applications. It is used by all kinds of outdoorsmen, from hunters to backpackers, to keep their gear safe and dry. Its formula contains 12% silicone for a long-lasting waterproof bond.
The Sof Sole Tent Waterproofer Spray formula is durable and repels water, dirt, and oils. It is ideal for leathers like hiking boots, tents, and other gear made from nylon or polyester. Since the silicone can discolor technical fibers like gore-tex, it is not recommended for these uses.
What we like
- Versatile uses.
- Durable formula that is long-lasting.
- Repels dirt, oils, and water.
What we don't like
- Not recommended for technical fibers like Gore-Tex.
5. 303 Products Tent Fabric Guard
303 Products has created its version of a tent fabric guard for those who want to protect their material from the elements. Depending on how much fabric you need to cover with this spray, bottles in sizes two fluid ounces to 128 fluid ounces are available.
This product repels water and prevents materials from staining after application. The coating dries quickly and is unscented. 303 Products Tent Fabric Guard can be used on various upholstery types.
The company also guarantees that it will not alter the fabric’s color, texture, flammability, or breathability.
What we like
- Protects from stains and water.
- Versatile uses on various fabrics.
- Variety of sizes available for purchase.
What we don't like
- Not as heavy-duty since it is used on material like carpeting.
6. Grangers Tent + Gear Repel
The Grangers Tent and Gear Repel is an England-made product that protects gear from rain and moisture. It is a high-performance spray in a 1-liter bottle. Use it on all kinds of tents and gear that you bring outdoors.
Grangers Tent and Gear Repel are also effective, as are materials like boat covers and outdoor furniture. If you don’t like the product, they offer a money-back guarantee. It is a water-based formula without any fluorocarbon or VOC, making it more environmentally friendly.
What we like
- High-performance spray.
- Versatile uses on outdoor material.
- Environmentally-friendly formula.
What we don't like
- Only one size is available for purchase.
7. Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof
Nikwax is a solar-proofing spray that comes in a hand spray bottle instead of an aerosol can. It not only helps to waterproof outdoor materials but also protects them from damaging UV rays.
You can buy Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof spray in a 17—or 34-fluid-ounce bottle. It is a water-based formula that is biodegradable and contains no VOCs or PFCs, making it more environmentally friendly.
What we like
- Two bottle sizes.
- Water-based formula makes it more environmentally-friendly.
- Hand spray gives you more control.
What we don't like
- Primarily for solar proofing.
8. Dry Guy Tent Waterproofing Spray
Dry Guy Tent Waterproofing Spray does just what it sounds like it does: it keeps you a dry guy under the roof of your tent. It is best for outdoor gear, keeping it breathable and valuable.
This spray is a concentrated formula for tent walls, zippers, and groundsheets. Since it goes on in a thicker concentration, be careful what other things you use it on. However, it still preserves the membrane’s breathability.
Dry Guy Waterproofing Spray comes in a 16-fluid-ounce hand spray bottle.
What we like
- Thicker concentration for more protection.
- Maintains breathability for the membrane fabric.
What we don't like
- Less versatility in use.
- Only one size hand spray bottle.
Tent Waterproof Sprays Buyer's Guide
Each waterproofing spray is made from a slightly different formula to make it effective. There are several characteristics of a waterproofing spray to consider before making a final purchase.
Consider what kinds of material you want to use it on first, then think through these three aspects.
Here are 3 things to think about before you buy a tent waterproofing spray.
Silicone based
Many of the waterproofing sprays that are available on the market are manufactured with silicone, such as the Sof Sol Tent Waterproofer Spray. Silicone does a great job at thoroughly protecting from and repelling any water away from your tent fabric. It is also good at stopping oils and other staining liquids to have an impact.
Silicone-based waterproofing sprays often come with a percentage of silicone in them and the amount that is best depends on what you want to use. Silicone also can impact the color of certain fabrics, so you should always spot test with these sprays.
The downside to silicone-based products is that they are not biodegradable and can be quite damaging to the environment. That makes products like Grangers Tent + Gear Repel and Nikwax Tent & Gear SolarProof spray better if you want to protect the environment with your purchases.
Packaging type
There are only two primary types of packaging that a bottle of sprayable waterproofing spray comes in, aerosol and hand sprayers.
- Aerosol spray. Aerosol sprays will have a lid over the top. You take this off and then push down on the button to get it to squirt from the nozzle. Most of the sprays are aerosol since there are less mechanics in this kind of bottle top, such as the Kiwi Camp Dry Water Repellent and the Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield.
- Hand spray. These bottles give you control over the amount that comes out in one squirt, allowing the layer to go on more evenly. Examples of this kind of bottle from the product list include 303 Products Tent Fabric Guard and Dry Guy Tent Waterproofing Spray.
Capacity
The capacity of a spray bottle will mean that you either have enough for your project or need to buy more bottles. Consider that while you consider the price of each bottle and shipping. Some of the products, such as Gear Aid Tent Waterproofing Spray, only comes in small 5 ounce bottles.
Others come in options of over 100 ounces. Pick something that will get the job done and don’t go overboard in case it loses potency over time.
FAQ
How often do I need to apply the waterproofing layer?
Often, for the best effect, you should reapply the waterproofing layer at the beginning of every season. That is especially true if you use your material consistently. Apply it to your tent and the rest of the gear that should be waterproof, like your rain gear and backpack.
How many waterproof coats do I need?
If you are reapplying or supporting an older waterproof coating, you should only need one waterproof coat on top of it. If you are starting a new layer entire, then try to waterproof it at least twice.
Can I use the waterproofing spray on cloth tents?
Most waterproofing sprays are safe to use on a wide variety of fabric materials, not only nylon and polyester. Always do a spot test before applying the spray to the entire object since some formulas can affect the color and texture of the material.
Amanda Williams
Amanda Williams is a writer, plant-nerd, and outdoor enthusiast. She has traveled extensively, around the U.S., throughout Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Everywhere she treks, she takes time to enjoy the outdoors. John Muir is her hero. She aspires to inspire people to live better as he did.
