We all love to camp, whether it’s summer or winter or spring, every season has its gifts which we all cherish. With all these fun activities, some sort of nuisance is bound to be present at the site and that would be tent condensation or also known as dew.
If you are going to be camping in the woods or spending a night out on the trail, it is important to keep your tent dry. This can be difficult when the weather is wet and dew is prevalent. There are a few things you can do to help keep your tent dry from dew.
It cannot be avoided as laws of physics are bound to happen and there’s nobody to stop it. Now we will learn how to keep tent dry from dew.
But then again it’s not like total Armageddon for planet earth as it’s just a minor inconvenience. Let us dive in and get to know about condensation that occurs on tents.
What is Dew?
Dew is a water droplet that forms on the surface of exposed objects when the surrounding air temperature is cool enough. Dew can be problematic for tents because it can cause condensation, which in turn can lead to leaks and damage. In cold climates, dew can also form quickly during the night, which can make campers wet and uncomfortable.
What does condensation?
In general, to put it into simple words, the gas turns back into liquid. Basically, when a liquid is heated up, it will turn into a gaseous form and spread out. Now imagine what will happen if gas comes in contact with something cold. The gas molecules will start to come together and turn back into a liquid state. Natural laws of physics are applied here.
Therefore, to counter some mix-ups, condensation will occur no matter what kind of material or fabric the tent is created of. It only depends on the temperature of the area and the weather temperature cannot be changed whatsoever, so if the weather is a bit chilly, I would say you are going to expect some condensation on top of your tents. You can also go through our tips on how to heat a tent without electricity which would be really beneficial to you for keeping the tent warm and dry.
What is tent dew?
Tent dew is a type of condensation that results from the evaporative cooling of air and water. In most cases, tent dew will form when the relative humidity is high and the temperature is low.
The moisture in the air molecules will stick together due to the cold temperature, and this will form tiny droplets on surfaces. This includes both the surface of your tent as well as any objects inside it. The small droplets will then continue to evaporate, and they will do so until they reach saturation point. At this point, they will start to merge together, which means that they will turn into water vapor.
How does dew cause problems for tents?
Dew can cause problems for tents in a variety of ways. The moisture in Dew can condense on the surface of the fabric and create an environment that is hostile to the tent’s waterproofing and insulation. Dew can also form on the stakes, resulting in them becoming slippery and difficult to grip. In extreme cases, Dew can seep into the seams of the tent, causing it to leak.
The tent can be compromised by the presence of dew, which can cause condensation, water damage, and even mold. Dew can form when the ambient air is humid and the surface below is cool or wet. When dew accumulates on a tent’s waterproof fabric, it can lead to moisture accumulation and damage. In extreme cases, this can lead to mold growth and an unpleasant aroma. To avoid these problems, keep your tent dry before bedtime and store it in a shady location if possible.
Now that we have discussed and understood what dew is and how it forms, let us now look for solutions on how to counter them.
HOW TO KEEP TENT DRY FROM DEW
Do not put wet clothes inside the tent:
Never keep wet clothes inside the tent at night, as it will cause a high level of humidity and form dew on top of the tent by sunrise. Instead, hang them outside on a wire or on top of rocks and the same goes for wet shoes, which you must avoid bringing inside the tent during nighttime. There are two ways a tent get moisture :
- Invariably, the air itself creates moisture inside the tent.
- Any wet item inside the tent also creates extra moisture.
Ventilation:
Ventilation is a very important factor, whether it’s in your own house or your camping tent; it serves a very prominent role in the airflow in and out of the area. The air that is present inside the tent will always be slightly more humid than the air outside the tent.
- If there’s a breeze present in the area, then try to set up the tent in such a way that the door will be facing the side through which the breeze passes. That way, the air inside the tent will be swapped with the fresh air outside.
- Keep all the windows and doors open at most times so that air can easily come in and leave and exchange with fresh air which is slightly less humid and that way your tent won’t have dew on top of it the next morning.
To find a good tent for your camping, you can check our Tent’s section to find your perfect one, in which we have shown you all the aspects of tent selection as well as shared our practical experiences for picking up how to find the right tent.
Using a tent dehumidifier:
If you are a beginner at camping and don’t know how to tackle humidity, then you can just bring a tent dehumidifier with you and activate it at night and keep the humidity away and keep your camping tent dry and clean.
Tent setting point:
When setting up a tent, scout around the area and make sure you find the most suitable spot for setting up your tent. The most suitable spot to avoid tent condensation would be a spot on top of the mountain or basically any sort of high spot. High spots are surrounded by less humidity, which causes less condensation and will keep the tent walls warm and dry. Low spots on the other hand has cold air surrounding the area which has high humidity which will cause extreme levels of condensation.
Setting up camp:
When trying to set up, we all try to look for the place that will provide the most shade or provide a barrier from strong wind flow and many more. In that case, we also have to look for a place that will make sure the tent is pitched in a dry and clean place. If it is pitched in a moist area, then the moist air around it will, later on, condense and form dew droplets on top of your tent and make it wet.
