Waterproof 5000mm and Over

What a 5,000mm rating means

The rating in millimetres, the hydrostatic head, is the height of a column of water the fabric holds back before water comes through, tested to BS EN ISO 811. A 5,000mm fabric holds back a column of water five metres tall. Tents in this range are filed by their flysheet's rating, 5,000mm or more, and the highest here is PU 8000mm+ on a car side awning. Read every figure on the product page, because the floor and the inner tent are often rated differently.

The tents in this range include:

• Ultralight backpacking tents: the TAIJI2 2-person tent has a PU 5000mm outer tent and a PU 6000mm floor. See backpacking and trekking tents.
• A single-layer pyramid tent for one or two, rated 5000mm on its canopy and its floor. See pyramid tents.
• An inflatable air tent for 3 to 5 people at PU5000mm, which joins to extra tent units. See inflatable air tents.
• Car side awnings and a hard shell roof tent: a 270 degree side awning rated 5000mm, a 4-person roof tent with a flysheet coated to 5000mm, and that PU 8000mm+ awning with taped seams. See car awnings.

Is 5,000mm enough for British rain?

On the fabric, yes, and more than most trips need: around 3,000mm on the flysheet is generally regarded as dependable for camping in Britain. A higher figure earns its place on high, open ground, in rain driven by the wind, and on long trips when the tent stays up in the wet for days. On a groundsheet it helps on soaked or boggy ground. For most campsite trips, waterproof to 3,000mm is enough.

Seams, groundsheets and the rest of the tent

The rating is for the fabric. Water also gets in at the stitching, so taped seams matter as much as the number, as on the 8000mm+ car side awning here. A very waterproof fabric does not let the moisture you breathe out escape either, so a double layer and open vents still matter. Pitch the tent taut with its guy lines out, so the flysheet does not touch the inner tent.

Questions people ask about waterproof ratings

Is a higher rating heavier?

Not always. The TAIJI2 has a PU 5000mm outer tent and a PU 6000mm floor, and its maker gives a total weight of 1800g for the inner, outer and poles.

Do I need 5,000mm for a campsite?

Rarely. For campsite weekends and holidays, a well-pitched tent with taped seams at around 3,000mm will do. Buy 5,000mm and over for the hills and long, wet trips.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when that tent usually arrives, so check it before ordering for a set date.

More to look at

• Waterproof to 3,000mm
• Waterproof to 2,000mm
• Tents by waterproof rating
• 4-season tents
• Mountain tents
• Backpacking and trekking tents
• Guide: Tent waterproof ratings explained