August 15, 2011. Bill Szydlowski
credit: David C. FosterBathtub floors and rainflies are two ways that your tent is proofed against the elements. I suggest you familiarize yourself with both before purchasing your tent.
Rainflies, the portion of the tent that protect from falling rain, come in a variety of shape and sizes. Some are more efficient than others. Bathtub floors are thick floors that protect the bottom of the tent. They can either be stitched or welded.
A rainfly is your best friend in a rainstorm. It keeps the rain from falling on your head. 4 Man Tents are, generally, left to the open air with just a mosquito mesh roof. This allows for a breeze to flow through the tent and prevents you from smothering in the summer heat. Rainflies are designed to be attached quickly and once attached, the proof the tent from falling rain and direct the water away from the tent.
Every manufacturer makes has their own unique style of rainfly, but it all comes down to one thing. Does it cover just the top of your 4 Man Tent, or does it cover both the top and the sides? Most smaller rainflies are perfectly fine for the a simple storm where the rain is falling straight down, but for a large howling wind and lightning type storm where the rain seems to be coming from up, down, and all around, you need a large rainfly that protects the sides of the tent as well.
A bathtub floor will only work properly if you have set up your tent correctly. In fact, if you do not set up your tent properly you are asking for it to flood. Stake your tent and make it tight. The bathtub floor is waterproof and extends up the sides of the tent walls. If the walls of the tent are not tight, it allows a crease to form and directs 8 feet of water into one single area. Bingo your tent is flooded.
The stitch line is a weak point on all bathtub floors. It is where the floor has been attached to the rest of the tent. There are thousands of tiny pinpricks all along the line. If it hasn’t already been done by the manufacturer, go over the holes with tent tape or a good sealant.
If you buy a top of the line tent you really don’t have to worry about staying dry. Your tent will take care of you.
Updated August 15, 2011. Published May 7, 2011. Bill Szydlowski