Cooking and boiling:
Everyone would think that cooking or boiling inside the tent is good as it provides warmth and comfort for everyone present inside and keeps the tent warm for quite some time. However, despite that fact, cooking and boiling can actually increase the humidity level inside the tent and make the tent a dew attractor. Therefore, try to cook outside next time to avoid such problems.
Away from water source:
An ideal camping trick is to set up camp beside any sort of water source so that there won’t be any kind of hassle looking for water or bringing backwater from a further distance.
Nevertheless, it might actually cause you more harm than use as they have higher humidity levels around them, which isn’t beneficial for your case. If you want to set up camp near any rivers or lakes or something like that for your benefit, then you will be bringing tent condensation as a gift and not a good kind of gift in this case.
Rain:
Chances of tent condensation will be higher if it’s raining outside as the humidity level increases, so basically you will feel like you are camping beside a river or lake but multiply that by times 10.
Therefore, to prevent that make sure you bring a shade and a small towel with you so that you can put up the shade on top of your tent to keep your tent from getting wet and if somehow a few drops of rainwater drip down, then you can use the small towel to wipe it off before it infiltrates your tent and damages your gear.
Tips for cleaning and drying your tent quickly and easily:
Tips for keeping your tent dry:
- Use awnings or tarps to help shield your tent from the sun and rain.
- Keep your belongings inside the tent and out of the rain.
- Use a ground cloth to protect the ground underneath your tent.
- Store extra supplies inside the tent instead of outside in the rain.
- Avoid leaving your tent open to the elements while you are sleeping or cooking inside.
Conclusion:
Even after being careful the whole time and following all the procedures, your tent manages to get wet. Now, what will you do? Do not panic and lose hope. It is not a difficult situation. You can take your tent apart and let it dry out in the sun during the daytime when the sun shines the brightest, and do this only if you are not in a hurry.
However, if you are in a hurry, then you can take a clean absorbent tissue and slowly, with careful precision, wipe the water droplets off, but make sure not to press too hard or do it quickly as it can send bits of the water droplets inside and damage your tent. So make sure to avoid that and do it slowly with care and with perfection.
FAQs:
How to prevent air moisture inside the tent?
Preventing air moisture inside the tent can be a difficult task, but there are several ways to do so.
1. Preventing air moisture inside a tent can be tricky, but there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your shelter dry.
2. Make sure the tent is well-sealed. Air leaks can cause condensation, so make sure all seams and zippers are tucked in tight.
3. Avoid using awnings or tarps over the tent; these will also leak air and moisture.
4. Keep the interior of the tent dry by storing your gear inside and avoiding activities that generate a lot of humidity, like cooking or bathing in nearby water sources.
5. Place your sleeping bag on a waterproof pad if possible; this will help to prevent moisture from seeping through the fabric and forming droplets on your pillowcase.
Another way is Campfire is an excellent way to prevent air moisture as it keeps the air dry so inside the tent moisture always remains dry and warm. Although the campfire always takes place outside the tent, therefore the heat comes from it all night, it’s really enough for keeping the tents dry inside.
How to dry a tent in an apartment?
Drying a tent in an apartment can be a challenge. Follow these tips to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
1. First, after washing the tent you just keep it inside the washroom for at least 30 mins so that all the water goes away from the tent.
2. Then turn off all of the lights in the room where you plan to dry the tent. This will help to reduce the amount of light that is reflected off of the fabric, which will help it dry more quickly.
3. Place the tent on a surface that’s flat and won’t move around, like the floor or a bed.
4. Spread out the wet tent on a clean surface, such as a bed or couch.
5. Point the fan towards the tent and turn it on full blast.
6. Take care not to stretch or bruise the fabric while drying it. Simply move around the tent at a comfortable pace, allowing it to air-dry naturally and without stress.
How to keep a tent dry during rain?
If you’re planning on camping in inclement weather, it’s important to keep your tent dry. By following these simple, tips, you’ll be able to keep your tent and everything inside it bone dry during even the heaviest rainfalls.
1. Make sure your tent is tightly pitched and well-secured to avoid wind and water damage.
2. Pre-treat the interior of your tent with a sealant or waterproofing spray before setting up camp. This will help prevent moisture from seeping into the Tent fabric.
3. Place any large items (like sleeping bags) outside of the Tent footprint in order to help disperse rainfall and minimize contact with the Tent floor.
4. Cover your Tent with a tarp or a raincoat if conditions become excessively wet and windy outside.
Why does high spot give priority to setting up a tent?
A high spot in the ground can give a tent a decided advantage over other camping gear when setting it up. High spots are usually elevated and receive more direct sunlight, which provides warmth and shelter from the elements. This is why tents with high spots are typically given priority when packing up camp.
How to keep your tent dry at a festival?
Keeping your tent dry at a festival can be a challenge, but there are a few simple tips you can follow to help keep your space comfortable and dry. First, make sure your tent is well-ventilated. Open all the zippered panels and leave the door open at least an inch during the day to allow air to circulate. Second, avoid placing heavy objects on top of your tent before bedtime. This will help prevent moisture from collecting and causing problems later on. Finally, remember to take care of all the small details that can make a big difference: keep your campsite clean, store food securely in a cooler, and pack out everything you bring inside your tent!
